Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and love—or at least financial appreciation, is in the air. 

The city girls are getting ready, wigs laid, nails done, and “urgent 2k” requests already pending. 

But a question keeps coming up: should sugar babies gift their sponsors on Valentine’s Day?  

For most babes in Nairobi’s soft life scene, the answer is simple—why would I gift a man who pays my rent? But let’s break it down.  

The Power Dynamic: Who’s the Valentine’s MVP?

In most sugar arrangements, there’s a clear giver and receiver. The sponsor (aka Shuga Daddy, Chairman, or Mufasa) provides the lifestyle, and the sugar baby enjoys the benefits. 

Traditionally, Valentine’s is about men spoiling women, and in these setups, the sponsor is the Valentine’s MVP. So technically, the city girls have already “given” by simply existing in these relationships.  

Is Gifting a Power Move?

Now, hear me out. If a sugar baby gifts her sponsor, it can be a strategic move. A well-thought-out gift (even if it’s just a framed picture of her looking cute) might make him feel special and more generous. 

If he thinks, “Wow, this babe really cares”, your M-Pesa messages might start looking healthier. 

A small investment for bigger returns? Genius.  

But this is where it gets tricky. Not every sponsor is built for gifts. Before you buy him anything, consider the risks:

1. His wife might find it

If he’s married, anything too sentimental is dangerous. A personalized wallet, a cute keychain, or—God forbid—a handwritten letter? That’s evidence. Woe unto you if his wife is the investigative type. Stick to gifts that are easy to explain or, better yet, disposable (like whiskey or cologne).

2. He might hide it or pretend it never happened

Let’s be real, some sponsors don’t want to be reminded that their city girl has feelings. You could go all out, thinking you’re being thoughtful, only for him to leave your gift in the car or give it to his driver. If your sponsor is the type who ghosts on Sundays and public holidays, don’t waste your money.

3. He might think you’re trying to level up

A gift can be misinterpreted. Some men will see it as a sign that you want more—more commitment, more public acknowledgment, maybe even an upgrade from “side” to “main.” If your sponsor is strictly about no emotions, just vibes, a sentimental gift might scare him off. Play it cool.

What kind of gifts work?

Let’s be honest: a rolex or a designer belt is his wife’s job. The best sugar baby gifts are thoughtful but affordable. 

Some ideas:  

– A custom playlist (so he thinks of you when he’s driving to Runda).  

– A cute handwritten note (Dear Chairman, may your pockets never run dry)  

– A bottle of his favorite whiskey (with a flirty card like *Sip me instead*).  

– A spa voucher (because being a sponsor is stressful too).  

The verdict: to gift or not to gift?

It depends on the goal. If he’s a transactional sponsor, skip it. But if he’s a long-term investment, a small gift might just keep the soft life flowing. 

At the end of the day, sugar relationships are a game of strategy, and the city girls who play it well always win.  

Play smart, and this Valentine’s, you’ll be the one unwrapping gifts—not stressing over whether your sponsor got caught with yours.

So, sis, what’s the move this Valentine’s? Will you be unwrapping gifts or playing smart and securing the bag?

Written by Valentine Rose Makena Njoroge