Holiday Gift Guide: For All 5 Love Languages

We’re counting down to Christmas, and with the big day less than two weeks out—I’m guessing you, like many of us, may still be searching for that special gift for some of your loved ones. If you’re tired of scouring Amazon, and ready to just give up and get them a gift card, we got you covered. This year, let’s ditch the guesswork and embrace the wisdom of the five love languages. The best part is, some of these gifts won’t even cost you more than a little effort and imagination. So whether you’re on the naughty or nice list this year, let us all speak of the language(s) of love.

*This post contains affiliate links, which means if you shop through them I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

The Five Love Languages

In case you’re unfamiliar, don’t use dating apps, or have been living off the grid, the concept of the five love languages was introduced by Dr. Gary Chapman in his bestselling book, where he argues that we all have unique ways of expressing and receiving love. These love languages are: Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch. Understanding these languages can transform our relationships, making our connections stronger and our gift-giving more meaningful. By aligning your gift-giving with someone’s love language, you’ll not only avoid the dreaded “Oh, it’s a (insert unwanted gift here)—thanks,” but you’ll also give them something they actually want, bringing true meaning to the phrase, “It’s the thought that counts.” So, let’s unwrap this gift guide, shall we?

1. Words of Affirmation

Words of Affirmation is a love language centered around expressing love and appreciation through verbal and written communication. For individuals who resonate with this love language, hearing kind words, compliments, or expressions of gratitude is essential for feeling valued and connected. They thrive on positive reinforcement and emotional support, and words can deeply impact their sense of self-worth. So, remember to tell them how much you love them. To show love in this way, offer genuine compliments, write heartfelt notes, or simply share your feelings openly. Thoughtful communication can strengthen bonds and create a deeper emotional connection for those who value this love language. You can start with the phrase, “You know what I really love/appreciate about you,” and watch their face light up like a Christmas tree, before you even complete the sentence. So now, let us learn to speak to this love language, with these thoughtful gifts.

Personalized “What I Love About You” book: These cute, personalized books contain thoughtful prompts to inspire you to share words of appreciation about your loved one. It doesn’t take long to fill out the book, and it’s great keepsake they can cherish and revisit, for years to come. I’ve gifted a couple of these custom books to family over the years, and they always bring a sentimental twinkle of happy tears to the eyes.

Custom playlist with heartfelt messages: For those of you out there that are old enough to remember mix tapes, you know what a powerful medium that was. Want to express those deep feelings, which perhaps you yourself just can’t put into words—enter the playlist. Curate a list of meaningful songs, and accompany each with personal note explaining why it reminds you of them. This gives you a chance to get really creative. You could even incorporate photos, quotes, stickers, ticket stubs, or anything you think will enhance the meaning.

*When your love language is Words of Affirmation

“Open when” letters: are a collection of pre-written notes by the gift giver, each meant to be opened at specific times or during particular emotional states. This gift is perfect for those who appreciate Words of Affirmation, as it provides timely, personalized encouragement and support, allowing the recipient to feel loved and understood even when the giver isn’t present. I remember seeing a movie where a mother was dying from cancer, so she wrote letters like this for her child to read on special, milestone occasions—birthdays, graduation, and their wedding day, and it was deeply touching. I cried my eyes out. If anyone knows what movie I’m talking about, please comment at the end of this post. I wanted to look it up, but I can’t remember what movie the scene was from.

2. Acts of Service

Acts of Service is the love language for those who believe actions speak louder than words. It’s perfect for the person who swoons when you do the dishes without being asked, or gets weak in the knees at the sight of a freshly pruned front yard. For busy working women out there like myself, helping take even a little stress off can go a long way. Whether it’s making a small repair around the house, taking care of that oil change, or helping put together a new piece of furniture—it’s the effort and consideration that makes these individuals feel most loved.

Cleaning and Home Repair Service: Sometimes love isn’t grand gestures, it’s helping alleviate all the little annoyances of daily life. It’s quietly replacing that leaky faucet they’ve been ignoring for months, or tackling their chaotic closet like a Marie Kondo ninja. Maybe it’s providing maid service for the day. So, either offer your own services or hire professionals. If you’re offering your services, maybe even consider doing so while wearing something a bit motivating. Perhaps a little French maid or handyman role play is in order. No matter what, helping with their most daunting tasks will make you a hero in their eyes.

Car maintenance package: Pre-paid oil changes, tire rotations, detailing, or car washes, or if you have the automotive skills and time, do it yourself, for your person. Make sure you follow through though, we are talking about actions here. Consider adding a personalized touch like a custom keychain, adding some words of affirmation, and make this gift even more special.

Meal Prep for them: For those that hate cooking, are so busy they are lucky to shove a sandwich in their face at the end of the day, or those that just like to eat healthy—this is a great way to feed their soul. Think of some of their favorite meals, create a menu, and prep for a week or more of meals. Package in some cool Tupperware, label, and throw in a cute personal note and list of foods. Really, food in itself is its own love language.

3. Receiving Gifts

For those whose love language is receiving gifts, Christmas isn’t just a holiday—it’s their emotional Super Bowl. These are the people who see gift-giving as an art form, where each present is a carefully crafted love letter wrapped in personalized paper. For these people it’s all about the thought behind the gift. They don’t want a generic gift card, they want something that shows you really know and care about them. How do you come up with the perfect gift for these folks? Maybe an author they love is having a book signing, and you can get a copy of their book personalized. Is there a certain play coming into town they mentioned always wanting to see? Maybe you were out shopping together and saw something you know they want, and you can sneak back and get it later. Anyway, you get the idea. So don’t be re-gifting some generic candy or fruitcake to this person, make sure you put thought into it.

Pro tip: The presentation matters as much as the gift, so try to avoid shoving it into a gift bag with a rumpled piece of tissue last minute, and instead wrap it like a Japanese origami master. One of my mom’s love languages is giving gifts and she is an expert at this. The paper is themed, with fancy hand-tied ribbon, along with corresponding, personalized ornaments—creating gifts that are works of art in their own right.

4. Quality Time

For those who cherish quality time together, plan an experience rather than a physical gift. Tickets to a concert, a cooking class, or a weekend getaway can create lasting memories. Maybe you can plan a special trip to one of their dream destinations. You could also stay close to home, but schedule regular date nights or game nights to ensure ongoing time together throughout the year. The key to this is your presence—not just physical proximity, but genuine engagement. Don’t be multitasking or staring at your phone, make them feel seen, heard and loved with your undivided attention during those special moments.

5. Physical Touch

For the lovers, huggers and touchy-feely types, gifts that encourage closeness are ideal. People with this love language will be touched by gifts that create meaningful connections, shared experiences, and physical comfort.

Get a little handsy: Give your partner some love and affection with a custom massage. And don’t just use the old lotion on the nightstand, instead splurge on some nice massage oils, bonus if you can get some in their favorite scent. Lavender can be great for this, as it’s naturally relaxing and good for the skin. Set the mood with candles, some ambient music, and take your time caressing your partner with appreciation and care. After all that attention, you both could end up enjoying a happy ending to the evening.

Couple’s massage gift certificate: Another great option is to both kick back and luxuriate with a couples massage. Choose a beautiful spa at a resort nearby, and you can make a day of it. Enjoy a relaxing massage in a serene environment, and then unwind in the whirlpool or sauna, before grabbing some lunch together. You’ll be so relaxed you won’t even care you still have a bunch of houseguests staying with you.

Get You’re Groove On: Surprise’s your partner with a gift certificate for some couples dance classes. Having once taught ballroom dance myself, I have seen first hand what a fun and romantic bond this can create for couples. Research shows partner dancing improves non-verbal communication, builds trust, and increases physical intimacy. You’ll learn to read each other’s subtle cues, practice real-time collaboration, and create shared moments of vulnerability. Physical connection combined with learning a new skill together triggers mutual oxytocin release, strengthening your bond. It’s basically couples therapy, but way more fun and sexy.

Pro tip: Try some different styles and choose what matches your personalities. Salsa or rumba for passionate types, swing for playful couples, tango or waltz for those who love structure. Those are just a few options, and your instructor can guide you based on what you gravitate towards.

Physical touch isn’t just a romantic language—it’s a fundamental human need for connection, comfort, and emotional well-being. Beyond couples, touch gifts can be powerful tools of care for friends, family, and even yourself. A soft, weighted blanket can provide anxiety relief, a cozy throw can be a source of comfort and security, a microwaveable, scented plushie can promote relaxation, and a cashmere scarf can feel delightfully luxurious.

Bond With Touch: Even technology is working to bring a little more stimulation into our lives, and no, that’s not what I’m talking about…Although, also not a bad gift idea for couples—but I digress. Anyway, these innovative touch bracelets create an intimate, long-distance connection through simple, gentle technology: when one person touches their bracelet, the paired bracelet vibrates and lights up, instantly signaling “I’m thinking of you” across any distance. Perfect for touch-language people, these bracelets provide a digital, tactile connection that feels personal and immediate—ideal for partners, or family members who crave physical reassurance but are physically separated.

These aren’t just thoughtful gifts: they’re tactile expressions of empathy, support, and love that transcend distance and boundaries.

Whether you’re wooing with words, wrapping with care, or wrapping a loved one in your arms, remember: the best gifts come from the heart. This holiday season, speak your loved ones’ love language fluently, and watch the joy transform them like Scrooge on Christmas morning. After all, the most valuable gift isn’t one you buy—it’s the connection you create when you truly understand how someone feels loved.

Enjoyed this post? Spread the love and share it with your friends! Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more lifestyle tips and exclusive content.