Sex Gift Dos And Don’ts (And Top Holiday Sex Toy Deals)
That said, this is still an intimate product category, so choosing the appropriate sex toy based on your relationship with the person is vital. In our sex toy gifting guide, we’ll dive into the art of how to gift a sex toy, as well as give you the ultimate cheat sheet on the best sex toy holiday sex toy deals of 2025.
Why pleasure makes the ultimate present
You might be wondering…is it ok to gift a sex toy? The answer is yes - as long as you don’t forget the appropriate etiquette. Now that sexual wellness is more in the mainstream and considered a form of self-care, more people are loud and proud about the fact that they enjoy using toys during solo and partnered play. As a result, sex gifts are trending, and they’re the perfect excuse to treat your partner to a spicy gift that’s way better than socks or a scented candle.
Gifting toys to a romantic partner is your best bet, but depending on how close you are with your gift recipient, you may also be able to give a sex toy gift to a relative or friend. However, awareness and gifting etiquette are key components here. Lucky for you, we’ve got you back with important tips and all the must-know do’s and don’ts (and mega discounts that will let you stock up on gifts without making too big a dent in your budget. Don’t worry – cheap sex toys that aren’t low-quality do exist, and they aren’t low-quality. Read on for our top suggestions after our sex gift dos and don'ts.
How to pick the perfect toy for your relationship
For new couples, something simple like a massage oil might be better. If you’ve been together a long time, you may want to try couples’ toys or get them something you know will speak to their sexual preferences. Long-distance couples can consider app-enabled toys from brands like Lovense or We-Vibe, which allow you to connect with each other no matter where you are in the world.
What’s the most discreet toy to gift?
For strokers, non-realistic is better, since some people might feel uncomfortable receiving a realistic male masturbator that looks like genitalia. For people with vulvas, simple vibrators or rose toys are great. As a rule, the less it looks like a sex toy, the easier it will be to gift it to someone and start a conversation with the toy’s aesthetic doubling as an icebreaker.
Do…
Think about who you’re buying for (and consider relationship status)
What you buy will differ depending on whether you’re buying for a close friend, a sibling, or a romantic partner. Context matters! If you’re buying for a partner, you probably have insight into what they like or want to try, so focus on them and don’t make the gifting process about yourself. For people you’re not in a relationship with, discreet or self-care oriented toys and stocking stuffers such as massage oil, bullets, rose toys (a sex toy that doesn’t look like a safe toy can be less intimidating), and discreet strokers from brands like Tenga are all smart choices that are ultra-affordable.
Relationship status is also worth thinking about – for single women, G-spot toys or wands with an internal and external component may be suitable. For couples, wearable toys, simple vibrators, or vibrating rings may be helpful, and long-distance couples will appreciate a Bluetooth or app-enabled toy. If you’re not sure what the recipient might like, a sex toy gift set is always a good idea.
Communicate with the recipient
This is one of the biggest sex gift dos and don'ts to remember. Lack of communication is a major mistake. You’re not a mind-reader, so unless you know exactly what’s on their wish list, it might be better to plan ahead and talk to them rather than surprise them with an intimate gift that comes out of left field. Communicating beforehand allows you to learn their preferences, and if they don’t feel comfortable sharing and want to pick their own, you can get a gift card instead.
Gauge their comfort level and openness in discussing sex toys
Even if you think someone could greatly benefit from a sex toy, giving it to the wrong person or someone who isn’t open to this kind of gift can lead to awkwardness at best and someone being offended at worst. If your potential gift recipient is open to discussing their sexuality or you’ve talked about it in the past and they’ve expressed an interest in it, this may be a solid gift idea! If you haven’t talked about it before, consider chatting with them about it alone, in a safe space. While romantic partners are the perfect recipients, you may want to avoid gifting these kinds of products to family members, friends, and coworkers unless you’re very close and transparent about these topics.
Choose the right sex toy
Toys are so personal – there’s no one-size-fits-all sex toy, and it can be difficult to know what they like unless you’re sleeping with them. Per our previous point, a conversation is the best way to choose a toy, but generally, function, looks, and size are the most important factors to think about when choosing the best sex toy as a gift. Don’t turn it into a gag gift, unless you’re attending a bachelorette party and something like penis gummies and other party gifts are encouraged.
Smaller toys like suction toys or bullet vibrators are approachable, external toys that are also more budget-friendly, but more curious and adventurous folks may like a G-spot stimulator, a dildo, or a beginner-friendly anal plug paired with a little bottle of lube. For people with vulvas, clitoral stimulators are a safe bet that you can layer other toys into, and for people with penises, the same goes for strokers.
Don’t…
Give it in the wrong setting
Never gift a sex toy in public, at a workplace, at a party, or crowded setting. The best place to do this is in a one-on-one, private setting, to avoid any embarrassment. Even if they end up loving the toy or accessory, gifting it to them in the wrong setting can ruin it, so remember to read the room! Creating a safe space is vital so that the receiver doesn’t feel anxious or put on the spot in front of people they may not have a close relationship with.
Surprise them
Consent matters, even when it comes to giving a gift. Even if it’s a long-term partner and it seems romantic, using a sex toy is an incredibly personal decision. This is why it’s not only important to get their consent beforehand, but their input so that you’ll know they’re comfortable with whatever you’re getting them (and that it won’t gather dust up on a shelf somewhere. This is not the time to push someone out of their comfort zone, and it requires a lot of trust. Learning new things about sexual preferences may bring you closer to your friends, or act as foreplay with your partner if you send over some links they might enjoy.
Buy a low-quality toy or skip accessories
Sextoys.co.uk has tons of high-quality, body-safe materials, and since toys touch your genitals, you should never cheap out on them. Cheap sex toys can contain toxic or porous materials that can harm the body, so you definitely don’t want to give those to your loved ones! Opt for silicone, glass, and stainless steel toys. Stay away from jelly and rubber. While it’s not necessary, our pro tip is to include sex toy cleaners, lubes, and storage bags, since they make the gift more thoughtful.
Make it about you or be a creep
One of the most forgotten sex gift dos and don'ts? Giving someone the gift of pleasure should be about their pleasure, not yours. Sex toy gift ideas shouldn’t fulfill your own undercover fetish or kink. Getting any toys (especially ones that involve anal play or BDSM) is a major no-no unless you’ve explicitly gotten the receiver’s enthusiastic consent. Gifting a sex toy should never be a way to pressure someone into something. Additionally, never gift a sex toy as a way to flirt or get attention from a crush. It’s also not an appropriate first-date gift. There needs to be a high level of comfort and familiarity with anyone you give these products to, and if not, it may be seen as a form of harassment.
Keep in mind that presentation matters
Pairing the toy with something like lingerie, lube, candles, massage oils, and cleaning products can all add an extra curated touch. Discreet gift wrapping is also a nice touch. If you’re gifting to a partner, consider writing them a sexy note to go with it.
The best holiday sex toy gift deals of 2025
Once you’ve schooled yourself on these sex gift dos and don'ts, remember that this is the perfect time of year to take advantage of sex toy sales and price slashes for a more affordable gifting season…plus, don’t forget to pair them with our free Couple’s Advent-ure Calendar here are our top picks:
Multipurpose toys are trending this year, and this way, you get to gift three toys for the price of one. The head works as a wand vibrator and a suction toy, while the handle doubles as a thrusting dildo.
The One Open-Ended Stroker - 44% Off
Resembling a hair dryer, this discreet open-ended stroker can be used alone or with a partner, making it an ideal choice for the penis owner in your life. It’s travel-friendly, water-resistant, and has six different vibration modes and speeds. Gift with a mini lube!
Embracing the joy of giving this holiday season
When it’s done thoughtfullywith sex gift dos and don'ts kept in mind, gifting pleasure can be a gratifying experience for both the giver and recipient. The key is to follow etiquette and keep the other person in mind rather than making the situation about yourself.
