Best Stardew Valley Gifts NPCs Will Love

Mobile Games

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

  1. Stardew Valley Gift-Giving Mechanics
  2. Best Stardew Valley Gifts for NPCs
    1. Sebastian
    2. Alex
    3. Elliott
    4. Harvey
    5. Sam
    6. Shane
    7. Penny
    8. Leah
    9. Abigail
    10. Emily
    11. Haley
    12. Maru
  3. Final Word on Stardew Valley Gifts

 

Stardew Valley Gift-Giving Mechanics

Stardew Valley gifts have positive and negative effects on relationships so choose wisely
Screenshot from Stardew Valley trailer by Chucklefish/ConcernedApe

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

Sebastian is the only Stardew Valley character that loves the Void egg
Photo by ISSSloth on StardewValley.net

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

Alex is an athletic type of person who loves meals
Photo by Wren on StardewValley.net

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

Elliott is a poet with a taste for fine gifts
Photo by Steven on SteamCommunity.com

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

Harvey prefers receiving healthy meals and vegetables as gifts
Photo by Widget on StardewValley.net

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

Sam is affectionate as a friend or spouse in the game
Photo by ConcernedApe on StardewValley.net

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

Shane loves beer so it is the best Stardew Valley gift for him
Photo by Swelly on SteamCommunity.com

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

Penny is the only character in Stardew Valley that likes poppies
Photo by Plunata on StardewValley.net

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

Leah is a lovely character who likes sculpting and eating food
Photo by Jxt09 on SteamCommunity.com

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

Abigail has eccentric tastes when it comes to Stardew Valley gifts
Photo by ConcernedApe on Steam

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

Emily loves receiving clothing materials the most
Photo by Muggins on SteamCommunity.com

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

The best Stardew Valley gifts for Haley are those that match her chic personality
Photo by ConcernedApe on StardewValley.net

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

Maru loves to receive gifts she can use for her inventions
Photo by FNDSH1 on SteamCommunity.com

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.