The difference between 'sinulle' and 'sinua varten'

A couple of months ago a reader requested a post about the difference between sinulle and sinua varten. Here's how I'd explain it:

'Sinulle' is 'for you' or 'to you'.

• Tämä on sinulle. - This is for you.
• Soitin sinulle eilen. - I called you yesterday.
• Kirjoitin sinulle runon. - I wrote a poem for you.
• Tuon sen sinulle huomenna. - I'll bring it to you tomorrow.

'Varten' can be for a certain purpose or an occasion, or in order to impress or prepare for someone or something.

• Tämä harja on kylpyhuoneen viemäriä varten. - This brush is for the bathroom floor drain.
• Leivoin huomista varten kakun. - I baked a cake for tomorrow.
• Kävin sinua varten kampaajalla. - I went to the hairdresser for you. (I wanted my hair to look nice when we'll meet.)

What about 'vuoksi' and 'takia', then? They both mean 'because of'.

• Sen vuoksi en voinut soittaa sinulle. - That's why (because of it) I couldn't call you. 
• Juna oli myöhässä onnettomuuden takia. - The train was late because of the accident.

Finally, three different sentences with Liisa and a cake:

• Leivoin Liisalle kakun. - I baked a cake for Liisa.
• Leivoin Liisaa varten munattoman kakun. - I baked an eggless cake for Liisa. (The cake is also for others, but because Liisa cannot eat eggs, I made it without eggs.)
• Leivoin Liisan takia / Liisan vuoksi uuden kakun. - I baked a new cake because of Liisa. (Sounds like Liisa did something horrible to the first cake!)

About the author of Random Finnish Lesson: 

My name is Hanna Männikkölahti. I am a professional Finnish teacher who gives private online lessons and simplifies books into easy Finnish. Follow this blog, if you want to be the first one to know when I post something new.  If you want to subscribe to my newsletter, you can do it here.