With Christmas only a few short weeks away, everyone is rushing around trying to find last minute gifts for their friends and family. The stores are jam packed, the mail truck is filled with boxes, and there seems to be a bit of panic in the pit of your stomach thinking you may have forgotten someone on your list. Finding the perfect gift for those you love can be a challenge and may need some creativity; but is it ever okay to give something as personal as a sex toy?

While some might find that to be a completely inappropriate idea, I don't think it's as simple as that. Having my own collection of sex toys, I have a really good idea of what works for me, and after a lot of discussions, know what my husband enjoys as well. In order to give someone such a personal gift, you need to know them on a really personal level. Not every friendship is at a place where such frank discussions are made, especially since sex seems to be so taboo to talk about; this is where judgement comes in to play.

The most important thing when it comes to giving gifts of any kind, is judgement. Before you go handing out cock rings and porn star sized dildos, you have to keep in mind what your relationship is like with the person you intend on gifting such items to. If you're able to openly talk about sex, toys, relationships, etc., it might be perfectly acceptable. But if all goes silent when the three-letter-s-word comes up, you might be better off purchasing a nice candle or a pair of socks. No one knows your friendships like you do. No one can tell you whether or not it's acceptable. It's something you have to decide entirely on your own.

When it comes to family, that might be even more awkward for some. Your significant other? Sure! That seems totally appropriate! But other family members? I know a lot of people would draw the line there. My mother and I openly discuss sex and toys without getting into many personal details. We have adult conversations that aren't awkward and I've given her toys before, just like she's bought toys and lingerie for me. We have that type of close relationship that makes it okay. As a parent, I hope one day that my daughters feel like they can openly discuss things with me, even super personal things like sex toys.

So, should toys only be gifted to children? I don't think so! I think some discernment is necessary, but it all depends on the giver, the receiver, and the relationship they share together.