Theodora's Holiday Gift Guide for the sensual
Many moons ago, I spent some long days in the small village of Riomaggiore in Italy’s Liguria region. There I met a boy who ran a booming local restaurant. Many nights he fed me seafood, poured me liquor and begged me to stay until close.
One night, he took me upstairs to his apartment above the restaurant where he smoked pot, sang and played piano–his best efforts to, well, you know.
But while he tried to lock eyes and hit the low notes, my attention was fixated on the shimmer bouncing off a set of charcoal silk sheets wrapped around his large mattress. I wondered just how many other tourists had been tangled in them.
As the sun rose the next morning, I snuck out of the apartment only to open the door at the bottom of the stairs to find his father smoking, drinking coffee and pouring more ice over the freshly caught fish in the back of his van. He nodded, smiled and I turned and headed toward my apartment up the hill.
While it's true silk often gives a sensual vibe (and Studio Pia's silk waspie below certainly does), silk sheets didn’t make the cut for my Holiday Gift Guide for the Sensual. (They were quite horrible to sleep on and sweat, bodily fluids and silk don’t make for the best threesome.) You will, however, find beautiful linen, lace, buttery feathers, crystals, books and sensual objects that will give you pleasure.
As always, I focus on independent designers and artists who are producing quality objects of desire. That’s also why I’m sending this guide out now–many of the beautiful pieces in the guide are made to order so get your skates. If you're going to be gift-giving, make it interesting and well-crafted this year.
Tis’ the season to spoil yourself, your lover or your best friend with luscious, sensual finds.
sensual gifts for under $100
erotica book bundle
Our erotica bundle includes volumes one and two of our erotica anthologies. Betony Vernon called our book “ A rare warm breath of erotic realness.” but you can see what others are saying here.
luxe feather tickler
This palm-sized feather tickler is handmade with beautiful tan leather, luscious cream feathers, and a Swarovski crystal. it’s a must-have accessory.
tapered candles
I’m always talking up the importance of good lighting in my weekly column, and the team behind Hall of Flames don’t mess around. These tapered beauties come in a bunch of colours and heights.
cream and coffee artwork
Artist Veronika creates gorgeous gentle erotic works and with muted tones to suit any boudoir, we love this new print called ‘cream and coffee’. It’s printed on the finest paper.
crystal yoni egg
We’ve been a fan of chakrubs since it started; they are, after all, the original crystal toy company. How adorable is this rose quartz crystal heart yoni egg?
embroidered bra
How pretty is this sheer embroidered bra by Dora Larsen? It features pink daisies on a beautiful non-stretch tulle. And it’s on sale. Happy days!
sensual gifts for between $100 and $300
lace leather gauntlets
You may have played with cuffs before but have you ever played with gauntletts? These stunning matching ivory lace leather gauntlets are structured with adjustable white ribbon to ensure a perfect fit.
a lace thong
Rachel Cuccia meticulously crafts stunning thongs from her studio in NY. This marietta lace thong is a gorgeous sensual piece of soft scalloped lace with a sheer mesh back.
Limited edition artwork
“Run your fingers across my shoulders, up my neck. Up to my mouth.” This limited edition artwork ‘Flesh’ with its creamy tones and beautiful textured paper is the perfect sensual gift for that special someone.
body oil
We’re always on the lookout for the best body oils for sensual massage. Fellow Australian brand, Bruxa, has created this oil with scents of wild jasmine.
linen bedding
I have been buying my linen from Bed Threads for years. There’s nothing quite like sleeping and playing on linen. I have the oatmeal (pictured) and terracotta sets but the options are plenty!
Monochromatic lines
“Pleasure is a hot bath, my husband, sex, squirting, champagne, cigarettes, and glamour” says artist Sonia Hensler. Here is one of her works, ‘White Lines’.
sensual gifts for between $300 and $500
a sensual scent
This is my go-to scent. With notes of ambrette, magnolia, cedarwood and musks, this scent by Byredo is my absolute favourite.
a pink vase
There’s vases and then there are Ettore Sottsass vases. Born into the world in the 70s, Ettore’s pink ceramic Shiva Flower Vase will delight your flowers.
the bustier
The Lucia bustier by The Great Eros is inspired by vintage corsets. It is made from their Lugano fabric; a breathable microfiber fabric.
sensual ceramic massager
This is a handcrafted hot and cold dildo, designed by Adele Brydges. There is nothing that awakens the senses quite like temperature play. You can warm it up and cool it down for the ultimate sensual treat.
no expense spared sensual gifts
sultry sculpture
Annisa Kermiche designs the ultimate in sensual and sultry homewares. We adore her ‘legs’ series, which can be flipped two ways and hold either candles or dried flowers.
sensual photography
Feeling Hollywood is a monochromatic erotic art piece by Savannah Spirit available to buy on 1stDibs.
structured lilac waspie
Studio Pia creates the most beautiful lingerie. We love, love, love this stunning lilac set, especially the structured Maya waspie, featured here. It’s ethically crafted in Romania from sumptuous silk.
blurred lips, hot breath
Hush by Marilyn Minter is a limited edition print. Marilyn is famous for her super-detailed enamel-on-metal paintings that zoom in on women's feet, dolled-up lips and eyes, and other body bits.