Though we may think of introverts as being antisocial, this is somewhat of a misconception. Rather than being disagreeable, Sheldon-esque individuals – as much as we love The Big Bang Theory – they simply prefer peace and quiet to noise and commotion, and are at ease in their own company. In a world led by lively extroverts, some people are drawn towards introspection and calm.
Founded by German psychologist Felicitas Heyne in 2011, World Introvert Day serves to debunk the myths around introverted people and recognize the contributions they make to society. The holiday season can put a lot of pressure on people to be upbeat and gregarious, so tomorrow, January 2nd, seems like an ideal time to give introverts their due.
And to give them a gift, of course. May we suggest one of the following for the inward-looking person in your life?
For the Music Enthusiast
They might not be clamoring to join you for a round of karaoke, but an introvert can still appreciate good music. Hook them up with this Bluetooth speaker, and they can enhance a cozy reading nook, set the scene for a relaxing bath, or source background music to help them meditate. Charge the speaker for 2.5 hours to have it reach 100% – your socially spent friend can recharge their social battery in the meantime.
For the Secret Card Shark
Trust us, introverts don’t spend all their time playing Solitaire on Windows 95. Personalize a set of playing cards with Zazzle – available in a variety of styles, including Go Fish, Pinochle, and Canasta – and give someone a deck that’s been curated precisely for that game. It could be the prelude to a new Poker tournament tradition! Card games are laid back and less taxing than an action-packed sport or lawn game, so they’re a comfortable way for withdrawn people to unwind.
For the Creative Diarist
Just because someone is quiet doesn’t mean they have nothing to say! Design a one-of-a-kind notebook, journal, or planner, and the recipient can be as ‘vocal’ as they like in a safe, personal space! Appeal to their interests and ambitions by giving them a blank canvas on which to articulate their thoughts, write the Great American Novel, and even schedule social events. Notebooks are easy to personalize, too, with stickers, labels, and rubber stamps. We just can’t stay quiet about our stationery, frankly!
For the Amateur Horticulturist
Even if someone doesn’t spend much time outdoors, they can still cultivate their green fingers. Give someone a house plant – a bonsai tree, say, or an aloe vera plant – and you’ve given them not only a decoration, but a way of refreshing a room. The plant will remove toxins and pollutants from the air, and inject some color into a drab space. Learn more about the soothing power of nature with our article on “Which Houseplants Are Right For You?” Plant a seed in the mind of your recipient, and watch their home garden grow and grow!
For the Problem Solver
Working on a puzzle can put you in a trance-like, ruminative state; the mysteries of the world could get solved while you’re searching for those elusive corner pieces. In case you know someone on the cusp of an epiphany, browse our customizable puzzles, available in a range of sizes and styles. Increase the challenge by scaling up the product to 1014 pieces, and have a think about the artwork. Do you want to opt for a scene that exudes calm and serenity, or transport them to an exotic location from the comfort of their bedroom?
For the Funny Fashionista
To be honest, in 2025, almost everyone is a little introverted. In a world populated by screens and streaming services, we spend more time indoors than we used to do. As a result, plenty of you should be able to relate to the sentiments expressed on our funny shirts for introverts – those that give morning people a well-deserved scolding, for example! Adapt a published t-shirt template for your recipient, or fashion your own rebuke of the outside world with our custom shirt options.
For the Cat and Coffee Lover
If you know someone who proudly identifies as an introvert, then one of our decorative mugs should help them to reaffirm their love of cats and hot beverages. They might not necessarily be shouting it from the rooftops, but anyone in their immediate vicinity will know where they stand. Upload a photo of their own pet to further emphasise the point!
For the Craft Supplies Collector
We often produce our best creative work when we’re on our own and without distractions. To encourage that imaginative streak in someone you love, why not give them a set of colorful stickers and craft supplies? Present them with ribbon to spruce up their latest DIY project, or give them a roll of fabric to use as home décor or for upholstery. A binder could even help them build their portfolio! If your homebody doesn’t already have an arts-and-crafts corner in their room, you can expect to see one forming the next time you call.
For the Wrapped-Up Recipient
Hello darkness, my old friend; I’m under the blanket, once again. Check out our luxurious throws for the ultimate companion to those cold winter mornings, whether wrapped around your recipient or nestled at the foot of their bed. Upload their favorite photos to a custom blanket, and watch your spouse, friend, or family member majestically build themselves a cocoon for reading, watching movies, or simply zoning out. Blankets also symbolize ‘me-time,’ making them a good way of quietly promoting self-care and downtime.
For the Experience-Seeking Individual
Subscription boxes make a lot of sense for introverts – they get to try new things and receive sumptuous gifts without having to venture too far. There’s a subscription service out there for almost any interest, but some of our favorites include Wine of the Month, Bean Box, and a succulent service for those newly minted herb growers and gardeners. Sign up to a full year’s subscription if you’re feeling particularly generous!
Hopefully you know more about introversion from this article (or at least more about what to give someone whom you would describe as introverted). As we noted in “Gifts That Match the Energy of the Extrovert in Your Life” a few days ago, though, people can display both introverted and extroverted traits, so do check out that post to find other recommendations that might resonate with you. And let us know in the comments below how you plan to celebrate World Introvert Day – even if it’s just sitting at home, catching up on Zazzle Ideas articles!
Eoin is a Content Specialist at Zazzle in Cork. He’s recently bought a house with his fiancée, and thus most of his time these days is spent trying to keep the walls from caving in and the wolves from the door. Still, he’s always open to book, game, and movie recommendations, so if you have some, let him know: he’ll add them to a very, very long list.
