D I.Y Sex Toys: Self-Love Edition

In 200 AD, doctors prescribed female genital massage as a form of treatment for hysteria (ugh, don’t get me started). But in what was one of the least surprising moves of all time, they complained that the method was “too labor intensive” and “messy” and put an end to it. The hand crank—the earliest constructed sex toy—came along in 1890, and it was followed by a number of similar inventions, like 1904’s gas-powered “Pneumatic Detwiller” and 1920’s porn-inspired “Polar Cub Electric.”

Although we recommend this model as a starter vibrator, for some of our testers the hard plastic became slippery and difficult to hold when it came in contact with lubricant. This was not the case with the less expensive Satisfyer Purple Pleasure. While the Luna Ava vibrator is a steal at $30, don’t expect it to replace your Magic Wand anytime soon. We found its vibrations to be more buzzy than rumbly, and the 20 different settings are a nuisance given that there is no back-or-forth button—you have to click through all 20 to return to the one you started with. Waterproof toys made from nonporous materials such as silicone and stainless steel can tolerate washing with soap and warm water. If you have non-waterproof toys, carefully wipe them clean with a solution of soap and warm water.

Other benefits include using it across the body to explore the erogenous zone—from the perineum and nipples to the inner thighs, belly button, and nape of the neck,” says O’Reilly. Gone are the days of sex toys that feel like cheap knockoff action figures and clunky, pink, plastic rabbit vibrators—although rabbit vibes are still all the rage for some people. Today’s toys are designed by sex educators, medical professionals, and the world’s greatest sex experts.

Simply place the vibrator in the included lace knickers and give the remote control to your partner, who can use it from up to eight metres away. Hand the reins over to your partner with this innovative app-controlled vibrator from Lovense. The app controls can work from any distance too , so long-distance couples can get in on the fun.

As a sex educator who has also worked as a victim’s advocate, sex toys are something that my students often ask me about, so let’s jump right to the answer here. If you’re a beginner, go for a classic vaginal vibrator with a curved tip for easier G-spot stimulation. Ribbed designs, meanwhile viberators, allow the raised ridges to pass over the G-spot, offering further stimulation.

This incredibly sophisticated device promised to take me on a journey of discovery, targeting not just one or two, but three erogenous zones (!) simultaneously. With its innovative SenSonic and DeepSonic technologies, I was eager to see if it could live up to the hype and deliver the mind-blowing orgasms it claimed. When pleasure product companies started making dildos and other toys shaped like tentacles, unicorn horns, candy canes, and even chess pieces, I was tickled.

Available in silver and rose gold, the pendant can be switched on via a hidden button on its side and it touts surprisingly strong vibrations for its short profile. I had been messing around with the buttons for probably less than two minutes and didn’t get very far into exploring sensations when it was clear I was on the verge of an orgasm and just rolled with it. It was as close to almost instantaneous as I’ve ever gotten in my life. I’m still running into occasional issues with the buttons; I need to change how I grip it apparently, since I naturally hold it tighter as I get closer to climax.