Introverts are a special breed, and they're probably some of the best friends you'll ever have. They're the boys and girls growing up who didn’t snub at the bottom-of-the-barrel, grab-bag picks at your elementary school holiday party. They're the ones who always take their time to find precisely the best holiday presents to give to their closest friends. Introverts appreciate the little things in life more than most, so if you’re on the hunt for the best gifts for introverts, keep in mind that she'll likely feel honored to receive any gift, no matter how big or small. The simple fact that you were thinking of her means more than the material good itself.
Holiday time can be super stressful, especially when you start drafting shopping lists for loved ones and friends. The truth is, though, gift-giving doesn't have to be so difficult, and if you're lucky enough to be friends with someone who is a bona fide introvert, even giving a little bit goes a long way. A pretty journal, a book of poetry, even a grabbing a cup of coffee would suffice. The key to an introvert's heart is offering up a tiny piece of yours just to say you love them and were thinking of them.
However, if you're anything like me, and you also get major jollies from playing Christmas elf during the holidays, I understand the insatiable need to go above and beyond when it comes to gift-giving. Even though you want to give the best of the best, keep in mind it's the little things that mean the most to your introverted BFF. If you're stumped on what to scope out for your favorite homebody, here are a few suggestions I can guarantee they'll love.
01An Activity Book That Speaks To Their Soul
The Introvert Activity Book, $10, Amazon
Introverts own up to the fact that they'd much rather keep to themselves on a Friday night than meet up and get rowdy with a large group of friends. It's also widely acknowledged that, in addition to how they'd rather spend their time, introverts keep a lot of their thoughts private, as well.
Maureen "Marzi" Wilson's activity book caters to the inner workings of an introverted mind in the most amusing ways. Each page features soundbites of humor that only a true introvert could understand, with solitary activities like drawing, writing, and doodles that encourage creativity to come alive.
02A T-Shirt That Says It All
DaydreamDesignUS Sorry I'm Late I Didn't Want To Come Shirt, $21, Etsy
As a self-proclaimed introvert, I can fully attest to the fact that most of us have this mentality at least nine out of 10 times we stumble into an event fashionably late.
And, for the record, introverts aren't necessarily anti-social. They are, however, typically very shy and terrified of small talk. So no, the reason why we're a little delayed heading over to happy hour isn't because we're having trouble deciding what to wear. We're seriously considering whether or not we actually want to leave the house.
03A Beautiful Bracelet
TheHippieShip Lepidolite Calming Meditation Bracelet, $19, Etsy
My mother-in-law gifted me this gorgeous bracelet after going through my first panic attack, and it's now one of my must-wear accessories.
A lot of introverts are anxious beings who feel extremely uncomfortable in large social settings. I know myself, and home is my sweet spot, so any time I feel even the slightest hint of jumbled nerves in a public setting, slipping this beaded bracelet on my wrist and fiddling with the charm can make me feel a little more at ease.
04Fancy, Flavorful Tea
Harney & Sons Chocolate Mint Black Tea, $6, Target
Introverts like to be comfortable and, I don't know about you, but I can't imagine anything more comfortable than cradling a warm cup of tea in one hand with a hardbound book in the other.
Personally, I think Harney & Sons artisan teas are a delicacy (and FYI, I'm super picky when it comes to flavored leaves). It's really hard to find a chocolate mint tea that balances the flavors nicely, but these single serving tea bags taste like melted chocolate mint ice cream in a mug. Though I'm a diehard H&S pumpkin spice fan, their chocolate mint brew is a close second favorite.
05A Motivational, Meditative Coloring Book
The Raw Alignment Coloring Book: Minimal Package, $25, Raw Alignment
Introverts spend a lot of time navigating the inner workings of their own mind, and when days are generally spent on solo, it's easy to lose yourself in a stream of thoughts that aren't always super positive.
Founder of Raw Alignment Alyse Brautigam just released her first adult coloring book, which she herself designed by hand, to inspire others to "align with their most vibrant self."
In a video announcing the release of her project, Brautigam explained that in the past, she felt "incredibly out of alignment," and that her mind was cluttered, and constantly churning. This coloring book was developed to help people slow down, be more mindful, and create beautiful art in the process.
06Vintage-Style Jewelry
NapTimeLove HOME Vintage Dictionary Word Pendant, $19, Etsy
Minimalistic trinkets mean the world to introverted souls. To them, it really is the little things that matter in life.
I found this vintage-style pendant on Etsy and instantly fell in love with its chain detail and rustic gold frame. For introverts especially, home really is where the heart is. So to an extrovert, this ornament may be viewed as just a quirky find, but to an introvert, it's everything.
07A Cozy Blanket
Amped Fleece Throw Blanket, $49, Urban Outfitters
Rolling with the all-things-comfortable theme, there's nothing more satisfying to an introvert than bundling under the covers over the weekend to laze around and do absolutely nothing. Therefore, a fluffy blanket is definitely a staple in their wardrobe.
Yes, wardrobe.
08A Comfy Sweatshirt To Lounge In
Soul Guide Old School Pullover, $49, Spiritual Gangster
I know myself, and as an introvert, I've definitely struggled with the idea that it's totally OK to enjoy staying at home watching Netflix while your friends are texting you to change out of your pajamas and grab a drink.
Being an introvert doesn't make someone weird, nor does it automatically mean the person is anti-social. It just means you genuinely enjoy being at home, hanging out in smaller groups, and (most likely) prefer pets to people.
In life, you really have to do what makes you happy, and I can guarantee your introverted friend will appreciate the fact that by gifting them this Spirtual Gangster pullover, you understand they need to do them, just like you need to do you.
09A Coffee Scrub For Deliciously Scented Self-Pampering
Frank Body Creamy Face Scrub, $22, Ulta
If your introverted friend isn't much of a tea person, I can almost guarantee they're #TeamCoffee.
Rather than gifting them a cup of joe, treat your homebody to a little TLC for their physical body with this creamy-meets-gritty scrub that smells like a fresh pot. They'll adore the skin-pampering benefits of the formula's white clay, raw coffee grinds, coconut, and soothing oils, but they'll especially love the fact that they don't have to get dressed and meet you at a coffee shop to enjoy the brew.
