A decade ago, Dr. Gary Chapman released his now-seminal relationship book, The Five Love Languages. And ever since, couples have looked to the emotion-defining tome to figure out how to better communicate with their significant others. There’s a fringe benefit to this knowledge too — Valentine’s Day is upon us, and pinpointing your significant other’s love language (or love languages) will help you nail gift-giving on this romantic holiday.
So, what are the five love languages? Here’s a quick rundown.
- Words of affirmation: People with this love language need emotions to be vocalized. They want to hear, “I love you,” and feel most secure in the relationship when they are encouraged and appreciated out loud.
- Quality time: Not surprisingly, people who fall into this category want your undivided attention. They’re fans of special moments together, big and small.
- Receiving gifts: If we had to sum up this love language, it would be with a classic idiom: It’s the thought that counts. They’re most impressed when you put real consideration into the gifts you give.
- Acts of service: Those with this love language are big proponents of the idea that actions speak louder than words. If you make their lives easier — think walking the dogs or putting the kids to bed — they’ll love you for it.
- Physical touch: Hand-holding. Back rubs. Ahem, bedroom time. People with this love language crave intimacy through physical connection, whether it’s something sweet or a little more sultry.
If you want to know more, you can also check out our interview with the man himself, Dr. Gary Chapman, and psychotherapist Dr. Tina B. Tessina.
After you’ve matched your partner to their love language, go forth into the world to find the gift that will pull on their heartstrings. Since you’re new to this, we’ve made it even easier by picking five fantastic gifts for each of the five love languages.
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A version of this article was originally published February 2019.
Physical Touch: Sensual massage oil
Foreplay has never been more fun than with this premium quality hemp seed oil that eases tension, increases energy flow, and stimulates circulation.
Physical Touch: Neck massage pillow
Help them unwind and relax with this neck massage pillow.
Physical Touch: Sex dice
With 60 erotic foreplay options, 24 sexual positions, and 10 bonus positions, you’ll have plenty of ways to connect on a physical level.
Physical Touch: Sex stack
Much like the sex dice, this game will really heat up the bedroom.
Physical Touch: Long distance touch bracelet set
For long-distance couples, this bracelet set gives the gift of touch: “Touch one and the other lights up and vibrates,” the product description states.
Acts of Service: Echo Show 5
On days when you can’t be there, the Echo Show 5 can. This Amazon device can manage his calendar, make to-do lists, get weather and traffic updates, and much more.
Acts of Service: Survival bracelet
This little fish hook wrap bracelet will come in pretty handy in your partner’s wild adventures.
Acts of Service: Bedside pocket
Help keep their bed-side organized with this felt pouch.
Acts of Service: Yeti cooler
For the partner whose No. 1 hobby is adventuring, this cooler provides ghours of refreshing beverages.
Acts of Service: Whiskey stones
Keep their whiskey drink cool but not watered down with this set of eight whiskey rocks.
Receiving Gifts: Engraved wallet card
Tell them just how much you love them with this engraved aluminum wallet card.
Receiving Gifts: Latitude-longitude keychain
Engrave the exact location you met with this personalized latitude/longitude keychain.
Receiving Gifts: Lyrics poster
Have the lyrics to your song printed and framed. Plus, Sole Studio’s design also features a unique night sky from a specific date and location.
Receiving Gifts: Personalized leather toiletry bag
This personalized leather toiletry bag is tastefully monogrammed.
Receiving Gifts: Monogram wine glasses
A sleek, personalized gift for an equally as smooth partner.
Quality Time: Q&A a Day journal
Take a moment, just the two of you, to answer one question from this book each day. It’s a great way to spend quality time together — even if just for five or 10 minutes.
Quality Time: My Bucket List journal
Start planning your future adventures now, so you can fill out this guided bucket list journal together.
Quality Time: Game night gift crate
The best date night is the one spent in, wearing pajamas, crushing a case of beer, eating meats and cheeses, and playing a few two-person board games.
Quality Time: CBD bath bombs
Gift him these bath bombs — and you, in the tub with him.
Quality Time: Universal Yums
Spice things up with a box full of candies and snacks from around the world, then pack up the car, and go on a quick road trip, just the two of you.
Words of Affirmation: ‘World’s Best Husband’ mug
Enough said.
Words of Affirmation: Love Language card game
The Love Language brings you and your S.O. closer than ever — by asking the right questions.
Words of Affirmation: Love letter set
Write how truly feel in the most old-fashioned form of communication: the love letter.
Words of Affirmation: Mix CD
Create a playlist of all your favorite songs, and make him a mix CD. On a piece of paper, jot down the memory attached to each song.
Words of Affirmation: Mason jar filled with notes
Fill this jar with all the reasons you love them.
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Pin it now, and check out these gift ideas for your SO later.
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