Is it weird to give your friend a sex toy as a gift?
Written for GFH by Luna Matatas
Giving a gift to sex toy to your friend could be daunting. It could be weird, but it also could be really amazing. You’ll have to gauge whether or not it’s appropriate within the context of your friendship, of course. Consider that some people are very private about their personal pleasure, some people have really specific tastes when it comes to sex toys, and what your intention is with giving the sex toy.
If the gift of a sex toy is an attempt at sexualizing a friendship that isn’t sexual— that could be creepy and feel like pressure. If you are friends and have conversations about sex, sexuality or sex toys, your gift could be received as an extension of your shared interest. People can have shame about shopping for toys themselves, so this could be a helpful gift!
If you’re really unsure, you can also just ask! Here are some ways to still keep your gift a surprise:
- Hey, I know we’ve talked about how fun sex toys are—I’m thinking about gifting you one, would that be weird or welcomed?
- I was shopping online for sex toys and I thought of you, I know your birthday is coming up—would you like to make a wishlist off this site and I can surprise you with a sex toy from your list!
- Can we try something different this year for our birthday gifts? How would you feel about us gifting each other sex toys?
If you’ve never shopped for sex toys yourself, check out Everything You Need To Know About Shopping for a Vibrator.
Keep the sex toy simple
You might be tempted to gift your friend a sex swing to install in their bedroom, but instead consider toys that aren’t too big and can be used on multiple areas of the body. Here are some ideas:
- Rope Beat Bullet Vibe - $30
Bullet vibes are great because they are discrete, can get into crevices like the sides of the clitoris or be used on smaller parts of the body like testicles and nipples.
- Posh Teaser 4 Vibrator - $45
Vibrators with curved heads are great for external or internal stimulation. They can be used on vulvas, penises, testicles, perineums, nipples, and more. The curved head gives you the option for internal stimulation of prostates and G-spots.
This dildo is a smaller size, made of body safe materials, can be suctioned to a surface, and has a curved head that’s great for P-spot or G-spot pleasure. It is also harness compatible.
- Glas Blue Swirl Dildo - $39
Glass dildos are visually beautiful and can be used for temperature play. These are great gifts for the friend that has lots of sex toys.
- Vibrating Nipple Clamps - $35
The word ‘clamps’ sometimes makes this sex toy intimidating because of the idea of pain or torment. The nipples are a nerve rich area, so these vibrating nipple clamps with tension adjustments can be used for sensation without pain.
If you already know they like butt stuff or clitoral stimulation, check out our list of Sex Toys Under $50.
You can’t go wrong with lube.
Giving the gift of lube is super thoughtful. Most bodies can benefit from the increased texture that lube provides. Check out these 5 Not-So-Basic-Lubes if you’re looking to delight your friend or consider giving them a combo pack to try out different lubes, like water-based, silicone, and hybrid lubes.
Increase their pleasure knowledge.
Books! Sex is a skill and we all can benefit from learning from experts. Consider these three books:
- Ultimate Guide To Seduction And Foreplay: Techniques And Strategies For Mind-blowing Sex
- Come As You Are Workbook
- The Body Is Not An Apology
If erotica feels appropriate, erotic books are a treat, too.
Giving sex toys as gifts to our friends doesn’t have to be awkward. It can be a really thoughtful and delightful way to give gifts. Make sure you’re purchasing body-safe toys, and if the toy requires batteries, gift the batteries too!
Photo by Bedbible