The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to spread joy than by giving gifts that resonate with the unique play personalities of your friends and colleagues?

Using Dr. Stuart Brown’s renowned framework from his book Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul, we’ve crafted the ultimate guide for tapping into your inner child through thoughtful gifting. Whether you’re a Joker, Explorer, Director, or any other play personality, this guide has got you covered with both budget-friendly free actions and thoughtful gifts.

In this article:

 

01. The Joker

The Joker play personality thrives on humor, silliness, and bringing joy to others. They are often the life of the party, effortlessly breaking the ice with their wit and ability to make people laugh. This playful archetype sees life as an opportunity to entertain and connect through humor. Here’s some gift ideas for them:

Paid: Fun gadgets, joke books. Check out Drybar Comedy or Dropout TV.
Free: Host a virtual comedy night or create a playlist of funny videos to share.

02. The Kinesthete

The Kinesthete thrives on movement and feels most alive when physically active. Whether it’s dancing, running, climbing, or even fidgeting, they express their playfulness through their body. They seek joy in motion and often prefer activities that engage their senses and coordination. For the Kinesthete, play isn’t just about fun—it’s a way to connect with their inner vitality and the world around them. They often bring an energetic, dynamic presence to any environment, inspiring others to get moving too. Here’s some gift ideas for them:

Paid: Yoga mats, dance class vouchers. Explore Fit Gear Basics.
Free: Organize a group run or outdoor exercise session at a local park.

03. The Explorer

The Explorer finds joy in discovery and thrives on curiosity. For them, play means seeking new experiences, whether it’s traveling to unfamiliar places, diving into new ideas, or exploring emotions and relationships. They’re driven by a sense of wonder, always searching for something novel or meaningful. Explorers engage with the world through adventure, experimentation, and a desire to expand their horizons, bringing excitement and fresh perspectives to those around them.

Paid: Virtual reality headset or travel guides. Visit The Nomadic Network.
Free: Plan a new local hiking trail exploration or share researched travel itineraries.

04. The Competitor

The Competitor finds play in the thrill of challenge and the pursuit of victory. They thrive in games, contests, and any activity where they can test their skills against others—or even themselves. Whether it’s sports, board games, or professional goals, Competitors are driven by the desire to win and improve. For them, play is about strategy, achievement, and the satisfaction of overcoming obstacles. Their energy and focus often inspire others to bring their best to the table.

Paid: Board games, sports equipment. Discover Board Game Arena.
Free: Organize a challenge or friendly competition like a trivia night.

05. The Director

The Director finds joy in planning, organizing, and leading others toward a shared goal. Their play is in orchestrating events, creating experiences, and bringing people together in meaningful ways. Whether it’s planning a party, leading a project, or organizing a game, Directors delight in crafting the vision and seeing it come to life. They are natural leaders who thrive on collaboration and enjoy the satisfaction of seeing their plans unfold successfully. For them, play is about creating structure for connection and fun.

Paid: Event planning tools or leadership books. Browse Top Leadership Books.
Free: Offer to assist in hosting or organizing an event they’ve been planning.

06. The Collector

The Collector finds play in acquiring and curating treasures, whether physical objects, unique experiences, or even memories. They delight in gathering what they love, from stamps and rare items to travel destinations or new friendships. For Collectors, the joy is not just in owning but in discovering, organizing, and sharing their collections with others. Their enthusiasm for their passions often sparks curiosity and admiration in those around them, making them natural storytellers and connectors.

Paid: Unique collectibles or subscription boxes. Check Loot Crate.
Free: Create a digital scrapbook or photo collection of shared experiences.

07. The Storyteller

The Storyteller finds play in imagination, narrative, and self-expression. They thrive on creating and sharing stories, whether through writing, speaking, acting, or even daydreaming. For them, play is about weaving worlds, characters, and emotions that captivate others. Storytellers bring people together through shared experiences, evoking laughter, tears, or awe. Their ability to find meaning in the mundane and magic in the ordinary makes them deeply engaging and inspiring companions.

Paid: Books or theater tickets. Check out Top 100 Books Scratch Off Poster.
Free: Host a story-sharing night or write and share a short story together.

08. The Artist/Creator

The Artist/Creator finds play in self-expression through creating something new. Whether it’s painting, designing, crafting, or building, they thrive on the process of bringing ideas to life. For them, play is about experimentation and exploration, where they can push boundaries, innovate, and transform their visions into tangible forms. The joy of creation fuels their passion, and they often inspire others by sharing their unique perspectives and artistic endeavors. Artists and Creators see the world as a canvas, constantly finding new ways to express beauty and meaning.

Paid: DIY kits or art supplies. Check out this Travel Watercolor Set.
Free: Arrange a collaborative art project or a creative brainstorming session.

If you’re intrigued and wish to delve deeper into identifying your play personality or that of your loved ones, download our Play Personality Assessment Guide.