Mariah is already thawing out, which means Christmas gifting season is officially back. And before you panic and grab another candle, let’s do better this year. Let’s choose something that genuinely speaks to your partner’s love language.
We turned to Jacqueline Kee, Intimacy Coach and Co-founder of Hedonist Tribe, for a curated guide that reimagines Dr. Gary Chapman’s Five Love Languages into a sensual, modern roadmap for deeper connection, meaningful intimacy, and a much sexier holiday season ahead.
1. Physical Touch
Touch is the first language we learn as infants and, for many of us, the one we continue to rely on for emotional grounding well into adulthood. Yet as Jacqueline points out, “Physical touch is often misunderstood because people assume it’s about sex, when its emotional function is entirely different. Touch regulates the body, not just the libido.”
As Jacqueline puts it, the most meaningful gift for touch-oriented lovers is one that creates space for intentional, attuned touch.
Gift Idea: Shibari - Sensual Rope Play Experience
Shibari, the Japanese art of consensual rope tying, centres on trust, presence and connection. Every loop and pull becomes an opportunity for deeper communication and shared vulnerability, making it a powerful experience for couples who feel most connected through physical touch.
Photos (Left to Right): PRIVATE WORKSHOP | The Art of Shibari Rope Bondage
2. Words of Affirmation
Words of Affirmation are more common than most people realise, not because everyone needs constant praise, but because being acknowledged is an essential part of feeling secure in a relationship. Jacqueline explains: “Humans are wired to respond to verbal validation and it helps that your partner is noticing you, not just coexisting with you.”
For affirmation lovers, Jacqueline recommends going beyond casual compliments and choosing a gift that brings out the playful, verbal side of intimacy.
Gift Idea: Cheeky Games and Role-Play Night
A flirtatious card game with spicy prompts or a themed role play night invites couples to voice their desires, fantasies and affirmations in a fun, low pressure way. It creates a space where words flow more naturally and communication feels exciting rather than awkward.
Photos (Left to Right): Ayumi Japanese School Student | Letz Get Naughty Cards
3. Acts of Service
This love language is rooted in thoughtful, practical gestures that express care through action. As Jacqueline shares, “Acts of Service becomes a bridge between emotional and physical intimacy. It nurtures a sense of ‘we’, the feeling of moving through life as a team.”
For service-oriented lovers, nothing speaks louder than a partner taking initiative, and Jacqueline recommends choosing a gift that feels both caring and intimate.
Gift Idea: A Bubble Bath & Sensual Restraints
Acts of Service thrives on easing someone’s load. So, create a moment of calm by running a bath, dim the lights, cue the scented candles, and invite them to melt into the moment. And when the mood feels right, introducing soft restraints or a silky blindfold can elevate the experience from simple pampering to a sensual escape that relaxes the body while building anticipation.
Photos (Left to Right): The Sex Bomb | Bed Bondage Restraints - Wrist & Ankle Cuffs
4. Quality Time
As one of the top two most common love languages worldwide (often trading places with Words of Affirmation), Quality Time holds a foundational role in intimacy. As Jacqueline puts it, “Attention is the modern scarcity. Most couples aren’t starving for love, they’re starving for presence.”
She adds that relationships are built on “micro moments of connection”. Those small, intentional pockets of undistracted time that strengthen emotional closeness.
For partners who feel most loved through presence, Jacqueline recommends choosing a gift that creates space for something meaningful together
Gift Ideas: A Couples Intimacy Workshop & Boudoir Experience
Experiences like a Couples Intimacy Workshop or a Boudoir shoot are perfect for Quality Time lovers because they turn time itself into a shared, sensual memory. And here’s the lovely part: meaningful time together is strongly linked to deeper emotional connection, which naturally boosts desire. Which honestly… who’s saying no to that?
Photos (Left to Right): Couple's Intimacy Workshop | Boudoir Photography
5. Receiving Gifts
When it comes to Receiving Gifts, this love language is one of the most misunderstood. People often assume it is rooted in materialism, but it’s actually the opposite. As Jacqueline explains, partners who resonate with this love language tend to be sentimental, emotionally attuned, and deeply appreciative of gestures that carry meaning.
For the partner who lights up at the thrill of unwrapping something meaningful, Jacqueline recommends choosing gifts that feel personal and infused with emotional symbolism.
Gift Ideas: Remote-Controlled & Couples Vibrators for shared exploration
Gifting an intimate toy can feel daunting at first, but for couples it often becomes a shared doorway into deeper connection. A couples vibrator introduces novelty into your routine — something playful to look forward to together. It creates pockets of special moments together, which Receiving Gifts lovers adore because it turns a physical item into an unforgettable experience.
Photos (Left to Right): Lovense Lush Mini App Controlled Egg Vibrator | Batman Vibrating Cock Ring
The Gift of Connection
The most memorable gifts aren’t wrapped in paper, but in presence. Whether through touch, time, or words, each gesture can become a love letter to your partner’s heart. Give with intention, receive with openness, and let this season remind you that intimacy is the gift that keeps on giving.
Still scratching your head over the perfect gift?
Try our Sex Toy Quiz to find the perfect match for you or your partner.
Whether you’re shopping for beginners, curious about sensory play, or wanting a little light bondage, everything comes in discreet packaging. We’ve got budget-friendly picks under S$50, S$100, and S$200, plus bundle deals for extra savings. Gift wrapping is available too for that extra touch.
In Singapore? You get to enjoy free instant delivery*. And yes, we also ship worldwide! If you need help choosing, our Happiness Officers are just a WhatsApp message away — have fun exploring!
Written by:
Jacqueline co-founded Genvie and Hedonist with a simple mission: to destigmatise sex and help people feel confident in their pleasure. As the brands’ Sex Educator and in-house toy tester, she creates inclusive, fun, and educational events with top industry experts. Follow Hedonist on Instagram for your weekly sex-ed fix.
