Gifting sex toys can be a hilariously fun, deeply personal experience—when done right. Whether it’s a thoughtful surprise for your partner or a cheeky gift for a close friend, follow these dos and don’ts to avoid awkward moments and create a memorable (and pleasurable) gift-giving experience.

✅The Dos

1. Know Your Audience (It’s a Must)

The first rule of gifting a sex toy? Know who you’re buying for. Gifting your favorite vibrator might seem like a fun idea, but sex toys aren’t for everyone. Some may embrace it with excitement, while others might feel caught off guard.

For example:

• Perfect for: An adventurous BFF, an open-minded partner, or a friend who’s casually mentioned their toy collection.
• Not ideal for: A conservative relative, a colleague, or someone who’s never talked about anything remotely risqué.

If it’s for your partner, make sure they’re ready for it. No one wants a gift-opening moment to turn into an impromptu therapy session.

2. Drop Hints 

Surprises are exciting, but with something as personal as a vibrator or sex toy, you’ll want to test the waters first. 

For partners, you could say:

• “Ever thought about adding some spice to our nights?”
• “What’s your take on trying something new?”
  

For friends, try:

• “Have you ever tried [insert toy name]?”
• “I’ve been thinking about fun ways to switch things up—what’s your take?”
  

If they’re intrigued, you’re good to go. If they seem uncomfortable, pivot to safer options like aphrodisiac massage oils, sensual candles, or even a playful game like naughty dice.

3. Make The Gift About Them

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Remember, this is their gift, not a sneaky addition to your own wish list. Ask yourself: are they a beginner or a seasoned pro?

• Toy Newbies: Go for smaller, discreet options like a classic bullet vibrator or clit stimulators (which are externally used, less intimidating but darn-right euphoric).
• Experienced Users: Consider something unique, like a rabbit dildo vibrator or app-controlled toys for long-distance fun.

4. Quality Matters

Nobody wants a toy that quits before the fun even begins! Stick to body-safe, non-porous materials like high-quality silicone (which is primarily what we use for our sex toys), metal toys like aluminium, or borosilicate glass. These materials are hypoallergenic, easy to clean, and help prevent bacterial buildup.

Sure, the cheap knockoffs might be tempting, but they’re a gamble you don’t want to take. Your gift should be built to last and provide a pleasurable experience, not a one-way ticket to a trip to the ER.

Looking for something affordable that doesn’t skimp on quality? We’ve got gifts under $55 that will check all the right boxes.

5. Choose the Right Timing

Timing is everything. A dildo at a family Christmas dinner? Bold—maybe too bold. Save it for private moments or intimate settings where it’ll be appreciated. For partners, turn the gifting into part of a steamy date night, complete with scented candles to set the mood, dirty talking and sexy lingerie (to be the gift itself).

❎The Don’ts

1. Don’t Be Creepy

Keep your gift to people you know well—partners, close friends, or someone who’s shown interest in toys. Don’t gift it to colleagues (HR might be calling you the next day), distant family members, or that person you’re hoping to impress (spoiler alert: it probably won’t work). 

If you’re hesitant or if the idea makes you squirm, that’s your sign to skip it. And if you bring it up and get a cold response? That’s your cue to back off and pick something more universally appealing.

2. Don’t Give Vibrators as Gag Gifts (Unless You’re 100% Sure)

A vibrator as a gag gift might seem funny, but it can crash and burn faster than a cheap toy on high power. If the recipient doesn’t share your sense of humor or isn’t on the same page, it’ll come off as awkward or even disrespectful. A playful gift works best when the person is on board with your cheeky energy. Think of items like a banana-shaped vibrator or a rose vibrator that’s more light-hearted and a little silly.

Remember, the goal is to make them feel appreciated and pampered, not to send the message, “Here, fix that!” Your gift should say, “You deserve to treat yourself and have some fun.”

3. Don’t Attach Expectations

So you had an earth-shattering experience with your vibrator—amazing, right? But that doesn’t mean your recipient has to have the same reaction. Think of it as an open invitation to explore, not an expectation. A simple, “I love this and thought you might enjoy it too” is all you need to say. Let them decide what they want to do with it.

And hey, not everyone’s into vibrators, even if they’re your top pick. If they try it and decide it’s not for them, don’t take it personally. Everyone’s pleasure journey is different, and that’s what makes it so special.

Factors to Keep in Mind When Selecting Sex Toys

Always choose body-safe, non-porous materials like high-quality silicone, borosilicate glass, or aluminium steel. They’re hypoallergenic, easy to clean, and won’t harbor bacteria. Steer clear of jelly, rubber, or latex unless they’re explicitly labeled as safe for internal use. Trust us, your body (and your recipient) will thank you.

Consider what the toy does and how it enhances pleasure. Does it vibrate, suck, rotate, or have a unique feature like a ribbed or textured surface for extra stimulation? Modern toys come with all kinds of bells and whistles, from simple and classic to tech-savvy and app-controlled. Make sure to consider what the recipient might enjoy and choose something that matches their preferences. Bonus points for USB rechargeable models rather than battery-operated ones; they’re more eco-friendly and last longer, sparing you from constantly hunting for new batteries.

When it comes to size and shape, think comfort. For beginners, start small with simple designs—classic bullet vibrators, mini wand massagers, or external toys like clitoral stimulators. For the pros, go big (but still safe) with dual-action rabbits or advanced models with heated features. And if discretion is key, opt for sleek, minimalist designs that don’t scream “sex toy.” For the best beginner sex toy recommendations, check out this essential guide.

Discreet Packaging

No one wants their pleasure products arriving in a box that broadcasts their contents and no one wants their pleasure delivery shouting, “Look what I ordered!” That’s why we make sure all our packaging is as discreet as it gets. Think plain, matte-white poly mailers with zero hints about what’s inside—just your name, address, and order details. Our delivery partners won’t have a clue (unless they’re secretly superheroes with x-ray vision).

And don’t worry about the bill; it’ll read “SP*H.WELLNESS”—no giveaways there. At Hedonist, we’re all about keeping your secret safe and your wellness front and center, so you can unwind and enjoy without any awkward moments.

Gifting a sex toy can be a fun, exciting, and empowering gesture when done thoughtfully. Keep their comfort, preferences, and sense of humor in mind, and don’t forget to prioritize quality and discretion.

Ready to shop? Dive into Hedonist’s carefully curated collection for an elevated experience! Happy gifting—may your presents spark joy and pleasure! For more intimacy tips, check out our guide on how to turn him or her on.

Still scratching your head over the perfect gift? 

Whether you’re shopping for couples new to toys, curious about sensory play, or looking to add a touch of light bondage to the mix, all wrapped in discreet packaging! Plus, we make it easy on the wallet with options in our “Under $50,” “Under $100,” and “Under $200” categories—perfect for making you the star of the gift exchange. And if you’re a bargain hunter, don’t forget to check out our bundle deals for extra savings! Psst, we also have gift wrapping services available to make your present extra special!

For our friends in Singapore, enjoy free instant delivery* to keep your holiday shopping hassle-free. And don’t worry, we ship worldwide so you can spread the cheer no matter where you are!

Need help finding that special something? Reach out to our friendly Happiness Officers on WhatsApp—they’re ready to help make your gift-giving unforgettable!