In Stardew Valley, building relationships with villagers is one of the most rewarding aspects of the game. Among all the bachelors and bachelorettes, Penny stands out as a kind-hearted, book-loving character who dreams of a better life. If you’re hoping to befriend or marry Penny, knowing her favorite gifts is essential.
This guide will cover Penny’s best gifts, her loved and liked items, gifts to avoid, and tips to quickly raise your friendship level with her.
Who is Penny in Stardew Valley?
Penny is one of the twelve marriage candidates in Stardew Valley. She lives in a trailer with her mother, Pam, near the river in Pelican Town.
- Personality: Gentle, shy, and caring. She spends her time teaching the local children, Jas and Vincent.
- Schedule: Penny’s routine changes with the season, but she can often be found near the museum, by the river, or inside the trailer.
- Marriage: Penny is a marriage candidate, so building her friendship level to 10 hearts (via gifts, talking, and quests) allows you to propose.
While Penny’s gentle and caring nature makes her one of the most sought-after marriage candidates in Stardew Valley, she’s not the only villager with a rich personality and unique storyline. If you’re exploring relationships in Pelican Town, it’s worth checking out other characters like Abigail — a spirited and adventurous villager who’s more than just a marriage option.
Our guide on “Why Stardew Valley Abigail is More Than Just a Marriage Candidate (And How to Win Her Heart)” dives into her quirks, favorite gifts, and how to connect with her on a deeper level, making it the perfect next step after learning how to win Penny’s heart
Penny’s Best Gifts (Loved Gifts)
Giving Penny her loved gifts provides the fastest way to increase friendship points. You can give her two gifts per week, plus an additional one on her birthday (Fall 2), which gives an 8x friendship bonus.
Penny’s Loved Gifts:
- Diamond
- Emerald
- Melon
- Poppy
- Poppy Seed Muffin
- Red Plate
- Roots Platter
- Sandfish
- Tom Kha Soup
Pro Tip: Melons are easy to grow in summer and make a great consistent gift for Penny.
Penny’s Liked Gifts
If you don’t have access to her loved gifts, she also likes many items. While they won’t increase friendship as quickly, they’re still safe options.
- All cooking recipes (except those she hates, like beer or fried eel).
- All flowers (except Poppy, which she loves, and Sweet Pea, which she is neutral about).
- All Gems (except Diamond and Emerald, which she loves).
Penny’s Neutral Gifts
These won’t boost friendship much, but they won’t harm your relationship either. Neutral gifts are safe if you don’t have better options.
- Sweet Pea
- Dandelion
- Milk
- Most basic resources (like stone or fiber).
Penny’s Disliked Gifts
Giving these items will lower your friendship points with Penny. Avoid them unless you want a negative reaction.
- Beer
- Grape
- Fried Eel
- Salmon Dinner
- Spice Berry
- Wine
Penny’s Hated Gifts
These will significantly reduce your friendship points and should be avoided at all costs.
- Clay
- Garbage items (Driftwood, Broken Glasses, Broken CD, Trash, Joja Cola, Rotten Plant, Soggy Newspaper, etc.)
- Beer (disliked/hated depending on context).
Best Strategy to Win Penny’s Heart
- Grow Melons in Summer—an easy, reliable, and loved gift.
- Mine for Diamonds and Emeralds—excellent gifts once available.
- Cook Her Favorites—Recipes like Red Plate or Tom Kha Soup show effort and earn big points.
- Remember Her Birthday (Fall 2)—Giving a loved gift on her birthday provides a massive friendship boost.
- Talk to Her Daily – Even without gifts, talking builds small friendship points.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Penny’s favorite gift in Stardew Valley?
Her top favorites are Diamond, Emerald, Melon, Poppy, and Tom Kha Soup.
When is Penny’s birthday?
Penny’s birthday is on Fall 2. Giving her a loved gift on this day gives an 8x friendship bonus.
Where can I find Penny?
She often spends time near the museum/library, by the river, or inside her trailer. Her schedule changes with the seasons.
Is Penny a good marriage candidate?
Yes. After marriage, Penny moves into your farmhouse, helps with chores like feeding animals, and has a kind, supportive personality.
Can Penny help around the farm?
Yes. After marriage, she may water crops, feed animals, or cook breakfast for you.
Conclusion
Penny is one of the sweetest characters in Stardew Valley, making her a popular marriage choice. Winning her heart requires knowing her favorite gifts, especially items like melons, emeralds, diamonds, and tom kha soup. Remember to take advantage of her birthday on Fall 2 for a huge friendship boost.
By consistently giving her loved gifts, talking to her, and engaging in her story, you’ll quickly reach maximum friendship and unlock the possibility of marriage. Whether you’re aiming for romance or simply want to build strong friendships in Pelican Town, Penny is a wonderful choice.
