A Reindeer-in-Headlights Guide to Gift Giving
Are you like a reindeer in the headlights when it comes to holiday gift exchanges? Have no fear: The annual “Hack the Holidays Enneagram Gift Guide” is here!
Each of the Enneagram types in your life desires external gifts, but requires internal ones to grow. What if we could give both this year – to ourselves and to others?
Enneagram One Reformer
All I want for the holidays – and always – is everything in my business and home life to be organized, systematized and process-mapped by color – and ideally, laminated – including my holiday shopping, baking and moments of scheduled merry making.
Gift Ideas: Gifts that help me be more organized, efficient, and do the right thing at the right time: A laminator or personal hand embosser; Peloton Bike; or the book Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear.
The greatest gift you can give me: Remind me that the holidays don’t have to be “perfect” to be perfect – and that I don’t have to be perfect to be perfect.
Enneagram Two Helper
All I want for the holidays is… All 184 non-profit organizations that I’m involved with to reach their financial goals. My kids and spouse to get everything on their Christmas wish lists. My team at work to actually, sincerely, participate in the gift exchange with thoughtful gifts – no more last-minute gift cards from Target!
Gift Ideas: Anything that shows you’ve thought of me and our relationship: A journal with our fun memories written on every few pages; a WillowTree Friendship Keepsake Box; a Sunday Suppers Recipes and Gatherings Cookbook. Bonus points if I don’t have to tell you my wish list, but you remember something I said months ago that I like.
The greatest gift you can give me: Love and care for me the way I do you… Remind me that the holidays are for me to enjoy too – that I’m loved without trying to be.
Enneagram Three Achiever
All I want for the holidays is to reach all of my 2019 goals – personally and professionally – by the stroke of midnight on December 31st and to have a whole new set inspiring me for 2020 by January 1st.
Gift Ideas: Anything that will take me to the next level in life or business: A personal trainer or certification opportunity; a Full Focus Planner or even better… a Seated Under-Desk Elliptical – which means I don’t have to stop working to work out – my fantasy!
The greatest gift you can give me: Please remind me that that it’s okay to relax and stop working so hard all the time. I’m worthy of enjoying the holidays not because of what I achieve, but because of who I am.
Enneagram Four Individualist
All I want for the holidays is authentic expression and connection and romance and depth of feeling– not this commercialized ridiculousness we call Christmas, but an existential exploration of who we truly are as humans on this dying planet. What? That doesn’t sound fun to you?
Gift Ideas: Anything that reflects that you see the real me and that you get me: Original artwork; a book of Haiku written by you about me; Foodie Dice or an authentic Turntable Station and Vinyl Record Stand.
The greatest gift you can give me: To know I belong, that I can fit in and still be special – all at the same time.
Enneagram Five Investigator
All I want for the holidays is time alone: To quietly excuse myself from the post-meal charades marathon or the sing-along by the fire so I can go work on my latest, greatest project.
Gift Ideas: A Garrett Ace 300 Metal Detector; Cyxus Blue Light Blocking Glasses for Computer Use; Bose Noise Canceling Headphones; Will It Fly?: How to Test Your Next Business Idea So You Don’t Waste Your Time and Money by Pat Flynn.
The greatest gift you can give me: Remind me to trust myself – to show up without having everything figured out in advance. Including that New Year’s Eve party.
Enneagram Six Loyalist
All I want for the holidays is to know we aren’t headed into another great recession in 2020. (Though I will say, I’m prepared if we do!)
Gift Ideas: Besides an emergency Apocalypse Kit? (Which I already have anyway): A Genuine Leather RFID Blocking Bifold Wallet or Lightweight, Anti-Theft, Waterproof Shoulder Bag also work.
The greatest gift you can give me is support and reassurance. To remind me that no matter what happens in 2020, at the end of the day, I will be okay.
Enneagram Seven Enthusiast
All I want for the holidays is Freedom! To spend every day of my kids’ holiday break going on a different adventure, Doesn’t that sound fun?
Gift Ideas: I’d like new experiences to explore: A local drumming or dance class; Airbnb or Southwest Airlines Gift Cards or The Bucket List book so I can dream about 2020 and beyond!
The greatest gift you can give me: Remind me that even if I don’t make it to Bermuda this year, I can be content and fulfilled with what – and who – are right in front of me.
Enneagram Eight Challenger
All I want for the holidays is people to be straightforward adults and speak to me in bullet points and for justice to prevail.
Gift Ideas: I’d like a gift that doesn’t make me feel too mushy – something practical that helps me to feel safe and in control, like a Leatherman Wave Plus Multitool, a new drill set or set of weights, or maybe just a superhero cape. (Just sayin’.)
The greatest gift you can give me: Remind me that there’s nothing wrong with mushy – that vulnerability is a kind of strength.
Enneagram Nine Peacemaker
All I want for the holidays is peace…. No boats being rocked anywhere at any time about anything. Ever.
Gift Ideas: Anything that allows me to enjoy – even more – being comfy at home with my family over the holidays: An oversized pullover or weighted blanket; Ugg Slipper Socks; a Hammock with a stand…
The greatest gift you can give me is to remind me that, even if the boat sometimes rocks during the holidays, it will right itself.
Want to learn more about how the Enneagram can be the gift that keeps on giving for your team? Schedule a consultation call today!
In the meantime, may your holidays shine as bright as your personality!
Happy Holidays!
This is brilliant! Thank you so much Lisa. Super helpful!!!
Thanks, Ron! I’m so glad you found these holiday hacks helpful – they’ve certainly made a difference for me and my gift giving!