The five love languages (and matching gift ideas!)
Love heart trinket tray, £3.95
Have you ever heard of the five love languages? They refer to the different ways that people show love, and how they like to be shown love in return.
The five love languages were first conceived by author and pastor Gary Chapman in 1992, and originally applied to romantic love. However, the concept can be applied to any important relationship in your life, from children and parents, to neighbours and close friends.
Understanding someone’s love language can be a valuable tool in helping you to choose how best to treat them, or let them know how important they are to you. If you aren’t sure what someone’s love language is, why not think about the ways that they tend to show their love and gratitude to you? There’s a good chance that the way they show their love is also how they like to receive it. Read on to learn more about the five love languages, and see our matching gift ideas!
1. Words of affirmation
If someone’s love language is words of affirmation, then they are someone who likes to read or hear exactly what someone loves or appreciates about them. It could be anything, from recognition of something they did recently (“Thank you for helping me move all those boxes”), or something that you like and admire about them as a person (“I love how you always give me thoughtful advice”).
Gift ideas for the words of affirmation love language
Send a card to let them know you’re thinking of them. You can write a quick compliment, a longer piece about exactly how they’ve helped you, or just a simple ‘I love you’.
Ladybird greetings cards, £5.95
2. Acts of service
Some people love it when others give them a helping hand. It doesn’t need to be a big gesture - many people talk with fondness about the partner who always makes them a cup of tea in the morning. One-off gestures count too - what can you do for someone who is struggling at the moment? Does a tired new parent need help making some dinner for the family, or can you clear all the dead leaves from the garden for an elderly relative?
Gift ideas for the acts of service love language
Give the gift of a tidy house! Do a load of laundry, or scoop up all the kids’ toys with a handy jumbo bag.
Navy on white Spotlight jumbo bag, £5.95
Making a cup of tea or coffee is the ultimate way of saying ‘I love you’!
Wild Flowers mug, £4.95
3. Receiving gifts
Having gifts as your love language doesn’t automatically mean that you are materialistic, or do not appreciate kind words or gestures. This love language is the ultimate way of saying ‘I saw this and thought of you’. Ideas for this love language can range from slipping an extra treat during the weekly food shop that you know your loved one will enjoy after a long week, or perhaps passing on a book that you recently read and enjoyed.
Gift ideas for the receiving gifts love language
If you are looking for some gift inspiration to surprise a loved one ‘just because’ then be sure to take a look at our Gifts By Recipient guide.
These sweet bookmarks are a great little gift for cat-lovers and book-lovers alike!
Magnetic cat bookmarks, £2.95
4. Quality time
This love language is perhaps the hardest in modern times. How often is an evening spent with everyone absorbed by their screens, or do plans get cancelled because we’re just too tired. It can be a really wonderful thing to simply give someone all your focus and attention or make sure that whatever time you spend together is meaningful. Next time you visit your friend or loved one, make sure your phone is out of reach, and there are no distractions.
Gift ideas for the quality time love language
Set aside some time to do an activity you’ll both enjoy. You don’t need to be good at it! Making some simple cakes, or tackling a puzzle will be a great bonding experience and help you create memories.
Wild Flowers cupcake cases, £1.95
1000 piece rainforest puzzle, £14.95
5. Physical touch
While this love language may more obviously apply to romantic partners with kisses, massages, and cuddles, it can also translate well to platonic relationships too. Hugs and high fives both work to make people feel valued and appreciated if this is their love language.
Did you know that even thinking about physical touch can give us the same endorphins as actual physical touch? So, if you can’t see a loved one for any reason, send them a hugging emoji or let them know that you’re giving them a virtual kiss and they’ll get the same happy feeling!
Gift ideas for the physical touch love language
A cosy blanket can give us the same good vibes as a warm embrace, so treat a loved one to something soft and snuggly for a tactile treat.
Large aqua herringbone throw, £39.95
We hope you enjoyed reading about the five love languages. If you're looking for more gift ideas, be sure to take a look at our collection of gift guides.
