With social distancing in full swing due to the pandemic, the sale of sex toys has understandably spiked thanks to the increase in alone time. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or looking to purchase your first self-pleasure tool, here are some expert sex toy recommendations—a little self-care can go a long way right now.
MARY-MARGARET SWEENEY, SEX THERAPIST, EDUCATOR, AND FOUNDER OF SEEK&SUMMON
SEEKANDSUMMON.COM, @SEEKANDSUMMON
Cuff Love from Flirt by Sportsheets, $18
Did you know one of the top sexual fantasies has to do with being restrained, or applying restraints to a partner? These soft and easily removable handcuffs are a great way to explore this idea. Often if someone finds they are interested in restraint play, the Google results may seem intimidating. You don’t have to be a rope knot master or own a lot of supplies to engage in this top three sexual fantasy!
The Magic Wand from Hitachi, $129.95
The Hitachi Magic Wand is a classic. As their website boasts, it has been around before the moon landing! I recommend this for anyone, really, but specifically to folks who may be pre-orgasmic or have low sensitivity due to neuropathy, or the side effect of certain medications. Because it is such a powerful machine, it delivers a strong vibration that can get results for those who have not had success with other toys. Added bonus? Other toy companies have made attachments for the head, so the toy actually becomes several different ones.
KATHY G. SLAUGHTER, SEXUALITY HEALER, TEACHER & ADVOCATE, FOUNDER OF SOARING HEART COUNSELING
SOARINGHEARTCOUNSELING.COM, @SOARINGHEARTINDY
OG Clitoral Sucking Vibrator from Tracy’s Dog, $43.99
This silicone, body-safe toy hits a great price point, offering deep insertable vibration and external clitoral sucking sensations. The toy features 10 different vibration settings, easy cleaning and 100% waterproof housing that will give you an opportunity to discover what works for you. The toy rose in popularity after a glowing Amazon review went viral. And the online comments recommending this toy span Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. It’s an excellent beginner toy.
Nora from Lovense, $199
Sex toys of the future are here! In addition to being a well-crafted rabbit style vibe, this toy uses your smartphone to control the settings. Which means your partner can control the settings, even if they’re in a different room or halfway across the country. The interactive possibilities of this toy create all kinds of options! The Nora can also connect with other Lovense remote controlled toys, like their masturbation sleeve, Max 2. So perhaps the plague won’t destroy your intimate connections!
In addition to the specific recommendations for these toys, I’d also like to emphasize the importance of buying body-safe materials like stainless steel, glass or silicone. Hard plastic can break or split, and jelly type plastics can become a haven for bacteria. Also, the importance of a good quality lube that works for your particular body matters! Toys can really work up some friction, and your sensitive bits will be grateful for the assistance of lube.
TESSLYN HENSON, MERCHANDISING MANAGER AT LOVER’S LANE
LOVERSLANE.COM, @LOVERSLANE
Soraya Wave from LELO, $249
The perfection in the ergonomic design of this toy is backed by extensive ultrasound research of the female anatomy, making it a seamlessly perfect fit for almost every vulva owner. Soraya’s two independently controlled motors rumble with a quiet yet powerful vibration, along with an optional pressured G-spot massaging function via its hinged internal shaft. The combination of this “come hither” massage and the rumbly vibrations from both motors make this toy a must-have for beginners and collectors alike.
The Venus from OmYONI, $150
The OMYONI Rose Quartz Crystal Pleasure Wand is the ultimate healing pleasure tool to amplify your sensual energy and add some magic to your self-love routine, raising your love vibration and heightening your consciousness. The glass-like polished surface creates a blissful glide during penetration, and warms to the body temperature quickly as it absorbs toxic energies and transforms negative emotions. In addition to standard care and cleaning, I highly recommend giving this stone an energetic cleanse in the new and full moon cycles.
DR. DEBBY HERBENICK, PhD, PROFESSOR AT THE INDIANA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND AUTHOR OF THE COREGASM WORKOUT
Fan Favorite II Clitoral Bullet Vibrator from Pure Romance, $36
For women who are brand new to vibrators, a clitoral-focused vibrator is often recommended as people more often use vibrators externally (on the clitoris) than internally (in the vagina).
Womanizer Classic Clitoral Stimulator, $129
The Womanizer uses indirect stimulation on the clitoris (air pressures, not touch) and some models include vaginal stimulation. Generally speaking, silicone material is easier to keep clean, and is soft to the touch. Also, choosing a vibrator with multiple intensities gives people options.
Stephanie Groves is a freelance writer in Indianapolis who is too chicken to write anything personal here related to sex toys.
