Character Gift Guide

Spoilers may be contained on this page.

Gift Icon

The purpose of the Character Gift Guide is to recommend gifts for each character. Recommendations are based on player experiences and depend heavily on each player's progress in the game. It also lists the characters' preferred gifts.

Table of Contents
Gifting Basics - Values - Max Friendship
Gift Recommendations by Character Badtz-maru - Big Challenges - Chococat - Cinnamoroll - Hangyodon - Hello Kitty - Keroppi - Kiki - Kuromi - Lala - My Melody - My Sweet Piano - Pekkle - Pochacco - Pompompurin - Retsuko - TOPHAT - Tuxedosam - Wish me mell

Gifting Basics

Every Island Resident has different sets of gifts that they will accept based the item's tags. At least one tag must match any of the character's 3 liked tags. An item can have up to 4 tags designating the item's type(s).

How well an item increases friendship depends on two factors: the value of its tags and how many liked tags it matches. Tag values are set values that are the same for every character. (For a full list of tag values, check the Tags page.) How many liked tags match for a particular character is indicated by hearts shown in-game when gifting items. Each character has a single 3-heart gift that matches their 3 liked tags.

Each character has a limit of 3 gifts per day. This limit can reset through using a Friendship Bouquet (to reset all characters' gift limits) or giving a character a Friendship Blossom (to reset the individual character's gift limit).

Also, Hello Kitty unlocks a Companion Ability at level 12 that increases friendship gained from gifts by 10% while she accompanies you.

Gift Values

When raising friendship, it is important to remember that hearts are not the only thing that matter. An item's gift value is the sum of the tag values plus the heart value. "Gift values" here specifically refer to the normal amount of return gifts an item earns from a character when they are your Friend. Higher friendship statuses give bonus return gifts (+1 for Good Friend, +2 for Close Friend).

Gift values are directly proportional to how much an item increases friendship.

In some cases, a higher tag value of an item can make a lower-heart item worth more than a higher-heart item. One example is how Candied Banana Coffee is a more effective gift for Hello Kitty than her 3-heart gift, Red Bow Apple Pie .

Max Friendship

When an Island Resident has reached their maximum friendship level (Best Friend status), the gift value of items no longer matters. Only hearts do.

Instead of giving their material return gifts, characters distribute Character Gift Boxes. A 1-heart gift earns a small character box, a 2-heart gift earns a medium character box, and a 3-heart gift earns a regular character box. The regular character box has a chance at having a Character Hat inside.

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Friendship XP Tracker Resources

This resource can be used to calculate and track the number of gifts needed to raise the levels of characters based on what gift(s) are used and if a companion ability is in effect.

• A Google Spreadsheet friendship XP tracker (created by HKIA Wiki collaborators). (updated to 1.8)

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Badtz-maru Gifts

Badtz-maru likes the tags: (Pizza, Tropical, Joke).

High Heart Gifts

Hearts	Item(s)
	Ultimate Joke Pizza
	Pineapple Pizza

Friendship Raising Recommendations

Value	Items	Comments
9	Quattro Formaggi Pizza	Highest value but with late-game material. Requires Pizza Oven upgrade.
8	Ultimate Joke Pizza	Good value for material cost. Requires Pizza Oven upgrade.
7	Spinip Alfredo Pizza	An alternative if low on materials for above. Requires Pizza Oven upgrade.
	Three Cheese Pizza	Decent value for material cost. Requires Pizza Oven upgrade.
5	Spicy Pizza	Good option before Pizza Oven upgrade.
	Pineapple Pizza
	Joke Soda	Good option before cooking station upgrades.
4	Pineapple Stack Cake	Good option when starting the game.
	Tropical Rare Fish Examples: Coastal Clamfish Summer Sole Tropical Sunfish	Cheap early option with Fishing Rod. Also, catching any clamfish earns a stick.
	Dragondarter	Cheap early option with Net.
2	Coconut	Basic starting option.

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Big Challenges Gifts

Big Challenges likes the tags: (Resilience, Volcanic, Book).

Friendship Raising Recommendations

Value	Items	Comments
9	The Future of Everything	High value, but requires Stars from Stardust.
8	The Greatest Challenge	3-heart gift and high value, but uses up Iron as Ingots.
6	Meditations on Resilience	Good value for cost.
5	Glitchy Book	Good value for cost.
4	Volcanic Rare Fish Examples: Magma Clamfish Golden Loach	Cheap to obtain. Also, catching any clamfish earns a stick.
	Volcanic Rare Critters Examples: Eruptoad Magmiter

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Chococat Gifts

Chococat likes the tags: (Chocolate, Device, Book).

Friendship Raising Recommendations

Value	Items	Comments
7	Interactive History of Chocolate	3-heart gift; material cost is high but possible.
	Computer	Alternative to above.
6	Ancient Inventions	Good value for cost.
5	Chocolate Chai	Option after Espresso Machine upgrade. Can obtain 1 per day from Azuki if she is visiting.
	Hot Cocoa	Option after Espresso Machine upgrade. Can obtain 1 per day each from Cappuccino (the character) or Espresso if they are visiting.
3	Blank Book	Best starting option.

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Cinnamoroll Gifts

Cinnamoroll likes the tags: (Chocolate, Spice, Cozy Beverage).

Friendship Raising Recommendations

Value	Items	Comments
9	Spicy Pumpkin Latte	Highest value and affordable material cost.
8	Molten Frappe	Good value for material cost.
7	Chocolate Chai	3-heart gift but not highest value. Can obtain 1 per day from Azuki if she is visiting.
	Candied Banana Coffee	Good value for material cost.
6	Chai	Best option before Espresso Machine upgrade.
	Spiced Cloud	Good value but late-game access.
5	Spicy Pizza	Good early-game options.*
	Cinnamon Bread
4	Mocha	Option after obtaining the Snorkel. Can obtain 1 per day each from Mocha (the character) or Chiffon if they are visiting.
1	Chocolate Coin	Most basic option, but very poor value.

• *Tip: Prioritize getting to Mount Hothead after the "Power Up the Gate" quest and unlocking Fast Travel. It is difficult to gift Cinnamoroll without access to Magma Blooms, Cinna Blooms, or Chocolate Coins, and you can get to Mount Hothead sooner than you get the Snorkel.

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Hangyodon Gifts

Hangyodon likes the tags: (Cloth, Aquatic, Fish).

Friendship Raising Recommendations

Value	Items	Comments
6	Mermaid Figure	High value but high material cost.
	Designer Island Doll
	Aquatic Music Box
5	Aquatic Rare Fish Examples: Sandy Puffler Galaxy Grouper Briny Clamfish	Cheap to obtain and great value; best starting option. Also, catching any clamfish earns a stick.
	Aquatic Material	Good value but higher material cost.
4	Aquatic Rare Critters Examples: Dreamshell Drifter Inky Ballooper	Cheap to obtain but require Bubble Wand.
2	Starfish	Basic starting option for non-fishers.

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Hello Kitty Gifts

Hello Kitty likes the tags: (Bakery, Fruit, Fancy).

Friendship Raising Recommendations

Value	Items	Comments
9	The Future of Everything	Highest value, but requires Stars from Stardust.
8	Candied Banana Coffee	Great value with a very affordable material cost. Use after obtaining Espresso Machine upgrade.
7	Red Bow Apple Pie	Decent value option with Oven upgrade. Can obtain 1 per day each from Mary White if she is visiting.
	Spinip Alfredo Pizza	Decent value options with cooking station upgrades.
	Beignets with Pineapple Dip
4	Mama's Apple Pie	Good option without cooking station upgrade. Can obtain 1 per day each from Dear Daniel or Mimmy if they are visiting.
	Strawberry Shortcake	Good option without cooking station upgrades.
1	Pineapple	Basic starting option.

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Keroppi Gifts

Keroppi likes the tags: (Critters, Swampy, Wood).

Friendship Raising Recommendations

Value	Items	Comments
6	Swampy Music Box	Highest value, but a relatively costly option.
5	Bush Friend	Cheap option; can be tricky to catch.
	Woolox	Cheap option but somewhat late-game.
	Veggie Supreme Omelet	High value but requires an upgraded Egg Pan Station.
	Critter Totem	3-heart gift. High value but high material cost.
4	Other Rare Critters Example: Dragondarter	Cheap option.
	Swampy Rare Fish Example: Bog Clamfish	Cheap option. Also, catching any clamfish earns a stick.
2	Woodblock	High cost for value, but a starting option.
1	Lotus Blossom	Basic starting option.

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Kiki Gifts

Kiki likes the tags: (Dreamy, Stars, Frozen).

Friendship Raising Recommendations

Value	Items	Comments
11	Starry Skies Shake	Highest value and affordable material cost with all of Cloud Island opened.
9	Quattro Formaggi Pizza	High value, but save it for Lala.
7	Molten Frappe	Best value if low on Cloud Island ingredients.
6	Strawberry Almond Galette	Good value for material cost; good starting option. Can obtain 1 per day from My Melody's Mama if she is visiting.
	Sweet Cloud	Good value for material cost with Candy Cloud Machine available.
5	Woolox	Cheap option with good value.

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Kuromi Gifts

Kuromi likes the tags: (Spooky, Fall, Soda).

Friendship Raising Recommendations

Value	Items	Comments
9	Spicy Pumpkin Latte	Highest value with good material cost.
8	Pumpkin Spice Soda	High value with good material cost. Can obtain 1 per day from Baku if he is visiting.
7	Spooky Cake	Good value with good material cost.
5	Joke Soda	Best option for early-game.
	Jack-O-Lantern	Cost is too high; do not craft for gifts. Can obtain 1 per day from Berry if he is visiting.
4	Pumpkin Pie	Good option for early-game.
	Pumpkin Pudding
2	Pumpkin	Basic starting option.

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Lala Gifts

Lala likes the tags: (Cheese, Creative, Dreamy).

Friendship Raising Recommendations

Value	Items	Comments
11	Quattro Formaggi Pizza	Highest value and affordable material cost with all of Cloud Island opened.
9	Starry Skies Shake	High value, but save it for Kiki.
8	Three Cheese Pizza	Good value for before Pizza Oven upgrade.
6	Strawberry Almond Galette	Best starting option. Can obtain 1 per day from My Melody's Mama if she is visiting.
	Sweet Cloud	Good value for material cost with Candy Cloud Machine available.

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My Melody Gifts

My Melody likes the tags: (Sweet, Pink, Dreamy).

Friendship Raising Recommendations

Value	Items	Comments
9	Starry Skies Shake	Highest values, but very late-game option. May need to save ingredients for Kiki or Lala.
	Quattro Formaggi Pizza
8	Pink Clouds Ice Cream	High value, but a late-game option. Can obtain 1 per day from Macaron (the character) and Cherry if they are visiting.
7	Strawberry Almond Galette	Good value for material cost with Oven upgrade. Can obtain 1 per day from My Melody's Mama if she is visiting.
6	Sweet Cloud	Decent value for material cost with Candy Cloud Machine available.
	Pink Cloud	Decent value for material cost with Candy Cloud Machine available.
4	Pink Latte	Best early option after getting the Snorkel. (Use Strawberry.)
3	Strawberry Shortcake	Best option in starting area.
1	Strawberry	Basic starting option.

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My Sweet Piano Gifts

My Sweet Piano likes the tags: (Cloud, Creative, Wood).

Friendship Raising Recommendations

Value	Items	Comments
9	Quattro Formaggi Pizza	Highest value and good cost if not saving materials for Lala.
7	Colorful Lamb Plush	3-heart gift, but cost is too high to recommend.
6	Sweet Cloud	Great value for material cost with Candy Cloud Machine available.
5	Regional Lamb Plushes Example: Volcanic Lamb Plush	High cost, but good option without access to Candy Cloud Machine.
4	Lamb Plush	Decent value for the cost without access to Candy Cloud Machine.
	Critter Totem	High cost, but best craftable starting option before Cloud Island.
3	Crafted Color Candles Example: Yellow Candle	Starting option if friends with Wish me mell. Can obtain 1 Blue Candle from Chico and 1 Pink Candle from Poco per day if they are visiting.
	Regional Souvenir Dolls Example: Swampy Souvenir Doll	High cost, but a starting option before Cloud Island.
2	Woodblock	High cost for value, but a starting option.
	Basic Plush	A basic option, but the crafting cost is difficult to maintain at low friendship.

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Pekkle Gifts

Pekkle likes the tags: (Rocky, Relax, Music).

Friendship Raising Recommendations

Value	Items	Comments
8	Mountain Soundtrack	Highest value and decent material cost.
7	Rocky Music Box	High value but uses an Ingot, which may need to be saved for other uses.
6	Mama's Pudding	Good value for good material cost with Dessert Machine upgrade.
5	Hot Cocoa	Good value for good material cost with Espresso Machine upgrade. Can obtain 1 per day each from Cappuccino (the character) or Espresso if they are visiting.
4	Twinklebug	Great starting option with Net.
	Rocky Rare Fish Example: Cavern Clamfish	Good starting option with Fishing Rod. Also, catching any clamfish earns a stick.
3	Calming Crystal	Basic starting option.

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Pochacco Gifts

Pochacco likes the tags: (Healthy, Veggie, Sports).

Friendship Raising Recommendations

Value	Items	Comments
7	Pochacco Energy Pop	Highest value and good material cost. Requires Soda Machine upgrade.
	Spinip Alfredo Pizza	Highest value with decent material cost. Requires Pizza Oven upgrade.
6	Everything Pizza	High value with good material cost. Requires Pizza Oven upgrade.
	Veggie Crepe	High value but requires the use of Egg. Requires Egg Pan upgrade.
4	Tofu Bread	Decent value and good starting area option.
	Veggie Bread	Decent value and early-game option. Can obtain 1 per day from My Melody's Papa if he is visiting.
	Tofu Pudding	Decent value and early-game options.
	Purple Pudding
	Tofu Pizza
	Veggie Pizza
	Purple Latte
2	Tofu	Basic starting option.

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Pompompurin Gifts

Pompompurin likes the tags: (Dessert, Dairy, Relax).

Friendship Raising Recommendations

Value	Items	Comments
9	Starry Skies Shake	Highest value, but very late-game. Might need to be saved for Kiki.
8	Mama's Pudding	High value and decent material cost. Can obtain 1 per day from Pompompurin's Mama if she is visiting.
7	Spinip Alfredo Pizza	Okay value for material cost.
6	Sweet Cloud	Great value for material cost with Candy Cloud Machine unlocked.
5	Magma Pudding	Good values for material cost before Dessert Machine upgrade.
	Dessert Pizza
	Pudding	Good value for material cost before Dessert Machine upgrade. Can obtain 1 per day from Pompompurin's Papa if he is visiting.
4	Milk Bread	Options before the Dessert Machine but requires the Snorkel.
	Cappuccino
3	Calming Crystal	Basic starting option.

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Retsuko Gifts

Retsuko likes the tags: (Fire, Metal, Music).

Friendship Raising Recommendations

Value	Items	Comments
8	Sounds of Steel	Highest value, but much too costly to craft. Can obtain 1 per day from My Melody's Grandpa if he is visiting.
7	Volcanic Guitar	3-heart gift, but high material cost; if low on Ingots or Iron, consider saving up to craft it for Best Friend status only.
6	Pineapple Lava Soda	Good option after Soda Machine upgrade.
	Toasted Marshmallow Cloud	Very affordable option with Candy Cloud Machine upgrade.
	Regional Music Boxes Example: Swampy Music Box	Good value, but uses an Ingot.
5	Surprising Soda	Decent option after Soda Machine upgrade.
	Volcano Soundtrack	Good value before cooking station upgrades. Can be tricky to find enough Toasted Almonds.
3	Toasted Almond Coffee	Good options before cooking station upgrades.
	Toasty Pizza
1	Toasted Almond	Basic starting option.*

• *Tip: If getting to Mount Hothead before obtaining the Snorkel, the best option is to gift a Toasted Almond, then use the Dough received to make a Toasty Pizza at the nearby Pizza Oven.

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TOPHAT Gifts

TOPHAT likes the tags: (Stars, Fancy, Digital).

Friendship Raising Recommendations

Value	Items	Comments
11	The Future of Everything	Most value, but uses costly materials. Requires Cloud Island access.
9	Starry Skies Shake	Best value for lower material costs. Requires Cloud Island access.
8	Computer	Good value, but requires more materials.
7	Candied Banana Coffee	2nd best option for lower material costs.
	Spinip Alfredo Pizza	Decent value for material cost.
5	Red Bow Apple Pie	Decent value for material cost.
	Glitchy Book

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Tuxedosam Gifts

Tuxedosam likes the tags: (Cloth, Tropical, Fancy).

Friendship Raising Recommendations

Value	Items	Comments
9	The Future of Everything	Highest value, but too late-game and expensive to use.
8	Designer Island Doll	3-heart gift; crafting cost is a little high.
7	Candied Banana Coffee	Great option after Espresso Machine upgrade.
	Beignets with Pineapple Dip	Good option after Oven upgrade.
6	Ultimate Joke Pizza	Okay option after Pizza Oven upgrade.
	Pineapple Lava Soda	Okay option after Soda Machine upgrade.
5	Tropical Gift	An option before cooking station upgrades.
4	Pineapple Pizza	Options before cooking station upgrades.
	Pineapple Stack Cake
	Tropical Soda
	Banana Soda
	Tropical Rare Fish Examples: Coastal Clamfish Summer Sole Tropical Sunfish	Cheap early option with Fishing Rod. Also, catching any clamfish earns a stick.
	Dragondarter	Cheap early option with Net.
2	Coconut	Basic starting option.

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Wish me mell Gifts

Wish me mell likes the tags: (Fire, Flower, Rare).

High Heart Gifts

Hearts	Items
	Rare Candle (any flower pattern colors)
	Flower Candle (any flower color/type)

Friendship Raising Recommendations

Value	Items	Comments
6	Toasted Marshmallow Cloud	Great value for cost. Requires the upgraded Candy Cloud Machine.
	Pineapple Lava Soda	Good value for cost. Requires the upgraded Soda Machine.
5	Woolox	Good option from Icy Peak.
	Surprising Soda	Good option with upgraded Soda Machine if low on Pineapple.
	Rare Candle	Good value but more difficult to obtain. 4 per day obtainable from Crane Craze. Crafted in the Creation Station, requires "rare" (patterned) flowers.
4	Other Rare-tagged Critters	Easily obtained options.
	Any Rare-tagged Fish

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