Shane in Stardew Valley is an NPC that teaches players not to judge a book by its cover. At first, he may come off as an unpleasant person. But befriending him can unlock in-game rewards, such as crafting recipes. Here we'll break down the best and worst gifts for Shane in Stardew Valley.

Shane: More Than Meets The Eye

Shane is one of the many NPCs introduced in version 1.0. Unlike other games like Core Keeper, players don’t need to meet special requirements to unlock him. He appears as a rude and unhappy man who’ll often throw asinine remarks at the player if the friendship level is still at zero. But befriending him unlocks the reason for his behavior, even going as far as stating that he suffers from depression and alcohol dependence.

Stardew Valley Shane Gifts Guide

Like other Stardew Valley NPCs that you can befriend, Shane will react differently depending on the gift received. Additionally, you can gift him up to two presents per week, plus an additional instance on his birthday on Spring 20. The reactions that help indicate if Shane likes the gifts you give him (or otherwise) are as follows:

• Love: “Oh wow, (player name)! How’d you know this is my favorite?”
• Like: “This is great! Thanks!”
• Neutral: “Oh, you got me something? Thanks!”
• Dislike: “I don’t really like this.”
• Hate: “Why are you giving me your garbage?”

Loved Gifts

• Beer
• Hot Pepper
• Pepper Poppers
• Pizza

Liked Gifts

• All Universal Likes except Pickles
• All Eggs except Void Egg
• All Fruits except Hot Pepper

Neutral Gifts

• All Milk
• All Universal Neutrals

Disliked Gifts

• Chanterelle
• Common Mushroom
• Daffodil
• Dandelion
• Ginger
• Hazelnut
• Holly
• Leek
• Magma Cap
• Morel
• Purple Mushroom
• Seaweed
• Snow Yam
• Wild Horseradish
• Winter Root

Hated Gifts

• Pickles
• Quartz

Heart Events

Shane will start mailing you gifts when you increase your friendship level with him at any time above zero points. Similar to games like Terraria, activating these instances requires you to go through unique objectives. But you can trigger Heart Events at 2-, 3-, 4-, 6-, 7-, 8-, and 10-heart moments. He also has a 14-heart event, but you must marry him first before you can unlock it.

Two-Heart Event

Enter Cindersap Forest at any time between 8 pm and 12 am. You’ll find Shane on the dock of the pond. Go near him, and he’ll offer you a beer. Playing this event won’t affect your friendship level with Shane. But you’ll leave the instance with the “Tipsy” buff, along with recovering 22 Health and 50 Energy.

Three-Heart Event

Shane will send you the Pepper Poppers recipe in the mail. Plus, he’ll start becoming less rude when speaking to him.

Four-Heart Event

Go to Marnie’s Ranch at any time. You’ll find Shane on the ground and passed out. Use the Watering Can on him to wake him up. Let the event play out, but it won’t affect your friendship level with him.

Six-Heart Event

Return to Cindersap Forest, but this time go to that location at any time between 9 am and 8 pm. Plus, it has to be raining or storming. Answer his initial questions with your preferred selection. These queries won’t affect your friendship level with him. But answering his second set of questions can affect the friendship level.

• +10 friendship: “I’m glad I was there to help.”
• +10 friendship: “I’m just happy you’re still here.”
• -10 Friendship: “You needed a serious wake up call.”

Seven-Heart Events

Unlike many NPCs in Stardew Valley with Heart Events, Shane has multiple seven-heart instances. The first event triggers when entering Marnie’s Ranch. Let this scene play out normally. The second event requires you to enter the town at any time between 10 am and 4 pm. Plus, it has to be a sunny day and requires two-heart relationships with both Emily and Clint. Again, let this scene play out normally. As for the last seven-heart event, you’ll simply receive a recipe from Shane in the mail. This time, it’s the Strange Bun recipe.

Eight-Heart Event

Trigger this Heart Event by going to Marnie’s Ranch at any time, as long as Shane is at home. You’ll also see a happy Shane. Like some of his other Heart Events, finishing this instance won’t positively or negatively affect your friendship level with him.

Ten-Heart Event

Triggering this event requires you to complete two requirements: (1) exit your house before 6:30 am, and (2) travel to the Bus Stop between 4 pm and 6 pm. Talk with Shane, and answer his question with any answer you wish. These answers won’t impact your friendship level with him.