How to Gift A Sex Toy: A Step-By-Step Guide
Navigating Intimate Gifting

There are many reasons why you might consider giving a friend or loved one a sex toy. From gifts between partners to fun bachelorette parties and bridal showers, presenting a sex toy as a gift isn’t unusual.
However, there are some guidelines to follow if you want to ensure a positive reception for your toy. Take a look at these tips to create a fun, unique experience for your giftee.
Reasons to Gift Sex Toys
Whether it’s a remote-controlled vibrator or a dildo, you shouldn’t give any sex toy as a gift without thinking. This kind of gift requires trust, an open mind, and a modern perspective.
Since sex toys are symbols of sexual freedom, you want to make sure you and the giftee don’t approach the situation from a place of shame or stigma. There are many benefits to sex toys, but not everyone is ready to learn about them!
For partners and friends, you should consider their preferences and needs first. Some friends may not feel comfortable receiving these types of gifts without prior consent. Make sure your gift is thoughtful and consensual.
To Gift or Not to Gift
Wondering if a sex toy is an appropriate gift for your specific situation? Here’s a short list of some people who may appreciate receiving this type of personal gift:
- Partners
- Spouses
- Friends with benefits
- Roommates
- Close friends
- Brides
Not every situation is the same, so you’ll need to consider whether you should give a gift to anyone on this list.
Step-By-Step Guidance
Now that you know who may be an appropriate recipient of a sex toy, it’s time to learn how to shop for them. Here’s your step-by-step guide:
Function, Size, and Look
Choosing the right toy for your individual requires considering three essential factors: function, size, and aesthetics.
- Sex Toy Functionality
There are so many different types of sex toys, including those for penetration, vibration, and kinks. There are even accessories to pair with some popular toys, like sex mats or costumes. Each type of functionality has a specific purpose and unique stimulations. You should do some research to understand what each toy does to ensure it’s something the recipient may enjoy.
- Is Bigger Always Better?
Size should always be based on the recipient’s comfort and level of experience. If your recipient is a beginner, consider smaller toys that are less intimidating. If you know your recipient has a lot of experience or specific kinks, you might go larger with a more unique shape.
- Toy Aesthetics: From Color to Discretion
Your final task is to consider how the toy looks. Many modern toys are designed to be as beautiful as they are functional, so you have a ton of colors, shapes, and designs to explore. Some are made to be as discreet as possible, while others are supposed to be decorative objects.
Are you gifting a toy to someone who values privacy? Look at sleek, small styles. Looking for someone who loves to be wild and free? Match their vibes with bright colors and fun shapes.
The Right Time for Gift Giving
Sometimes, the right time to give an intimate gift is obvious. If you’re heading to a bachelorette party or bridal shower where sex toys are a traditional gift, it’s easy to find the right moment! However, if you’re choosing a gift for a partner, timing may be a little more delicate.
You might consider giving an intimate gift during celebrations of personal milestones, like birthdays or anniversaries. Other appropriate times may include romantic getaways or Valentine’s Day.
Gift-giving between partners is a great way to deepen your relationship and spark conversations about your desires and fantasies. Giving to your partner will also open up an avenue for receiving sex toys from them, which will start a cycle of giving that invites endless explorations into pleasure.
Still Wondering If You Should Gift A Sex Toy?
Are you still unsure whether or not a sex toy as a gift is appropriate? You should let your instincts be your guide. What does your gut say?
While intimate toys are getting more and more mainstream, they’re still pretty personal choices, so your gut can be a helpful compass toward making the right decision. Some questions to ask yourself before you start hunting for a toy may include:
- Do you know this person well enough to guess what they would like?
- Is your potential giftee open-minded or more conservative in their views about sex?
- What would their reaction be to this type of gift? Empowered and delighted or uncomfortable?
- How would their age and the situation affect the appropriateness of the gift?
If the answers to any of these questions make you second-guess your decision, you might want to skip out on the sex toy this time.
The Taboos Around Sex Toys As Gifts
You might think it’s fun and exciting to give a sex toy as a gift, but there are situations where it may not be the right choice. Unless you’re very close friends, know your gift will be appreciated, or are in a sexual relationship with this person, sex toys are not a great option. Some other taboos include:
- Giving this gift in a public setting, like work
- Giving a type of toy you know a person won’t enjoy
- Giving an intimate gift when specifically asked not to
- Giving a gift that may expose the sexuality of the giftee without consent
Make sure your recipient feels safe and happy when receiving their gift from you.
Final Thoughts
No matter what type of toy you might be looking for, this can be an exciting adventure for both the giver and receiver, with options for all types of couples and interests. You can even find amazing gifts ideal for solo pleasure seekers. Just make sure you put enough thought into your selection to ensure adventure, laughter, fun, and pleasure!
About the Creator
Laura Henry
Laura Henry is a writer and editor with a passion for alternative health products and practices. When they're not outside with their rescue dog, they spend their time exploring local wellness/new age spaces and practicing yoga.


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