WRITTEN BY EMMA GEARY & CURATED BY KATE WING - MARCH 29, 2023

While Enneagram quizzes have been all the rage for a few years now, our team still returns to our Enneagram types often to better understand ourselves and each other.

The Enneagram draws on everything from ancient wisdom to modern psychology to help people understand their personalities, values, and unique approaches to mental health. And, it’s scary accurate.

If you haven’t given it a try yet, we encourage you to take a short test - there are dozens available that range from a few questions to in-depth examinations of your inner self - here is a free one we suggest! Taking time to sit with the ins and outs of your number can be so helpful in understanding what makes you, you!

So, how can you give a gift that makes them feel like you’re truly speaking their language? By mindfully matching your gift selection with their Enneagram type, they’ll feel even more seen, loved, and cared for. Without further ado, here are our picks from Twin Cities’ businesses for every Enneagram type!

All Enneagram descriptions in italics are courtesy of The Enneagram Institute.

Type 1: The Reformer

The Reformer is someone who 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.

Since our type ones are motivated by a higher mission and seek to be practical, we chose a selection of gifts that bring balance and calm to their lives. Both Ashtyn Sibinski’s artwork and this light from The Makery have clean lines to soothe the orderly personality of The Reformer, while adding color and fun to their space.

Jane Candle Co’s Lavender Vanille candle and note cards from Moriah Creates invite them to slow down and take a moment to appreciate all of the amazing things they do to improve our lives and the world around us. A classic, minimalist piece from Ellen Jewelry is another great way to gift an item they’ll be sure to wear on repeat.

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.

Everyone needs a helper in their lives, and we need to make sure we show our appreciation for them, too! Pieces from Cait Courneya and Dinner Party Ceramics capture the similar “warm hug” feel you get when spending time with a Helper.

Giving the gift of time with Ashley Adamma Ochiaga of FMYH or Catherine Brinker Photography is another great way to bring this personality into the spotlight. Use their skills in colorful interiors or creative portraits to reflect the warmth and care of a Two. And, nothing says generous like a sweet treat from Honey & Milk Baking Co. or Thumbs Cookies! Be sure to gift them extra - we know they’ll want to share.

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 there best can be self-accepting—role models who inspire others.

After all that achievement, it’s time to give this Three a break. Let them relax (while still being productive) and take an afternoon away with Wrinkleboss while SavvyBird Consulting handles all things accounting. They’ll leave feeling refreshed and ready for the future - two things that The Achiever loves most!

If you’re looking for pieces of jewelry that compliment this poised, energetic personality, try these favorites from J.LUX and Dottir Jewelry. For their home, artwork from Lucy Voller or a dried floral bouquet from Warmhouse Story is the perfect way to add a touch of organic shape and color to any space.

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.

Let The Individualist’s creativity shine with the Circular Journal from Studio Redpine, or a collaboration with Bristle + Whim on a gorgeous mural for a wall of their home. Speaking of color and creativity, these pieces from Kathryn Flora and Kristin France are perfect for your favorite Four.

Fours love a one-of-a-kind find, which is why we had to include J’adore Beddor and The Mustache Cat in our Individualist list. With a curated collection of gorgeous vintage clothing at J’adore Beddor (including this bright sweater!) and even more adorable vintage finds for the home at The Mustache Cat, there are too many treasures to choose from!

Type 5: The Investigator

The Investigator 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.

The Investigator loves a good project, which is why these gifts have an added layer of complexity. Let them put those problem-solving skills to work with this puzzle from Big Stick Studio, or gift a candle from Flicker and Fizz complete with a cocktail recipe they can try when they’re finished. They are all about seeing the world in new ways, which is why we loved these artworks from Anna Lisbeth and A Quiet Window to complement their personality in the home.

Fives are visionaries, and are always dreaming about endless possibilities. Help them bring their dreams to life by setting up time with Allison Larson to bring a home ownership dream to life, or a conversation with Morgen from Sunday Therapy to build their curiosities into realities.

Type 6: The Loyalist

The Loyalist is 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.

As a six myself, I can confirm that us Loyalists need to *chill*. We’re searching for security, which is why time spent with the master healers of Reviving Roots and Perennial Acupuncture and Companion Medicine are invaluable gifts for a Six.

Loyalists love security, and what better way to bring certainty to their future than with a space all their own, found with the help of Buy With Brandyn? Brandyn is a mindfulness expert familiar with busy minds, and knows how to channel that energy into making the investment of a lifetime - a new home!

This personality is always searching for quality pieces that will stand the test of time, which is why we love this gorgeous handmade throw from Pam Sullivan and this sterling silver pendant necklace from Everthine Jewelry as gifts for sixes.

Type 7: The Enthusiast

The Enthusiast is extroverted, optimistic, versatile, and spontaneous. Playful, high-spirited, and practical, they can also becoming 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 excited no matter what gift you give them, but it’s easy to add spontaneity and playfulness to their lives with this adorable dress from Jenny in the City or these fun silverware holders from Creaciones BM. Bring them back to center with candles from Slow Burn, a soak at Watershed Spa, or yummy Delta-9 gummies from BLNCD.

Have a young Seven in your life? Channel that excitement with a Summer stay at Camp Birchwood to help them hone their passions.

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.

The Challenger is confident, and these gifts support their inspirational, strong style. With punchy colors and unique prints, we love this piece from Bekah Worley and the Baggu Duck bag from Golden Rule. Or, surprise them with a bouquet from Cosmos Floral for a unique take on floral design that feels made for them.

Let an Eight’s personality shine through with a portrait from Haley Friesen Photography, which they can use on their social media or LinkedIn to tackle their next project. Speaking of what’s next, they’ve probably had their sights set on a space all their own these days - Deborah Van Eendenburg Real Estate is there to chat over coffee about what’s next.

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.

Bring peace to the Peacemaker and show your appreciation for the calmness they bring to your life with these laid-back gifts. Light a “You are Loved” candle from Joyspring Studio and treat them to gifts that are kind to the earth like this trio from BeeNaturalz and all-natural adorable paper towels from Zeroish.

Nines are all-embracing, so return the favor with a cozy hat from Wooly Bear Knits or this chunky, soft wall hanging from Soundwoven Studio. Add soft, organic lines to their space with a vase from Cym Warkov Ceramics - bonus points if you fill it with flowers before delivery!

So, who’s first on your gift list? Visit The Collective online to shop all of these incredible local businesses, or meet the makers in person at our Spring Collective Market, this April 21-22nd at Glass House!