How You Open Gifts in Public, Based On Your Myers-Briggs® Personality Type

Ever wonder how your Myers-Briggs® personality type impacts your gift-receiving style? Well, wonder no more! Today, we dive into the intricate world of MBTI® and presents. Remember, however, that we’re treading in humor territory here. This article is a play on stereotypes and is meant to make you chuckle more than make you get an in-depth look at Jung’s theory on psychological types.

Not sure what your personality type is? Take our in-depth personality questionnaire here. Or you can take the official MBTI® here.

How You Open Gifts in Public, Based On Your Myers-Briggs® Personality Type

Estimated reading time: 13 minutes

The ISFJ

Let’s begin by turning our attention to the ISFJ, the “Defender” Their mind is a whirlwind of anxiety and rehearsal. They are not simply opening a present; they’re doing a high-wire act of emotional gymnastics. They’ll be analyzing every inch of their facial expression, every inflection in their voice, all to ensure they convey the perfect amount of appreciation. It’s not just about liking the gift—it’s about whether the gifter feels that they like the gift. They’re hoping their face muscles are up to the task because, let’s face it, nobody wants to be the reason Aunt Ethel feels unappreciated and embarks on a three-hour monologue about it.

Find out more about ISFJs: 24 Signs That You’re an ISFJ, the Protector Personality Type

The ESFJ

Then there’s the ESFJ, the “Protector” who’s too busy making sure everyone else’s gift-opening experience is going well to even remember they have presents of their own to open. They’re the ones refilling the eggnog, offering to take the discarded wrapping paper, and asking if Aunt Nahomi’s getting too hot sitting by the fire. When they finally get around to opening their own gift, they’re the picture of graciousness, thanking the giver profusely and taking a moment to admire the gift before moving onto the next task.

The ISTJ

Ah, the ISTJ, the “Detective.” This personality type is as steady and traditional as they come. They approach the task of opening a present like a bomb disposal expert disarming an explosive device – calm, methodical, and with a seriousness that could dull a chainsaw. They examine the packaging, perhaps even appreciating the neatness of the wrapping, before carefully untaping each end. Once the gift is revealed, expect a thoughtful nod, a sincere “thank you,” and a place found for it in their impeccably organized life within seconds.

The ESTJ

Moving on, we come to the ESTJ, the “Captain.” This personality type is all about order, efficiency, and control. When they’re handed a gift, it’s as if they’ve been given a mission. They rip through the wrapping with the precision and speed of a seasoned commando. There’s no dilly-dallying or sentimentality about the wrapping paper here – it’s about getting to the objective. Once the gift is in the open, it’s quickly evaluated for practicality and function, because, to an ESTJ, a gift isn’t just about thought, it’s about utility. Expect an approving grunt or a decisive nod and a hearty handshake with the giver. However, if the gift is deemed impractical (like a decorative paperweight or an abstract piece of art), brace yourself for some dry, straightforward humor that leaves everyone in the room chuckling uncomfortably.

The INTJ

Next in line, we have the INTJ, often referred to as the “Strategist” Now let’s be clear – this personality type would rather solve quantum physics problems than open presents in public. There’s something about the unwritten social rule of displaying the ‘right’ emotion that just doesn’t compute in their logic-driven minds. The INTJ is a master at maintaining an expression as enigmatic as a sphinx, and this moment is no exception. No matter how much they appreciate the gift (or don’t), their face will most likely reveal nothing. They will be attempting the Herculean task of conveying gratitude via a complex series of barely perceptible nods and hums.

Want to know more about INTJs? 12 Stress-Busting Techniques for INTJs

The ENTJ

And now, let’s bring forth the ENTJ, or the “Director,” who views gift receiving as a strategic business transaction rather than a simple act of kindness. When it comes to gifts, they’re usually three steps ahead – by the time you’ve thought of the perfect gift for them, there’s a high chance they’ve already bought it for themselves. So, unless you’re handing over the deed to a vineyard or gifting them stocks in a Fortune 500 company, you’re most likely out of luck. Opening a present for them is like playing a suspenseful game of “What Unnecessary Item Do I Now Own?” Wrapped socks receive the same baffled look as a boxed set of scented candles – a polite smile that screams, ‘why?’ However, they’ll thank you with the charm of a seasoned diplomat, storing away the experience as another fascinating anecdote about the puzzling customs of human social interaction.

The INFJ

And now let’s delve into the mind of the INFJ, or the “Mystic” If the human mind was a book, the INFJ has not just read it, they’ve annotated it, critiqued it, and probably written a three-part thesis on it. They can read an audience better than most folks read their morning paper, which makes the public gift opening a delicate dance. The moment the gift enters their hands, they’re already mentally drafting the thank you note. They treat the gift like a newborn baby, gently peeling away the layer of wrapping paper with utmost care. Their reaction to the gift, however, is where the real spectacle lies. You see, an INFJ would rather bathe in a vat of acid than cause someone the slightest bit of discomfort. So, no matter what the gift is – be it a gourmet chocolate assortment or a bizarrely eccentric polka-dot tie – they’ll react as if they’ve just been handed the key to Narnia. Their eyes will light up, their smile will stretch a mile wide, and they’ll declare it the ‘best gift ever.’ And the best part? They’re so convincing; you’ll walk away believing you’ve nailed the best gift of the year!

Find out more about INFJs: 10 Social Situations INFJs Absolutely Hate

The ENFJ

Now, let’s consider the ENFJ, the “Mentor,” who lives for these moments. They love the drama, the suspense, the shared laughter, and the oh-so-precious group bonding that comes with public gift-opening. ENFJs could probably open a pair of socks with such theatrical flair that you’d think they just won an Oscar. They have an uncanny knack for making the gift-giver feel like they’ve just completed a Nobel-prize-worthy act of generosity. When the wrapping paper comes off, whatever is inside – be it a simple candle or a grand piece of jewelry, it’s going to be met with gasps, applause, maybe even a few tears of joy. If the gift is a dud, the ENFJ will still thank the giver with such heartwarming sincerity that they may end up feeling like they’ve given the best gift of all time. So, if you’re ever feeling down, just give an ENFJ a wrapped gift – watching them open it is the cheapest therapy session you’ll ever have!

The ISFP

Next up, we put the spotlight on the ISFP, lovingly known as the “Virtuoso.” Now, this breed of human would usually prefer to blend into the wallpaper than be the center of attention. However, don’t be fooled by their seemingly shy exterior; they do have a soft spot for a thoughtful present. They muster up their inner comedian, crack a joke to divert the attention, then quietly go about the business of unwrapping their gift. The ISFP has a genuine appreciation for the beauty and uniqueness of the presents they receive, and they show it in their own subdued way. Their eyes might light up, or you might catch a quiet, “Wow, this is really cool,” muttered under their breath. If you’re lucky, you might even snag a heartfelt, “Thank you, this means a lot.” Not one for grand displays or lengthy speeches, the ISFP’s quiet gratitude speaks volumes.

The ISTP

Now we move onto the ISTPs, the “Vigilantes” of the MBTI® world. The concept of opening gifts in front of a crowd is about as appealing to them as a root canal without anesthetic, performed by a dentist with shaky hands. For ISTPs, every moment of the unwrapping process is like the world’s most awkward unboxing video broadcast live to an audience of eager faces. The crinkle of the wrapping paper is the soundtrack to their discomfort, each rip a nail in the coffin of their social ease. As they reveal the gift, they pull out the only reaction they’ve got in their inventory – a non-committal grunt that could mean anything from “I love it” to “I’ve seen more exciting patterns in drying paint.” The ISTP’s face might register a flicker of appreciation, a micro-expression so fleeting that you might question its existence. But take heart, gift-giver: if they didn’t throw the gift back in your face, consider your mission accomplished!

The ESFP

Let’s now turn our attention to the ESFP, or as they’re often called, the “Champions.” They live, breathe, and probably dream in technicolor. When they rip off that wrapping paper to reveal the gift, it’s a drum roll, spotlight moment. They’ll ooh, they’ll aah, they’ll probably wave the gift around like they just found the Holy Grail.

But remember, my dear gift-giver, an ESFP’s honesty is as legendary as their enthusiasm. If they love the gift, you’ll know it – their delight will ricochet off the walls. But if they don’t… well… let’s just say you’ll know that too. Sure, they’ll try to cushion the blow with their trademark charm and friendliness (‘Oh, a 2003 edition of a gardening manual. How… unique!’). But a lackluster gift might receive a reaction that’s more ‘comedy roast’ than ‘thank you.’ They’re more likely to crack a good-natured joke about it (‘Oh look, a manual on how to grow my own salad. Now I can finally achieve my lifelong dream of becoming a rabbit!’) than take it seriously. So, if you’re gifting an ESFP, be prepared for a reaction that’s as memorable as the individual themselves!

The ESTP

Finally, we have the ESTP, the “Daredevil.” They might make a show of shaking the box, sniffing it, or even attempting to interpret the sound it makes when they tap it like a bongo drum. The real fun begins when they finally decide to open the gift. For an ESTP, unwrapping a gift is a full-contact sport. They tear into the wrapping paper with the enthusiasm of a five-year-old on a sugar high, adding their own commentary like a sportscaster at a world championship. ‘And here we go, folks, ripping off the paper, and… it’s a… coffee mug. A mug! Fantastic. Just what I needed to add to my collection of 47 other mugs. Brilliant.’ But despite their sarcastic humor, the ESTP is surprisingly good at making the gift-giver feel appreciated. Their thank you is quick, genuine, and usually accompanied by a playful punch on the shoulder. ‘Hey, thanks for the mug, buddy. Now I’ve got one for every day of the month. And then some!’ So, if you’re planning to gift an ESTP, bring your sense of humor. It’s going to be a wild ride!

The INFP

Now we’ve reached the INFP, or the “Dreamer,” who, on a scale of ‘loving the spotlight’ to ‘preferring to be a hermit,’ usually leans toward the hermit side. Having all eyes on them while they open a gift in public can feel like running naked through Times Square. First, they’ll blush to the roots of their hair, and their palms will get sweaty. You can almost see them internally begging for the ground to open up and swallow them whole. As they fumble with the wrapping paper, you’d think they’re trying to defuse a bomb, not unwrap a gift. But, as they pull off the last piece of tape and the gift is finally revealed, a sudden change washes over them if the gift has symbolic meaning. ‘Wow,’ they’ll whisper, holding up a handcrafted pendant representing their favorite obscure novel’s symbol or a framed sketch of their childhood home. Their eyes will shine brighter than all the holiday lights in New York City combined. Despite their discomfort, the INFP’s love for meaningful gifts shines through, and their soft, choked up ‘Thank you, this means more than you know,’ is the most rewarding gift you could receive in return.

Want to know more about INFPs? What Each Myers-Briggs® Type Loves About INFPs

The INTP

We now move on to the INTP, also known as the “Prodigy.” For them, the act of opening presents in public could be equated to a surprise math examination where the equation to solve is the correct emotional response. Their apprehension around gift-receiving is so palpable, you could cut it with a knife and serve it for Christmas dinner.

As they sit there with the gift in their lap, they’re mentally simulating every possible outcome and reaction, a task more complex than calculating the trajectory of a comet. ‘Do I look surprised enough?’, ‘Is this the appropriate level of happiness?’, ‘What’s the return policy on poorly concealed disappointment?’ – these are all questions probably running through their minds faster than a supercomputer. But once they’ve braved the unwrapping process, revealing the gift becomes a philosophical quandary of its own. ‘Why this gift?’, ‘What is the giver trying to convey?’ and the most daunting of all – ‘What are the implied contracts of gift-giving and am I now obliged to return the favor?’ If you’ve gifted an INTP, prepare for a mixed reaction that could range from the appreciative nod, to the polite smile, to the ultra-rare joyous outburst (‘Wow, the complete works of Nietzsche! How… uplifting.’). They’ll thank you before retreating back into their mental labyrinth, leaving you wondering if they really did like your gift or if you just made it into their notebook of ‘People to Analyze Later.’

Discover more about INTPs: The Top 7 Gift Ideas for INTPs

The ENFP

And who can forget the ENFP, the “Visionaries? In the world of gift unwrapping, they’re like a whirlwind wrapped in a tornado, with the energy of a thousand suns. Their approach to opening a present is akin to a wildlife documentary — it’s a wild, untamed process full of dramatic gasps, ecstatic declarations of love for the gift, and probably a few accidental paper cuts. Don’t be surprised to see them hugging the gift, hugging the gift giver, even hugging themselves in their excitement. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and before you know it, even your grumpy Uncle Herbert will crack a smile.

Find out more about ENFPs: 12 Amazing Fictional ENFP Characters

The ENTP

Now we move on to the ENTP, or the “Trailblazer,” the one who sees gift unwrapping not as a simple act of receiving, but as an opportunity to explore the most random possibilities. They’ll start by examining the gift and hypothesizing aloud about what it could be. ‘Given the weight and volume, it could be a collection of Shakespeare’s works, or perhaps a high-end coffee machine… or maybe it’s just a brick.’ They enjoy keeping the room entertained with their theories, and the actual unwrapping might take a backseat to their ongoing monologue. When they finally do unwrap the gift, they’ll spin a narrative about how it fits into their life. ‘Ah, a toaster. Now I can finally burn my bread just the way I like it at home, without the need to borrow my neighbor’s flame thrower. This is a real game changer.’ They might even invent an entirely new function for it on the spot. ‘And it could double as a mini heater during winter. Brilliant!’ So, if you’re gifting an ENTP, be prepared. This isn’t just gift-giving; it’s a TED Talk.

What Do You Think?

What do you think about these personality-driven gift unwrapping scenarios? Do you recognize yourself or your friends in these descriptions, or do you vehemently disagree with them? Maybe you’re an INTP who relishes the joy of unexpected gifts, or perhaps you’re an ESTP who prefers a quiet, low-key reaction. Whether you agree with our interpretations or not, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Find out more about your personality type in our eBooks, Discovering You: Unlocking the Power of Personality Type,  The INFJ – Understanding the Mystic, The INTJ – Understanding the Strategist, and The INFP – Understanding the Dreamer. You can also connect with me via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!