A Story to Begin: The Year I Forgot Wrapping Paper
Many moons ago, I found myself sitting cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by a mountain of shopping bags. Tissue paper flew like confetti. I’d spent hours thinking I’d found the “perfect” gifts—designer whatevers, tech gadgets, and a trendy gifts.
And then it hit me—none of it felt personal. None of it felt true. I’d been so focused on the things that I’d missed the feelings. That night, I brewed a cup of chamomile tea, wrapped myself in a blanket, and made a promise to myself: no more unconscious gifting. From then on, my gifts would speak the language of the soul.
If you’ve ever felt the same—wondering how to make holiday gifting more meaningful—welcome, friends. Pull up a chair. Let’s talk heart-to-heart about gifts that reach deeper than packaging, ribbons and bows.
I think there must be something wrong with me, Linus. Christmas is coming, but I’m not happy. I don’t feel the way I’m supposed to feel. – Charlie Brown, of the Charlie Brown Cartoon Series.
The Heart of Meaningful Gift-Giving
The holidays, at their core, aren’t about big bows or shopping lists—they’re about connection, gratitude, and love. Yet every year, we chase that elusive “perfect gift,” hoping it somehow says what words cannot.
So, what if we reimagined gifting as a sacred exchange? A reflection of soul meeting soul. A chance to say, “I see you. I honor you.”
When we approach gift-giving with mindfulness, every exchange becomes a spiritual act—one infused with love, intention, and awareness.
A gift guide for every personality type with a spiritual twist. Gift giving can be store-bought, handmade, or experiences. But the number one gifts for all types is the gift of acceptance, understanding, and love. Nina Zapala, Founder Spiritual Personality Typing℠.
Conscious Gifting: A Mindful Approach
Let’s face it—our culture trains us to equate love with price tags. But soul-centered gifting isn’t about keeping up with anyone’s Instagram feed. It’s about tuning in to another person’s essence.
Ask yourself:
What brings this person peace or joy?
What makes their eyes light up?
How might I help them reconnect with what makes them feel most alive?
Sometimes it’s as simple as writing a thoughtful card or baking their favorite cookies. Other times it’s curating a unique experience—something that says you know their heart.
Personality Insights: The Secret to Meaningful Gifting
This is where Spiritual Personality Typing℠ becomes your best friend. Each of us expresses love, joy, and appreciation differently based on our inner personality patterns. This new sacred, self-identity paradigm goes a step beyond Myers-Briggs®—it’s a sacred marriage between soul and psychology.
It helps you see not just what someone likes, but why they’re drawn to it.
When you give from this understanding, your gifts transcend mere things—they become extensions of love, reflection, and spiritual recognition.
Remember: The Ultimate Gift-Giving Goal
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s presence. Because the perfect gift is one that whispers, “I understand you.”
So let’s unwrap the art of conscious gifting together, personality by personality—with a warm dose of intuition and heart.
For it is in the Giving that We Receive – St. Francis of Assisi, a mystic.
Holiday Magic for Your Introverted Crew
(Gift ideas for introverted personality types)
The Active Types (ISTP) – Adventurous Free Spirits
They crave action, not clutter. Gift them with something that fuels their autonomy—a rock-climbing session, a wilderness retreat, or an art-of-survival experience. Think freedom, movement, and adventure.
Reframe: Their joy isn’t in the object—it’s in mastering the moment.
The Grounded Types (ISTJ) – Tradition Keepers
Reliable and conscientious, these souls love structure and meaning. A day volunteering together or building a holiday memory (like baking bread for neighbors) fills their hearts.
Mindset shift: They cherish time well spent over any trendy trinket.
The Abstract Types (ISFP) – Sensory Poets
Beauty is their spiritual language. They connect deeply with cozy aesthetics and sensory delights—candles, handmade pottery, a soft throw, or a shared walk through a botanical garden.
Gift keyword: Texture, beauty, serenity.
The Kindly Types (ISFJ) – Nurturing Guardians
Old souls who believe comfort is love made visible. They treasure home, tradition, and heartfelt gestures. Cook a comforting meal or plan a night of old movie classics.
Remember: Security and thoughtfulness fill them faster than champagne bubbles.
The Insightful Types (INFJ) – Soul Seers
They crave depth, not drama. Consider journals, sacred texts, crystals, or astrology readings. Or simply a night under the stars where they can muse about life’s mysteries.
Gift with soul: They don’t want “stuff.” They want connection.
The Seeking Types (INFP) – Heart-Centered Dreamers
Give them poetry, art supplies, or a weekend retreat. They adore gifts that help them express their inner world. Add homemade cookies—or words of genuine appreciation.
Shift: Affirm their beauty, and you’ll give them more than any item ever could.
The Inventive Types (INTJ) – Visionary Architects
Independent and future-focused, they love purposeful gifts. Offer learning subscriptions, science museum passes, or elegant minimalist tech.
Perspective: For INTJs, utility equals love.
The Ingenious Types (INTP) – Thoughtful Explorers
Less is more for these deep thinkers. They cherish meaningful simplicity—a thought-provoking book, artisan coffee, or a solo escape to recharge.
Truth: They value peace over presents.
Everything you see has its roots in the unseen world. The forms may change, yet the essence remains the same. – Rumi, a Sufi mystic
Holiday Magic for Your Extroverted Crew
(Gift ideas for extroverted personality types)
The Spirited Types (ESTP) – Experience Enthusiasts
They crave motion and excitement—think zip-line adventures, sports games, or dancing under city lights. Keep it spontaneous and bold.
Rule: Experiences trump everything.
The Playful Types (ESFP) – Life’s Entertainers
Vibrant and expressive, they thrive on fun and flair. Gift concert tickets, colorful accessories, or anything that makes them feel seen.
Remind them: They shine brightest when surrounded by joy.
The Dutiful Types (ESTJ) – Pragmatic Organizers
They love smart challenges. Try board games, fine spirits, or mentorship experiences. What matters most? Shared quality time.
Shift: For ESTJs, bonding is the real prize.
The Attentive Types (ESFJ) – Holiday Hosts
Born to spread cheer, they shine when helping others. A framed photo, classic wine, or shared cooking session will light up their spirit.
Note: They thrive when their generosity is acknowledged.
The Harmonious Types (ENFJ) – Heart Leaders
Give back to those who give endlessly—spa days, personal journals, or art experiences that encourage self-nurturing.
Shift: These givers need gentle reminders it’s okay to receive.
The Expressive Types (ENFP) – Free-Spirited Creatives
They adore whimsy! Surprise them with meaningful experiences or charitable adventures. Keep it spontaneous and soulful.
Truth: Love expressed through surprise makes their hearts sing.
The Assured Types (ENTJ) – Visionary Executives
Driven and refined, they appreciate high-quality gifts—personalized pens, mentorship sessions, or curated dining experiences.
Shift: Recognition is their love language.
The Curious Types (ENTP) – Inventive Conversationalists
They’re unpredictable and thrive on big ideas. Present them with deep discussion, podcast gear, or exploratory activities.
Insight: Curiosity is their playground—join in.
The Greatest Gift of All: Acceptance and Understanding
The ultimate gift doesn’t come wrapped—it’s your presence, empathy, and love. It’s whispering, “You don’t have to be anyone but you.”
Whether your holiday table is full or quiet, know this: every act of sincere giving—no matter how small—echoes far beyond one season. It becomes part of your legacy of light.
Journal Prompt
What’s one way you can give from your spirit this season—without spending a cent?
Reflect on how this kind of gift might deepen your relationships and reconnect you to your True Self.
Working with Nina helped me remove the blind spots that were holding me back”, Judith Wilms, TedX, Author. A bespoke clarity session maybe just what you need to create the life of your dreams!
May the Holiday Season Fill You With Light and Love!
I wish you a lovely holiday season filled with sweet memories and a wonderful time spent with people who love and support you. I understand this list is incomplete, but I hope you found a few intriguing gift ideas, and it took some of the angst out of gift-giving. Our time here on Earth is fleeting so relish the time you have, and spend it in joy, appreciation, and love.
A Heartfelt Invitation
If this conversation resonated, perhaps it’s time to unwrap your own brilliance. Through 1:1 Clarity Sessions, I’ll help you rediscover your voice and align your outer life with your inner truth.
Ready to explore deeper? You might begin with:
Clarity Sessions – personalized guidance for your true self.
Mentoring + Walk-n’-Wander sessions – for women in transformation.
Join my Newsletter – heartfelt insights, spiritual personality wisdom, and weekly inspiration.
Because the greatest journey you’ll ever take is the one within—and it starts with understanding your unique spiritual personality.
Who Is Nina Zapala?
I created Spiritual Personality Typing℠ during what I call my “midlife tsunami,” a season of upheaval that stripped away illusions and brought me to truth. A liberating lesson taught me; old-school typology only tells half the story. This realization lead to a new personality paradigm one that bridges the personality and soul. This isn’t another new activation it’s alignment—a committed way of living true to your self.
Today I guide women just like you to ignite the relationship between soul and personality the totality of your true self-expression—free from fear or compromise. Think of it as a coming into wholeness–gracious, yet audacious; releasing the patriarchy, invisibility, and anti-aging tropes. A return to simple and soulful living. Vibrant. Free. Liberated.
Here’s what I’ve come to know: Every wrinkle is a story. Every scar, a sacred map. When we deny our true self, the soul withers. When we embrace her, we bloom into timelessness.
Photo credit: @any-lane
Updated 12.6.2025
