Looking for words of affirmation gift ideas? You’re in the right place? There are countless gift ideas out there, but for someone whose love language is words of affirmation, there are gifts that will be more meaningful and appreciated by them.
Simple phrases like “I’m proud of you,” “Your leadership has elevated our organization,” or “Thank you for being my steadfast support,” can have a profound impact on someone whose love language is words of affirmation, but how do you wrap such intangible sentiments into a tangible gift? We’re going to explore this idea and give you lots of ideas in this post, so keep reading!
What You Need to Know about Words of Affirmation Gifts
We experience love through all five love languages, but the idea is that one stands above the rest as our primary love language. Do you love surprising your co-workers with treats each morning (Gifts)? Do you feel the warm fuzzies when your partner unloads the dishwasher (Acts of Service)?
Originating from Gary Chapman’s seminal book, “The 5 Love Languages,” this concept makes clear how our preferred modes of giving and receiving love shape our relationships. Whether it’s through thoughtful acts of service, spending quality time together, physical touch, receiving gifts, or affirming words, understanding these preferences is the key to unlocking a deeper connection with someone you value.
So, how do you select a words of affirmation gift that speaks volumes? It’s all about embedding meaningful words into your chosen token of appreciation. Whether it’s for a celebration, a milestone, or simply to brighten their day, understanding the language of words of affirmation can transform your gift into something unforgettable – just be sure, if you’re going to do this, that your heart is in the right place, which means you’re not doing it for show, but out of authenticity (otherwise, it can have the opposite effect).
Ready to explore the art of gifting for the words of affirmation person in your life? Here are 26 meticulously curated gift ideas designed to celebrate every occasion with the eloquence and warmth that only words can convey. Let’s dive in!
The Best Words of Affirmation Gifts for Every Occasion
Now that you can identify who in your life has the words of affirmation love language, it’s time to find the right gift for that special occasion. Birthdays, retirements, golden and silver anniversaries for parents, graduations, achievement awards at work or just because — there’s something out there for everyone. So, let’s get started!
Affirmation Jewelry
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Affirmation jewelry is a great way to give the gift of loving words and a tangible token of your appreciation. Some examples include a bracelet for your sibling engraved with a favorite quote; a necklace for a colleague that encourages them toward their goals; or a keychain for a friend with a list of “little reminders”. F
rom custom-engraved pieces to ones that use morse code or a poem, there are so many options when it comes to the combined gift of jewelry and words of affirmation!
A Collaborative Memory Book
Sometimes the best words are the ones that come straight from the heart. That’s the beauty of creating a custom memory book. A memory book allows you to share your own personal photos, thoughts, stories, and encouragement all in one place.
Take it up a notch by creating a collaborative memory book where an entire group (family, coworkers, friends, small group members) work together to combine their favorite memories into the perfect words of affirmation gift. Platforms like Newlywords make it easy to share access with others, upload photos, write personal messages, use prompts and create word clouds, print, and ship a unique memory book.
“Love Letter” Blanket
There’s nothing quite so cozy as words of affirmation on a personalized blanket! The “love letter” blanket makes a great gift for teacher appreciation week, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, or just a fun way to share some love with a friend. The best part is, you can handwrite the note you want to be printed on your blanket, making it extra personal.
Group Encouragement
For those who love words of affirmation, sometimes the best gift isn’t a gift at all. It’s words! If you need a way to share some group love with a coworker, boss, pastor, or teammate — consider working together to speak words of encouragement throughout a specific day or week. For example, assign each team member a specific day of the week to either text, call, or share words of affirmation with the recipient in person. In this way, the gift of words will be showered on that person over and over throughout the week, boosting them with love and appreciation.
A Handmade Card
Sometimes it is the simplest gift that speaks volumes when it comes to the words of affirmation love language. A handmade card with a personal message is exactly the type of present that makes your word-loving friends feel special. This applies to everyone in your life who loves to hear encouragement and affirmation. Consider skipping the store-bought card and writing your own.
Why You Make Me Smile Journal
Don’t worry, we understand that writing from the heart can be difficult. For those who struggle with words but want to find the right way to share affirmation, this is the perfect compromise! The Why You Make Me Smile Journal offers prompts and fill-in-the-blanks to help you create a personalized journal for someone special. The instructions are pretty simple: think of a person who makes you smile, fill in the blanks, give to the person who makes you smile, and grab a tissue!
An Engraved Watch
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A watch is a popular retirement gift or a great way to celebrate Dad’s milestone birthday. For those with the words of affirmation love language, you can turn a watch into a treasured memory by adding a special engraved word, message, or quote.
Always Remember Keychain
Sometimes the right words just seem to escape you. If that’s the case, this might be the perfect gift. This keychain comes engraved with an encouraging statement to “Always remember, you are braver than you believe…” It’s a great way to encourage a grad, a coworker, or a friend who just needs that reminder that they have what it takes.
I Wrote a Book About You Series
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This is another great fill-in-the-blanks option when you need a little help finding the right words. This book series includes options for friends, parents, and romantic relationships. The book prompts you to write things that are special about the recipient, providing an extra special dose of affirmation.
Daily Affirmation Cards
A daily dose of affirmation can go a long way! These cards are daily reminders that we are loved and valued. They make a great gift for a friend or coworker, especially one who you know could use a boost of self-motivation now and again.
Personalized Journal
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It stands to reason that often those with words of affirmation love language also love to write. If that’s the case for your recipient, consider gifting them a personalized journal. Custom notebooks and journals vary in what they offer, but many options allow you to include a special quote, message, photo, and name. You can give the gift of affirmation, while also giving your recipient a place to jot down their own thoughts and words.
To make this gift extra special, consider writing a personalized note or quote inside the cover, or add a handmade card!
Kudoboard Group Card
Need a great idea for a group gift? Kudoboard is a way to make a collaborative gift card for any situation: Mom and Dad’s 50th anniversary, a milestone birthday, retirement, and more. Your words of affirmation recipient will love receiving a digital “card” covered in photos, messages, and GIFs. Not familiar with Kudoboard? Check out these 8 alternatives. Popular collaborative greeting card options include GroupGreeting, which gives the appearance of an actual greeting card, and Recocards, a mostly free alternative.
Positive Affirmation Wall Art
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Does your neighbor have a favorite quote? Maybe your newly married friend spent hours writing his or her vows? Now you can take those special words and turn them into wall art! From wedding vows to poems or favorite sayings, all it takes is the right words to make a great gift.
Inspirational Coffee Mug
Sometimes all it takes is a simple mug to provide a word of affirmation! Companies like Zazzle let you create a personalized mug with a quote, phrase, or word that’s perfect for your recipient. Or if you aren’t feeling entirely creative, they also offer premade inspirational mugs (here’s one of our personal favorites).
Motivational Planter
Do you know someone who loves words of affirmation and plants? Combine the best of both worlds with a motivational planter. These can range from sentimental to absolutely hilarious, depending on your recipient. While some come pre-potted with a plant, others are empty so you can find the perfect plant to go with the motivational quote.
A Handwritten Letter
For someone who thrives on words of affirmation, there’s really only one thing better than a handwritten note or letter: a handwritten letter sent through the mail. Hardly anyone uses snail mail anymore, which is all the more reason to consider writing a heartfelt message — for a loved one’s birthday, a milestone celebration, or a thank you — and sending it through the mail.
Affirmation Desk Calendar
Maybe it’s just us, but it seems like work is a really great place to provide encouragement. This is especially true if any of your coworkers have words of affirmation as their love language! Since they likely spend a fair amount of time at their desk, consider getting them an encouraging desk calendar. These come in all shapes and sizes and offer some great daily inspiration and wordy wisdom.
A Giving Key
The Giving Keys is a company that stamps keys with encouraging words. The keys are made into everything from necklaces and earrings to keychains. The idea is that you give someone a key with a word that is significant for their season of life. They are then encouraged to “pay it forward” by eventually giving their key to someone else who needs the word more than they do. This is a fantastic gift for your words of affirmation friend, coworker, or loved one. Not only will they feel cherished and known, but they will get the opportunity to do what they do best: share a word of encouragement with someone else!
Encouragement Jar
This is a great way to spread some love and encouragement around the office or workplace. And it doesn’t need to be a gift for only those with words of affirmation love language. We all need some encouragement now and then. Put a jar in a common area and give everyone 2-5 strips of paper. Each person should write a positive quote, words of encouragement, or a fun message on the papers. Place them in the jar and let everyone in the office grab an encouraging word when they need it. They can either read it and place it back in the jar, or keep it and replace it with a new word or quote. In this way, the jar keeps on giving. While everyone will love it, we promise your affirmation-loving colleagues will feel all kinds of special because of this simple jar!
Message Board
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A fun way to share encouragement with anyone from your kids to your coworkers is using a simple whiteboard. Whether it’s hanging on a bedroom or office door, or outside a cubicle, the whiteboard is a great space to leave little notes of encouragement and appreciation. For a more personalized look, consider a custom message board.
Customized Voice Art Canvas
Turn a special voice message or a phrase that means a lot to them into a unique piece of art. Companies like Artsy Voiceprint now offer services where they can convert sound waves from a voice recording into a visual representation on canvas, creating a deeply personal and meaningful gift.
Personalized Storybook
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For those who cherish the magic of stories, consider creating a personalized storybook where they are the protagonist. Through websites that offer customizable books, you can craft a narrative that celebrates their achievements, dreams, or the simple joys of your relationship.
Inspirational Quote Decal
Ideal for someone who loves to be surrounded by uplifting words, a custom decal of their favorite quote can be a constant source of inspiration. Whether it’s for their office, bedroom, or living space, it’s a gift that keeps on giving.
Affirmation Activity Book
Look for activity books filled with prompts, quotes, and activities designed to boost self-love and positive thinking. It’s a thoughtful gift that encourages daily reflection and self-affirmation.
Custom Podcast or Playlist
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Curate a podcast or playlist featuring their favorite speakers, authors, or songs with meaningful lyrics. This personalized collection can offer them encouragement and motivation whenever they need it.
Virtual Affirmation Experience
Gift an online course or workshop that focuses on personal growth, positive thinking, or creative expression. Look for experiences that include interactive sessions with coaches or mentors who can provide personalized words of encouragement and affirmation.
FAQs About Words of Affirmation Gifts
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How do you give words of affirmation as a gift?
You can give words of affirmation as a gift through personalized notes, custom jewelry with meaningful quotes, voice recordings, books filled with personal messages and affirmations tailored to the recipient, and many more ideas listed in this guide!
What is an example of a love language receiving gifts?
An example of the love language of receiving gifts is when someone feels loved and appreciated through the thoughtful and meaningful exchange of presents, whether it’s a handpicked item or a homemade gift that shows effort and consideration of the person’s love language. One example is a handmade card with a thoughtful note for a person whose love language is words of affirmation.
What do you say to someone who loves words of affirmation?
To someone who loves words of affirmation, say genuine, heartfelt compliments, express your appreciation for them openly, and acknowledge their achievements and qualities regularly. Remember, honesty and authenticity are key, so speak from the heart! If you’re not sure what to say, try journaling everything you love and appreciate about the person to generate ideas. Even just a simple “I really appreciate you” goes a long way.
What is an act of service gift?
An act of service gift involves doing something for the recipient that you know they would appreciate, like cooking a meal, cleaning their car, or taking over a chore they dislike, demonstrating your love through helpful actions.
What not to do with words of affirmation?
Avoid insincerity or empty flattery with words of affirmation; it’s important that your words are genuine, meaningful, and specific to the person you’re affirming to truly make an impact.
What is the most powerful word of affirmation?
The most powerful word of affirmation can vary for each person, but phrases like “I believe in you,” “You are important to me,” and “I love you” universally resonate deeply.
What is the difference between acts of service and gifts?
The difference lies in the expression: acts of service are actions taken to make the recipient’s life easier or happier, while gifts involve giving something tangible as a symbol of love and thoughtfulness.
What is the love language of receiving gifts?
The love language of receiving gifts involves feeling loved and valued when one receives physical tokens of affection, which are seen as symbols of the giver’s thoughtfulness and effort.
Make Your Loved One Feel Special with the Gift of Words
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The five love languages offer incredibly helpful language when it comes to understanding how we give and receive love. There may be times your words of affirmation friend also needs quality time or simply needs help around the home, but at the end of the day, they get the biggest boost of love from words.
There are so many ways to shower someone with the encouragement they deserve, whether it’s a simple handwritten note or a collaborative card or memory book. If your loved one thrives on words, imagine them opening a book designed entirely for them — full of affirmation, memories, and messages of appreciation. A collaborative memory book that speaks directly to their heart.
However you choose to show them your love, remember, at the end of the day, it’s the words of affirmation that speak louder than any other gift.