The Perfect Gift for Your Valentine Based on Their Love Language

Have you ever done something a little different that made your partner feel extra special? You were probably speaking to their love language. Dr. Gary Chapman, a renowned marriage counselor and author of The Five Love Languages discovered that everyone “speaks” a primary love language, or a way that they express and experience love emotionally. We feel “best loved” when our partner speaks to us in our love language. On the contrary, we can feel frustrated or unheard when they do not.

The Five Love Languages has become a worldwide bestseller and millions of people have uncovered theirs. So if you’d like to give better this Valentine’s Day, try these love language gift suggestions that your sweetheart will “hear” loud and clear.

Receiving Gifts

Dr. Chapman clarifies, “Don’t mistake this love language for materialism. The receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift.” This person doesn’t want you to break the bank, they’re interested in your intention. Small but meaningful gifts show them they’re on your mind and serve as physical reminders of how much you love them. Here are a few small gifts that mean a lot to people of this love language.

• Deliver a special package and a heartfelt note to their desk at work.
• Surprise them with their favorite breakfast or hot beverage in the morning.
• Sneak their favorite snack or treat into their lunchbox.

Acts of Service

The words this person wants to hear most often are: “Let me do that for you.” So this Valentine’s Day, ask yourself what you can do to make his or her life a little easier.

• Take on a project they’ve been putting off, like vacuuming their car.
• Research activities you can do together over the weekend or on an upcoming trip.
• Service-based gift cards like a pedicure, car wash, or a food delivery service will speak volumes to this person.

Words of Affirmation

It’s not enough to tell this person “I love you.” Their love language thrives on knowing why. Nothing beats a handwritten note for person whose love language is Words of Affirmation. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to brush off those writing skills and let them know why they’re special.

• Fill a jar with Post-it notes, each listing a reason they’re special to you. Tell your partner to open one each day.
• Make them a Spotify playlist (or get retro and burn them a CD) with songs that remind you of them.
• Send them on a scavenger hunt with heartfelt notes hidden along the way.

Quality Time

This person appreciates when their partner carves out a day to spend together—even if you don’t have all the details planned. Here are a few ways to make your Quality Time partner feel loved.

• Go on a long drive with them. Good tunes and a beautiful view are the perfect setting for some one-on-one time.
• Take a class together. Learning something new together is a bucket filler for the person who speaks in quality time. Try painting, cooking, dancing, or axe throwing together!
• The simple gesture of leaving your phone in the car while you’re out for lunch speaks volumes to this person. They thrive on having your undivided attention.

Physical Touch

Luckily, Quality Time and Physical Touch are two love languages that are easy to combine. Look for opportunities to greet them with kisses, massage their neck after a long day, or simply snuggle on the couch in front of a movie.

• Go for a stroll through the city or a nature walk while holding hands and taking in the beauty of your surroundings.
• Take them dancing!
• Book a couples massage together. A relaxing massage would be a huge treat for this person—especially if they can hold your hand.

Learning what makes your loved one feel special and cared for is the key to unlocking what they really want. Creating the ideal Valentine’s Day for your love becomes very simple once you know the language (or languages) that speak to their heart.