The Ultimate Guide to Gifting in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Giving gifts in Animal Crossing: New Horizons (ACNH) isn’t just a fun daily activity, it’s also the fastest way to build friendships with your villagers. Whether you’re chasing after their framed photos, unlocking special dialogue, or simply enjoying the wholesome act of giving, understanding how the gifting system works will help you maximize your island experience.

This complete guide covers:

• How gifting works in ACNH

• The friendship points system

• Which gifts are best for each personality type

• Specific villager favorites like Raymond, Judy, and Audie

• Tips for increasing your chances of earning villager photos

How Gifting Works in Animal Crossing

• One gift per villager, per day: This is the main way to boost friendship outside of talking to them and completing favors.

• Wrapping boosts points: Always wrap your gifts from Nook’s Cranny for an extra +1 friendship point.

• Friendship levels matter: At higher levels, villagers will send you letters with gifts, teach you exclusive catchphrases, and eventually reward you with their framed photo.

Understanding Friendship Points

Friendship in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is tracked by a hidden points system. Here’s how gifting impacts it:

• Furniture item matching their style: +3 to +4 points

• Clothing they like: +2 to +3 points

• Fruit, flowers, or consumables: +1 point

• Wrapping paper bonus: +1 point

• Junk items (weeds, trash, spoiled turnips): Can lower points

Your goal? Consistently gift items that match their style and personality.

Villager Personality Types and Best Gifts

Every villager falls into one of eight personalities. Here’s a complete breakdown of what works best:

1. Normal Villagers (e.g., Fauna, Merengue, Molly)

• Personality traits: Sweet, gentle, homey.

• Best gifts:

  • Cozy furniture (tea sets, bookshelves, potted plants)

  • Simple and cute clothing (cardigans, dresses, sweaters)

  • Food-themed furniture like the Ironwood Kitchenette

2. Jock Villagers (e.g., Dom, Coach, Bam)

• Personality traits: Energetic, fitness-obsessed.

• Best gifts:

  • Sportswear (track jackets, sweatshirts, running shoes)

  • Exercise gear (punching bag, weight bench, yoga mat)

  • Active accessories (headbands, caps)

3. Peppy Villagers (e.g., Audie, Rosie, Peanut)

• Personality traits: Upbeat, excitable, love fashion.

• Best gifts:

  • Bright and colorful clothing (skirts, dresses, flashy tops)

  • Fun décor (arcade machines, neon signs, colorful furniture)

  • Cute accessories (heart shades, bows)

4. Snooty Villagers (e.g., Judy, Ankha, Freya)

• Personality traits: Elegant, stylish, sometimes sassy.

• Best gifts:

  • Chic clothing (dresses, high-fashion coats, heels)

  • Luxurious décor (grand piano, elegant furniture sets, chandeliers)

  • Sparkly or pastel-colored items (great for Judy)

5. Smug Villagers (e.g., Raymond, Marshal, Julian)

• Personality traits: Confident, suave, slightly flirty.

• Best gifts:

  • Business-style clothing (suits, sweaters, glasses)

  • Sleek furniture (office desks, modern sofas, electronics)

  • Artsy or music-related items (guitars, record players, typewriters)

6. Lazy Villagers (e.g., Bob, Zucker, Beau)

• Personality traits: Relaxed, food-loving, goofy.

• Best gifts:

  • Comfy clothing (T-shirts, hoodies, pajamas)

  • Food furniture (ramen, popcorn machine, cotton candy stand)

  • Simple, cozy décor (hammocks, bean bags)

7. Cranky Villagers (e.g., Apollo, Chief, Kabuki)

• Personality traits: Grumpy but secretly soft-hearted.

• Best gifts:

  • Classic, neutral clothing (jackets, sweaters, boots)

  • Rugged furniture (rocking chairs, bookcases, fireplaces)

  • Collectible-style items (globes, model kits)

8. Sisterly Villagers (e.g., Muffy, Fuchsia, Cherry)

• Personality traits: Protective, tough, tomboyish.

• Best gifts:

  • Punk or edgy clothing (leather jackets, boots, studded tops)

  • Bold décor (skull furniture, music gear, dark wallpaper)

  • Practical items (workbenches, storage trunks)

Popular Villagers and Their Favorite Gifts

Some villagers are so iconic they deserve special mention.

• Raymond (Smug Cat): Business wear, glasses, sleek modern décor.

• Marshal (Smug Squirrel): Stylish sweaters, instruments, music gear.

• Audie (Peppy Wolf): Colorful dresses, arcade machines, playful décor.

• Judy (Snooty Cub): Cute series furniture, sparkly dresses, pastel items.

• Bob (Lazy Cat): Simple T-shirts, food-themed furniture, hammocks.

• Ankha (Snooty Cat): Egyptian-inspired furniture, golden décor, regal clothing.

• Dom (Jock Sheep): Athletic gear, sporty outfits, dumbbells.

Tips for Gifting Success

1. Wrap your gift every time: That +1 point adds up fast.

2. Match items to personality: Don’t give Judy a punching bag or Dom a frilly dress.

3. Farm Nook Miles for wrapping paper: Keep a stockpile ready.

4. Use Nookazon or trading groups: If you want to guarantee rare or themed items, trading communities make it easier to grab villager-specific décor.

5. Stick with furniture if unsure: Furniture is almost always safer than clothing, unless you know their style.

Why Focus on Gifting?

• Unlock villager photos: The ultimate collectible and proof of max friendship.

• Get more letters and surprise items: Villagers love to return the favor.

• Make your island feel alive: Personalized gifts make your villagers’ homes and personalities shine.

Final Thoughts

Gifting in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is more than just a mechanic, it’s a way to shape your island, deepen bonds with villagers, and make every day feel special. Whether you’re aiming to impress Raymond with a sleek suit, make Judy’s pastel dreams come true, or keep Bob comfy with a hammock, the right gift makes all the difference.

Focus on matching gifts to personalities, wrapping them up with care, and staying consistent. Before long, you’ll have a house full of villager photos and a community that feels truly your own.