Want to Spice Up Secret Santa? Expert Shares 6 Sexy Gifts for Your Partner
Secret Santa exchanges can feel awkward when it’s your partner who you’ve been given as a recipient. Hand over something too sentimental and you could get eye rolls from the group. Go too generic and you’ve missed a golden opportunity to add some spice to your relationship. That’s where the art of the double-meaning gift comes in. Emily Conway, CEO of Dragon Toys, a London-based adult retailer known for discreet shopping experiences, has built her business on understanding what couples really want.
“The festive season is perfect for adding a little playful tension to your relationship,” says Emily. “The best Secret Santa gifts for partners work on two levels: they look perfectly innocent when you’re opening them in front of friends or family, but they carry a private promise that makes you both smile.”
Below, Emily shares her top picks for Secret Santa gifts that keep things cheeky without crossing any lines at the office party.
6 Sexy Secret Santa Ideas
1. Luxury Massage Oils
A bottle of scented massage oil looks thoughtful and spa-like when you’re unwrapping it in public. Nobody needs to know that you’ve already planned exactly how you’ll be using it later.
“Massage oils are the perfect gateway gift,” Emily explains. “They’re completely appropriate for any setting, but they set the stage for intimate connection. Look for warming oils or ones with subtle aphrodisiac scents like vanilla or sandalwood.”
The beauty of this gift is in the anticipation it creates. Your partner knows exactly what you’re suggesting, but everyone else just sees a relaxing self-care item.
2. Cheeky “IOU” Vouchers
A handwritten voucher book might look sweet and crafty to outsiders, but you can load it with private promises that only you two understand. Think “IOU one massage”, “IOU breakfast in bed”, or “IOU your choice of evening plans”. The genius is in the wording. Keep it vague enough for public consumption, but specific enough that your partner knows exactly what you mean.
“Personalised vouchers show effort and creativity,” says Emily. “They’re also incredibly versatile. You can make them as tame or as adventurous as you want, and they create ongoing excitement throughout the year.”
3. “Open When You Get Home” Surprise
Wrap a small box with clear instructions: “Do not open in public”. The mystery alone makes this gift memorable, and you can fill it with whatever suits your relationship, from romantic notes to something more playful. This approach works brilliantly because it respects the public setting while building delicious tension. Your partner will be thinking about that unopened box all evening.
“The delayed gratification makes this gift type especially fun,” Emily notes. “It turns the Secret Santa exchange into foreplay, in a way. Everyone sees an innocent wrapped box, but you both know there’s more to the story.”
4. Personalised Lingerie Items
A tastefully wrapped piece of lingerie in their favourite colour can pass as a clothing item in most Secret Santa settings. Choose something elegant rather than overtly provocative, and the packaging does the rest.
“Quality lingerie is always appreciated,” says Emily. “When you’ve taken the time to know their size and style preferences, it shows real attention to detail. Just keep the wrapping classy, and the reveal becomes a private moment to look forward to.”
The key is presentation. A silk robe or luxury loungewear can look perfectly innocent while carrying an unmistakable message.
5. Romantic Games For Two
Board games and card games are classic Secret Santa staples. When you choose one designed specifically for couples, you’re giving a gift that works in any crowd but promises private fun. Look for games with titles that sound innocent enough, such as conversation starters, question cards, or “getting to know you” games that happen to have a romantic twist. The box looks harmless on the gift table, but you both know what you’re really planning.
“Games remove pressure while adding playfulness,” Emily explains. “They give you an excuse to focus on each other and try something new together, which is exactly what keeps relationships exciting.”
6. Discreet Keepsakes With Hidden Meaning
A piece of jewellery, a keychain, or a small decorative item can carry private significance that nobody else needs to understand. It may reference an inside joke, a special memory, or a shared fantasy. These gifts work beautifully because they’re completely appropriate for any audience, but they create an ongoing private connection. Every time your partner sees or wears it, they’ll think of you and the meaning behind it.
“The best intimate gifts aren’t always obviously intimate,” says Emily. “Sometimes it’s about creating your own secret language as a couple. A simple charm bracelet can mean absolutely everything when it represents something only you two share.”
Secret Santa doesn’t have to mean boring gifts when you’re buying for your partner. The magic happens when you find something that looks perfectly presentable in front of others but carries a private promise between the two of you. What makes these gifts work is the balance between public appropriateness and private anticipation. You’re not making anyone uncomfortable at the party, but you’re also keeping that spark alive in your relationship.
The festive season should be fun for everyone, and that includes adding a little extra excitement for couples who want to keep things playful.