The One Gift You Should Never Give Each Enneagram Type this Christmas
Let's face it—finding the perfect Christmas gift for someone can be tricky. You want to give something that will resonate, but unless the person has explicitly told you (or dropped a few not-so-subtle hints) what they want or you know them very well, it can feel like you’re wandering through a maze of options!
But don’t worry! Because the Enneagram is here to save the day! By tapping into the Enneagram personality framework, you can get a better sense of what makes each person on your gift-giving list tick, including their unique preferences and motivations, and yes, the kind of Christmas gifts they absolutely do not want!
So, here’s the one gift you should NEVER give each Enneagram type this Christmas and what to give them instead.
Type 1 – Anything Useless or Poorly Made
Ones are pragmatists and perfectionists at heart—they live for order, structure and doing things just right. So, don’t gift them anything that’s poorly made or that lacks purpose, like random knick-knacks or flashy decor that doesn’t serve any practical function. If it’s just for show, they probably won’t appreciate it.
What to give them instead: When choosing a gift for a Type 1, aim for something practical and high-quality, like a well-designed Moleskine planner, high-quality noise-canceling earbuds, or a set of accessories for their phone.
Type 2 – Anything That Lacks Personal Touch
Twos are driven by their desire to feel loved and appreciated, and they put a lot of effort into making themselves central to other people’s lives. So, whatever you do, avoid giving them gifts that feel too detached or impersonal, like a generic souvenir, a gift card with no thought behind it or a mass-produced item that lacks personal touch. They’ll likely smile politely, but deep down, they’ll feel neglected.
What to give them instead: Go for something that shows how much they mean to you. Think personalized items—like an engraved piece of jewelry, a photo album filled with shared memories, or a ticket to the concert of an artist they love.
Type 3 – A Boring, One-Size-Fits-All Item
Threes have a taste for the finer things in life and seek to project a polished, successful and sophisticated image of themselves. They thrive on status and recognition, and they appreciate gifts that reflect that. Giving them something basic or low-key, like a no-brand wallet or a generic coffee mug, won’t cut it. They want gifts that say, “I see you shining” or “You’re the best!”
What to give them instead: Think about gifts that can add to their personal or professional style (bonus points if it's something they can show off!). Designer accessories, a latest tech gadget or a chic pair of sunglasses are perfect choices because they scream sophistication and accomplishment.
Type 4 – Anything Too Mainstream or Cliché
Fours are all about authenticity, self-expression and uniqueness. They'll likely be put off by gifts that are too mainstream or cliché, like a mass-produced candle or a generic Christmas sweater. They want things that reflect their unique tastes and artistic nature, not something everyone has.
What to give them instead: Choose something that makes them feel unique and one-of-a-kind, like a piece of jewelry with their initials or their favorite quote engraved on it. They’ll also appreciate artisan and handmade stuff like unique prints or handcrafted home decor items.
Type 5 – A Group Activity
Fives really value their alone time and mental space. They tend to avoid excessive socializing to protect their energy so that they can focus on their niche interests. It’s best not to gift them anything that forces them into a busy, overstimulating environment—like a ticket to a loud concert or a group trip—because chances are, those will never get used!
What to give them instead: Opt for gifts that honor Fives’ need for solitude and intellectual exploration. Think along the lines of books on topics they’re passionate about or gadgets to help them dive deeper into their thoughts—like noise-canceling headphones or a smart notebook.
Type 6 – Something Uncertain
Sixes are cautious and are driven by their desire for safety and security. They’re always vigilant, anticipating and preparing for what could go wrong. With this in mind, avoid gifts with a surprise element—like a mystery box subscription or a ticket to an impromptu surprise event.
What to give them instead: When shopping for a gift for a Type Six, opt for something that offers reassurance and dependability, like a reliable gadget, a practical home item they can use daily or even a useful subscription service they can rely on (e.g. a Netflix gift card).
Type 7 – Anything Boring and Unstimulating
Sevens are all about fun and adventure—they’re thrill-seekers at heart. They actively steer clear of anything that could lead to boredom. When it comes to gifts, the last thing they want is something that screams monotony or tedium, like a puzzle with 1,000 pieces or a slow-burn novel. They want excitement, not something that drags or feels like a chore!
What to give them instead: Choose something that keeps them on their toes and fully immersed in the moment, leaving no room for boredom. Something like tickets to a music festival, a hot air balloon ride, or a surprise weekend getaway, would be right up their alley.
Type 8 – Anything Sentimental or Purely Decorative
Eights are strong, independent, and pragmatic, so gifts with sentimental value just don’t vibe with them. So, skip keepsakes and mementos, or anything that feels too emotional, symbolic, or cheesy. Also, avoid items that are purely decorative and that don't serve any functional purpose.
What to give them instead: Go for practical gifts based on their interests. For example, if they’re into working out, you could give them a piece of at-home fitness equipment, like a set of resistance bands or a smart jump rope.
Type 9 – Something Too Loud or Overwhelming
Nines thrive on calm and tranquility—both in their minds and in their external environment. They try to steer clear of anything loud, overstimulating, and chaotic. So, it's better to skip gifts that could overwhelm or throw them off balance—like tickets to rowdy concerts or wild parties.
What to give them instead: Nines will appreciate gifts that can help them unwind and escape the chaos of the outside world. Think simple, relaxing, and cozy—like a spa day voucher, an incense set, or some calming essential oils.
Final Words
Choosing what to give someone for Christmas can be a real head-scratcher! You want to get them something that clicks, and you most certainly don’t want to give anything that totally misses the mark. Because while for some people, it’s the thought that counts, others can really take a not-so-great gift the wrong way. So, it doesn't hurt to put a little extra thought into your gift-giving this Christmas.
Ultimately, when it comes to gifts, it's all about understanding what makes someone tick. The tricky part is that a gift one person would absolutely love, another one might totally hate. For example, while Twos will appreciate something personal and sentimental, Eights will likely be put off by a gift like that. It is recognizing these nuances and tailoring your gifts based on someone’s personality that make all the difference in choosing something that really hits home.
