February in Australia. The chocolates are melting, the roses cost a fortune and someone is panic-buying a teddy holding a satin heart. Romance has had better afternoons.
A sex toy gift offers a more interesting possibility. Something they've wanted, something you might enjoy together, or something for their own very happy night in. The trick is buying for the person opening it, not disguising your wish list with a bow.
Buy the toy they sent you a link to
If your partner has pointed out a particular toy, you've been handed the easy version of Valentine's shopping. Buy the one they fancy, in the colour or size they chose. No creative reinterpretation required.
They asked for a small vibrator, not the biggest thing your budget can manage. Enthusiasm is lovely. Unsolicited upgrades are a gamble.
Not sure a sexy gift would be welcome? A quick “Fancy a toy for Valentine's?” keeps the exact present a surprise without making the whole idea one. Our guide to bringing up sex toys helps with that first conversation.
A vibrator for the way they like to masturbate
If they're curious about a small external toy, a bullet vibrator gives them a small toy they can hold and move where they like. It can be for solo fun, shared fun or whichever sounds better after dinner.
If they already know they love an insertable toy or a broader external head, stay with that idea when browsing vibrators. A favourite style with a feature they've actually wanted is a thoughtful gift. Buying the opposite because it looked flashier is optimistic.
New to choosing one? Our first vibrator guide helps narrow the styles down. There is considerably more to this gift than picking whatever comes in red.
A blindfold for the partner who loves a tease
A blindfold makes a cheeky little gift when you've both fancied trying one. It's an invitation to a different kind of night in, with a bit less looking and a bit more wondering.
You can pair the gift with a flirty card about the fun you both fancy. Keep the promise within what you already know is welcome. A surprise colour is one thing; a surprise kink is quite another.
Our blindfold play ideas give that small present plenty to get up to.
Lingerie they'll want to wear
Lingerie is a cracking present for someone who loves it. Think of the styles they feel sexy in, rather than the outfit you've been hoping to see.
If you're uncertain about size, let them choose it. Guessing smaller isn't a compliment if the gift spends the night cutting into their hips. “You look gorgeous” works much better when they're not quietly plotting to take the bloody thing off for relief.
A shared shopping session can be half the fun. They pick the look, you get to admire it, and nobody has to pretend an awkward fit was part of the plan.
A toy kit for a shared night in
A sex toy kit offers a few things to try when the contents appeal to you both. It makes sense for a couple who like a little variety, rather than one specific toy.
More pieces aren't automatically a better gift. A couple of wanted toys beat a box full of accessories you'll both keep politely ignoring. Pick for the things you fancy using, not the impressive item count.
The gift doesn't come with an obligation to use it that night or share it. Good presents are generous like that.
Single? Buy yourself the sex toy
You. Obviously.
You know your favourite colour, your budget and exactly which toy you've been eyeing off. You can skip the hint-dropping altogether. Valentine's doesn't require a partner to justify a lovely present or a very enjoyable evening.
Order early enough to leave room for delivery and wrapping. Then write the filthy card if you fancy it. Being thoughtful and being a bit horny aren't mutually exclusive.
Keep the ideas coming
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