What is the key to buying a great personalised gift for a kid?
We spend a lot of time mulling over such questions here. Normally we land on something abstract, more thoughts and feelings than anything methodical. But, just this time I want to try and keep one eye on arriving at a more definitive conclusion.
If you think about it, it all comes down to one thing. Personality. What’s right for little Billy might not cut the mustard for young Francine. After all, Billy always has his head in a book and is generally very calm and considered. Whereas Francine is a bundle of energy, forever charging around and can’t/won’t concentrate on any one thing for more than a few minutes at a time. What would work for Billy likely wouldn’t be suitable for Francine.
So, how do you work out the personality of the child you’re buying for? And, in turn, how do you match that personality type to the perfect gift?
To help us find the answer; meet Hippocrates.
Hippocrates was a physician in ancient Greece, considered to be one of the world’s outstanding contributors to medicine. You’ve probably heard of the Hippocratic Oath, which is still an important part of the code of ethics subscribed to by modern medics.
Hippocrates theorised (all the way back in 400 BC) that everyone is born with a distinct personality type and unique characteristics. The four personality types, according to him, are choleric, sanguine, melancholic and phlegmatic.
Let’s take a little look at what each one means.
Choleric –
These are your classic extroverts, the leaders of the pack, those that follow the beat of their own drum. If your kid is independent, knows what they want and demonstrates a lot of ambition, could be that they fit into this category.
Famous Cholerics: Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, Margaret Thatcher
What is the Choleric temperament?
Sanguine –
You’ll spot this type from a mile off as they tend to be a real chatterbox, the gregarious type that is always in the midst of things. A natural charisma comes easy and they might even be considered something of a risk-taker.
Famous Sanguines: Bill Murray, Madonna, Elvis Presley
Melancholic –
Thinkers, feelers, tortured poets. A melancholic personality doesn’t want to be singled out from the crowd, but they tend to be thoughtful individuals, introverted perfectionists who are detail orientated.
Famous Melancholics: Tom Hardy, Queen Elizabeth II, Albert Einstein
17 benefits and traits of a melancholic temperament
Phlegmatic –
If they’re so relaxed they’re basically horizontal, chances are they have a phlegmatic personality. Whilst normally highly empathetic, they’ll often mask their own emotions as a form of self-protection.
Famous Phlegmatics: Bill Gates, Keanu Reeves, Walt Disney
So, it turns out that if you’re in the market for a gift for a kid and you’re not sure where to turn, there really is only on thing for it: just ask old-man Hippocrates and he’ll set you straight!
For your Choleric Personalities
If they know exactly what they want why not visualise it with a Map of Everyone, that way they’ve always got a visual reminder up on their wall. Alternatively, put their favourite motivational quote onto a Gift Generator Canvas to help them get mentally prepared for each and every day.
For your Sanguine Personalities
A Gift Generator Blanket could be absolutely perfect, just to remind them to relax sometimes! Or get all their friends and family involved in their celebration with The Video of Everyone. They’re sure to adore all the fuss!
For your Melancholic Personalities
A Gift Generator Journal seems appropriate for those with a melancholic personality. Not only will they have something in which to note down their thoughts and feelings, but you can put something fun and inspirational on the front to remind them how fun life can be!
For your Phlegmatic Personalities
Wise(ish) Words for Kids is a great opportunity to let them know how wonderful they are, and how it’s okay to be themselves. If not, a Gift Generator Mug could be their daily reminder that they’re not the odd one out!
There’s obviously an element of subjectivity to this system, particularly as we’re approaching it as enthusiastic amateurs. But it can’t hurt to be a little more analytical about the gift selection process, right before you add the real heart and soul with all that personalisation 🙂
