35 Gift Ideas Based on Your Love Language

Just like each person is unique, each loving relationship is special: like how a mother writes a note in her child's lunchbox to boost confidence or a long-distance partner sends "just because" flowers to let that special someone know they care. While loving comes easy with the right person, there are techniques that can make that love stronger and bring two people closer. Marriage counselor Gary Chapman is the creator of the concept of "love languages" and author of The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts. Chapman preaches that the key to someone's heart is speaking their love language.

According to Chapmen, love languages can be broken down into five categories: words of affirmation, physical touch, receiving gifts, quality time or acts of service. By recognizing the way people communicate love, you can develop a stronger understanding of their needs and suitable ways you can show your appreciation. Plus, understanding and sharing your own love language is how the people around you can learn to love you in the absolute best way. If you have yet to discover your love language, this quiz has all the answers.

Although Chapman's book was originally intended to help couples, the principles apply to all relationships in our lives. Parents, children, siblings, best friends and even coworkers all benefit from feeling appreciated in a way that speaks to them. If your sibling's love language is words of affirmation, it may be worthwhile to say "I love you" more often (despite the inevitable sibling rivalry). If your dad loves through acts of service, your love wouldn't go unnoticed if he catches you helping with the dishes or mowing the lawn. This also applies to gift giving: Shopping according to love languages can go a long way in showing you care, considering you are figuratively "speaking" their dialect. We've rounded up seven gifts for each love language that are sure to fill that special someone with the warm, loving feelings we all crave.

Gifts for Words of Affirmation

"Actions speak louder than words" doesn't hold true for this group. These people feel the most loved when hearing or reading encouraging, positive acknowledgments or compliments from someone who cares about them. If you're looking for a grander gesture for saying "I love you," this handcrafted wooden cylinder from Uncommon Goods can be filled with your choice of a dozen specialized messages that suit your partner. Or go for a more minimal approach by gifting one of six individualized glass flowers — the colors correspond to a meaningful attribute like strength, admiration and wisdom. If this person is quite literally a lover of words, opt for a customized journal or stationary.

Gifts for Physical Touch

This love language takes the form of body language: Hugs, kisses, snuggles, holding hands — basically any physical affection will win this person's heart. These people value warmth and comfort over anything else, and seeing and feeling a physical connection helps them recognize how loved they really are. Although it's impossible to box up a snuggle, there are products out there that feel pretty close to a real bear hug. The PUFF Body Pillow is the snuggly companion this person needs to squeeze at night, and the Comfy's fluffy Sherpa lining feels like being cuddled all day long. If you're experiencing touch deprivation from a long-distance partner, family member or bestie, BOND TOUCH bracelets let you send and receive personal touch patterns that can be programmed to resemble your own love language.

Gifts for Receiving Gifts

Although this language seems like the easiest to gift for, it actually takes the most thought. People who value gift-giving admire the careful decision-making and symbolism of what they receive over the monetary value. They feel loved when gifted something they pointed out in a store months ago or a DIY project they know took a lot of time. If you're drawing a blank on this special someone's niche, personalized gifts are the perfect medium. Homesick has a huge variety of uniquely scented candles that can resonate with this person's hometown, favorite season or even hobbies. You can also add initials to a tote bag or wine tumbler you know they'll use forever. Food subscriptions are the gift that keeps on giving, and getting favorite dishes delivered monthly is sure to make your recipient cheese.

Gifts for Quality Time

One-on-one time is this person's number one priority. They long for undivided attention and spending time together in interactive ways, like a movie night or learning new recipes together. A DASH popcorn maker is a great gift to spice up your hangouts and add a fun element to an otherwise lazy evening, and The Dinner Party Project cookbook has over 80 recipes that allow for multiple cooks in the kitchen. Engaging in conversations is also a huge factor in this love language, as eye contact and active listening are how this person knows they're put first. If your conversations ever hit a lull, the We're Not Really Strangers card game is filled with reflective prompts that help connect players on a more meaningful level. And as someone who values quality time, what better way to capture and look back on treasured moments than with a digital camera?

Gifts for Acts of Service

Someone with this love language would rather be shown respect than told so, especially when these acts require you to go out of your way. Dropping off a care package for a sick friend or putting gas in their car on a road trip are small but cherished things this person will remember forever. Even though acts of service aren't materialized, you can still purchase products that help make their life easier. This LifePro Sonic Handheld Massage Gun aids sore muscles and is a great way to rejuvenate — the perfect substitute if you can't always grant a massage from yourself. Make your partner breakfast in bed and serve it on a customized tray, or gift them the opportunity to pick from 10 "free tickets" of services in Uncommon Goods' Personalized Ticket to Love Box. This love language also translates to performing acts of kindness for others, like caring for an indoor plant.