UNBOUND BABES Shimmy Vibrating Plug $61 at Unbound Babes Buy Now ADVERTISEMENT Couples' Sex Toys The better question might be, “What isn’t a couples' sex toy?” Common sense tells us that if you use a toy with a partner, well, then that makes it a couples' toy. That being said, many couples' toys are designed for wearing during sex or for helping partners control the timing of their orgasms, and there are many remote and app-controlled toys by brands including Lovense and We-Vibe that are specifically designed to be enjoyed by couples for a little kinky edging and dom-sub play, such as this Lush 3, which is designed to provide direct G-spot stimulation. LOVENSE Lush 3 App Controlled Rechargeable Love Egg Vibrator $129 at Amazon
Buy Now $1399 at Lovehoney Buy Now Prostate Massager As with their cousin, butt plugs, many prostate massagers will vibrate, but their overall purpose is to bring a little back-door pleasure by stimulating the male prostate gland. “Internal prostate stimulation takes a softer touch,” explains Anna Pulley in the VICE guide to prostate play, “and involves more precise movements and smaller implements, such as fingers or small toys, rather than dildos or penises.” The Hugo is a popular remote-controlled prostate vibe by the luxury sex toy company LELO, and it’s equipped with one motor for the prostate and one in the base for the perineum (read: taint) for providing ~loads~ of pleasure. LELO Hugo Male Prostate Massager $2199 at Amazon Buy Now $219 $1625 at LELO Buy Now Penis Pump Penis pumps ROCK. These toys remind us of those high-powered suction tubes at the bank, and they can temporarily enlarge the penis as well as help folks with erectile dysfunction (ED) to maintain an erection by creating a suction effect around the penis, typically in a plastic tube, courtesy of a battery or hand-powered pump and a band that fits, and increases blood flow to the penis. Edge makes a highly rated, hand-fueled pump in a clear, latex- and phthalate-free tube so that you can see all your… business.
EDGE Tracey Cox Ultimate Performance Stamina Penis Pump $499 at Lovehoney Buy Now ADVERTISEMENT Strap-On Dildos Strap-on dildos are dildos designed to be worn, often with a harness, during sex. “Pegging can totally happen between folks of any and all genders,” explains Archie Bongiovanni in their pegging how-to guide for VICE. “After all, it’s essentially just anal sex with a strap on.” These days, there are even companies such as Fun Factory making harness-free dildos for going down to Peg City, USA, and one-and-done harness and dildo bundles such as this Unisex Strap-On by Lovehoney, so you can smash that order button and know you’re getting everything you need to start pegging.
LOVEHONEY Advanced Unisex Strap-On Harness Kit with 7 Inch G-Spot Dildo $399 at Lovehoney Buy Now Thrusters These sex toys are often dildos or rabbit vibes that are specifically designed to mimic the thrusting power of a penis, and tend to be on the more expensive side (that kind of engineering costs money!) because they provide even more sensation to the penetrative experience. You know how that animatronic Abe Lincoln was the peak of technology at Disneyland for so many years? That’s thrusters, only for sex toy nerds. This highly rated Fun Factory toy would be a great first-time thruster, because it has a straightforward phallic design and seven speeds that are easy to control with its three buttons.
FUN FACTORY Stronic Real Rechargeable Realistic Thrusting Vibrator $1699 at Lovehoney Buy Now Anal Beads Definitely one of the more advanced sex toys, anal beads are made up of multiple balls or ribbed, spherical attachments that are designed to be gradually inserted into your anus in order to please and stimulate its many nerves. These toys are usually flexible, and as with any anal toy, will have some kind of handle or stopper at the base. These Sensual Glass Iridescent Anal Beads from Lovehoney are a great starting point—plus, they’re gorgeous.
LOVEHONEY Sensual Glass Iridescent Anal Beads $399 at Lovehoney Buy Now ADVERTISEMENT Palm Vibrators Otherwise known as erogenous zone vibrators, these sex toys consist of a vibrator—usually one that’s rounded or shaped liked a Bintje potato—that can fit in your palm and be applied for direct, rumbly pressure to the clitoris or anywhere else on the body that gives you pleasure. They’re also one of the least-gendered vibes in sex toy design, given that they aren’t phallic, and one of our favorites is this aubergine dream by Dame. Not only is it fully rechargeable and made of super soft silicone, but it’s extremely quiet. DAME Pom External Vibrator $95 at Amazon Buy Now $95 at Dame Buy Now Finger Vibrators As with palm vibrators, finger vibes can be one of the most accessible sex toys for those who may not be able to firmly grip a sex toy, and they’re just as discreet to travel with as a bullet vibrator or a cock ring. They're also popular as couples' toys, since they can be used for focused clitoral stimulation during penetration (or whenever). Just slip this Fin vibe by Dame over your finger, and use it to please you or your partner. But please, don’t stick it up the back door. Remember: No flared base = no entry.
Play & SprayDAME Fin Finger Vibrator $765 at Amazon Buy Now $85 at Dame Buy Now Lipstick Vibrator Traditionally, a lipstick vibrator will indeed look like a tube of lipstick, which is cool in a secret agent sort of way. But the best feature of this kind of sex toy, other than the joy of its novelty, is that the flattened tip allows for a little more direct, vibrating surface area to be applied to the clitoris. As always, Dame has a futuristic and far more minimal take on the toy with their svelte design, and we especially dig that the flat portion of the Kip has even more surface area than your average lipstick vibe. DAME Kip Lipstick Vibrator $75 at Dame Buy Now ADVERTISEMENT Kegel & Ben Wa Balls Remember that scene in Fifty Shades of Grey where Dakota Johnson’s character wears silver kegel or “Ben Wa”' balls to a black tie event? Well, those little weighted balls—NOT to be confused with jade eggs, which we shan’t touch—are simply silicone or metal balls designed to be inserted into the vagina to strengthen pelvic floor muscles, or to give a sense of fullness and stimulation.
LOVEHONEY Main Squeeze Heavy Double Kegel Balls $199 at Lovehoney Buy Now Restraints Now that we’ve slung every last dildo over our shoulder like a Kipling fanny pack, we’re ready to get into some tantalizing BDSM (bondage/discipline, dominance/submission, and sadism/masochism) toys and savoir faire. One of the most common accessories of the kink, amongst beginners and experts alike, are restraints. Typically, beginners may enjoy starting off with Velcro hand-cuffs or cloth ties before moving onto more advanced handcuffs such as the Orion, which not only acts as a pair of belt-adjusted handcuffs, but is also capable of being slung over the door for some extra kinky times. UNBOUND BABES Orion Over the Door Restraint Set $39 at Unbound Babes Buy Now Nipple Clamps We were given nipples for a number of reasons, but our favorite might just be horny clamping. Nipple clamps, such as these bad boys from Bondage Boutique, walk the line between sex toy jewelery and BDSM accessory, because they’re designed to lightly pinch your nips (and sometimes, your clit) and are often secured to a stylish collar or chain that would make you the belle of the ball at any Berlin Diskothek.
BONDAGE BOUTIQUE Adjustable Nipple Clamps with Double Chain $199 at Lovehoney Buy Now ADVERTISEMENT Gags Gags can take on many forms in BDSM play, but most commonly as a cloth gag around the mouth, or as a gag with a bar or a ball gag. Typically, the sphere or bar will be made of a body-safe silicone, as other materials might damage those pearly whites of yours. This gag is great for beginners, as it has a few extra holes in the ball for extra breathability. ZHEXU Beginner's Ball Gag $52 at Amazon Buy Now Paddles & Riding Crops Who doesn’t like a little spanking, now and again? Whether your dom is using a 16-inch bamboo paddle, riding crop, or a spanker that looks like it was made out of Furbies, these are great sex toys for a little kinky foreplay, or even a game of shuttlecock. This silver paddle has a 7-star rating on Lovehoney because it’s great for seasoned spankers and beginners alike; one side is made out of a padded satin and the other is a firmer faux leather.
FIFTY SHADES OF GREY Twitchy Palm Spanking Paddle $281 at Amazon Buy Now $399 $50 at Lovehoney Buy Now E-Stim Toys Erotic electrostimulation (E-stim) is a kink in which a person enjoys receiving or giving a bit of light electric stimulation through electrically endowed paddles, wands, and patches. It’s important to practice this kink correctly, but once its parameters are understood, it can make for some fun horny Frankenstein roleplay. ELECTROSHOCK E-Stim Paddle $796 at PinkCherry Buy Now Pinwheels …Not the kind you find blowing in your aunt’s garden. These spiky pinwheels or “Wartenberg” wheels are very common in people with a sexual medical fetish, or anyone with an especially sensory kinky side to them. As with every sex toy—and especially those falling under the traditional BDSM umbrella—be sure to use them correctly by applying only the slightest pressure to yourself or your partner, and never inserting them into your body.
UNBOUND BABES Spike Sensation Play Pinwheel $18 at Unbound Babes Buy Now Sex Furniture Our honorable mention goes to sex furniture, otherwise known as anything you can grind or bang on, because so many folks first sexual toy/accomplice was a pillow—and look how far the humping and grinding sex toys have come since then! Brands such as Liberator make firm pillow wedges designed to be placed under your back or below your stomach for deeper penetration and more comfortable sex. As a certified sex educator, I get a lot of questions about sex toys. Like, a lot, a lot. For now, let’s distill my inbox’s most prominent sex toy–related inquiry: “There are so many different kinds of sex toys. How do I know which one I want? And what are the differences? Are there any? What am I doing? Help me!”
The thing is, when it comes to sex toys (and sex education in general, if I’m being honest), there just isn’t a lot of good, trustworthy information out there. Why? There are a lot of reasons, mostly to do with shame. There are countless problems with sexual shame and our society’s fraught relationship with it, but sex toys can be especially confusing. If you want a vibrator and you buy a dildo, you’re going to be disappointed. If you buy a vibrator that isn’t made for anal play and use it for anal penetration? You could wind up in the emergency room. What’s more, the Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate sex-toy materials in the U.S. This means that companies can make sex toys out of whatever the hell they want with very little consequence. Read: Companies can make sex toys that go in your body out of materials that aren’t safe for your body—such as jelly or low-grade rubber. Don’t worry: We have all the information you need so you can go forth on your sex-toy journey prepared and armed with information. Because you deserve to know what’s making you orgasm. Vulva Toys: Dildos vs. Vibrators What’s the confusion? The shape. The classic dildo and rabbit vibrators (of Sex and the City fame and still the most popular sex toy for vulva owners) both have a long, phallic shape. They look relatively similar and are both made for penetration, so they are often mixed up. Let’s break them down:
Dildos: A dildo is a long, cylindrical sex toy that, in its most basic form, looks like a penis. Luckily, there are now so many different shapes, sizes, and colors that the scary penis-centric image of the dildo has transformed. People still buy real-dick-looking dildos, but you have options. The notable thing about dildos is that they don’t vibrate. “A dildo is a phallic-shaped object that can be inserted into an orifice,” Kenneth Play, an international educator and sex hacker, tells TheBody. And, sometimes, they are curved to reach the G-spot area. Vibrators: What makes a vibrator? You guessed it—they vibrate. Vibrators are, in my opinion, the most nuanced and complex category of sex toys because there are a zillion different shapes and sizes. They are designed for either external or internal use (or both), depending on their shape and size. It’s important to note that while a vulva/vagina toy might be designed for external or internal use, you can experiment and use them for one or the other, or both. The vagina is a closed-off canal. Your toys won’t get lost, I promise!
Anal Toys UKWho doesn’t love a good subcategory, amiright? Let’s break them down (again). External vibrators (bullets, finger vibes): These toys are used for external stimulation of the clitoris. “Both bullet and finger vibrators are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand,” erotic educator Taylor Sparks tells TheBody. “The ones called bullet vibrators tend to be shaped like ... bullets or at least are cylindrical in shape. Finger vibrators are similar to bullet vibes but have a loop so that you can slip it on your finger and it becomes an extension of your own hand. You can find them both at varying speeds and intensities.” Internal vibrators (G-spot wands): Internal vibrators have the same “phallic,” cylindrical length of a dildo, only they vibrate. What’s more, they are usually shaped with a curved head, designed to reach the G-spot area. “Some vulva owners like the feeling of the vibrations on their G-spots, while others may enjoy it being rubbed back and forth or round and round. So a G-spot vibrator can be used to stimulate this area on or off,” says Sparks, who is the founder of Organic Loven, the largest Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC)–owned online intimacy shop. Dual vibrators (rabbits, dual wands): As mentioned, the rabbit is the most popular form of vibrator to this day, thanks to Samantha Jones. Dual vibrators combine clitoral and G-spot stimulation for a full, internally and externally stimulating experience. They have a vibrating, cylindrical base and an attached, external head designed to reach the glans clitoris. Some vulva owners love them, some don’t. Get curious and experiment.
Anal Toys: Anal Beads vs. Anal Dildos vs. Anal Plugs Anal toys are in their own special category for one big reason: safety. The anus has two rings: the outside ring (the one you can flex when you tighten your butthole) and an inner ring, which we cannot control. The inner ring has truly astonishing sucking power—it can take toys right up and away. Anal toys are specifically designed to avoid this pitfall: They have a flared base, designed to act as a stopper. All forms of butt toys come in both vibrating and non-vibrating versions. Read the toy’s description before you purchase. Let’s break them down: Anal plugs: Anal plugs look like, well, plugs. Butt plugs have a flared base. Never, ever put anything up your bum that doesn’t have a flared base. From this article to God’s ears. “They tend to be tear-shaped with a wide base to keep them from being ‘sucked up’ into the anal canal. They come [in] vibrating and non-vibrating [models] and in many materials—silicone, glass, and even wood,” Sparks explains. Anal dildos: Anal dildos are usually best paired with a strap-on for pegging. They fit into a harness (such as the cloth harness from SpareParts) and can be used for anal sex. They look very similar to classic dildos—only they have a flared base. Start with smaller anal dildos before moving up to bigger sizes. Communicate with your partner and let them know if anything feels uncomfortable. Anal beads: “Anal beads come in a string of beads, like on a bracelet,” Play tells us. The idea is to insert the beads, one at a time, to stimulate the nerve-rich anal opening. When you’re about to orgasm, you (or a partner) can remove the anal beads one at a time. This can increase your sensation. Play notes that you should always choose anal beads that come with a flared bottom, so you don’t lose them up your bum.
I cannot stress this enough: FLARED BASES FOR BUMS ONLY. Penis Toys: C*ckrings, Masturbation Sleeves, etc. Lastly, we would be remiss not to mention toys designed for penises. Penis toys are important to understand before using them, but they come with fewer risks. You’re not going to lose a penis ring up your urethra the way one might lose a non-anal dildo up a tight sphincter. Let’s break them down: C-rings: C*ckrings are rings that go around the base of the penis to restrict blood flow. This can help with greater control over climax, longer erections, and more intense orgasms. Be sure that the c-ring you’re using is made of body-safe or medical-grade silicone. Use a reliable, water-based lubricant to help with friction. Do not exceed 20 minutes when using one, as this can cause injury.
Masturbation sleeves: Masturbation sleeves are exactly what the name says: A sleeve for masturbation. Its most rudimentary model might be familiar: the Fleshlight. The Fleshlight is designed to look like a vagina or anus. It has a bad reputation as being seedy and weird, but I chalk this up to our culture’s shame around sex. Men and all penis owners have every right to pleasure and orgasms, too. Plus, you don’t need to get a grimy-looking toy anymore. Sex-toy company Tenga has taken the lead in creating masturbation sleeves that are truly works of art. Party on! Vibrators: Vibrators are made for vulvas, but they can be used for penises too! They are versatile—so long as you’re keeping them away from your anus. Try using a wand vibrator on the head of your penis and see how it feels. Don’t forget lube! If your sex life is feeling a bit stale, or ...well ... just not getting the job done, you're not alone. The FDA reports that 43% of women have some form of sexual dysfunction — which is higher than the number of men (31%). Sometimes, there's a biological or psychological cause. But if you're simply in a slump, or sex has slipped off the relationship priority list, sex toys are one way to amp up a woman's sexual pleasure and help her reach orgasm. In a recent Harris Poll survey, 71% of women ages 18 to 34 agreed that using sex toys added intimacy in the bedroom. Even better? They've never been so tech smart, better designed, or more widely available.
