Happy December! I hope this special time of year brings a little brightness to the cold days as you deck your halls with festive decorations. But even if you’re fretting about what presents to get for loved ones, or stressed over having to deal with that one cranky relative, there’s still good news: The holiday season is also the perfect opportunity to let your fans spoil you — and setting up a wish list can be a fun and effective way to connect with them as the year winds down.
Obviously, the best way to be paid for our labor is money, but plenty of fans are more motivated by the intimacy that gift-giving can create. Plus, you can offer generous gift-givers rewards in the form of thank-you notes, videos, cam shows, etc. I would not suggest using wish list gifts as a form of direct payment for services, as that is not allowable under most sites’ terms of service. As sex workers, however, we’re used to being creative and finding workarounds, so there’s no reason not to have fun coming up with alluring incentives.
Wish lists can also be a fun and authentic way to express your personality.
Making a List
If you haven’t already set up a wish list, there are plenty of ways to do it. Sites such as Throne, YouPay and Amazon are very popular among performers and creators, and they’re easy to use.
Wish lists can also be a fun and authentic way to express your personality. Making your wish list visually striking helps show who you are. Most wish lists will let you choose a profile picture, a banner image and link to your social media sites. Setting up auto-tweets is a great way to let people know when you add items or when others purchase gifts, which can attract more potential gifters.
Some people like to organize their wish list items into categories, while others prefer having just one list fans can scroll through. Either way, you don’t want to overwhelm gifters with pages and pages to sift through, so keep your wish list short and refresh it with new items as the initial listings are purchased.
There are no set rules. Some people ask for smaller items at first, then gradually increase the value of gifts on the list as they gain loyal gifters. Have fun and play around to see what works for you.
For the sake of privacy, it’s also highly advisable that you get a P.O. Box, a forwarding address or have your gifts sent somewhere that you don’t reside. If you can, have someone else pick up packages for you. Safety is always priority No. 1!
Checking It Twice
Your wish list doesn’t have to be all sexy lingerie and adult toys. Of course those are always needed to help keep content and performances fresh and creative, but wish lists also offer a great chance for your fans to see your personality.
People love to connect over shared interests, and what better way than bonding over things like music through band tees and records, or nerding out together over your favorite video games. Maybe you have a hobby you’re passionate about, but pursuing it is costly — or maybe you need new kitchenware. Self-care items are also great choices, as your fans love to make sure you’re taken care of and comfortable. Maybe you’ve been eyeing a weighted blanket, or a sunlamp to help with seasonal depression?
Rather than send you a physical gift, some fans will prefer to give cash gifts that can go toward treats and experiences, like a cup of coffee or a spa treatment. For bigger items, such as a camera or game system, crowdfunding is a great option, since it’s rare that one person will spend a large chunk of money in one shot.
The gifts don’t all have to be for you, either. Wish lists offer a great chance to work with your followers to support charitable organizations. Use those sexy parts for a cause!
Naughty Is Nice!
After you receive gifts from fans, incorporating those gifts into your shows or content is a great way to show appreciation, as well as add some fun and a personal touch.
The holiday season offers a unique chance to connect with fans in festive and meaningful ways. Whether it’s something practical, personal or even silly, each gift represents a unique connection between you and your followers, enabling them to show their appreciation for all the joy, entertainment and naughtiness you bring them all year long. Happy holidays!
Selina Kyl is a content creator who can be followed on apclips.com/selinakyl and @selinakyl on X.com.
