As December has officially commenced, it’s time to release the hounds that are holiday gifts. But what to get for the person you love—in the physical sense? Whether you’re looking to keep it sexy with a long-term partner, add some spice to something new, or treat yo’ damn self, here are LD staffers’ tried-and-tested recommendations for a different kind of toy to put under the tree.
(If you’re just starting out, don’t forget to check out our Beginner’s Guide to Sex Toys)
Adam & Eve Butterfly Kiss ($19.95)
“When shopping for my first vibrator, I was leaning towards an expensive vibe but was intrigued by all the stellar reviews of the Butterfly Kiss, so I ended up getting both (hey, at $20, it’s not much of an investment). Guess which one I still use? This is a great choice for beginners, since it’s small enough to not be intimidating, but definitely enjoyable for sexperts too. It has three speeds (I’ve never needed more than that?) and the combination of inner/outer stimulation is perfect.”
Sliquid H20 ($12.13 for 8.5 oz)
“You might be wondering why lube is on a sex toy list, but really it’s a tool that will make all those sex toys even more fun and pleasurable. In my (anonymous) personal opinion, Sliquid’s lubes are some of the best out there. The formula is natural, doesn’t get sticky when it dries, doesn’t stain, and it only takes a little bit to make things nice and slippery. In addition, it can be used with toys made of all materials (i.e. silicone, glass, etc). It’s friendly to your nether bits (both vaginal and anal), your wallet, and your bedsheets. All around winner that should never be absent from your nightstand.”
Adam & Eve Vibrating Silicone Anal Beads ($19.95)
“I’ve never had anal sex, but I do enjoy some play in that area, so my partner and I recently decided to explore the wonderful world of buttplugs. Holy shit this toy is the best ever. It’s a wand with a gradient of beads so you can stop whenever you’ve had your fill. It’s round (important: do not ever get a buttplug even remotely pointy), fun, and feels good—for BOTH parties! After our first time using it, my stunned boyfriend asked, ‘Is this what a vibrator feels like? Because that’s f*cking awesome.’ It’s definitely our favorite thing to incorporate into the bedroom.”
Meany ($41.24)
“This ‘addictive bad boy’ was recommended to me by a friend who was shocked to discover that I, at the age of 20, had never had an orgasm. The Meany quickly changed that. I bought it as a Valentine’s gift to myself and I have been in love with it since; mine is dark violet and her name is Lola. It has several settings so you can adjust the intensity and the rhythm, and it is waterproof. Its battery life is astoundingly good; it only needs two AAAs and I’ve changed them once in the past two and a half years. It is recommended for beginners, but I’ve never felt the need to upgrade. I have had the opportunity to recommend this particular model to several other beginning friends, and I’m honestly so thankful for the number of orgasms it has granted me and my loved ones. Women of the world: stop accepting life without orgasm as the norm. If you can come on your own, it will go a long way in the bedroom with anyone else. Order this affordable miracle!”
WeVibe ($150)
“This is a great vibrator for heterosexual couples. The C-shape holds the vibrator in place during intercourse. Despite being found on the couples section, this vibrator is truly awesome for solo play as well. The clitoral stimulation is fantastic!”
Trojan Pulse ($24.99)
“This is a tiny, basic vibrator that’s great for beginners looking for a toy to be used solo and/or with a partner. It’s got three speeds and three pulses—and considering how small it is, it’s powerful enough for awesome clit stimulation. It’s super easy to use, only takes one battery, and is waterproof. Not only is it fairly cheap, but it’s also pretty damn durable!”
