Enneagram 101 + Gift Guide: Type 1

Everyone is talking about the Enneagram personality system these days. If someone asks for your type now, they’re probably referring to the Enneagram types instead of asking who you’re typically romantically interested in.

In this blog series, we’ll talk a little bit about each Enneagram type and which gifts are best for each type. Hopefully, you’ll walk away with a better understanding of your own personality and the personalities of your friends and family. Plus tons of cool gift ideas for each Enneagram type! All of the gifts featured will be from small businesses, and they’re all under $50.

What is the Enneagram?

According to Very Well Mind, “The Enneagram is a typology system that describes human personality as a number of interconnected personality types.”

It’s essentially a way of identifying your personality type, understanding why you are the way you are, and learning how you interact with other personality types. There are nine personality types in the Enneagram system, and each type has its own specific behaviors, motivations, and fears.

Here are the types:

The Reformer
The Helper
The Achiever
The Individualist
The Investigator
The Loyalist
The Enthusiast
The Challenger
The Peacemaker

There are also “wings”, or adjacent personality types, but we’re just going to focus on the main nine types for now.

Want to know your type? I took Truity’s online test. If you’d rather take the test with paper and a pen, check out this Enneagram paper test from The Therapy Things.

Okay, so let’s talk about Type 1: The Reformer.

We’re going to go over all of the types during this blog series, but let’s just start with the first type. According to The Enneagram Institute, Type 1s are rational and idealistic. They love order and reason. Systems and organizational tools are two of their most favorite things, and they generally appreciate anything that makes them feel more in control.

Here are a few words that describe Type 1s:

Principled
Purposeful
Self-Controlled
Perfectionistic

Okay, cool. What the heck do you buy if you need a gift for a Type 1?

Here’s your guide to buying the perfect gift for the Type 1s in your life. All of these items are from small businesses, and they’re all under $50.

Journals and Notebooks

Most Type 1s thrive when they’re able to make lists and write everything down. That’s why something like a journal or notebook is always a safe bet if you’re looking for a gift for a Type 1. These lined journals from Klever Case are so cool and vintage-inspired. Plus, the covers are completely customizable and you can add a personalized message to the inside cover. I especially love that Klever Case’s journals are made from sustainably sourced and bio-degradable materials.

In the same vein, any Type 1 will most likely appreciate a simple vegan leather journal like this one from Kamili Lifestyle. These journals come in nine vibrant colors. Each page is lined, and there’s even a storage pocket in the back of the journals. That’s my favorite feature— I’m always needing a place to stick scrap paper and business cards.

Planning and Organization

If your Type 1 is mega-organized and productive (which most Type 1s are), I suggest introducing even more organization into their life. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? I love this personalized daily planning notepad from Curio Press. It comes in two sizes, and there’s an option to add a magnet so your Type 1 can make their to-do list and stick it on the fridge or a filing cabinet for easy access. I appreciate that the layout includes space for current priorities and future goals. This feature will surely be a hit with most Type 1s.

All of the Type 1s I know really appreciate a good system, and they hate doing things last-minute. This weekly meal planning pad from With White Space Co. is perfect for the Type 1 who either already meal plans (not surprising) or is interested in starting. I love how simple and clean the design is.

Custom Type 1 Gifts

The Enneagram system is a hot topic right now, and tons of small shops are selling items that relate to each Enneagram type! Here are few cool pieces that would make great gifts for Type 1s.

I’m all about candles and affirmations— this affirmation candle for Type 1s from Rachel P. Tenny checks both of those boxes. The label is designed with an affirmation that any Type 1 needs to hear: “I can show up imperfectly.” Aside from the cool message, this candle smells like nectarine, lilly, and sandalwood, which sounds pretty yum to me.

Everyone can use just one more coffee mug in their life, right? I think this inspirational Type 1 coffee mug from House on the Rock Store would make the perfect gift for almost any Type 1. Even if they’re not a coffee fan, I know they’ll find a way to use the mug and take inspiration from the design, which features three words that describe Type 1s: integrity, defender, and idealist.

Still stuck? Here are a few more ideas.

Self-help book
Spa or massage gift card
Anything organization-related!