Gift Ideas for Different Style Types

Photo by Drazan Zigic

An old friend told me that she gave gifts to people that she, herself, liked. She cited the tenet: “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” But frankly, I thought this was a kind a flawed idea for gift-giving.

What if the person is nothing like you in taste, style, or preferences? As someone who advocates seeing and appreciating the uniqueness of each person, I thought I would offer a few ideas for gifts that might appeal to each of the fundamental style types.

Keep in mind that these are single, pure style facets, and that people are, of course, multi-faceted. But these suggestions might help point you in the right general direction.

Things? Or Experiences?

Note: This year a lot of my friends have have been talking about the value of giving experiences or practical consumables, things that aren’t necessarily “things.” It’s a way to use fewer resources and create lovely memories. So I’ll also list some of those for each style type also. And please remember the people in your life who are alone this year. The holidays can be especially difficult for them.

For convenience I am listing several items from Amazon (I am an affiliate and my book is only available there.) But I strongly encourage you to shop at your local independent book stores or gift shops for similar or identical items. Small retail has gotten crushed in the last two years and this would be a good time to put in the extra effort to support them, especially the ones that don’t have an online presence on Amazon, Etsy, or eBay.

You’ll also see several suggestions from Gold Belly. They are a food and gift aggregator site that features a fabulous selection of specialty foods from hundreds of independent mom and pop food stores around the country. (Warning: a friend just turned me on to this site and you can get lost there!!)

OK, let’s start. We’ll go from the most “yang” type to the most “yin” type.

Dramatic

Our Dramatic-type friends express yang energy in the sense that their image and their demeanor, is dynamic, often commanding. They like to go places where they can see people and be seen, and be in environments where their dynamic energy is reflected back to them.

So what might make them visible? For starters: look for anything that shines or sparkles.

Linen Poly scarf

Snoozies Ballerina Bling Slippers

A shiny scarf in a bold color fits the bill (most Dramatics have a fair amount of bold coloring, but some shade of gold will work for almost everyone.) It comes in 21 fabulous colors and an couple of ombre-type prints (the latter work for Angelics.)

If your Dramatic friend enjoys lounging at home, a pair of sequined slippers could be fun! These come in six colors.

As for food, make it something that says “luxury.”

Vosget Chocolate Tower

Frances Hayes’ Always Italy

Dramatics appreciate Dramatic experiences. So they have really felt the effects of the lock down, and not being able to be out in the world. We’re not talking about roller coasters here, but events like live theater, musicals, concerts, opera, and intimate club performances. Tickets to any of those events would be a wonderful gift for a Dramatic type.

They also often love travel to places with natural and man-made beauty. So a beautiful coffee table travel book, an exciting tale about a foreign adventure, or a foreign food book might fill them with lovely memories or help them make plans for future trips.

Food Trails from Lonely Planet

The Rocks by Peter Nichols

Or revisiting one of the most sweeping sagas of all time might be an excellent choice.

The Godfather trilogy

Natural

Frankly, Natural style types are possibly the easiest people to shop for. Their priorities include things that are practical, usable, and/or bring comfort or enjoyment on a sensual level: flavor, aroma, or feel. So the possibilities are endless.

As “nature” children, they would appreciate anything that references nature. If they are avid gardeners they might like something like a gardening apron, gardening gloves, a unique plant for their garden, or a collection of planted herbs.

Ironwood Tool Company Tool Apron

Harry and David Herb Garden

Gardening Gloves

And do they ever love their food, savory or sweet. Comfort foods like pot pies or tamales could be a hit with Naturals. But they do love their baked goodies.

Little Pie Company Chicken Pot Pie four pack

Tucson Tamale 16 tamale sampler

Sunrise Kitchen Large cinnamon rolls

And of course, any home-made treat, such as jam that you make yourself, or a baked tart, would be a beautiful way to show your appreciation for their friendship.

Bird scarf from Walmart

doTerra Petal essential kit

In terms of fashion, something that reflects nature is also a good bet. This one (on the left) with the bird motif comes in three colors. And as everyone could use some calmness and upliftment these days, an essential oil diffuser kit can be a wonderful gift, especially for a Natural. This one contains a diffuser, lavender oil (great to rub on your feet at night to help with insomnia) and wild orange oil that has purifying and stimulating effects.

Rivers and Tides by Andy Goldsworthy

And as for the wonders of nature, nature-related videos are another wonderful gift. Andy Goldsworthy’s Rivers and Tides is both full of natural beauty and wonder, and would appeal to the soul of a Natural type, or anyone who appreciates natural beauty.

Photo by Ivan Samk on Pexels

But almost more than anything, Naturals thrive on human connection. Inviting them over for a meal or for a walk through beautiful scenery at the beach or in the park, and then stopping for coffee and a chat creates a longer lasting “gift” than any material item that you could give. And according to all the research, human connection is the single most important factor for our longevity.

High Spirited

High spirited types also long for human connection. But that would likely have a different quality than a Natural’s version. These are people who are on-the-go. And, like their Dramatics counterparts (John Kitchener my color and style mentor has sometimes referred to them as “a short-person’s Dramatic”) being locked down has been pretty hard on them. So any gift that can take them on an adventure, actual or virtual, or get them moving would be a delight.

And like Dramatics, they also LOVE to travel. But they are more interested in adventure than drama. So a fun book about travel, could fit the bill.

Journeys of a Lifetime form National Geographic

Also, quirky films of any kind like Amalie or High Fidelity might delight them.

Amalie on DVD

High Fidelity

Many High Spirited types love to dance so send them this link and they will dance along with these videos or invite them to your house for a dance party! And give them a cute pair of socks for dancing!

Make Your Own Fortune Cookies Kit

Tasseled scarf

Or bring over ingredients to make something together. This one could also be hilarious because you can write your own fortunes. (I don’t “get” the edible pen that comes with it, but whatever…)

As for fashion items, High Spirited types like things that have a sense of motion or playfulness in their design or construction. This flamingo-design tasseled scarf could be a fun option, or similarly, a charm bracelet, both of which offer some of that playful motion.

Shashibo puzzle

Murano Charm Bracelet

And this award-winning magnetic puzzle (on the right above) can create 70 different shapes and would give them hours of enjoyment and delight.

Classic

Classics love anything that is useful, simple but with a touch of elegance. Actually, they just like high quality things in any category.

Truffle goat cheese wheel Cheese from Cypress Grove on GoldBelly

Jacques Torres Signature chocolates

For the culinary Classic on your list, this award-winning truffle goat cheese wheel would make quite an impression, as would these Jacques Torres chocolates.

Classics tend to like Classic entertainment. That might include classic vintage movies, Victorian films, but also anything about the royals, real or fiction. Downton Abbey fans will be queuing up to see the next sequel, coming out in March. Until then, pick up the latest version or offer to take them out to the theater when it arrives.

Casablanca

Sense and Sensibility

Downton Abbey complete set

They also have refined taste and often love books about beautifully appointed homes. So a book about classic architecture is a good option for them. They might also love books about architecture of interesting interior design.

By Design: The World’s Best Contemporary Designers

Leather Gloves at Lands End

Pashmina and silk scarf Amazon

As for fashion, a pair of leather gloves would be a beautiful gift for a Classic type, and these ones are on sale from Lands’ End. And a pashmina or silk/pashmina mix scarf is a perfect gift for a Classic. This company works directly with the grower/supplier in Nepal and has incredible prices, but there is a $85 minimal order, so get something for yourself too!) The scarf is only $19.

If you know the person well enough and are close, an engravable signature bracelet or necklace would be a very meaningful gift.

Ana Luisa necklace

And of course, a Classic would love being invited to a formal (or semi-formal) dinner. Be sure to set the table with candles and flowers!

Romantic

Russ and Daughter Babka

Vosges Truffles

Luxury and sensuousness are part of a Romantic’s life. If you stick with those two themes you can’t go wrong. So consider something fabulously decadent to eat, like this chocolate babka or some Vosges chocolate truffles.

And anything soft and fluffy that makes them feel romantic and sexy is a good bet, like these Nap loungewear pompom slippers or a faux fur collar.

Pom Pom slippers

Chico’s Faux Fur pull-through Scarf

Fancii LED lighted travel Mirror

Uma Pure Bliss candle

Romantics are natural sybarites and love spas. So anything that might help them create that at home for an at-home spa day or just to bring a lovely fragrance, like a scented candle, is another perfect choice for a Romantic. This one natural oils scented candle from Uma has a 75 hour burn time and is free from any synthetic fragrances.

Romantics often love to travel, and they want to look beautiful wherever they are. A travel mirror could make a lovely gift. Or take them on a “travel” adventure to Italy in Laura Morelli’s Night Portrait or to the city of Eternal Love.

Night Portrait by Laura Morelli

Rome: Portrait of a City

If you really want to treat your Romantic friend, take them out to a lavish and sumptuous meal at a really nice restaurant.

Youthful

The holidays are probably a Youthful’s favorite time of the year. So you pretty much can’t go wrong by getting them almost anything as long as it has pretty wrapping. They just are delighted by having presents to open.

Kalimba thumb piano

Walmart Soprano Ukelele for Beginners

Youthfuls can get lost in playing – that means playing music, playing a game, or working on a puzzle. You might consider getting them a new and relatively easy-to-learn instrument, like a thumb piano (it comes with instructions) or a ukelele (be sure to also buy the music book if they are a beginner.)

21 Songs in 6 Days by Jenny Peters and Rebecca Bogart

Bits and Pieces 1000 piece puzzle: Savannah Animals

Bouchon Bakery Macarons

And a jigsaw puzzles, could be a great gift. Youthful types often have a soft spot for animals, so this one could be fun. Now, when it comes to food, think of something fun and bright like a collection of colorful macarons.

For clothing, some fun socks to wear while joining their High Spirited friends for a dance party, or just to wear on their own, would be a terrific gift.

Happy Socks rubber ducky

Loaded Questions Family version

Lawrence Frames Paw print frame

And they love to laugh, so a fun and funny game that can be played with multiple people can be a terrific gift for them. This comes in many versions, but the “family friendly” one is this one. Also, Youthfuls are sentimental at heart. If they have recently had a new addition to the family, human or animal, or a special event, a picture frame would be a nice gift.

But to warm their heart and uplift their spirit, take them out for an entertainment event, like a Disney movie, or on a trip to an amusement park or zoo!

Angelic

Crystal prism

This type lives in a more rarefied world, emotionally. At least that’s how they appear (they can actually be some of the strongest people!) Something that speaks to their love of all things ethereal, angelic or otherworldly might delight them, such as this prism that reflects light everywhere. It could bring them years of enjoyment.

Many angelic are really into healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle. Buy them a pass to your favorite yoga studio and go with them.

Portable smoothie blender

A personal smoothie maker could be a good choice, especially if they travel and want to be able to eat healthily wherever they are.

Signature Salted Apple Caramel Pie, Four and Twenty Blackbirds

But when they fall off the wagon, this is what one of my Angelic friends picked out for herself from the Gold Belly site, and this is what she said about it: “A delicious twist on classic apple pie. Elegant apple with an invigoration infusion of Caramel. French vanilla ice cream too for an angelic addition of creamy goodness.” (Drooling over the thought…)

Featherlite Cashmere Scarf

As for clothing, Angelics typically can wear shimmery (but not too shiny or sparkly) textiles and those that are very fine and delicate. This scarf would work beautifully for them.

Betsey Johnson moon and stars earrings

Tiered ombre tassel earrings

And dangling earrings with a celestial motif are another great choice. Also, as Angelics can often wear ombre designs these earrings (on the right) could be lovely for your Angelic friend.

Religious or spiritual books that have an uplifting message are another great option. Here are three options: Don Miguel Ruiz’ The Four Agreements, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s Classic tome, Science of Being and the Art of Living, and Byron Katie’s A Thousand Names for Joy.

The Four Agreements

Science of Being and Art of Living

A Thousand Names for Joy by Byron Katie

Or rent a movie and invite them over to watch. They would love anything that transports the viewer to a magical time or place. Local Hero and The Secret of Roan Inish are two great examples of these kinds of films.

Local Hero

The Secret of Roan Inish

So I hope that gives you some ideas and some clues about what each style type might like. If you want to know more about your own style, and how it is revealed in all aspects of your life, I invite you to check out my new course, Discovering Your Inner Style: an Adventure in Dressing Authentically. Learn about it and read all the reviews here. For you, my dear readers, I’m offering a discount of 15% off through December 31, 2023, with the coupon code STYLE15. Here’s the link to use the coupon.

Have a beautiful and fulfilling holiday.