Stardew Valley offers more than just farming, that is why it is one of the best simulation RPGs of all time and many mobile games like Stardew Valley are emerging. In fact, the game adds relationship-building as a way for your character to make friends with or get married to a non-playable character or NPC, a significant drift from traditional farming simulators. In Stardew Valley, the easiest method to win a bachelor’s or bachelorette’s heart is just like in real life: shower him or her with presents. Whether you just started playing or not and are clueless on what to give, this guide on Stardew Valley gifts is for you.
Inside This Article
Stardew Valley Gift-Giving Mechanics
Before we head straight to the best Stardew Valley gifts for each eligible NPC in the game, it is important to know the mechanics of giving presents. You’ll find it helpful, especially if you are new to the game.
The Goal: Fill Stardew Valley Relationship Meter
Each NPC has a relationship meter represented by 10 hearts, which you should fill to strengthen your relationship with the character. To elaborate, the meter is 2,500 friendship points in total, with each heart accounting for 250 points. A full meter means you can marry the character. Once the NPC is married to your character, the game adds extra hearts for you to fill.
Note that if you give a bachelor or bachelorette something he or she dislikes or hates, you can lose points. Also, Stardew Valley gifts have different point values, so you need to be wiser in picking the items to fill the meter faster. This will be discussed as we go further in the article.
The Rule: 2 Stardew Valley Gifts per Week
You are only allowed to give Stardew Valley gifts twice a week per character. Additionally, that is limited to one present a day. The rule has an exception, which is the extra present allowed on the NPC’s birthday. That means you can give up to three gifts during an NPC’s birthday week.
The Tip: Stardew Valley Gifts and Interaction Work Well Together
While Stardew Valley gifts are a surefire way to become an NPC’s best buddy or partner in life fast, those alone are not the only thing you need.
Just like communication is vital in any bond, interaction is a must in building relationships in the game; for instance, do quests for or participate in in-game events with the character, and talk to them daily. That makes up for the points you miss during days you cannot give gifts.
Best Stardew Valley Gifts for NPCs
Every character eligible for marriage in the game has a unique personality, so some of the presents that appeal to him or her the most vary. We make it easier for you by breaking down the best Stardew Valley gifts for each of the 12 NPCs. Furthermore, we’ve added their birthdays and brief descriptions of their character. The latter is in case you are not decided yet on who to befriend or marry.
1. Sebastian
Birthday: 10th of Winter
Sebastian is an introvert, geek, and gamer who has family issues. Given that, he might be challenging to befriend in the game. On the other hand, he is one of the most preferred bachelors by many Stardew Valley players because he is said to be honest with his feelings after becoming friends with you.
Sebastian lives in the basement of his family’s home in the northern mountains. He often hangs out near the place. If not, look for him at the train station, fish shop, or saloon.
Sebastian’s choice of Stardew Valley gifts is eccentric because it includes the typically hated Void egg.
Loves (+80 Points) | Likes (+45 Points) | Neutral (+20 Points) |
---|---|---|
Void Egg | Flounder | Bread |
Frozen Tear | Quartz and other Minerals | Truffle |
Obsidian | Gems (other than Prismatic Shard) | Tea Leaves |
Sashimi | Fruits | Squid Ink |
Prismatic Shard | Vegetables | Sweet Gem Berry |
Magic Rock Candy | Maple Syrup | Nautilus and Rainbow Shells |
Pearl | Life Elixir | Roe |
Rabbit’s Foot | Flowers (except Dandelion and Daffodil) | Clam |
Golden Pumpkin | Coral | |
Duck Feather | ||
Hops | ||
Wheat | ||
Wool |
2. Alex
Birthday: 13th of Summer
Alex, formerly known as Josh based on an old Stardew Valley Developer Update, is a jock or sports fan with a dream of becoming a professional one day. His jersey or exercise outfit gives that away. Also, he can be boastful at times, which is a stereotype trait for athletes.
Alex lives near Pierre’s General Store. He usually hangs out at the beach or spa for his daily workouts, depending on the season. In terms of Stardew Valley gifts, Alex prefers a complete breakfast and Salmon dinner the most. His other favorite presents are below:
Loves (+80 Points) | Likes (+45 Points) | Neutral (+20 Points) |
---|---|---|
Complete Breakfast | Eggs (except Void, Fried variants) | Bread |
Salmon Dinner | Cooked Food (except Bread and Strange Bun) | Fried Egg |
Golden Pumpkin | Maple Syrup | Truffle |
Rabbit’s Foot | Fruits | Tea Leaves |
Prismatic Shard | Vegetables | Squid Ink |
Magic Rock Candy | Minerals | Sweet Gem Berry |
Pearl | Gems (other than Prismatic Shard) | Nautilus and Rainbow Shells |
Artisan Goods (except Void Mayonnaise and Oil) | Roe | |
Life Elixir | Clam | |
Flowers (except Poppies) | Coral | |
Duck Feather | ||
Hops | ||
Wheat | ||
Wool |
3. Elliott
Birthday: 5th of Fall
Elliott is a hopeless-romantic writer-slash-poet so he tends to speak like a noble and act snooty at times. Contrary to this personality, he lives in a humble cabin near Willy’s Fish Shop and typically spends time off at the beach or the Stardrop Saloon.
With regard to Stardew Valley gifts, Elliott’s favorites would include some of the finest food in the game.
Loves (+80 Points) | Likes (+45 Points) | Neutral (+20 Points) |
---|---|---|
Crab Cake | Octopus | Bread |
Tom Kha Soup | Squid | Fried Egg |
Pomegranate | Artisan Goods (except Void Mayonnaise and Oil) | Truffle |
Duck Feather | Cooked Food (except Pizza, Fried Egg, Bread, and Strange Bun) | Tea Leaves |
Golden Pumpkin | Flowers (except Poppies) | Squid Ink |
Prismatic Shard | Minerals (except Quartz) | Sweet Gem Berry |
Pearl | Fruits (except Pomegranate and Salmon Berry) | Nautilus and Rainbow Shells |
Magic Rock Candy | Gems (except Limestone and Tigerseye) | Roe |
Rabbit’s Foot | Vegetables (except Amaranth) | Clam |
Maple Syrup | Coral | |
Life Elixir | Hops | |
Wheat | ||
Wool |
4. Harvey
Birthday: 14th of Winter
Harvey lives in the same building where the clinic he works for is situated, so you already have a hint on his profession: a doctor. You can find him at the saloon or museum when he is not at home or work.
Personality-wise, Harvey is described as happy to be of service to all, yet might be gloomy inside.
When it comes to Stardew Valley gifts you can give to him, don’t settle for junk food. He seems to prefer healthy food more.
Loves (+80 Points) | Likes (+45 Points) | Neutral (+20 Points) |
---|---|---|
Super Meal | Chanterelle, Morel, Common and Purple Mushrooms | Bread |
Pickles | Spring Onion and Leek | Fried Egg |
Wine | Wild Horseradish | Truffle |
Truffle Oil | Snow Yam | Tea Leaves |
Coffee | Winter Root | Squid Ink |
Golden Pumpkin | Goat Milk (regular and large) | Sweet Gem Berry |
Rabbit’s Foot | Duck Egg and Feather | Roe |
Prismatic Shard | Hazelnut | Clam |
Pearl | Daffodil | Coral |
Magic Rock Candy | Dandelion | Hops |
Holly | Wheat | |
Maple Syrup | Wool | |
Artisan Goods (except Void Mayonnaise and Oil) | ||
Fruits (except Pomegranate and Salmon Berry) | ||
Gems (other than Prismatic Shard) |
5. Sam
Birthday: 17th of Summer
Sam is a music lover and skateboard enthusiast who dreams to form a professional band. He is a happy-go-lucky guy, so he is approachable.
Sam lives south of town and works at JojaMart. Additionally, his favorite hangout spots are the Stardrop Saloon, beach, and woods, depending on the season.
Matching his carefree personality, Sam prefers Stardew Valley gifts that can be thought of as stereotypical for a character like him: junk food.
Loves (+80 Points) | Likes (+45 Points) | Neutral (+20 Points) |
---|---|---|
Pizza | Joja Cola | Bread |
Maple Bar | Eggs (except Void variant) | Fried Egg |
Cactus Fruit | Artisan Goods (except Void, Duck and regular Mayonnaise variants, and Oil) | Truffle |
Magic Rock Candy | Cooked Food (except Fried Egg, Bread, and Strange Bun) | Tea Leaves |
Tigerseye | Maple Syrup | Squid Ink |
Prismatic Shard | Fruits | Sweet Gem Berry |
Pearl | Minerals (other than Tigerseye, except Quartz) | Nautilus and Rainbow Shells |
Golden Pumpkin | Gems (other than Prismatic Shard) | Roe |
Rabbit’s Foot | Life Elixir | Clam |
Flowers (except Poppies) | Coral | |
Duck Feather | ||
Hops | ||
Wheat | ||
Wool |
6. Shane
Birthday: 20th of Spring
Shane is depressed and dependent on alcohol. As a result, he has a bad-boy personality. That can be gradually changed as you build a good relationship with him.
Furthermore, Shane is often at JojaMart because of work but can be found at Marnie’s ranch or the saloon during his off days.
Given that he’s an alcoholic, it is no surprise that one of the best Stardew Valley gifts for Shane is beer. Check out the table below for his other preferences:
Loves (+80 Points) | Likes (+45 Points) | Neutral (+20 Points) |
---|---|---|
Beer | Eggs (except Void and Fried variants) | Bread |
Hot Pepper | Artisan Goods (except Oil, Void Mayonnaise and Pickles) | Fried Egg |
Pepper Poppers | Cooked Food (except Bread and Strange Bun) | Truffle |
Pizza | Fruits (other than Hot Pepper) | Tea Leaves |
Prismatic Shard | Vegetables | Squid Ink |
Magic Rock Candy | Maple Syrup | Sweet Gem Berry |
Pearl | Gems (other than Prismatic Shard) | Nautilus and Rainbow Shells |
Golden Pumpkin | Minerals (except Quartz) | Roe |
Rabbit’s Foot | Life Elixir | Clam |
Flowers (except Poppies) | Coral | |
Duck Feather | ||
Hops | ||
Wheat | ||
Wool |
7. Penny
Birthday: 2nd of Fall
Penny is a fan-favorite among bachelorettes in Stardew Valley. She is a conservative woman who has a soft spot for kids, which is seen as a good trait for a spouse.
She lives in a trailer near the river and you will often find her in the museum because she loves to read and teach.
What are the best Stardew Valley gifts for Penny, you ask? She is pretty easy to please with presents, even loving one of the villagers’ hated gifts: poppies. See the table below for other presents suitable for her:
Loves (+80 Points) | Likes (+45 Points) | Neutral (+20 Points) |
---|---|---|
Poppy | Milk | Bread |
Poppyseed Muffin | Dandelion and other Flowers | Fried Egg |
Melon | Cooked Food (except Alcoholic Drinks, Algae Soup, Fried Egg, Bread, and Strange Bun) | Truffle |
Roots Platter Sandfish | Leek and other Vegetables | Tea Leaves |
Red Plate | Fruits | Squid Ink |
Tom Kha Soup | Gems (other than Prismatic Shard) | Sweet Gem Berry |
Emerald | Minerals (except Quartz) | Nautilus and Rainbow Shells |
Diamond | Life Elixir | Roe |
Prismatic Shard | Artisan Goods (except Void Mayonnaise and Oil) | Clam |
Pearl | Maple Syrup | Coral |
Magic Rock Candy | Duck Feather | |
Golden Pumpkin | Wheat | |
Wool |
8. Leah
Birthday: 23rd of Winter
Leah is a talented sculptor who is looking for a meaningful relationship. In fact, she is often described as mature and affectionate on top of her good looks; that is why she is also one of the most popular romance picks for gamers.
Leah is often in her cottage sculpting, in Pierre’s General Store to shop for materials, or the Stardrop Saloon.
If you think she likes minerals and gems for sculpting, you are right. Also, here are some of the best Stardew Valley gifts for an NPC like her:
Loves (+80 Points) | Likes (+45 Points) | Neutral (+20 Points) |
---|---|---|
Prismatic Shard | Minerals (except Foraged variants) | Fried Egg |
Pearl | Milk | Tea Leaves |
Salad | Daffodil and other Flowers (except Poppies) | Squid Ink |
Stir Fry | Artisan Goods (except Void Mayonnaise and Oil) | Sweet Gem Berry |
Truffle | Cooked Food (except Fried Egg, Bread, and Strange Bun) | Nautilus and Rainbow Shells |
Vegetable Medley | Eggs (except Void variant) | Roe |
Poppyseed Muffin | Fruits | Clam |
Goat Cheese | Vegetables | Coral |
Wine | Maple Syrup | Duck Feather |
Rabbit’s Foot | Life Elixir | Hops |
Magic Rock Candy | Wheat | |
Golden Pumpkin | Wool |
9. Abigail
Birthday: 13th of Fall
Abigail has unusual tastes in things; for instance, her purple-dyed hair and fondness for the graveyard and frogs. Her favorite Stardew Valley gifts reflect that.
If you’re looking for Abigail to give her a present, she’s usually in Pierre’s General Store where she lives, or in the graveyard, museum, or near JojaMart.
Loves (+80 Points) | Likes (+45 Points) | Neutral (+20 Points) |
---|---|---|
Pufferfish | Quartz and other Minerals | Bread |
Spicy Eel | Artisan Goods (except Void Mayonnaise and Oil) | Fried Egg |
Blackberry Cobbler | Cooked Food (except Fried Egg, Bread, and Strange Bun) | Truffle |
Rabbit’s Foot | Flowers (except Poppies) | Tea Leaves |
Chocolate Cake | Maple Syrup | Squid Ink |
Regular and Golden Pumpkin | Gems (other than Prismatic Shard) | Sweet Gem Berry |
Amethyst | Life Elixir | Nautilus and Rainbow Shells |
Prismatic Shard | Roe | |
Magic Rock Candy | Clam | |
Pearl | Coral | |
Duck Feather | ||
Hops | ||
Wheat | ||
Wool |
10. Emily
Birthday: 27th of Spring
Emily is one lively and hardworking tailor at the Stardust Saloon, so she’ll appreciate the most Stardew Valley gifts that can be used as material for clothing.
If Emily is not at the saloon, she’s just at her home in Willow Lane or the crafts room of the Community Center.
Loves (+80 Points) | Likes (+45 Points) | Neutral (+20 Points) |
---|---|---|
Cloth | Quartz and other Minerals | Bread |
Wool | Gems (other than Prismatic Shard) | Fried Egg |
Aquamarine | Cooked Food (except Seafood, Ice Cream, Rice Pudding, Fried Egg, Bread, and Strange Bun) | Truffle |
Emerald | Artisan Goods (except Void Mayonnaise and Oil) | Tea Leaves |
Jade | Vegetables | Squid Ink |
Ruby | Fruits | Sweet Gem Berry |
Topaz | Flowers (except Poppies) | Nautilus and Rainbow Shells |
Amethyst | Maple Syrup | Roe |
Survival Burger | Life Elixir | Clam |
Golden Pumpkin | Coral | |
Magic Rock Candy | Duck Feather | |
Pearl | Hops | |
Prismatic Shard | Wheat | |
Rabbit’s Foot |
11. Haley
Birthday: 14th of Spring
Haley is an unusual choice for many Stardew Valley players because of her egocentric personality. She sometimes insults you if you are still just an acquaintance of her. Haley’s character develops positively, though, as you become friends or enter a relationship with her.
Haley lives south of town and often drops by the fountain area near the Community Center. That is where you will find her if you want to give her presents.
In terms of Stardew Valley gifts to give the bachelorette, you will notice that she loves chic and girly items the most. Prismatic shards are an exception, though.
Loves (+80 Points) | Likes (+45 Points) | Neutral (+20 Points) |
---|---|---|
Pink Cake | Gems (except Prismatic Shard) | Bread |
Sunflower | Minerals | Fried Egg |
Fruit Salad | Daffodil and other flowers (except Poppies) | Truffle |
Coconut | Cooked Food (except Fried Egg, Bread, and Strange Bun) | Tea Leaves |
Magic Rock Candy | Fruits | Squid Ink |
Pearl | Artisan Goods (except Void Mayonnaise and Oil) | Sweet Gem Berry |
Rabbit’s Foot | Maple Syrup | Nautilus and Rainbow Shells |
Golden Pumpkin | Life Elixir | Roe |
Clam | ||
Coral | ||
Duck Feather | ||
Hops | ||
Wheat | ||
Wool |
12. Maru
Birthday: 10th of Summer
Maru is a nurse who is an inventor at heart, so she loves fiddling with tools and machinery. She even developed a robot of her own. Despite being a genius drowned in her projects or experiments, Maru is surprisingly friendly.
You’ll often find her in her house next to Robin’s Carpenter Shop or the Community Center if you want to hand her a present.
When it comes to Stardew Valley gifts for the bachelorette, the best ones include electronics-related items and resources.
Loves (+80 Points) | Likes (+45 Points) | Neutral (+20 Points) |
---|---|---|
Battery Pack | Copper and Iron Bars | Bread |
Gold and Iridium Bars | Quartz and other Minerals | Fried Egg |
Diamond | Gems (other than Prismatic Shard) | Truffle |
Miner’s Treat | Pine Tar | Tea Leaves |
Prismatic Shard | Oak Resin | Squid Ink |
Pepper Poppers | Artisan Goods (except Oil, Void Mayonnaise and Pickles) | Sweet Gem Berry |
Rhubarb Pie | Cooked Food (except Fried Egg, Bread, and Strange Bun) | Nautilus and Rainbow Shells |
Regular and Cheese Cauliflowers | Flowers (except Poppy, Daffodil) | Roe |
Strawberry | Fruits | Clam |
Golden Pumpkin | Vegetables | Coral |
Magic Rock Candy | Life Elixir | Duck Feather |
Pearl | Hops | |
Rabbit’s Foot | Wheat | |
Wool |
Final Word on Stardew Valley Gifts
Stardew Valley gifts are just like presents that you give to your loved ones in real life. There is a challenge of finding out your prospective friend’s or partner’s likes and dislikes, and a sense of fulfillment if the recipient appreciates what you gave. Those are what make Stardew Valley more enjoyable than typical farming simulators.
If you are new to the game, also check out our beginner’s guide for Stardew Valley on mobile. You’ll get the best tips to get you started in this one-of-a-kind farming RPG.