D I.Y Sex Toys: Self-Love Edition

Kate Sloan is a writer specializing in sex and kink, who has reviewed hundreds of sex toys in over a decade on the sex beat. She is the author of the books 101 Kinky Things Even You Can Do and 200 Words to Help You Talk About Sexuality & Gender, and cohosts the podcasts The Dildorks and Question Box. “This was the first grinding toy I tried and the one I’d recommend most for strap-on play,” Sparks says. This toy slips over the base of a dildo to provide a little extra padding and stimulation for the person wearing the harness during strap-on sex.

The shop clerk said there was no time to try it, so Pollock bought it on the spot. It has a darker tone than his 345, which he brightens with a wah pedal. At $2,499 the Canada-built Connaisseur MJ is Godin’s most expensive flattop by several hundred dollars. Well, it’s certainly pretty, and the melding of classic flattop design touchstones and contemporary styling moves achieves a unique, attractive result rather than an uncomfortable, incohesive mash up of influences. “Our bodies’ natural bacterial balance can easily be thrown off by the foreign bacteria lodged in the crevices of toys or food,” Switzer says.

Its rotation function swirls textured beads over your G-spot, while its flexible bunny ears flutter on your clit. It lacks the fancy bells and whistles of some pricier rabbits, but it’s a solid, satisfying pick, not to mention a cool sex toy history throwback. Your choice of a tongue vibrator should be informed by research ensuring its safety and quality and the specifications you think would best suit your desires, like intensity range, aesthetic, and versatility. “With any device, make sure the materials used are body-safe,” says Dr. Nolan. “Consider how you might want to use the device—in the shower, in bed, or on your couch,” Dr. Hauser suggests looking for external and internally stimulating toys if you’re looking to achieve blended orgasms. Sex is great as-is, but wouldn’t it be even better with a side order of vibration?

Our consumer reviewers also indicated its exterior was extremely easy to clean and maintain, and interacted well both with water-based and gel-based lubricants. The Satisfyer Penguin has no doubt topped many other lists of superior vibrators. But seriously, people love this suction-style vibrator, which operates at high-intensity but low volume. Just keep in mind that while it’s great for both solo and couples’ play, its shape is not ideal for pressing between two bodies during intercourse.

Will you use the masturbator alone or during sex (in which case, Dr. Lehmiller suggests an open-ended sleeve that can be combined with oral stimulation)? “There are a lot of options out there, so having some clarity around what you’re looking for can help you narrow down the choices,” he adds. The vibe is touted as whisper-quiet so moaning should be the only sound you hear. The wind tip simulates oral sex and the water tip throbs like the ocean. Its small size makes it travel-friendly and it’s so discreet that no one will know what it is , even if the TSA inspects your bag.

The Nora gives you the ability to independently control both the arm and the head, which rotates to better hit your G-spot. While the manufacturers boast about the low sound levels, several customer reviews disagree, finding the Melt loud. This can be fun, too, but this comes down to your personal preference. From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing.

I feel silly even confessing to being daunted by the user interface of a strawberry emoji-themed vibrator, but that’s what happened! The instructions indicate that you have to use the power button and the smaller, vibrations button to create the variation in vibration and suction you prefer. Pressing the power button turns on suction, while pressing the other button below it turns on the vibrations.

It’s worth noting that there’s also internal trimpots for gain and offset (which, together, effect the overall “throbbiness” of the unit). The pedal doesn’t feel cramped or cluttered, and getting around is a breeze, once you get a feel for what’s what. The only design decision that may prompt debate is whether the Viberator would be better off with a bigger enclosure and the very useful output volume and brightness controls on the topside where they can be adjusted on the fly.

If you like vibing and rubbing, this one is ideal for external play,” says O’Reilly. “They enable you to experience textures and sensations you wouldn’t be able to with something shaped like a penis,” says Wright. Plus, they put penetration on the table for those who either aren’t turned on by penis-shaped parts or have a history of trauma, she adds. Check out more of our Tried and Tested sex toys, including the best rabbit vibrators, the best clitoral suction toys viberators, and the best vibrators for couples. Feel extra connected to your partner with this unique toy from Ricky’s, which can be controlled by them (or you) for the ultimate hands-free experience. The wireless remote can be used to flit through nine different modes, with up to an hour of battery life.

Opt for a location where both you and your partner feel comfortable and at ease. For beginners, starting with familiar surroundings can alleviate nervousness and facilitate quick adjustments if needed. Restaurants, with their intimate seating arrangements and discreet restrooms, offer an ideal setting for discreet yet exhilarating encounters. Firstly, before making a purchase, it’s wise to read reviews or real-life comments to gain honest insights into the performance of the vibrator.