The Top 7 Gift Ideas for ISTPs
ISTPs are one of the hardest types to buy for. They aren’t normally the types who get really excited about the holidays (although there are always exceptions!). When I spoke to a variety of ISTPs I got a lot of mixed responses, but in general, they seemed to find the holiday season kind of frustrating and full of obligations and traditions that they didn’t feel a real connection with. This isn’t to say that no ISTPs can enjoy the holidays, but for the most part, they grow weary of huge lists of people to buy things for and big holiday parties where small talk is generally the norm. They preferred intimate gatherings with only their closest friends and no pressure to attend holiday parties or big family meals if they’d rather stay home and read a book or play a video game or rest.
Not sure what your personality type is? Take our new personality questionnaire here. Or you can take the official MBTI® here.
The ISTPs Relationship with Gifts
When I asked ISTPs how they felt about receiving gifts, many of them said it was an awkward experience. They felt like they had to “conjure up” a surprised, happy expression, whether or not they liked the gift they were given. This kind of forced cordiality can be uncomfortable for them as they aren’t naturally the most expressive people out there! It’s best not to push them to seem excited, and it’s especially important not to mention the price or act passive-aggressive if their reaction doesn’t live up to your hopes. Out of the 40 ISTPs I spoke with, there were about 2 or 3 who enjoyed receiving gifts and had no issue acting happy and surprised no matter what they got so there are always exceptions to these kinds of guides about type.
As far as giving gifts, most of the ISTPs I knew enjoyed getting gifts for very close friends and family members. They didn’t like the obligation to give gifts to every single person in their extended family, people in their office, etc,. They’d rather carefully spend time on a few individuals then have to spend a huge amount of time shopping for a giant list of people, some of which are more acquaintances than friends.
The Top 7 Gift Ideas for ISTPs
#1 – Practical Tools
ISTPs enjoy practical gifts they can use right away. Some of the ISTPs I spoke with mentioned drills, pocket knives, crafting supplies, or other gadgets they need around the house. The important thing is to ask them explicitly what kinds of tools they need or like. They are usually particular about brands and quality and they may already have the tool that you’re looking at, so you don’t want to risk getting them something they already own!
#2 – Physical Affection (Only From Romantic Partners)
The top love language for ISTPs is physical touch, and that was easy to see when I got into conversations about gifts with ISTPs. Many of them mentioned intimacy with their partner as a preferred gift. Whether it’s a special massage or some extra fun in the bedroom, this type of “gift” was mentioned repeatedly (especially among male ISTPs).
#3 – An Experience
ISTPs love to get out and explore the world around them. Many mentioned preferring an experience to a material gift, but be sure to take an interest in what experiences they enjoy! Most of the ISTPs I spoke with mentioned recreational experiences; going skydiving, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, skiing, or camping.
#4 – Delicious Foods and Drinks
Satisfy your ISTP’s Extraverted Sensing side with delicious treats and delicacies they can enjoy. From indulgent chocolates to Omaha steaks, ISTPs enjoy fine foods or favorite snacks like beef jerky, candy, or homemade cookies. Do they have a favorite restaurant? Get a gift certificate for them to use at their leisure!
#5 – Socks (Really Nice Socks)
Surprisingly, quite a few ISTPs mentioned that they actually enjoy getting socks for Christmas. But we’re not talking an 8-pack from Wal-Mart. They like high-quality, extremely comfortable, luxurious socks. One ISTP mentioned Darn Tough’s socks. They may cost $21+ a pair, but they’re super cushiony, breathable, and they don’t slip, bunch, or blister, plus they pull moisture away from the skin right away. And no, I’m not an affiliate with this company and don’t get a kickback if you purchase from them 😉
#6 – Technological Gadgets
ISTPs tend to enjoy the newest tech gadgets and devices that come out. Are they hyped about the new iPhone model or a new videogame system? What about a vacuum cleaner robot? Ask the ISTP in your life what kind of technology they like or if they’re excited about any new gadgets, and this should give you some great gift ideas!
#7 – Cash
It may feel tacky giving someone cash for the holidays, but many ISTPs preferred this gift option. Usually, if they have the money ISTPs will just buy what they want, which can make them hard to shop for. If you feel like you’re having no luck coming up with a gift idea, cash is always a safe option. Just don’t overdo it! If you’re not that close and you give them a huge cash gift they will feel extremely uncomfortable most of the time.
What Do You Think?
Do you like these gift ideas? Share your thoughts with other readers in the comments!
Find out more about your personality type in our eBook, Discovering You: Unlocking the Power of Personality Type.
Other Articles You Might Enjoy:
The Top 25 Favorite ISTP Movies
What Each Myers-Briggs® Type Needs on a Busy Holiday
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Want to discover more about personality type? Get the inside scoop with Susan Storm on all things typological, along with special subscriber freebies, and discounts on new eBooks and courses! Join our newsletter today!
So true. What is more sensual than equipment for bivouac. Some bags and shoes are so…. Hell, my wife come here…
Read: Chris Kyle or Morten Storm…
Bye.
My husband is an ISTP and nothing can make him happier than cool high-tech toys & gadgets. But those are not the cheapest of gifts… ppffff…
He always goes crazy on buying new tools so that can certainly be a great gift as well.
Physical affection is on top of the list as too.
Not so sure about the socks though 🙂 Actually socks as a x-mas gift have become our family’s inside joke. And it’s my husband who goes around saying: “Oh, oh, boys. Prepare yourselves! Mama is buying the x-mas gifts this year! And you know what that means – new socks for everybody.” 🙂
Funny!
Im a ISTP woman and I have to say that your vision is quite real for me: I asked my partner for a sex gift last birthday and I love socks!
Yes. That’s true.
I also want to ask my partner for cuddles no matter how much we fought I just want to cuddle with him every single night. And offcourse I’m uncomfortable with getting gifts from not much close person. sometimes except few ( 3 people) I’m really uncomfortable and need to act like surprised and loved their gifts. But as for my closest people I’m really fine and happy no matter what gifts they give even though I really don’t need or like that gifts, I’m happy just because the person who gave.
As an ISTP, the best gift I ever got was a 1 TB hard drive. I specifically asked for it and the person bought it for me and I was so happy that day.
I hate it when people buy me keychains, stuffed animals, jewelry, etc. I get they’re pretty and cute but what am I supposed to do with them?
As an ISTP, I really love it when I get a wrist Watch, Sex or Gadgets as a Gift, and that cash really works too.
I’m an ISTP and surely one of my favourite gifts to receive are books. A book is a perfect gift.
Sex, intimacy and physical contact are also great.
And cash is a wonderful gift, so I can buy something I really like. I hate it when people don’t ask me which gift I want, they usually give something I don’t like or I don’t need and that really upsets and frustrates me.