Your Spring Essentials Based on Your Enneagram Type: A LAB Gift Guide
BY EMMA GEARY - MARCH 29, 2024
There might be snow on the ground for one of the first times this season, but we’re already in the swing of spring and leaning into all things colorful, fresh, and fun. While Enneagram quizzes have been all the rage for a few years now, we return to our Enneagram types often to better understand ourselves and each other.
If you’re new to Enneagram, it’s a personality quiz that draws on everything from ancient wisdom to modern psychology to help people understand nine key types of personalities, values, and unique approaches to mental health.
If you haven’t given it a try yet, we encourage you to take this short test (or if you have time, try this one) to learn more about yourself and those around you.
So as we step into a new season, we’ve got a few ideas for local goodies from our friends in The Collective. Who’s first on your shopping list, your bestie, or you? Here are our picks from Twin Cities’ businesses for every Enneagram type!
All Enneagram descriptions below are courtesy of The Enneagram Institute.
Type 1: The Reformer
The Reformer is conscientious and ethical, with a strong sense of right and wrong, but afraid of making a mistake. They are teachers, crusaders, and advocates for change: always striving to improve things. At their best, Ones are discerning, realistic, and noble.
The Reformer knows what they want and how to find it, which is why they’re likely to choose brands tha align with their values and support something bigger. That’s why the sustainability-first (and adorable) Armpit Detox kit from Sustain Yourself is perfect for their next self-care day, and it looks adorable next to artwork from Art 4 Shelter, which supports Simpson Housing Services.
For beautifully simple accessories, Ones will love the quality and craft of Woolly Bear Knit’s Forest Green Beanie and this stunning pearl necklace from Ilo Studio.
Type 2: The Helper
The Helper is empathetic, sincere, and warm-hearted. They are friendly, generous, and self-sacrificing, but can also be sentimental, flattering, and people-pleasing. They are well-meaning and driven to be close to others, and at their best are unselfish and altruistic, and they have unconditional love for others.
The Helper spends so much time caring for others that it’s time they had a pillowy soft place to land for themselves. End the day with this light-as-air moisturizing Lavender Body Butter from Sustain Yourself, and hold your own heart extra close with this “You Are Loved” necklace from Everthine Jewelry.
The Helper loves a sentimental moment, so seal the deal by getting permanent jewelry together with Golden Boie Jewelry, who will join us this spring at our Collective Spring Market on April 26-27! Add meaning to your next piece of artwork as well by shopping with Art 4 Shelter, where all proceeds from the artist-donated pieces go directly to Simpson Housing Services.
Type 3: The Achiever
The Achiever is self-assured, attractive, and charming. Ambitious, competent, and energetic, they can also be status-conscious and highly driven for advancement. They are diplomatic and poised, and at their best can be self-accepting—role models who inspire others.
The Achiever is booked and busy, spending time bringing their vision to life, which is why all of our picks are centered around bringing them back into balance. Drop your keys at the door with this soothing catchall from Lucy Voller art, light your True Hue Twilight Candle at the end of a long day and unwind with the Clay and Charcoal mask from Sebesta Apothecary.
Or get out of your comfort zone and try something new with a Candle and Cocktail Workshop from Flicker and Fizz, where you’ll pour your own Citrus Fig candle into vintage glassware and craft a version of their Basil Fig Smash, hosted on April 11 at La Vie Est Belle!
Type 4: The Individualist
The Individualist is self-aware, sensitive, and reserved. They are emotionally honest, creative, and personal, but can also be moody and self-conscious. At their best, they are inspired and highly creative with the ability to renew themselves and transform their experiences.
The Indivialist is always looking for unique, standout pieces to add to their closet, which is why we picked our boldest and brightest for Type 4. Add this Rhubarb Dad hat from Little Dipper to your spring weekend routine, and top it with a pair of Araya Jensen Art’s Floral Infinity Earrings for an extra pop of color. If you’re looking for a unique twist on a classic hoop, perfect for dressing up your spring soiree outfit, add Ilo Studio’s Daisy Hoops to your accessory rotation.
Thinking about getting crafty this spring to create your own one-of-a-kind piece? Try this springy, soft Merino Wool yarn from Wooly Bear Knits for your next knitting or crochet project.
Type 5: The Investigator
The Investegator is alert, insightful, and curious. They are able to concentrate and focus on developing complex ideas and skills. At their best, they are visionary pioneers, often ahead of their time, and able to see the world in an entirely new way.
Things are not always what they seem with The Investigator, which is why we opted for versatility when selecting our Type 5 favorites. Embrace duality with these Two Tone Claw Clips from Soundwoven Goods and Twin Flame Taper Candles from Slow Burn. Lean even further into duality with the season’s hottest color in these stunning cobalt blue pieces from Lucy Voller Art.
After all that time pondering, The Investigator needs a moment of pause with a little extra help from Kursiv Organics Lavender CBD Cream, which is perfect to keep by your bedside to settle in for a restful night.
Type 6: The Loyalist
The Loyalist is a committed, security-oriented type. They are reliable, hard-working, responsible, and trustworthy. Excellent "troubleshooters," they foresee problems and foster cooperation, but can also become anxious—running on stress. At their best, they are internally stable and self-reliant, courageously championing themselves and others.
The Loyalist is in it for the long haul, which is why they’re the perfect fit for investment jewelery pieces like this gorgeous Natural Diamond Star Setting Gold Ring from Everthine Jewelry, or a piece of permanence with Golden Boies bracelets, which are the perfect simple layering piece for every style.
Type 6 loves hard, which is why stationary note cards from Little Dipper that highlights the iconic monuments of Minneapolis is perfect for sharing their commitment to the city while writing out a love note to their forever people. Add a subtle scent to their space that lasts with True Hue’s Crushed Salt + Mist Reed Diffuser.
Type 7: The Enthusiast
The Enthusiast is extroverted, optimistic, versatile, and spontaneous. Playful, high-spirited, and practical, they can also become over-extended and scattered. They constantly seek new and exciting experiences, and at their best can focus their talents on worthwhile goals, becoming appreciative, joyous, and satisfied.
The Enthusiast is pumped about the seasons changing and ready to embrace spring in full force, which is why they’ll love this bright, outdoorsy wooden landscape piece from Araya Jensen Art, which pairs perfectly with Sebesta Apothecary’s Zero Waste Camping Collection for their next adventure.
In their jewelry collection, they’re excited to add something unique with Dottir’s Squiggle Ear Climber, which looks great paired with Linc Pernament Jewelry bracelets, which will last no matter where Type 7’s find themselves this season.
Type 8: The Challenger
The Challenger is self-confident, strong, and assertive. Protective, resourceful, straight-talking, and decisive, but can also be domineering. At their best, they are self- mastering, using their strength to improve others' lives, becoming heroic, magnanimous, and inspiring.
Confidence oozes from The Challenger, which is why they’re looking for elevated, quality goods to add to their daily routine, like this Weekly Planner from Soundwoven Goods, which is perfect to plan their next shakeup for the week ahead while burning a Classic Pillar Candle from Slow Burn to return to their center.
Speaking of centering, this Weighted Eye Mask from De Nova comes in handy whether they’re taking a night in or on the go. For ease and style, we recommend permanent jewelry from Linc, which always matches whatever status quo they’re challenging that day.
Type 9: The Peacemaker
The Peacemaker is accepting, trusting, and stable. They are usually creative, optimistic, and supportive, but can also be too willing to go along with others to keep the peace. At their best, they are indomitable and all-embracing, with the ability to bring people together and heal conflicts.
The Peacemaker is always hyping up those around them, so it’s time to take a moment for themselves. Mix up a craft cocktail and light its candle counterpart with a new set from Flicker and Fizz as you wrap up in a cozy, light-as-air robe from De Nova. Take your relaxation to a new level with Kursiv Organics Full Spectrum CBD Strawberry Tincture, which pairs well with a mocktail in your new Flicker and Fizz glass, or is tasty on it’s own.
To add to Type 9’s jewelry collection, we recommend these Scandinavian floral earrings from Dottir that are just as charming as The Peacemaker who wears them, featuring a perfect balance of simplicity and playfulness.
So, who’s first on your gift list? (We think the answer is YOU!) Visit The Collective Directory to shop online with these incredible local businesses, or meet the makers in person at our Spring Collective Market, this April 26-27th at in the former Loring Social space, in our historic alleyway. We can’t wait to see you!
Emma Geary
Emma is the one writing it all down. She's been with LAB since 2021 and is finishing her MFA in Creative Writing in her spare time. Her favorite color right now is cobalt blue.
