Stuck on what to give this holiday season? Combining CliftonStrengths® and gift giving offer a way to forget the guesswork and generic presents—what if you could give something that truly matters?
Imagine a gift that sparks personal growth, strengthens relationships, or even boosts workplace morale. What if your present could inspire and empower others to reach their full potential?
By combining the power of CliftonStrengths® with gift giving, you can create meaningful, lasting impact. These aren’t just gifts—they’re a celebration of each person’s unique talents and strengths.
Why Strengths-Based Gifting Matters
Strengths-based gifting takes a personalized approach, ensuring your gift resonates deeply with the recipient and offers lasting value. Instead of opting for generic presents, your gifts can:
Enhance Self-Discovery and Growth: Help individuals embark on a journey of self-exploration and development by investing in their natural talents.
Spark Personal and Professional Joy: Encourage learning, creativity, and fun by aligning gifts with the recipient’s passions and interests.
Boost Engagement and Morale: For teams and colleagues, show appreciation in meaningful ways that motivate and inspire.
Deepen Relationships: Demonstrate a deep understanding and appreciation of the unique qualities that make your loved ones and coworkers special.
Practical Gift Ideas Based on CliftonStrengths®
Below are gift suggestions tailored to all 34 CliftonStrengths® themes. Whether for close friends, family, or colleagues, these ideas will bring a deeper, Strengths-based touch to your holiday gifting.
CliftonStrengths® and Gift Giving: Executing Themes
Achiever
Gift Idea: Productivity planner, fitness tracker, or goal-setting journal.
Why: Achievers thrive on accomplishing tasks. Tools that support their productivity and goal-setting will inspire them.
Arranger
Gift Idea: Organizational tools, like color-coded planners, multi-tasking gadgets, or home office accessories.
Why: Arrangers love creating order in complexity.
Belief
Gift Idea: Gifts aligned with their values, like donations to their favorite charity or books on purpose-driven living.
Why: People with Belief value meaningful gifts that reflect their core convictions.
Consistency
Gift Idea: Quality tools that promote routine—like meal prep kits, a daily journal, or habit trackers.
Why: They appreciate stability and gifts that help maintain balance.
Deliberative
Gift Idea: High-quality, durable products such as leather notebooks or carefully curated books.
Why: They value thoughtfulness and quality over quantity.
Discipline
Gift Idea: Planners, calendars, or systems that streamline their schedules.
Why: People with Discipline enjoy structure and organization.
Focus
Gift Idea: Noise-canceling headphones or tools that minimize distractions.
Why: They appreciate gifts that help them concentrate on their priorities.
Responsibility
Gift Idea: Personalized thank-you gifts or items that reflect reliability, such as quality notebooks or journals.
Why: They appreciate heartfelt recognition and tools to manage their commitments.
Restorative
Gift Idea: Problem-solving games, puzzle sets, or repair kits.
Why: They love fixing things and finding solutions.
CliftonStrengths® and Gift Giving: Influencing Themes
Activator
Gift Idea: Motivational books, goal-setting workshops, or subscriptions to inspiring podcasts.
Why: Activators are energized by action.
Command
Gift Idea: Leadership books, strategy board games, or bold statement pieces.
Why: They appreciate gifts that showcase strength and decisiveness.
Communication
Gift Idea: Podcasting equipment, storytelling workshops, or personalized stationery.
Why: Communicators love sharing ideas and connecting through words.
Competition
Gift Idea: Fitness challenges, competitive games, or achievement-based rewards.
Why: They are motivated by measurable wins.
Maximizer
Gift Idea: High-end or personalized gifts, like premium notebooks or luxury experiences.
Why: Maximizers appreciate excellence and quality.
Self-Assurance
Gift Idea: Empowerment books, bold accessories, or mentorship experiences.
Why: They value confidence and independence.
Significance
Gift Idea: Personalized awards, legacy-focused gifts, or unique keepsakes.
Why: They want gifts that reflect their impact.
Woo (Winning Others Over)
Gift Idea: Social experiences, event tickets, or conversation starter kits.
Why: People with Woo enjoy building connections.
CliftonStrengths® and Gift Giving: Relationship Building Themes
Adaptability
Gift Idea: Travel gear, flexible planners, or spontaneous experiences.
Why: Adaptability thrives in the moment.
Connectedness
Gift Idea: Nature experiences, mindfulness kits, or spiritual books.
Why: They appreciate gifts that honor meaningful connections.
Developer
Gift Idea: Mentoring resources, coaching tools, or personalized feedback journals.
Why: Developers love helping others grow.
Empathy
Gift Idea: Emotional expression journals or customized keepsakes.
Why: Empathy thrives on meaningful connections.
Harmony
Gift Idea: Calming gifts like essential oil diffusers, yoga sets, or soothing teas.
Why: They value peace and balance.
Includer
Gift Idea: Group experiences or collaborative games.
Why: They thrive when bringing others together.
Individualization
Gift Idea: Personalized gifts tailored to their preferences.
Why: They appreciate gifts that reflect unique qualities.
Positivity
Gift Idea: Inspirational decor, upbeat playlists, or fun experiences.
Why: They radiate joy and appreciate light-hearted gifts.
Relator
Gift Idea: Intimate gatherings or personalized letters.
Why: They value close, authentic relationships.
CliftonStrengths® and Gift Giving: Strategic Thinking Themes
Analytical
Gift Idea: Data-driven tools, puzzles, or logic games.
Why: They enjoy diving deep into analysis.
Context
Gift Idea: Historical books, ancestry kits, or personalized photo albums.
Why: They appreciate the past’s significance.
Futuristic
Gift Idea: Vision boards, futuristic tech gadgets, or innovation books.
Why: They love imagining what’s next.
Ideation
Gift Idea: Brainstorming tools, creative journals, or innovative board games.
Why: They thrive on generating new ideas.
Input
Gift Idea: Books, subscriptions, or knowledge-based tools.
Why: They love collecting information.
Intellection
Gift Idea: Thought-provoking books, journals, or quiet retreats.
Why: They enjoy deep thinking and reflection.
Learner
Gift Idea: Online courses, educational subscriptions, or skill-building workshops.
Why: Learners crave growth and knowledge.
Strategic
Gift Idea: Strategy games, mind-mapping tools, or problem-solving resources.
Why: They love identifying patterns and creating solutions.
A Gift That Keeps Giving
This holiday season, let your gifts reflect the unique Strengths of those you care about. By aligning your gifts with CliftonStrengths®, you’re not just giving an item—you’re empowering others to unlock their full potential.
CliftonStrengths® and Gift Giving in the Workplace
For leaders and HR professionals, integrating CliftonStrengths® into corporate gifting can significantly enhance employee engagement. For example:
Team Retreats or Workshops: Host a Strengths-based workshop to deepen team connections.
Customized Recognition: Celebrate employees’ top Strengths with tailored gifts, such as desk decor featuring their themes.
Personalized Development Plans: Offer resources like coaching sessions or books aligned with their Strengths.
These gestures not only show appreciation but also invest in employees’ growth, boosting morale and retention.
A Gateway to Self-Discovery
For those who have yet to discover their Strengths, why not offer the gift of discovery itself? Imagine giving someone the tools to unlock their unique talents and set them on a path to personal and professional growth. Consider these thoughtful options:
CliftonStrengths® Assessment Access: Share a code for Gallup’s CliftonStrengths® assessment, giving them a chance to uncover their top Strengths and understand their natural potential.
Coaching Sessions: Pair the assessment with one-on-one coaching to help them explore their results and learn how to use their Strengths effectively.
Books or Resources: Gift inspiring materials like “StrengthsFinder 2.0,” which provide practical guidance on how to embrace and develop their talents. (Check out my own resources here!)
This isn’t just a gift; it’s a life-changing experience that encourages self-awareness, confidence, and growth. What better way to show you care?
Final Thoughts
This holiday season, let your gifts reflect the unique Strengths of those you care about. Whether for a close friend, a family member, or your team at work, Strengths-based gifting turns the season of giving into a season of growth. Embrace the power of CliftonStrengths® to create deeper connections and inspire others on their journey of self-development.
If you’re looking to elevate your Strengths-based impact in 2025, check out my unique offerings, each one dedicated to helping you align with your talents and reach new levels of well-being and success.
