Why are we able to give certain villagers gifts but not others?

[Tiffany]

I've noticed that sometimes when you talk to a villager there will be an option that says "Do you want this" or "Is this yours". Anyone know what causes this to able able at certain times or with certain villagers and not others?

 

[cainhurst]

I was under the impression that it's related to how close you are with that villager, but I wonder if it could be time-related instead (or as well, even). Whenever I have new villagers, it feels like it takes a bit before I'm able to give them gifts.

I've also noticed I'm unable to give them gifts when they're sitting down somewhere, whether it be on the ground or in an actual chair. They're too busy to accept presents apparently

 

[cloudmask]

i do think it's time-related, like there must be x amount of time between giving a gift either to that specific villager or in general. i havent paid close enough attention to figure out what the exact intervals are but im fairly sure it's about time

 

[ForgottenT]

Depends on your friendship level with them.
Would be weird to walk up to a stranger and randomly hand them a present.

 

[SaltedKaramel]

What I've noticed, is that whenever you have a new villager in town, you are unable give them gifts. Whether due to friendship or time I'm not sure.

And if you've already given a villager something for the day be it fruit or whatever, you cannot give them another.

 

[raqball]

When I get new villagers I just talk to them a lot and mail them non native fruit everyday... Usually within 2 day I am able to hand them the fruit as a gift instead of mailing it...

 

[moon_child]

‘Cause you wouldn’t accept a gift from a weird stranger down the street, would you? Lol. Seriously though, I think it has to do with time and friendship level. The closer you are to them and the longer you’ve known them, the higher probability of giving them gifts.

 

[Underneath The Stars]

depends on friendship level/how long they've been living. and then you can only gift them once a day.