How do i know what people like?

[GorillaEggs]

Like the title says, how do I know what to gift people? I keep gifting stuff but even when they say they like it their hearts don't go up.

[Unbroken Eclipse]

You need to gift them two things a week in order to increase their heart level.

[axis]

Trial and error. You can check the wiki, too: http://stardewvalleywiki.com/Stardew_Valley_Wiki

[Evanz111]

Rule of thumb is: Flowers and fruit are good, fish and materials are bad. Gems or produce if you're feeling generous.

[Jessie]

A few villagers will basically tell you what they like or what their family members like so that is another way to find out.

[Danjal]

Talk to them. Most will give indications on what their likes and dislikes are. And often times they follow stereotypical patterns which will also lead you to guess some of the other options.
But mostly talking.

Also, just a single gift won't make the heart go up. Talking and gifting will increase an invisible progress meter, only once that fills up will you get a heart (and start on the next).

[BlueFoot]

Wiki, trial and error and talking to people in the town. Heres an example, both shane and Pam LOVE beer since they hang out at the saloon every day, and penny said that Pam hates nothing more than octopus

[Gerustroncio]

Originally posted by Evanz111:

Rule of thumb is: Flowers and fruit are good, fish and materials are bad. Gems or produce if you're feeling generous.

well, that dude that works at the baiting shop likes fish just fine.