Erotic Gifts

A good gift idea for well-known couples. Selection points: comfort level, knowing if they're at ease with this category, and if in doubt choosing a mild game (not BDSM); the relationship, a new couple versus a long-term one needing different games; the stage, a dating game for new couples, advanced for married ones; the occasion, a birthday, anniversary or Valentine's; and discreet packaging for discreet delivery. Gift advice: Monogamy or Pillow Talk for a classic couple, Sexopoly for a more playful one.

Adult party games for 3-8 people. Cards Against Humanity NSFW: cards, completing phrases with inappropriate humour. Drunk Stoned or Stupid: who among us would do what. That's What She Said: words with sexual innuendo. Adult Loaded Questions: awkward questions. Black Card Revoked. The Voting Game. They suit swinger parties, bachelorette/bachelor, evenings with close friends. NOT mixed groups with limits.

Comestible/edible products are erotic products designed to be eaten. Types: edible underwear, made of edible materials (candy fabric, fruit roll-up style) that's torn off and eaten; edible body paints for body painting; edible massage gels, flavoured oils that are licked; aphrodisiac chocolates with aphrodisiac ingredients (cinnamon, ginseng); and champagne gummies/lollipops in erotic shapes. Purpose: play and stimulation through taste.

Made of fruit fabric, candy or gelatin sheets that tear off and are eaten. Flavours: strawberry, peach, chocolate, vanilla. Use: wear it like normal underwear; the partner tears it with teeth/hands; and eats pieces as foreplay. It lasts 4-6 hours before drying out. If you sweat it gets sticky. Shower afterwards for residue. Brands: Candy Pants, Hott.

Chocolates with active ingredients. Cinnamon: warming, blood flow. Cayenne: slightly raises the heart rate. Ginger: a stimulant. Maca: a traditional aphrodisiac. Ginseng. Damiana. Dark cacao 70%+: theobromine, phenylethylamine. Effectiveness: moderate, mainly a psychological aphrodisiac (mood booster), the ingredients having a limited effect. Brands: Chocolove, Vosges.

A typical beginner couples kit: 1 bullet vibrator; 50ml water-based lube; a silicone cock ring; a tickle feather; soft bondage (velcro cuffs or scarves); sample oral gels (2-3); 50ml massage oil; and a usage guide. Price 30-80 euros. Branded makes (Lelo, We-Vibe, Tracy's Dog, Lovehoney) for quality.

Points of care: allergies, check the ingredients; diabetics, high sugar; yeast infection, sugary products feed candida; cinnamon allergy, common in aphrodisiacs; caffeine sensitivity, chocolate; gluten-free, if you need it; vegan, some contain gelatin/milk; lactose intolerance, chocolates/cream. Checking the packaging is mandatory.

By type. Edible underwear: 6-12 months sealed, 2-3 days opened. Body paints/gels: 12-24 months sealed, 3-6 months opened in the fridge. Chocolates: 12-18 months in a cool place. Gummies: 6-12 months sealed. Lollipops: 2 years or more. Check points: the expiry date on the packaging; a change of colour, smell or texture; if in doubt, don't eat. Storage: sealed in a cool, dry place; in hot weather, the fridge for body paints and gels.

Equipment for adult parties. Decorations: penis balloons, banners, garlands. Drinking: shot glasses, shaped ice molds. Photo booth props: bows, lips, moustaches. Costume accessories: feather boas, veils, sashes. Games equipment: pin the macho, scavenger hunt cards. Centrepieces, novelty cake toppers. Suitable for a bachelorette/bachelor, funny surprises, themed birthdays.

Popular themes: a classic penis party, the most common; last fling before the ring, a travel vibe; Roaring 20s, vintage glamour; rosé all day, pink and glitter; tropical, Hawaiian leis, flamingos; boho/desert, feathers, dreamcatchers; black and gold elegance; and burlesque, corsets, boas. Choose according to the bride. Communicate with the best friend to avoid a surprise she doesn't want.

Options: penis shot glasses (a set of 4-6); silicone penis ice molds; penis straws (10-20); NSFW drinking game cards; themed beer pong sets; glitter/penis-topper champagne flutes; a funnel; and shaped bottle openers. If alcohol is involved: always water, food, designated drivers. No excessive drinking. Fun without accidents.

Organising tips: a storage box for reuse, since some accessories (balloons, banners, signs) can be reused at other events; single-use items (plates, napkins, penis straws) are discarded; recycling, wooden/paper accessories are recyclable; donating, if generic (not penis-themed), to another event; and resale, in bachelorette groups/forums for others holding parties. Advice for the hostess: a list of what to keep for next time.

Consumable products that run out with use. Sex enhancement supplements: maca, ginseng, L-arginine. Aphrodisiac drinks/shots. Single-use bath products. Disposable bedroom accessories. Sample sizes (creams, gels, lubricants). They differ from pharmacy products, being 'natural supplements', not prescription. Effectiveness is limited.

Effectiveness varies. Maca: moderate evidence for libido/energy. Ginseng: partial for ED. L-arginine: scientific for blood flow. Tribulus: disputed. Yohimbine: works but with side effects. Horny goat weed: disputed. They don't replace Viagra/Cialis. For ED: a urologist. Check interactions with medications.

Kinds: energy shots with ginseng/maca/taurine; pre-blended cocktail mixes; aphrodisiac teas (damiana, ginseng); CBD-infused drinks (where legal); chocolate-flavoured. Scientifically: moderate effectiveness, mainly placebo/ritual. Side effects: caffeine excess, sugar crash. Not in pregnancy/heart conditions/high blood pressure. With alcohol: interactions.

General guidance: supplements, 1-2 capsules a day per the packaging; drinks, 1-2 hours before activity, no more than 1 a day; cycling, maca/ginseng need a 1-2 week break every 8-12 weeks; interactions with medications, a doctor's advice; gradual introduction, half a dose first. Keep a diary for your response.

Points of care: cardiovascular conditions, stimulants raise the heart rate; high blood pressure, avoid stimulants; pregnancy, avoid all without medical advice; diabetes, ginseng affects glucose; anticoagulants, ginseng interacts; MAO inhibitors, yohimbine is dangerous; children under 18, never; hormonal cancers, no phytoestrogens. A doctor's advice.

A typical BDSM starter: velcro cuffs; ankle cuffs; a spreader bar/connecting straps; a collar with a leash; a light flogger/paddle; a small ball gag; a blindfold; 50ml silicone lube; and a safe word/aftercare guide. Price 50-150 euros. NOT hardcore (electro-stim, fisting tools, cages). Beginner BDSM equals light bondage + sensory + psychological.

Choose by recipient: a couples kit, for a couple in a relationship, with toys for mutual use; a solo kit, for someone single or wanting self-care, with a vibrator, lubes and other solo toys; a beginner kit, for those new to sex toys regardless of relationship; a premium kit, for fans returning to favourite brands. Point: gift it to well-known people or couples. If unsure of their comfort level: a gift card rather than a whole kit. Discreet packaging is important.

Usually yes. Advantages: a 20-30% discount versus separate; a grouped gift presentation; a cohesive set that works together; for beginners, all in one; and compatible packaging. Disadvantages: some pieces may go unused; reduced control over brands; a higher total price. For gifts/beginner purchases: yes. For specific preferences: buy separately.