“They are tapered, made of silicone, and come in cute packaging,” says Miller. They’ll work great once you stop giggling over the name. Cock Sleeves “Sleeves are toys that the penis can penetrate,” says Queen. “They are hand job enhancers and may also have a vibrator built in for extra sensation.” Sleeves are perfect for mutual masturbation sessions or solo time. Additional fashion accessories like a jaunty hat are optional. Expert Recommendation: 6-Pack of Studded Cock Sleeves Types of Sex Toys - Crystalline TPR Cock Sleeves “This pack is cheap and gives you six options so you can try them out and see what you like the most,” says Miller. It also gives you the wearer feeling the feeling that they’re the missing member of Judas Priest. 1 Couples Sex Toys “Any toy can be a couple’s toy, but some are specifically designed with partner sex in mind,” says Queen. Sex toys for couples may be insertables that create sensations for both partners. Some are remote controlled so your partner can push your buttons. In a fun way this time! Expert Recommendation: We-Vibe Chorus Couples Vibrator Types of Sex Toys - We-Vibe Chorus Couples Vibrator with remote “The toy has amazing build quality and the best app in the industry,” says Miller. “It’s adjustable so it stays in better than earlier iterations.”
1 Impact and Sensation Toys Our bodies are full of erogenous zones besides the genitals. There are toys that can enhance the sensations of sex: blindfolds, feather ticklers, handcuffs, whips, riding crops, and more. When experimenting with sensations and kinks, it’s important to keep safety and preference in mind. “People choosing impact toys should familiarize themselves with safe striking information, since some parts of the body shouldn’t be hit,” says Queen. “They’ll also want to learn which toys are more ‘stingy’ vs ‘thuddy’, as people sometimes have a strong preference on which they like.” Self-care is one of those buzzwords that’s been used so often that it’s gone on to cease all meaning. These days you can whack on a scented candle and munch on a carrot stick and call it self-care, but what does true, unapologetic self-love really mean? It means, putting your own happiness, needs, and pleasure first and foremost before everything else – and with that, cue the dildos. Masturbating and sexual pleasure should be up there with your Garnier sheet mask when it comes to your self-care routine. And since it’s so integral to our psyche, why not elevate your experiences by investing in a toy or two? Knowing where to start in choosing the best one for you and your specific needs can be daunting. So we’ve done our research and found an array of sexy toys to suit every person and desire, so you can go ahead and skip straight to the good bit.
Dildos We’ve all heard of a dildo, but do we actually know what it is? Well, they’re non-vibrating sex toys that are for penetration and internal massage. They can come in all different shapes and sizes, so it’s important to choose the right one according to your body and needs. A dildo is perfect for people who are looking for straight-up vaginal penetration and/or g-spot stimulation. SILEXD – DUAL DENSITY MEMORY SILICONE PREMIUM PINK 7 – €295 Vibrator Now, if your standard dildo won’t be enough to get your rocks off, you can turn your attention to the vibrator instead. A vibrator is any sex toy that buzzes and vibrates, and can be used on anywhere you please, not just genitals. If you’re looking to stimulate your endogenous zones, wherever they are for you, then this is your toy. Svakom Siren Fluttering Rechargeable Vibrator – €90 Clitoral Massager
From robust wands to tiny bullets, the clitoral massager comes in many forms. If you’re a female who needs clitoral stimulation during your alone time then a clitoral massager is the best way to bring yourself to climax. Womanizer Duo Rechargeable G-Spot and Clitoral Stimulator – €202 Anal Plugs/Beads Many sex toys aren’t just targeted at the vulva and vagina. For the slightly more adventurous, anal plugs and beads stimulate nerve endings at the opening of the anus, making them perfect for women who are looking for pleasure in that area, whether you’re going at it alone or with a partner. KissToy Orville Anal Vibrator – €50.99
Deep Anal DildoToys Designed For Partners If you’re looking to add a little bit of excitement to yourself and your partner’s love life, then investing in some toys that will pleasure you both is the way to go. Penis rings work by providing stimulation to both your partner’s penis and your vulva, and double-ended dildos can provide penetration to two people at once. Rechargeable Vibrating Bullet Cock Ring – €32 Accessories Other than your classic dildo or vibrator, you can spice up your sex life with yourself or a partner by using some accessories designed to get your senses tingling. Massage gels, lubricants, blindfolds, and handcuffs are all perfect for getting you in the mood and adding an extra layer of fun and excitement on top of your pleasure.
Feeling adventurous? In this witty and well-informed consumer guide, best-selling author and sex educator Violet Blue shows couples how to choose and use sex toys to play and explore together — and have mind-blowing sex. She leads readers through the maze of sex toys on the market, explaining the many options available, including different materials, care and cleaning, and how to see through exaggerated marketing claims. Along the way Violet offers tips on creative usage and ideas for introducing sex toys to a relationship: how to ask your boyfriend to use the blindfold in your bedside drawer or how to surprise your wife with a saucy gift without getting your face slapped (unless that was the point). The Adventurous Couple’s Guide to Sex Toys takes a practical, sex-positive approach to pleasure, with plenty of safety advice and a list of websites for savvy online shopping. But why stop with the basics? Care to enact a threesome fantasy with two people? Set up the sexiest lighting for a webcam show? Dream of owning a steel cage dining table for captivating dinner parties? From the tried-and-true to the truly spectacular, you’ll find it here in The Adventurous Couple’s Guide. But when it comes to talking with adults, I could talk about sex toys for days. I mean, there's a reason Sex Toy parties are a thing. Once you get past the awkwardness, it's just fun. And maybe it's the company I keep, but every girls night ends up on the topic at some point. But there's good reason to dish about what you like! After all, pleasure, alone or with a partner is one of the best ways to de-stress, relax, and connect. (Who doesn't need as much of that as possible right now?) And while you don't necessarily need an object to make it enjoyable, the addition of a vibrator or sex toy definitely ups the ante.
It's time to get raunchy and rampant, with this new no-holds-barred guide to sex toys! Perhaps you've always been curious and want to find out more, or if you think you're already an expert, Ann Summers' Raunchy and Rampant is the definitive book on sex toys, full of saucy ideas to spice up your play-time. Whether you want to know more about your and your partner's bodies, the joy of the joystick and the power of electric love, you'll find out about all the fun you can have with your flexible friends. There's advice on choosing the best toys for you, and the most exciting ways to use them in the bedroom - or anywhere else for that matter! Plus with 40 sizzling and red-hot photographs, you'll get all the inspiration you need, whether you're straight, gay, single or in a relationship. Your sex life just got a whole lot more fun...
Shopping GuideWhether you’re perusing the aisles and displays at a store or scrolling online, shopping for a sex toy can be a little overwhelming. We’re here to help with this beginners guide. Bringing a sex toy into the bedroom isn’t something you reserve only for steamy nights with your significant other. Sex toys open women up to a range of sensations that you just can’t experience with your hands or with a partner. As well as offering pleasure and fun, sex toys can provide an array of health benefits. Studies conducted at Indiana University in the USA found that 53% of women and 45% of men aged between 18-65 years had used a vibrator, and that vibrator use is associated with improved sexual function and being more proactive about sexual health. For women, sex toys can be helpful in the treatment of menopausal symptoms such as vulval/vaginal pain and tightness. For men, there are a number of sexual problems that may be helped by using specific sex toys. These include erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, lack of libido, and post-surgical problems for a variety of conditions. Using sex toys to enhance sexual pleasure and orgasm can help you to sleep, boost immunity, relieve pain, reduce stress, and boost your brainpower. For men and women, one benefit of introducing sex toys into the dynamic is to open up a dialogue about healthy sex and what they enjoy as individuals and a couple.
Similar to experiencing new sex positions, it may be something you haven’t tried before due to embarrassment or fear of purchasing items, but you may find that your sex health benefits from this new openness. Here is a guide to help you choose healthy sex toys: Dildos A dildo is anything vaguely phallic-shaped, that’s designed to penetrate a vagina, mouth, or anus. Standard dildos: They most resemble biological penises in shape and function. Our pick: Lynx Textured dildos: Changing the material the dildo is made out of to vary the sensation. Our pick: Pure Love Double-ended dildos: Depending on the shape, double-ended dildos allow you to experiment with double penetration either in the same hole or in different holes, for a sense of fullness. Our pick: Lynx Vibrators A vibrator is a vibrating tool used for external and internal sexual stimulation, whether by penetration or application to various erogenous zones. It comes in many shapes and sizes.
External Vibrators Palm vibrator: designed to cover the vulva and stimulate your labia and clit. Our pick: Svakom Panty vibrator: clip into your panties for hands-free clitoral stimulation. Our pick: Pelepas Wand vibrator: have a bulbous head that’s designed to deliver super intense, rumbly vibrations anywhere on the body. Our pick: Pure Love Finger vibrator: slide onto or sit between two digits so you can bring your hands between your legs to enjoy the vibration. Our pick: Paloqueth Bullet vibrator: provide buzzy, low-intensity vibration to your bits. They fit inside most harnesses to give the strap-on wearer stimulus. Our pick: Phanxy Vibrating penis ring: slide over the penis and offer stimulation to the scrotum or a partner’s clit during penetration. Our pick: loverbeby Penis vibrator: designed specifically to fit over, or encase, the penis with vibration. Our pick: Alllovers Internal Vibrators G-spot vibrator – The G-spot is a nerve-dense pleasure zone located 2 inches inside along the front vaginal wall. G-spot vibrators are ergonomically designed to stimulate this zone. Our pick: Phanxy
Fleshlight DildosEgg vibrator: Slightly larger than a bullet vibrator, egg vibes are designed to be inserted vaginally for internal stimulation. Also comes on a stick for beginners. Our pick: Phanxy Anal vibrator: Any vibrator with a flared base qualifies as an anal vibrator. The most common are vibrating butt plugs. Our pick: Paloqueth Combination Vibrator A combination of internal and external vibrators. Rabbit vibrators – the most common type of combination vibrator feature a curled nub for G-spot stimulation and an external nub for clitoral stimulation. Our pick: Paloqueth Alternative Sex Toys Blindfold – by removing one sense, your other senses become much more heightened. Feather teaser, oils, and scents – provides gentle touch and sensation across the body, great after impact play on sensitive areas. Our pick: Romantic Getaway Kit
Sex furniture – designed to help you and your partner get in more comfortable positions during positions you already love — or want to try but can’t due to physical limitation. Our pick: Sex Pillow Wedge What’s The Best Sex Toy? It all comes down to knowing what you like and finding a toy that helps you do it. Or, knowing what you like, and finding a toy that gives you a little extra-extra while you’re doing it! So, before you hand over your credit card, spend some time getting down with yourself and learning what you like. WHY IS IT SO HARD TO BREAK A CYCLE OF DEBT? Toys: fun! Sex: usually great! But put those words together and you run the gamut of reactions from clueless blank looks to passionate enthusiasm to terrified images of spikes in places where there should NOT be sharp objects. But as millions of people know, there is very little to fear and a lot of fun to be had. Half of women who use sex toys purchased their first toy in their 20s, which as you may notice, is the age of most Literally, Darling readers. Therefore, it is my journalistic duty as Health Editor to report on such important matters, because I know in the age of online review overload, there are lots of questions. Adam & Eve, the nation’s largest marketer of adult products, has offered up a great infographic as starting point—and reassurance that sex toys are quite common (and have been around for 28,000 years!). They also granted us access to their resident sexpert, Dr. Kat (yes, she actually has a PhD in Human Sexuality/Clinical Sexology from the Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Sexuality), to answer some of LD’s most pressing questions about sex toys.
What should beginners look for in a sex toy? Dr. Kat: “Think about how you masturbate and what stimulation feels the best. Clitoral, vaginal, G-Spot, anal? Then begin looking at toy categories that target these areas. Read reviews. There can be a wide variety of power options and intensities. Some people prefer stronger vibration so they may want to choose a vibrator that plugs in; others might like indirect or mild stimulation. Choose a rechargeable vibe if you don’t want to deal with batteries. Many better products have USB options. Avoid plug ins if you don’t like wires.” What kind of price range should we be looking at to be sure we get something high quality (like, is the material of an $8 vibrator eventually going to give me cancer or something)? Dr. Kat: “Although research has been inconclusive on the direct relationship between sex toy material and cancer, it is assumed that there are materials that are more body friendly than others. Silicone, glass and certain metals are considered higher quality [If you have sensitive skin, you probably want to shop in this category]. Granted, some people don’t mind using lower grade plastic sex toys as they will probably not be coming into continued contact with the vaginal membranes—you won’t be wearing it all day. Lower priced toys may be a good way to initially figure out what stimulation works well for you; then you can upgrade later on. If you want to start with quality, there are plenty of mid-range products ($25-45) that can meet your needs.”
Female Chastity BeltDo you have any lube advice? Dr. Kat: “Use lube! Lubricant makes everything more slippery, and will undoubtedly make any sex toy experience more enjoyable. A toy that feels too big or vibrates too strongly might feel just right with the addition of a little lube. The main thing to remember is to test it on your skin to be sure you don’t have any reactions to it, preferably on the inside of your wrist versus the sensitive skin in your vagina. Although water based lubes seem to do the trick for most people, make sure that if you are sensitive that there are no additives like dyes, colors or alcohol. You can also go organic if you prefer. Be aware that some oils and silicone lubes may make some sex toy materials break down, especially if they aren’t cleaned properly.” Speaking of, can you tell them more about keeping toys clean—especially keeping in mind most of us have roommates? Dr. Kat: “Keep a good anti-bacterial soap near your sink. There are also specialty toy cleaners on the market. You can use condoms on your toys if they are easier to dispose of versus clean. If your bathroom isn’t en suite, keep a small clean towel to wrap your used toy in to take it to and from the bathroom for cleaning. Air drying toys tends to be best, but if you don’t feel comfortable keeping them out in your room, make sure you dry them completely (every nook and cranny) with a clean towel.
Store them in a cool, dark and dry location. Make sure you don’t allow your toys to touch in storage. Sometimes the materials may interact with one another and cause them to break down. There are even anti-bacterial bags and incognito storage units designed specifically for this purpose. Take the batteries out if you don’t use your toys regularly. Batteries can corrode, ruining your toy. Also, don’t forget that you can transfer certain STIs via unclean sex toys. Try not to share them with your partner unless you use a condom or wash them thoroughly. Never transfer your sex toy from your anus directly into your vagina as this may cause an infection.” Do vaginal toys interfere with an IUD at all? Dr. Kat: “Typically vaginal toys do not cause any issues with IUDs. However, if for some reason your IUD wasn’t placed properly or dislodges, I could see how there might be an issue. Also, if you are more prone to infections, make sure you keep your toys very clean so that additional pathogens don’t make their way up the string.” When and how should beginners incorporate sex toys into a relationship? Dr. Kat: “You may not want to break out your vibe the first time you have sex with someone, but I do suggest that you introduce your partner to it within the first few times you have sex. This way, they’ll know that you already incorporate the use of a toy and may be less intimidated by it. If you wait too long, you run the risk of your partner thinking you are hiding it from them. Plus you will potentially miss the opportunity to be more orgasmic.
You may want to purposely leave your toy out one night so it is readily accessible and/or ask them if you can show them how to use it on you. Too many women don’t do this and then their partners end up never learning how to pleasure them with their own toys.” Any other advice for sex toy beginners? Dr. Kat: “Go solo. Play with your toy alone before introducing it into couples play, this way you learn what feels good and can show your partner. Try one toy that does several things. Instead of committing to one type of toy, try a toy that vibrates and is insertable, or one that can be used in a harness and for ana
2 Planning some solo exploration? curious novice sex toys DANA TEPPERGETTY IMAGES To kick-start your libido, there are tons of easy-to-use options for novices and experts alike. One classic, the Rabbit,was best known for its role in a Sex in the City episode. Now the Happy Rabbit 2 G-Spot has been entirely revamped to provide more clitoral stimulation via its "ears" and a whopping 150% surge in power. Kudos also for the extra quiet motors – ideal for not disturbing your partner sleeping next to you. And if you're with a partner but not feeling, well, satisfied, New Yorkers Alex Fine and Janet Lieberman came up with a solution. Their company, Dame Products, is geared "to empower the sexual experiences of woman kind." Their first product, Eva, is a hands-free, strap-free, non-intrusive vibrator created with clitoral stimulation in mind. Intended to be used by a couple, it's held in place by pressure between bodies (or just the touch of a finger.) Whatever the sex toys, Paget suggests "practicing" by yourself first, even if you plan to use them with a partner. Get acquainted with how they work and feel. Also important to keep in mind (especially for a vibrator like the Rabbit) is a good lubricant. You'll be more comfortable with whatever you're using when things slip and slide easily, Paget advises. A water-based one has easy cleanup if it gets on your bed sheets, or a silicone-based formula works best if you're in the tub or shower. Oil-based lubes (like baby or coconut oil) are not compatible with condoms. Still others have tingling, warming or cooling sensations.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below 3 Looking for another sensation? oral sex emoji sex toys DANA TEPPERGETTY IMAGES Sadly, not all partners are adept at providing good oral sex. Jaw cramping and bad technique might leave you thinking about tomorrow's to-do list, instead of what you're actually, you know, doing. Try a little helper: Oral sex simulator Sqweel 2 became an earth-shattering success among women. It doesn't vibrate or thrust but features a wheel of realistic-feeling "tongues" that rotates to send arousal levels soaring. Or, Lelo's ORA 2 is a smaller, vibrating option to try. 4 Interested in role play? sex toys 101 DANA TEPPERGETTY IMAGES Ever since Fifty Shades of Grey got couples thinking kinky, more have wanted to incorporate a little whip-and-chain action into their sex lives. Role playing is a classic starting point. You can incorporate handcuffs, costumes ("yes, sir, Mr. Officer"), or a variety of other playful options without veering into total BDSM territory (unless both partners want to go that route, of course.)
If you're a total newbie, or the idea of being completely restrained is a little scary, you might want to dabble in some "vanilla kink," as Paget calls it. Try using a long ribbon of toilet paper to tie up your partner, or vice versa. If it's not titillating, one quick tug and you're free. Ready to stock your adult toy box with some goodies? Adventurous twosomes can get the essentials for a foray into light BDSM with a Fifty Shades of Grey Hard Limits Bed Restraint Kit, Hard Limits Bed Restraint Kit, complete with blindfold, adjustable Velcro ankle and wrist cuffs. If you're doing a re-creation of a certain steamy scene from the movie, then you will, of course, need these: Nipplettes Vibrating Nipple Clamps. Paget's biggest advice is to keep an open mind — and it's okay to stop when you feel uncomfortable. "Anytime you are trying something new, you're a beginner," she says. "Be patient as you explore through trial and error. Listen to what your body is telling you." Advertisement - Continue Reading Below 5 Spicing things up when you're apart? sex toys long-distance DANA TEPPERGETTY IMAGES Sure, technology and sex have been linked since long before Kim Kardashian's viral tape. Meet Siime, the "GoPro of sex toys." It combines the feature of a typical vibrator with a built-in camera and a small light mounted at the tip to capture all the action. Just plug it into your laptop to take video or photos. Share them with your lover, whether that means in bed next to you or across the globe.
6 Hoping to make him — and yourself — happy? sex toys couple DANA TEPPERGETTY IMAGES Some sex toys are meant for him, some for her. Few cater to both, but this one does: The We-Vibe 4 Plus, designed by a Canadian twosome in search of a sex toy that pleased both genders. It has a U-shape with part of the device inserted into the vagina and the other, on the outside, cozying up to the clitoris. A man feels the vibration, too, when he slips inside next to the device. It's even controlled via an app! When considering a gadget like this, Paget says it's important to talk to your partner — beforehand. "Approach a conversation about sex toys with 'I'd like to try this with you,' to ensure that it's an inclusive experience," she advises. "Some partners might be concerned that they might be replaced or feel inadequate, so tread gently." SEX TECH HAS come a long way in the past 10 years—not only in terms of cultural acceptance and awareness, but also technology. Gone are the days of clunky, pink plastic rabbit vibrators and sex toys that feel like knock-off action figures. Today's toys are designed by sex educators, medical professionals, and some of the world’s greatest sexperts. They feature ultra-premium, surgical-grade silicone, robust Bluetooth connectivity, programmable vibration patterns, and multiple motors all designed to help you have a good time.
Weird FleshlightThere’s never a bad time to invest in a little extra self-care. These are some of our favorite sex toys, vibrators, smart vibrators, personal wand massagers, and accessories, all of which we’ve personally tested. There’s something here for everyone, every gender, and every body. The language on these products isn’t always gender-inclusive, but we approached testing with a gender-inclusive mindset, testing these with a variety of different genitals, bodies, and partners. Still don't see anything you like? Be sure to check out our other bedroom-related guides on the Best Sounds for Sleep, the Best Mattresses, and the Best Sound Machines. Updated May 2022: We added the Lelo Enigma, Coconu Lube, added a section on erogenous zones, removed the Lora DiCarlo Ose 2, Fun Factory Laya II, and adjusted prices. Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com and our print magazine (if you'd like). Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.
If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more. Please also consider subscribing to WIRED Image may contain Screen Electronics Projection Screen and White Board Which Toys Are For My Body? Beyond P & V The sex tech industry has conditioned us to think of toys in terms of male and female, penis and vagina, but that’s reductive, inaccurate, and contributes to a larger narrative about the relationship between genitals and gender. It’s unhelpful and I have a lot of feelings about it. To that end, we opt to be as specific as possible and use anatomical terms to describe individual erogenous zones—and there are way more than just P and V. The vulva is the exterior part of the vagina. It includes the labia majora, labia minora, the urethra, and the clitoris. The clitoris is the center of erogenous nerves in the vulva, and it’s actually much larger than just the exterior portion. Its internal structures extend down to either side of the vagina, which is where you’ll find the G-spot—the area stimulated by toys that curve toward the front of your body.
The phallus is what’s commonly referred to as the shaft of the penis, and it includes a couple different erogenous zones. The glans is the top of the phallus, usually referred to as the “head,” and the frenulum is a thin strip of connective tissue on the underside of the glans that can be particularly sensitive to targeted stimulation. Last but not least, the anus is, well … it's the butthole. The rectum is the interior portion that attaches to the anus. Both of these areas can be sensitive to internal and external stimulation. For people assigned male at birth, there’s an additional erogenous zone here: the prostate or P-spot. This is a walnut-sized gland that lives between the internal structures of the penis and the rectum, and it can be reached by toys that curve toward the front of your body. sex toy PHOTOGRAPH: MAUDE Best Vibrator Maude Drop This tiny little vibrator packs a punch. It might be the most intense palm-sized vibrator we’ve ever tested. It has only three intensity settings, which is fewer than most toys on this list, but for the Maude Drop, it’s about quality over quantity. Each of its levels provides deep stimulating vibrations, but if you’re particularly sensitive you may want to be careful with the highest setting. It’s rumbly, powerful, and fast, which can be a nice way to end a session of solo use. It’s a great vibrator if you’re looking for something simple, discreet, and approachable.
Cock ShockerGreat for travel, solo use, and all genitals $49 AT MAUDE $49 AT SEPHORA Dame Com Wand Vibrator PHOTOGRAPH: DAME Best Wand Dame Com Wand Vibrator Dame's take on the classic magic wand (8/10, WIRED Recommends) introduces a new angle on an old favorite—literally. Most wands are straight, and nothing on the human body is straight, so using them to reach your most sensitive areas can be pretty awkward. The Com offers an elegant solution. The wand handle is angled ergonomically so the toy does all the reaching for you. Plus, at $125 it’s cheaper than a lot of premium wireless magic wands. The battery life could use some work though; you’ll only get about an hour out of a single charge. Great for diffuse stimulation to the vulva, phallus, or sore muscles $125 AT DAME PRODUCTS
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ADAM SPEIGHT Image may contain Trophy PHOTOGRAPH: TENGA Best Stroker Toy Tenga Crysta Leaf I'm not a fan of sleeve-type toys. Most of the time they feel weird and awkward to use, even alone. But Tenga's Crysta Leaf changed my mind. This is the first sleeve or stroker toy that I actually want to use again and again. It’s made of a squishy and incredibly stretchy elastomer material, and when you’re using it you can still feel your (or someone else’s) hand applying pressure throughout the toy. It’s a very tactile experience, and if you’ve ever been turned off by hard plastic sleeves and strokers in the past, you might want to check this one out. You’ll need to get a high-quality water-based lube, though, and keep the toy clean. It attracts dust and cat hair like nobody’s business. Great for phalluses $35 AT AMAZON $38 AT TENGA PHOTOGRAPH: LOVABILITY Spice Up Your Baths
FleshliteLovability WaterSlyde Ok, this thing looks pretty unusual. It’s a long plastic slide that ties to the underside of your bathtub’s spout and diverts water directly to your most intimate areas. Inspired by the common practice of laying underneath the spout with your legs up in order to stimulate your genitals, which can be awkward and super uncomfy, the WaterSlyde makes it much much easier to have a little extra fun at bath time. And it’s good no matter what genitals you have. It can be a bit of a novel experience for people with penises, but it’s still super fun. Also it’s very affordable, durable, and makes baths a little spicier. $28 AT LOVABILITY PHOTOGRAPH: CRAVE Discreet and Stylish Crave Vesper Vibrator Sex toys are often relegated to closets, drawers, and hidden places to keep them away from prying eyes. Keep it secret, keep it safe; Gandalf knew what he was talking about. This toy is something different, though. It’s a thing you wear, not hide—like the Evenstar. The Vesper, from Crave, is a slender, powerful vibrator that pulls double duty as a bold statement necklace.
Even if you don’t wear it out and about, it’s a remarkably capable little vibe. It has just two vibration modes (steady and pulse), but it is shockingly powerful for such a tiny thing, and it is whisper quiet. The pointed shape makes it a good choice for targeted stimulation, and it’s powerful enough that you’ll feel its vibrations deep in your body. Don’t put it in your body though. Vesper is strictly an external-use-only kind of toy. It’s bold and discreet, stylish and subtle. But above all, it’s a functional addition to anyone’s collection. Great for targeted stimulation on the clitoris, nipples, or frenulum $69 AT UNCOMMON GOODS $69 AT CRAVE Most Popular GEAR The 12 Best Electric Bikes for Every Kind of Ride ADRIENNE SO GEAR The Best Laptop Backpacks for Work (and Life)
MEDEA GIORDANO GEAR The Best Fitness Trackers and Watches for Everyone ADRIENNE SO Sony Xperia 1 IV phones GEAR Sony’s Xperia 1 IV Is a Nice Android Phone With an Absurd Price ADAM SPEIGHT PHOTOGRAPH: DAME Pocket-Sized and Approachable Dame Pom Flexible Vibrator Just look at this little thing! It's cute and friendly. Pom is one of my favorites from Dame Products (8/10, WIRED Recommends) and is a pocket-sized, waterproof vibrator with five vibration patterns, five intensity settings, and a soft squishy body meant to contour to a wide variety of erogenous zones. The vibrations resonate throughout the toy, but they’re concentrated at the tip. So you get targeted and broader stimulation all in one toy. Experimenting with the intensities, vibration modes, and even just how you touch it to your (or someone else’s) body can be a lot of fun.
Best Fake PussyPom’s intuitive, ergonomic shape also makes it really easy to use in the heat of the moment. The button layout is simple and straightforward. You can easily feel which button is which without looking (a huge plus), so you can rapidly switch between modes and intensities. $95 AT AMAZON $95 AT DAME PHOTOGRAPH: TENGA Cute and Cuddly Tenga Iroha Kushi This thing is so cute. I love a sex toy that can double as adorable home decor. The Iroha+ Kushi is shaped like a little hedgehog and features multiple vibration intensities and patterns (plus a charging base and cover to protect it from dust). It’s made from silicone and has a gel underneath, so it’s very soft and squishy. The ridges along its back allow for fun and varied sensations, regardless of the genitals you’re using it with. It’s a unique approach to sex toy design, and I’m a big fan. This little guy has a forever home on my nightstand.
$99 AT AMAZON PHOTOGRAPH: MYSTERYVIBE App Powered MysteryVibe Crescendo Flexible Vibrator + App Sex toys are getting more technologically sophisticated every year. Crescendo from MysteryVibe is a smart vibrator with an app you can use to both control the toy and create and customize your own vibration patterns using its six (!) internal motors and 16 (!!) intensity settings. It’s also flexible; you can bend it in any direction to create a shape that works for your body or someone else’s. Not to mention, it’s waterproof. Great for vulvas and phalluses $183 AT MYSTERYVIBE Most Popular GEAR The 12 Best Electric Bikes for Every Kind of Ride ADRIENNE SO
GEAR The Best Laptop Backpacks for Work (and Life) MEDEA GIORDANO GEAR The Best Fitness Trackers and Watches for Everyone ADRIENNE SO GEAR Sony’s Xperia 1 IV Is a Nice Android Phone With an Absurd Price ADAM SPEIGHT PHOTOGRAPH: UNBOUND
Estim Cock CageFlexible Fun Unbound Bender The Bender is unique because it’s so flexible. You can shape it to fit your body for ideal external stimulation. It’s waterproof, and while the vibrations aren’t as powerful as a wand-style vibrator, they’re buzzy enough to make an impact. It’s also super quiet, even at its highest setting. Best for vulvas and phalluses $72 AT URBAN OUTFITTERS $71 AT UNBOUND PHOTOGRAPH: LELO Slow Build Lelo Sila Upon first use, the Sila irked me. The gentle vibrations and soft suction were teasing, and not in a good way—or so I thought. I soldiered on, living the tough life of a product reviewer, and eventually I was blown away. The toy has eight quiet settings, and even the highest is markedly less intense than what you may be used to. That’s intentional. Sila offers a slow buildup with a big payoff. The wide mouth focuses more on surrounding erogenous zones than similar sex toys, leading to a deeper and longer-lasting orgasm. Use it with lube (or in the bath) for solo sex or during foreplay with a partner. The wait will be worthwhile.
Great for vulvas $130 AT AMAZON $127 AT LELO Smile Makers Poet PHOTOGRAPH: SMILE MAKERS Invest in Versatility Smile Makers Poet Suction Toy Every body is different, and everyone’s preferences are different. Unlike most other suction toys, the Poet can customize one step farther. Usually, a suction toy’s opening is static. However, the Poet comes with three interchangeable mouths, so it’s easy to find the perfect fit. Changing the size of the opening can also affect the stimulation it provides. A bigger opening offers a more diffuse, slightly weaker air pulse, while the smaller mouths intensify the stimulation quite a bit. On top of that, the Poet features adjustable intensity levels and stimulation patterns. It’s also waterproof, which makes it a killer all-around bedside-table-companion. Great for vulvas and clitoral stimulation $129 AT SMILE MAKERS Most Popular
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sex toy PHOTOGRAPH: SATISFYER Best For Two Satisfyer Curvy 3+ Satisfyer’s Curvy lineup has been a personal favorite for a while, but the latest iteration, the Curvy 3+, is one of the best toys I’ve tested. It’s a dual-use vibrator and air-pulse stimulator. The air-pulse end provides steady, slow, but powerful suction, while the other end is where you’ll feel the vibrations most acutely. They’re pretty low-intensity even at the highest settings, which can be a good thing. It’s best to use this toy with a partner, with a person enjoying each end. Good for the clitoris, frenulum, and external play $40 AT AMAZON $65 AT SATISFYER Lelo Enigma PHOTOGRAPH: LELO
l stimulation. You might find that you really like to use your new G-spot vibrator for stimulating your nipples. Start small. When buying a toy for insertion, it’s better to err on the small side. If it’s too big you probably won’t play with it, but a toy that’s a little too small can still bring hours of enjoyment. Penis Torture DevicesIf at first you don’t succeed, try again. If one sex toy doesn’t thrill you, use that experience to decide what you do want the next time around: different size, stronger vibration, softer material, or a remote control vibrator. Testing several different toys is the best way to find what works.” Did you know that deep sea scientists know more about the Mariana Trench than they do about sex toys? At least, such are the conclusions we’re forced to draw when we see the Vajankle, the Shrek butt plug, and all those tentacle dildos on Etsy. While we may not be able to speak for the NOAA, we do fancy ourselves explorers of certain [hoists sail] bodily depths and horny holes. At Rec Room, we spend the better part of our days wading through the 3,000 results on Amazon alone for the terms “sex toy,” and helping you, our beloved readers, understand the difference between a direct-contact and “sonic”-stimulation clitoral toy; a bullet versus a lipstick vibrator; and all of your other salacious, sex-toy-related queries. ADVERTISEMENT To penis pump, or penis sleeve? That is the question—among many—when it comes down to understanding not only how sex toys work, but which ones will work for you. The answer is always found in a blend of practical information, self-exploration, and a helping hand (or foot). Maybe you’ve never used a sex toy, or you’re just wondering why Lovehoney has a section called “Love Eggs and Jiggle Balls.” Perhaps you’d like to spice up your spank-sesh drawer with something a little kinkier than your average bullet vibrator, or maybe you’d like to finally understand why the hell they call it a “rabbit” vibrator. Whatever you’d like to know about the many types of sex toys out there, consider this short list your own horny accomplice to navigating them all, from anal beads to zapping paddles and so much more. We’ll start out with some of the most iconic sex toys on the market, and inch our way down to some of the more obscure finds. Strap in, strap on, and let’s ride.
Dildo Ah, the dildo. This is perhaps one of the most iconic sex toys, because you’ve probably seen a realistic “jelly” silicone dildo such as this one at some point in your life. One of the more traditional toys, dildos are basic penetrative toys that can come in many shapes and styles, but are almost always somewhat phallic or elongated; sometimes they’ll be made of silicone, but they can also be made out of metal and glass, such as Gem, the best-selling double-duty dildo by Unbound Babes. As with most dildos, Gem can be used for vaginal and anal penetration. Just be sure to clean your toy before and after use in any hole—and to keep your sex toys prepped and clean in general. UNBOUND BABES Gem Dual-Ended Glass Dildo $34 at Amazon Buy Now $35 at Unbound Babes Bullet Vibrator Bullet vibrators are a popular first sex toy, because they’re affordable vibrators that are about the size of their namesake, making them a discreet sex toy travel companion. Bullet vibes can be used during foreplay on the nipples and around (but NEVER in) the anus—don’t wanna take an embarrassing trip to the ER when you lose one up there—and they give direct stimulation to the clitoris or anywhere else on the body that gives you or your partner(s) pleasure. Many bullet vibrators run on batteries, so keep an eye out for those such as the Zee by Dame, which is fully rechargeable. DAME Zee Bullet Vibrator $30 at Amazon Buy Now $30 at Dame
Buy Now Wand Vibrator One of the best first-time sex toys for people who want direct clitoral contact is a wand vibrator, which traditionally consists of a long handle with a vibrating, bulbous tip. The most iconic wand vibrator is hands down the Magic Wand (formerly known as the Hitachi Magic Wand), because it gained widespread popularity in the 1970s by being marketed as nothing more than a general body massager, despite it’s clear talent for moonlighting as a sex toy, making it an embarrassment-free purchase. It helped pave the way for so many of the sex toys we love today (the Magic Wand walked so that Dame’s “Com” wand could run). If you’d like a sex toy that can also legit work as a massager for your back or other parts of your body, this is the one for you—but folks with more sensi clits might want to steer towards clitoral suction toys. MAGIC WAND Rechargeable Magic Wand $124 at Amazon Buy Now $1395 at Babeland Buy Now ADVERTISEMENT Clitoral Suction Vibrator A clitoral suction vibrator is a sex toy that uses gentle sonic technology to mimic the sensation of receiving really good head, the most popular of which is the cult-fave Satisfyer Pro The toy is a best-seller on Amazon with a 5-star rating from over 50,000 reviews, because it does what a top-notch suction vibe should by providing a fluttering, consistent air suction pressure to your clitoris to stimulate it—without ever touching it directly. Pretty cool, right?
SATISFYER Pro 2 Clitoral Stimulator $495 at Amazon Buy Now $595 at Satisfyer Buy Now Direct Contact Clitoral Vibrator Many sex toys can become a direct contact clitoral vibrator if you simply apply their vibrating components to the clitoris. However, there are also vibrators such as the Zumio that are designed to go the extra mile to bring you targeted, fast-paced clitoral stimulation through direct contact. We gave the alien-probe-like sex toy an honest review, and really enjoyed how deftly the antenna works to gently tap your clit until orgasm. ZUMIO High Frequency Direct Contact Clitoral Vibrator $108 at Amazon Buy Now $135 $108 at Zumio Buy Now Rabbit Vibrator Rabbit vibrators' foundational features always include a vibrating shaft or dildo and a smaller attachment that sits atop the clitoris. Sometimes, that attachment will be split in two, resembling bunny ears, to provide even more sensation—thus the name—and the overall effect is dual clitoral and internal stimulation. This style of vibrator first gained fame on that episode of Sex and the City in 1998, and has since evolved to take on many exciting forms, from futuristic luxury vibrators by brands such as LELO, to new takes on the classic form by the Fifty Shades of Grey sex toy line (which is suprisingly… amazing?).