Laurie, la flâneuse

Haven’t figured out what to give your introvert? Or do you need a wish list of your own to pass on? Want to give yourself something special? Too late for the big wishes? Take notes this year on what you want next year and mark it on your new 2010 calendar!

Here’s my Top 10 Holiday Gifts for Your Introvert (or for yourself!)

10. Gift certificate for a favorite coffee shop. For introverts, purchasing the beverage comes with the perk of a public, yet quiet and cozy, place to read, write or just chill out.

9. Gift certificate for a favorite bookstore (double the pleasure: find a bookstore with its own coffee shop). Introverts love reading books, but we also love browsing and shopping for books.

8. Book of movie coupons. If your introvert prefers watching flicks at home, give a subscription to an online rental service like Netflix, and throw in some popcorn and jumbo-sized candy.

7. Spa gift certificate for a massage or other pampering treatment. REALLY delight your introvert, and indicate that the service provider is to refrain from TALKING while pampering your introvert.

 6. Inner life supplies Notice what your introvert enjoys at home, and give accordingly. Consider workshop tools, a writing journal, an easel or paints, a favorite CD or DVD, yoga supplies, or a book by the introvert’s favorite author.

 5. Room. Secretly clear out and fix up an unused room or storage area, and give your introvert a just for you space.

4. The whole house. If the introvert has kids, take them away for the weekend – temporarily and with permission, of course – and let the introvert enjoy the whole house! (Bonus: have a cleaning service come in first.)

 3. A retreat.  Make reservations or purchase a gift certificate at a B&B, beach house, luxury hotel, or rustic cabin (depending on the introvert), and give your introvert a solitary all-expenses-paid escape!

 2. Exemption from your office holiday party. Promise, in writing, that you will not ask your introvert to attend your office party or holiday social events with anyone other than close, pre-approved friends and family. Throw in some inner life supplies (#6) or a gift certificate (#7-10) for introvert-style entertainment.

1. A getaway, not a get-together, for the holidays. Retreat together, and let travel be your celebration, rather than decorations and parties.