Editor’s Note: This article was written by actress, producer mental health counselor and Playboy Club model Aubri Ebony, to illuminate navigating your partner’s specific love language.

Get ready to wrap it or unwrap it, in every sense of the phrase. But for the sake of the article, let’s start with what to wrap this holiday season using your partner’s receiving Love Language, meaning how they receive love. And if you’re not in tune with Love Languages, that’s okay! I’m here for you.

The Love Language theory explains that people give and receive love in five main ways: Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch. Knowing yours and your partner’s Love Languages helps you connect better by showing love in ways that truly matter to each other. Got it? Perfect. Here are ways to show your significant other that you appreciate them in their Love Language.

Words of Affirmation

This one of my primary receiving Love Languages, meaning how I receive love. If your partner’s receiving Love Language is Words of Affirmation, here’s a gift idea. You know them best: spend time looking for a really nice card. There are plenty of stores around to get a specialty card. Once you buy the card, think deeply about the relationship.

Think through the ups and downs and write something heartfelt that shows your appreciation of them. Make sure and fill up both sides. The card can accompany another gift of course (gift card to a spa, pedicure, boxing class, candle shop, etc.) but the card will be your statement piece. When presenting the gift, consider reading the card out loud to your partner. Words of Affirmation can mean more when they’re spoken out loud and from the heart. Are you ready?

Acts of Service

One of the introspective Love Languages is Acts of Service because it requires a deep understanding of your partner’s needs. Think to yourself for a bit. What has your partner been needing or wanting to get done, but hasn’t because of time or other factors? Is it a car wash? Getting a wall painted? That thing for the kids? Something needed for the family? A clean house? It could be a variety of things but that is exactly why it’s important to listen to and understand your partner.

Complete your Act of Service and ‘wrap it with a bow’—figuratively speaking. Wrap it with a bouquet of flowers and their favorite dessert, or a cologne and hand cream. Candle or Incense, or maybe an herbal oil. I can give you tips but you have to know your partner to know how to best implement this Love Language. What would they like you to do?

Gift Giving

This is one of the easiest Love Languages if your partner enjoys receiving gifts. Given current inflation, I’ll be mindful of the gift suggestions to suit different budgets. Here is a wide range of gifts for your partner. Gift cards are always a yes. It’s cheating a little bit, but a gift that can never go wrong. If possible, consider multiple gift cards. However, a single thoughtful one is equally meaningful. I mentioned a few above in the Words of Affirmations segment, however here are a few more.

Their fave Department store, tech store, nail salon, sports store, athletic brand, book store…it’s endless. Get in there. Gifts outside of gift cards could be a bag for work, leisure, or lifestyle. If they’re into plants, a Peace Lily or Monstera are easy to take care of. A bath set or a few of their favorite fragrance. Are they a cozy partner? Maybe they’d like pajamas, a fleece blanket or slippers. Athletic partner? Workout sets or gear to help work towards their goals.

Do they value personal care? Consider bath or shower gifts, oils, candles, bath bombs…plus anything that makes them smell and feel good right out the shower. This could lead to a little play time in bed. Ultimately, listen to your partner and I assure you, that you can’t go wrong. Ignore your partner and you’re a shoe in to get them the wrong gifts.

Quality Time

Time is so valuable. I’m sure if 2024 taught you anything, it taught you the value of time. Here are a few ideas. Find two Holiday movies (or pick from two you really love), make hot chocolate, tea, espresso martinis maybe, and some snacks. Then, take time away from your phones to just enjoy each other’s company. Play jazz, or maybe your favorite tunes and cook a meal together.

If you’re into wine, a good wine is always a good idea to spice up the mood. Spend the evening playing card games or board games. An additional idea would be to order delivery and just sit and talk. Engage in conversations about their thoughts & goals for the upcoming year. You could talk about any goals they want to accomplish in 2025 or maybe you just cuddle and listen to music. It all depends on the time you have to spend. Make the time.

Physical Touch

Oh la la….my favorite receiving Love Language. In my opinion Physical Touch—healthy Physical Touch— can be so healing. It can soothe our nervous systems and help bring us close together. A few simple and classic Physical Touch gifts for the holidays could be the sensual full body massage. Don’t push for intimacy, just let it happen. Touch the right places and you might receive a saucy reaction…trust me, it can happen. Just make sure the oil doesn’t get in the wrong places to cause any issues. Keep wipes or a hot towel near to wipe your hands or other things when necessary. 

For a less sensual approach, consider a foot massage, neck rub, hand massage, scalp massage, or a hot bath. Just remember to bring a good oil. If you want a different Physical Touch vibe, alternatively, consider gifting a massager, silk sheets, or a cozy throw blanket.

No matter the Love Language, there is always a way to show it to your partner whether you’re being cost effective or flashy. The key thing is to really listen to and learn from your partner to better understand what they need and what they like. The same goes for you, Dearest Reader. Communicate your Love Language so that your partner can better learn you too. If you feel you know each other’s Love Language, and things have gotten repetitive, don’t forget, you can always try something new. Try a new love Language and explore the journey together. Good Luck & Happy Holidays!

Aubri Ebony is on The Playboy Club. Talk to her now.