The house smelled like oranges and pine.
Eliane stood at the bathroom mirror, the warm bulb illuminating her skin. She watched herself transform back into someone she hadn't seen in years. It brought back memories from before the kids had come and then gone, when she used to spend time getting ready for dates, back when Joe would pick her up in his beat-up truck. She'd wear red dresses that threw him off balance. She reveled in having that effect on him… and not just him. It was a little game they would play; she’d dress in ways that were sure to catch the eyes of other men, Joe would get off knowing they could watch, but only he could touch.
She wasn't wearing the red dress now. She was wearing something better. Something she'd bought last week, wrapped in tissue paper, tucked in the back of her closet like a secret she was keeping from herself.
Gift Something To Turn Them On
For the one who loves a little sparkle: this dry, glittering body oil nourishes skin, leaving you feeling smooth, silky, and kissed with a subtle golden sheen. Made with sweet almond oil, a soft, sensual fragrance, and eco-friendly glitter, it's ideal for all skin types—and it just might become their new go-to.
Wicked Simply Timeless Arousal Serum
For those seeking more comfortable sex: Sexuality doesn’t end after a certain age, but it adapts to different life stages. This arousal serum is uniquely formulated for the specific needs of individuals in the perimenopausal and menopausal stages, with ingredients that can help alleviate dryness and promote a more comfortable, satisfying intimate experience. It's packed with supportive ingredients like aloe, olive leaf extract, squalane, and vitamin E—and free from glycerin, parabens, and propylene glycol.
The snow had started around four o'clock. Soft, steady, the kind that makes the whole world feel like a snow globe someone shook and set down again. Through the bathroom window, Eliane could see it piling on the sill, catching the glow of the string lights Joe had hung along the gutters. The kids weren’t coming back this year. It was the “off year” when the kids went to their respective spouse’s side of the family. It used to pain her, but this year she had something else in mind.
She heard him downstairs. The clink of ice in glasses. The low murmur of Christmas music, that Celine Dion record they'd played every December. It had been a gift he’d offered her and it brought back memories.
She smiled at her reflection. The woman looking back at her was as stunning as before. Confident. Why shouldn’t she be?
Downstairs, Joe was arranging presents under the tree. It lit up beautifully, the gifts wrapped in shiny paper hinted at what was to come. He was at the bar cart when Eliane came down. She stood in the doorway for a moment, watching him light her favorite candle. The gray in his beard. The way his shoulders still looked good in that cream knit sweater. The way he hummed along with the music without realizing he was doing it. Even after forty years, they hadn’t lost the spark. She knew how rare it was. Her friends, multiple divorces under their belts, always commented in disbelief that they still acted like teenagers together.
Gift Something That Lights Them Up
For the fun-loving one: Love to Love once again pushes the limits of pleasure with 39 LED gradient modes that set a one-of-a-kind bedroom atmosphere. Textured ridges enhance stimulation for deeper, more intense sensations, while the liquid silicone offers an ultra-soft, skin-like feel. And thanks to the strong suction base, it's hands-free—perfect for exploring all desires, vaginal and/or anal.
For the temperature play lover: Fall deep into calm with LVNDR Crush, the massage-ready version of our original Lavenderrr candle. This smooth, bud-free blend melts into a warm, skin-loving body oil powered by Oregon Grosso and French Millet lavenders—two soothing notes that bring pure, aromatic relaxation. Perfect for winding down, massaging sore muscles, or gifting a moment of calm, LVNDR Crush is soft life in a candle.
She gave herself permission to slow down and watch him longer than she normally would. They had shared so many Christmases together but they somehow now felt like a blur. She used to be stressed, cooking up a storm, wrapping gifts for the kids, making sure everything was perfect for her in-laws. Now, she felt free. Free to take her time and look at her gorgeous husband. He felt her gaze and turned towards her, that handsome smile lit up his face.
"Eliane," he said smoothly, looking her up and down with awe.
She crossed the room slowly. Giving him time to take in all her effort. She accepted the drink he offered. Their glasses clinked. The fire crackled. The snow fell.
"Merry Christmas," she said.
"Merry Christmas," he replied
They settled onto the couch, close. The kind of closeness that builds over decades. Even with her effort to surprise him, the flirtatious games of their youth had been replaced by something deeper. The fire made everything soft. Celine sang on. Eliane leaned her head against Joe's shoulder, and he kissed the top of her hair, and for a moment she was brought back to their first Christmas together, in that apartment with the radiator that clanked and the mattress that had seen its fair share of action.
"Remember when we used to do this?" she said.
"Do what?"
"Nothing. Just this. Just sit."
He laughed quietly. "We did a lot of nothing back then."
"It was good nothing." They let the moment hang, as each was pulled back into their own memories of the other. Precious. They had built a good life together.
The presents were in a pile under the tree. Small boxes. Shiny paper. Eliane looked at them, feeling the exhilaration from when she was a kid. She noticed one gift in particular.
"Go ahead," Joe said.
Eliane reached for the first one. It was a pink box with a giant bow. She opened it slowly, the way you open things when you want the opening to last. Inside were two mesmerizing, sparkling plugs.
She looked at Joe, shocked. He was smiling mischievously. Where had this come from? He wasn’t usually the type to offer her such things. She felt her cheeks flush.
"For later," he said. She thought she had almost caught a wink.
"Later," she repeated, a naughty smile creeping on her own face.
Gift Something Beautiful
For the one who deserves something stunning: this short-stem plug is crafted from borosilicate glass tubing to meet the highest body-safe standards, then filled with tiny sparkly crystals for a visual explosion of sparkle. Topped with a matching-color Swarovski crystal sealing the base, it entices with gorgeous looks and satisfying sensations alike.
For the luxury enjoyer: the stainless steel Pure Plug 2.0 is njoy's answer to customer requests for more of a good thing. Inspired by the award-winning design of its smaller kin, it offers more of everything—size, weight, and, of course, that njoy style you've grown to love.
The next box was smaller. A bottle of massage oil. She unscrewed the cap and breathed in. She couldn’t quite place the smell, something floral yet sweet, she wanted more. She took another deep inhale.
"We'll need that," Joe said. "My shoulders have been killing me."
Eliane laughed. "Your shoulders."
"Among other things."
Gift Something Sensual
Playground Mood Maker Body & Massage Oil
For the one ready to live out a fantasy: this pleasure-enhancing body oil is made with skin-nourishing plant botanicals that spark the senses and promote connection with yourself or a partner. Notes of vanilla, sandalwood, rose, and ylang ylang boost pheromones and incite sensual touch. Safe for vulvas, but external use only—not for internal use.
Seagrape Motion Potion Oil-Based Lube
For the sensitive ones: this botanical, oil-based lubricant is infused with aphrodisiac plant allies like cocoa, rose, and damiana, increasing circulation to the genitals while protecting and moisturizing delicate tissue. Vegan and suitable for all skin types (always patch test!), it shines as a lube and doubles as a solo treat or a powerful, sexy daily moisturizer.
She opened the third box. This one was heavier. She peeled back the paper and found a hot pink dildo; long, ribbed, beautiful. It thrusted when she touched the base.
She giggled, looking up at Joe.
"I asked the woman at She Bop," he said. "She said this one was popular. For—" He cleared his throat. "For couples." What had gotten into him? She’d always been the more adventurous one, these gifts were surprising. She found herself yearning for him the way she had before they were married.
Gift Something Playful
For the one who likes it deep: this sleek thrusting vibrator in playful cosmic pink uses advanced mechanics to create an in-and-out motion that simulates real-life thrusting for a realistic, thrilling experience, with a rhythm to match any mood. The powerful suction cup base attaches to any flat surface—even the shower wall—for hands-free play. Buckle up and enjoy the ride.
For the one who wants it all: at the heart of the Reign lies a revolutionary approach to dual-zone pleasure. The dedicated pulsing clitoral stimulator abandons standard buzzing for rhythmic waves that mimic a lifelike, fluttering touch, while the powerful shaft delivers deep-tissue vibrations that resonate where you need them most. With independent motor control, you can tailor the experience to exactly what you want—swap between clitoral stimulation and internal vibrations, or enjoy both for the most satisfying pleasure.
There was one more box. The smallest. Joe saved it for last.
Inside was a slim bottle. Lubricant. Water-based, the woman at She Bop had told her it was pH-balanced. Gentle. The kind of thing you buy when you're not twenty anymore and you've stopped pretending that's a problem.
She held it in her palm and felt something loosen in her chest. Something she'd been carrying for a long time. The feeling of being past it. The feeling of being done.
She wasn't done.
She handed him a large wrapped present. He tore the paper off in one big gesture, out tumbled a giant blanket. “Thank you, love” he said. She quickly added, “It’s a… special blanket, actually. It’s waterproof.” It took him a second to register what she was saying. Then a knowing look crossed his face. She held back a smile and pushed a second, smaller box into his hands.
“Aphrodasiac chocolates? I didn’t know they made such things!”
Gift Something Warm
For the warm & cozy one: designed as a high-end blanket you'd style right over your sofa, this is not your average waterproof blanket. With its soft ribbed texture and elevated aesthetic, it blends seamlessly into your living room, bedroom, or studio—no more hiding it away. Functional and boujee, all at once.
For the one who wants pleasure and wellness all in one: LED light technology, reimagined for intimacy. The Mona Spectra combines pleasure technology with LED wavelengths to support intimate wellness, and its high-output LED array generates a gentle, comforting warmth. That soothing thermal effect helps with relaxation—which, in turn, makes the whole experience more comfortable.
For the one who wants to turn up the heat: your pleasure toy should have its own thermostat. Temp is a versatile massager that combines deep, rumbly vibrations with instant heating and cooling for a whole new sensory experience. Its ergonomic shape comfortably targets all your favorite erogenous zones, while one-touch temperature control warms up to 100°F (38°C) or cools down to 68°F (20°C), no ice cubes or candles required. Consider it your new go-to for awakening the senses, solo or with company.
The fire burned lower. Celine Dion had gone quiet. Outside, the snow kept falling. The world was white and still and far away. They scootched closer on the couch. She smelled his aftershave. So familiar. She couldn’t have a better gift.
"Merry Christmas, Eliane," he said.
"Merry Christmas, Joe."
He kissed her. Slowly. The way you kiss someone when you have all night. The way you kiss someone when you've spent forty years perfecting it.
The LED dildo glowed on top of the tree.
The oil waited.
The blanket was now spread out on the bed under them.
Later… There was so much later.
Gift Something To Tease
For the one who likes their indulgence with a little extra: each Dark Chocolate Tab pairs 60% top-shelf dark chocolate with a precise dose of aphrodisiac botanicals, designed to relax the body, lift the mood, and heighten arousal in about 30 minutes.
Pipedream Frisky Feather Duster
For the one who likes a little playful tease: clean and tickle all the right spots with this Frisky Feather Duster. Soft, seductive feathers tease, tickle, and titillate with every sexy stroke—your partner will never complain about cleaning up again. 8" handle.
Gift Something To Get Closer
For couples who want to turn each other on: Shared Touch transforms foreplay into a truly connected experience. Its innovative dual-sided design combines deep, rumbly vibrations with targeted stimulation for both partners at the same time – featuring a textured stroker for the penis and precise stimulation for the clitoris.
For the versatile couple: Compact discreet and everything you need and more. Ideal for beginners and pros alike, the ILY Wand has you covered. Soft on the outside but firm enough to take your penetration game to the next level, the ILY wand will take you to a new realm of pleasure.
For the couple who wants to deepen their connection: Together is a psychology backed deck of 180 cards created to deepen your connection, spark meaningful conversations, and bring more pleasure and curiosity into your relationship – at your own pace, and on your own terms.
For the sensual couple: Add some more passion to your play. The Foria Passion Play Kit contains two travel-sized formulas made to help you connect with your partner in a whole new way. The Massage Oil helps warm things up with slow, sensual touch; while the Awaken Arousal Oil with Organic Botanicals amplifies desire and helps move things from the massage table to the bedroom.