D I.Y Sex Toys: Self-Love Edition

It’s both a clitoral and internal stimulator and is a source of “pleasure for both partners,” according to one tester. Grinding mimics the “humping” motion that many people learn to masturbate with (say, against a pillow), as well as the thrusting motions that people with penises do during penetrative sex. Toys elevate the sensation of grinding by adding vibration, texture, or other stimulating features. The noisy, room-shaking sex toys of years past have graduated to sleek, high-quality, and near-silent designs that don’t sacrifice power for discretion. From suction vibrators that are all about the clit, to precise G-spot vibrators, to backdoor action anal vibrators, there are a ton of whisper-quiet vibrators that get you there without waking up the whole house. Cue the Greek chorus, this is the ultimate trifecta of suction sex toys.

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.”

An extra wide mouth on the LELO Sila means this suction toy can travel to so many erogenous zones and caters to all clitoral sizes. Perfect for foreplay or solo play, it easily suctions over the entire clitoris and can even be used on your nipples. Whether you’re a jet setter, searching for the perfect after-dark honeymoon accessory or just don’t want something that screams “sex toy,” this shell-shaped toy is bound to be your new BFF.

Then we scoured the massive pool of sex toy options (and read tons of reviews) to find the ones that hit a variety of pleasure points, and that can be used alone or as a couple. According to sex therapists, prioritizing your pleasure offers benefits for yourself, and thus, your partner. With regular use viberator, they can elevate your sexual experience no matter what you’re in the mood for. Their texture feels nice to the touch, and silicone is nonporous, making it safe and easy to clean. Another popular nonporous option is a toy made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic.

You can use your fingers to figure out which, if any, orifices you’re comfortable having penetrated, or if you’d prefer the stimulation stay on the exterior parts of your genitals. You can also experiment to see if you enjoy simultaneous internal and external stimulation. Hands can also allow for more finesse and precision than a toy can, so if you’re someone who finds that you prefer a more targeted sensation, hands are definitely your friend. They can be a way for you to experiment with vibration and other sensations if you don’t have access to a sex toy store. D.I.Y is often cheaper than buying a toy made specifically for sexy purposes.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get to try Vesper 2 with my penis-wielding partner, but that’s fine. Every time I wore it, I was expressing my sexuality in a way that would have had me burned at the stake in 17th-century Salem. Because the Vesper 2 makes me feel the same way, it’s not something I even wanted to share with my partner. I wanted the discovery, the pleasure, and the orgasms to be on my terms with my brand-new vibrator necklace—a sentiment, I’m sure, some people will understand once they get their hands on Vesper 2. As you might expect, the sex toy company Fun Factory is known for toys that look (and are) fun.

There’s a lot of vibrator fear-mongering out there, mostly from idiots who are threatened by female sexual empowerment. Or that your male partners would be intimidated by your vibrator usage? Let’s bust through the BS and talk about how to make your vibrator a healthy part of your masturbatory life.

Zumio’s clitoral stimulator has patented SpiroTip™ rotation technology that lets you pinpoint your exact pleasure spots for the most satisfying orgasm imaginable. “The G-zone is simply an area of tissue that some people find pleasurable, while others don’t ,” Corrado says. While the price is a tad dearer than other panty vibes out there, reviewers have said this “powerhouse” is well worth the extra dollars. “This toy hits all the right spots and to know someone else is in control is such a turn-on,” one five-star review reads. “I love the different intensities and how soft the silicone is,” a user commented. Reviewers have noted it’s the perfect toy for foreplay, beginners and those who enjoy a gentler touch.

There can be all sorts of loaded feelings about a toy that has been used before, especially with other partners. Hot Octopuss is known for making toys with mega-strong motors, and this bullet vibrator is no different. It’s also got a unique shape that allows you to focus its intensity into a small, pointed tip, or spread it out more along its broader side.