Introduction: why villagers matter in Stardew Valley

The charm of Stardew Valley doesn’t just stem from the cozy farming and foraging; it’s the people who inhabit Pelican Town and its surrounding regions that give the game its beating heart. Villagers are more than NPCs; they’re friends, neighbours, quest‑givers and, in some cases, future spouses. Building friendships unlocks heart events, crafting recipes and juicy dialogue. Some villagers will ask you for help via mail or the bulletin board, while others reward you with valuable items when your relationship blossoms. You can deepen bonds by giving gifts (up to two gifts per week plus a special birthday gift) and by talking to villagers daily. Loving gifts accelerate friendship growth, while hated gifts reduce it. Understanding each villager’s tastes is therefore essential.

ConcernedApe’s 1.6 update, released in early 2024, refreshed the valley with new quests, dialogues and even raccoon neighbours—a family of raccoons living in a giant stump near Marnie’s Ranch. They provide a questline but are not regular villagers; you can’t give them gifts or raise hearts. The patch also introduced Stardrop Tea, a universal loved gift which “makes an excellent gift for anyone”. These additions join an already rich cast of characters.

This guide categorises all villagers into giftable (characters who can receive gifts and whose friendship can be raised) and non‑giftable (NPCs who serve special roles but can’t be befriended). Within each category, villagers are listed alphabetically so you can quickly look up a name. For every giftable villager you’ll find their birthday, where they live, what they love, and whether they’re a marriage candidate. The focus keyword Stardew Valley villagers appears throughout to help newcomers and veteran farmers alike. Let’s meet your neighbours!

Giftable villagers

Giftable villagers accept gifts and have a visible friendship meter. There are 34 giftable villagers in total, of which 12 are marriage candidates. Gifts given on a villager’s birthday are worth eight times the normal friendship points, so noting birthdays is vital. Below, villagers are split into marriage candidates and non‑marriage giftable villagers; within each group they’re arranged alphabetically by name.

Marriage candidates (bachelors & bachelorettes)

Abigail

Birthday: Fall 13
Residence: Lives at Pierre’s General Store with her parents Pierre and Caroline.
Gift preferences: Loves amethyst, pumpkin, chocolate cake and other mystical treats.
Personality & fun facts: Abigail embraces an “alternative lifestyle”; she plays the flute in the graveyard and enjoys the occult. Her mother says she’s always hanging around the wizard’s tower and looking for frogs.
Marriageable: Yes.

Alex

Birthday: Summer 13.
Residence: Lives at 1 River Road with his grandparents Evelyn and George.
Gift preferences: Loves Complete Breakfast and Salmon Dinner.
Personality & fun facts: A jock with dreams of becoming a professional athlete; he spends sunny days training and boasts about his skills.
Marriageable: Yes.

Elliott

Birthday: Fall 5.
Residence: Lives alone in a cabin on the beach near Willy’s fish shop.
Gift preferences: Loves Crab Cakes, Duck Feather, Pomegranate, Squid Ink, and Tom Kha Soup.
Personality & fun facts: A romantic novelist who moved to the valley to write his great book; he spends mornings on the dock and enjoys poetry.
Marriageable: Yes.

Emily

Birthday: Spring 27.
Residence: Shares 2 Willow Lane with her sister Haley. Works nights at The Stardrop Saloon.
Gift preferences: Loves Amethyst, Aquamarine, Cloth, Emerald, Jade, Parrot Egg, Ruby, Survival Burger, Topaz and Wool.
Personality & fun facts: Free‑spirited and artistic; she enjoys sewing and tailors with cloth. She dreams of unlocking her full potential through dance and meditation.
Marriageable: Yes.

Haley

Birthday: Spring 14.
Residence: Lives at 2 Willow Lane with her sister Emily.
Gift preferences: Loves Coconut, Fruit Salad, Pink Cake and Sunflower.
Personality & fun facts: Initially shallow and obsessed with fashion, Haley gradually becomes kinder when befriended and starts to care about photography and the environment.
Marriageable: Yes.

Harvey

Birthday: Winter 14.
Residence: Lives and works at the Pelican Town Clinic.
Gift preferences: Loves Coffee, Pickles, Super Meal, Truffle Oil and Wine.
Personality & fun facts: The town doctor; he’s gentle and a bit older than other bachelors. His love of flying and radio makes him wistful.
Marriageable: Yes.

Leah

Birthday: Winter 23.
Residence: Lives in a cottage south of your farm in Cindersap Forest.
Gift preferences: Loves Goat Cheese, Poppyseed Muffin, Salad, Stir Fry, Truffle, Vegetable Medley and Wine.
Personality & fun facts: A talented sculptor inspired by nature. She spends time foraging and loves exploring the forest.
Marriageable: Yes.

Maru

Birthday: Summer 10.
Residence: Lives at 24 Mountain Road with her parents Demetrius and Robin.
Gift preferences: Loves Battery Pack, Cauliflower, Cheese Cauliflower, Diamond, Dwarf Gadget, Gold Bar, Iridium Bar, Miner’s Treat, Pepper Poppers, Radioactive Bar, Rhubarb Pie, and Strawberry.
Personality & fun facts: Passionate about science and engineering; she often helps Harvey at the clinic and works on robots in her father’s lab.
Marriageable: Yes.

Penny

Birthday: Fall 2.
Residence: Lives in a trailer east of the river with her mother Pam.
Gift preferences: Loves Diamond, Emerald, Melon, Poppy, Poppyseed Muffin, Red Plate, Roots Platter, Sandfish, and Tom Kha Soup.
Personality & fun facts: Shy and modest; she tutors the village children (Vincent and Jas) and dreams of raising a family.
Marriageable: Yes.

Sam

Birthday: Summer 17.
Residence: Lives at 1 Willow Lane with his mother Jodi, father Kent and brother Vincent.
Gift preferences: Loves Cactus Fruit, Maple Bar, Pizza, and Tigerseye.
Personality & fun facts: Outgoing and musical; he plays guitar and drums, works part‑time at JojaMart or the museum, and wants to start a band.
Marriageable: Yes.

Sebastian

Birthday: Winter 10.
Residence: Lives in the basement of 24 Mountain Road (Robin’s carpentry house).
Gift preferences: Loves Frog Egg, Frozen Tear, Obsidian, Pumpkin Soup, Sashimi, and Void Egg.
Personality & fun facts: A reclusive computer programmer who loves comics and motorbikes. He’s a half‑brother to Maru and step‑son to Demetrius.
Marriageable: Yes.

Shane

Birthday: Spring 20.
Residence: Lives at Marnie’s Ranch in Cindersap Forest with his aunt Marnie and goddaughter Jas.
Gift preferences: Loves Beer, Hot Pepper, Pepper Poppers, and Pizza.
Personality & fun facts: Starts off depressed and rude; as you befriend him he opens up about his struggles and his love for chickens. He works at JojaMart.
Marriageable: Yes.

Other giftable villagers (non‑marriage)

These villagers can be befriended but cannot marry the player. Raising their hearts still unlocks recipes, cutscenes and special services. In alphabetical order:

Caroline

Birthday: Winter 7.
Residence: Lives above Pierre’s General Store with her husband Pierre and daughter Abigail.
Gift preferences: Loves Fish Taco, Green Tea, Summer Spangle, and Tropical Curry.
Role & facts: She runs a Tuesday exercise group with Jodi, Marnie, Emily and Robin and sells you a tea sapling when you gain two hearts.
Marriageable: No.

Clint

Birthday: Winter 26.
Residence: Lives at the Blacksmith’s in Pelican Town.
Gift preferences: Loves Amethyst, Aquamarine, Artichoke Dip, Emerald, Fiddlehead Risotto, Gold/Iridium Bar, Jade, Omni Geode, Ruby, and Topaz.
Role & facts: Pelican Town’s blacksmith; he upgrades your tools and processes geodes. He is shy and has a crush on Emily.
Marriageable: No.

Demetrius

Birthday: Summer 19.
Residence: Lives at 24 Mountain Road with his wife Robin, daughter Maru, and step‑son Sebastian.
Gift preferences: Loves Bean Hotpot, Ice Cream, Rice Pudding and Strawberry.
Role & facts: A scientist studying local flora and fauna; he often conducts experiments around the farm and asks for help with his research.
Marriageable: No.

Dwarf

Birthday: Summer 22.
Residence: Lives in a cave at the eastern entrance to the Mines.
Gift preferences: Loves Amethyst, Aquamarine, Emerald, Jade, Lava Eel, Lemon Stone, Omni Geode, Ruby, and Topaz.
Role & facts: A mysterious creature who speaks Dwarvish; you’ll need to collect four Dwarvish Scrolls to understand them. Sells bombs and rare goods.
Marriageable: No.

Evelyn

Birthday: Winter 20.
Residence: Lives at 1 River Road with her husband George and grandson Alex.
Gift preferences: Loves Beet, Chocolate Cake, Diamond, Fairy Rose, Raisins, Stuffing, and Tulip.
Role & facts: Affectionately known as “Granny,” she tends the town’s gardens, bakes cookies and can sometimes be found at Harvey’s clinic.
Marriageable: No.

George

Birthday: Fall 24.
Residence: Lives at 1 River Road with his wife Evelyn.
Gift preferences: Loves Fried Mushroom and Leek.
Role & facts: A cranky older man who uses a wheelchair; he has a soft side once befriended and visits the clinic on the 23rd of each season.
Marriageable: No.

Gus

Birthday: Summer 8.
Residence: Lives and works at The Stardrop Saloon in Pelican Town.
Gift preferences: Loves Diamond, Escargot, Fish Taco, Orange, and Tropical Curry.
Role & facts: The friendly saloon owner; he serves drinks and food and relies on regular patrons like Pam and Clint to keep his business afloat.
Marriageable: No.

Jas

Birthday: Summer 4.
Residence: Lives at Marnie’s Ranch with her aunt Marnie and godfather Shane.
Gift preferences: Loves Ancient Doll, Fairy Box, Fairy Rose, Pink Cake, Plum Pudding, and both green/yellow Strange Dolls.
Role & facts: A shy child who plays with Vincent. She attends Penny’s lessons and loves to jump rope.
Marriageable: No.

Jodi

Birthday: Fall 11.
Residence: Lives at 1 Willow Lane with her husband Kent and sons Sam and Vincent.
Gift preferences: Loves Chocolate Cake, Crispy Bass, Diamond, Eggplant Parmesan, Fried Eel, Pancakes, Rhubarb Pie, and Vegetable Medley.
Role & facts: A busy homemaker who dreams of a perfect family. She joins Caroline and others for exercise on Tuesday mornings.
Marriageable: No.

Kent

Birthday: Spring 4.
Residence: Returns from the army in Year 2 to live at 1 Willow Lane with his wife Jodi and sons.
Gift preferences: Loves Fiddlehead Risotto and Roasted Hazelnuts.
Role & facts: Struggles with trauma from the war but slowly reconnects with his family. He spends time at the saloon and near his house.
Marriageable: No.

Krobus

Birthday: Winter 1.
Residence: Lives in the Sewers.
Gift preferences: Loves Diamond, Iridium Bar, Monster Compendium, Monster Musk, Pumpkin, Void Egg, Void Mayonnaise, and Wild Horseradish.
Role & facts: A shadow person and the only friendly monster. He sells rare goods and can even become your roommate (non‑romantic) but cannot marry.
Marriageable: No (roommate possible).

Leo

Birthday: Summer 26.
Residence: Initially lives on Ginger Island; after reaching six hearts he moves to a treehouse in the mountains.
Gift preferences: Loves Duck Feather, Mango, Ostrich Egg, Parrot Egg, and Poi.
Role & facts: An orphan raised by parrots; he considers birds his family and bonds with Linus. After friendship grows he joins Pelican Town life.
Marriageable: No.

Lewis

Birthday: Spring 7.
Residence: Lives at the Mayor’s Manor in Pelican Town.
Gift preferences: Loves Autumn’s Bounty, Glazed Yams, Green Tea, Hot Pepper, and Vegetable Medley.
Role & facts: Pelican Town’s long‑serving mayor; he organises festivals, sends helpful letters and rumours hint at a relationship with Marnie.
Marriageable: No.

Linus

Birthday: Winter 3.
Residence: Lives in a tent west of the mines in the mountains.
Gift preferences: Loves Blueberry Tart, Cactus Fruit, Coconut, Dish O’ The Sea, The Alleyway Buffet, and Yam.
Role & facts: A hermit who lives off the land; he teaches survival skills and remains shy around townsfolk but warms up when befriended.
Marriageable: No.

Marnie

Birthday: Fall 18.
Residence: Runs Marnie’s Ranch in Cindersap Forest.
Gift preferences: Loves Diamond, Farmer’s Lunch, Pink Cake, and Pumpkin Pie.
Role & facts: Sells animals and supplies; she’s the aunt of Jas and Shane. Rumours link her romantically to Mayor Lewis.
Marriageable: No.

Pam

Birthday: Spring 18.
Residence: Lives in a trailer east of the river with her daughter Penny.
Gift preferences: Loves Beer, Cactus Fruit, Glazed Yams, Mead, Pale Ale, Parsnip, Parsnip Soup, and Piña Colada.
Role & facts: Former bus driver; she drives again once the bus is repaired. She enjoys afternoons at The Stardrop Saloon and is a regular customer.
Marriageable: No.

Pierre

Birthday: Spring 26.
Residence: Lives above Pierre’s General Store with his wife Caroline and daughter Abigail.
Gift preferences: Loves Fried Calamari and the Price Catalogue.
Role & facts: Owns the general store and is constantly worried about JojaMart stealing his customers.
Marriageable: No.

Robin

Birthday: Fall 21.
Residence: Lives at 24 Mountain Road with her husband Demetrius, daughter Maru, and son Sebastian.
Gift preferences: Loves Goat Cheese, Peach, Spaghetti, and Woodpecker’s Secret.
Role & facts: Pelican Town’s carpenter; she sells buildings and upgrades your house. She exercises with Caroline and friends on Tuesdays.
Marriageable: No.

Sandy

Birthday: Fall 15.
Residence: Runs the Oasis shop in the Calico Desert.
Gift preferences: Loves Crocus, Daffodil, Mango Sticky Rice, and Sweet Pea.
Role & facts: A friendly desert merchant; she sells seeds once the bus is repaired and occasionally sends you supplies.
Marriageable: No.

Vincent

Birthday: Spring 10.
Residence: Lives at 1 Willow Lane with his parents Jodi and Kent and brother Sam.
Gift preferences: Loves Cranberry Candy, Frog Egg, Ginger Ale, Grape, Pink Cake, and Snail.
Role & facts: A playful child who idolises his brother Sam and often plays with Jas.
Marriageable: No.

Willy

Birthday: Summer 24.
Residence: Lives on the Beach in a shack next to his Fish Shop.
Gift preferences: Loves Catfish, Diamond, Gold Bar, Iridium Bar, Mead, Octopus, Pumpkin, Sea Cucumber, Sturgeon, and The Art O’ Crabbing.
Role & facts: A seasoned fisherman who grew up travelling among the Fern Islands; he sells rods and bait and shares fishing tips.
Marriageable: No.

Wizard (M. Rasmodius)

Birthday: Winter 17.
Residence: Lives in the Wizard’s Tower in Cindersap Forest.
Gift preferences: Loves Book of Mysteries, Purple Mushroom, Solar Essence, Super Cucumber, and Void Essence.
Role & facts: Studies the spirit world and teaches you about Junimos; rarely leaves his tower except during festivals.
Marriageable: No.

Non‑giftable NPCs

Some characters in Stardew Valley can’t be given gifts or befriended. They often serve specific roles in quests, shops or festivals. While they don’t have friendship meters, knowing who they are helps you complete storylines. The 1.6 update added raccoon neighbours as part of the Giant Stump quest—these raccoons run a shop and give you tasks but are not counted among giftable villagers.

Below is an alphabetical list of non‑giftable NPCs and their purposes:

Character	Role/location	Notes
Birdie	Lives in a hut on Ginger Island; gives you the “Pirate’s Wife” quest	Cannot be gifted and disappears after you complete her quest.
Bouncer	Guards the entrance to the Calico Desert casino behind the Oasis	Leaves once you finish Mr. Qi’s “Mysterious Qi” quest.
Fizz	Joja Corporation “special services” agent on Ginger Island	Sells Perfection Waivers in the Mushroom Cave; not a real villager.
Gil	Elderly adventurer at the Adventurer’s Guild in the mountains	Rewards rings, hats and weapons for monster‑slaying achievements.
Governor	Regional politician who attends the Luau festival	Judges the communal soup; not present otherwise.
Grandpa	Your deceased grandfather who appears on Grandpa’s Shrine	Leaves a letter encouraging you to leave city life and evaluates your farm on Year 3.
Gunther	Curator of the Pelican Town Museum	Accepts artifact donations and rewards you with rare items; he never leaves his desk.
Henchman	Goblin who guards the Witch’s Hut	Loves Void Mayonnaise; giving it to him lets you pass during the “Goblin Problem” quest.
Marlon	Runs the Adventurer’s Guild	Buys monster loot, sells weapons and recovers lost items.
Morris	Manager of JojaMart	Promotes Joja’s membership program and will leave town if you restore the Community Center.
Mr. Qi	Mysterious gambler running the Calico Desert casino and Qi’s Walnut Room	Offers high‑level challenges and rare rewards; can’t be befriended.
Old Mariner	Appears on rainy days at the beach	Sells the Mermaid’s Pendant used for proposing marriage.
Professor Snail	Runs the Island Field Office on Ginger Island	Accepts fossils and rewards you with Golden Walnuts; freed using a bomb.
Raccoons	Family living in the Cindersap Forest Big Stump	New 1.6 neighbours; they request items and reward you but cannot be gifted.
Junimos	Forest spirits inhabiting the Community Center	Collect bundles and reward you by restoring town facilities.
Henchman and Henchman (Goblin)	Already covered above.

The valley also includes background festival NPCs and minor characters such as Governor, Bookseller (new in 1.6), and seasonal visitors. These NPCs enrich the world but don’t have friendship mechanics.

Frequently asked questions

How many villagers are there in Stardew Valley?

As of the 1.6 update, there are 34 giftable villagers—12 of whom are marriage candidates. Beyond those, the game includes around twenty non‑giftable NPCs like merchants, quest givers and spirits. New raccoon neighbours introduced in update 1.6 count as NPCs rather than villagers.

Can you marry anyone you want?

No. Only the six bachelors (Alex, Elliott, Harvey, Sam, Sebastian, Shane) and six bachelorettes (Abigail, Emily, Haley, Leah, Maru, Penny) are eligible for marriage. You need to raise them to ten hearts and propose with a Mermaid’s Pendant from the Old Mariner. Krobus can become a platonic roommate but is not a spouse.

Who is the best villager to befriend?

There’s no single “best” villager; each friendship offers unique benefits. Befriending Robin unlocks house upgrades, Willy sells improved fishing gear, and Caroline gifts a tea sapling. Friendship scenes also reveal character backstories: Shane’s heart events explore depression and recovery, while Sebastian’s reveal his dreams of freedom. Choose villagers whose perks, stories or professions align with your playstyle.

Conclusion

Befriending the Stardew Valley villagers turns Pelican Town from a quiet farming simulation into a vibrant social experience. Learning each character’s birthday, schedule and favourite gifts makes it easier to grow friendships, unlock heart‑warming cutscenes and reap unique rewards.

With update 1.6, the valley added raccoon neighbours and universal Stardrop Tea, proving that even after years, new surprises await players. Whether you’re wooing a future spouse or helping an elderly blacksmith find love, the villagers’ stories make Stardew Valley endlessly replayable. Keep this guide handy as you till, fish and explore, and soon you’ll feel like part of the community too.

Stardew Valley Villagers