Naughty or Nice? Sex Toys for the Holidays

Forget spiked egg nog, intercourse toys can actually give your holidays a kick.

If you’re looking for a horny one thing in your particular somebody, a intercourse toy may actually … hit the spot.

Just a little unconventional, perhaps, however who wants to stay with plain vanilla? Certainly not you — when you don’t need to. According to intercourse toy producer LELO, the vast majority of their prospects are ladies, and we couldn’t be happier to see ladies taking their sexual pleasure into their very own fingers. But intercourse toys don’t must solely be used solo. In reality, LELO mentioned 70% of their prospects are in relationships.

While there shouldn’t be any disgrace in purchasing for intercourse toys, we all know it’s not precisely one thing you study at school, and we thought you might need some questions. So, we requested licensed intercourse therapist and HealthyWomen Women’s Health Advisory Council member Emily Jamea what it is advisable know when you’re enthusiastic about bringing house a intercourse toy for the vacations.

“If you’re buying sex toys for a partner, they can be a fun way to add some novelty to the relationship,” Jamea mentioned. But, she added it could be a good suggestion to convey the concept up first even when it’s simply by way of hints or questions. “You don’t need to spring intercourse toys on somebody. A whole lot of instances you’ll be able to’t return them, and they are often costly.”

Here are some sexy gift ideas for the people who’ve made your naughty list:

• For a partner or friend who could be nudged into a little adventure. “Handcuffs, blindfolds, restraints and costumes — a little light bondage — make a great entry into sex play without being overly intimidating,” Jamea said. “Products that introduce anal play, such as butt plugs and beads, make it fun to try new things. Couples might need to take baby steps here. What’s comfortable for one person may not be comfortable for another. Listen, meet your partner where they are and ease into it — especially with anal toys.”
• For a partner or friend with a penis. C-rings, also called penile rings, can help spice things up in the bedroom and may include attachments that vibrate. “Anybody with a penis can use them, but they’re especially great for a male partner struggling to maintain an erection,” Jamea said. “I recommend these a lot for people who are going through sexual anxiety.” Vibrators aren’t just for women, either. There are also insertable vibrators for men.
• For a partner or friend with a vagina. A vibrator is just one of many options for vaginal and clitoral stimulation. “Technology has come such a long way,” Jamea said. “There are vibrating panties you can control with your phone. Your partner can activate them from the other side of the world. They have vibrators that vibrate to the beat of the music you’re playing. They now make toys that use air pulses instead of vibration.” Decide whether you want a product that just provides clitoral stimulation,, or one that inserts into the vagina — or both. There are also plenty of low-tech, non-vibrating dildos that come in just about every size, shape and purpose.
• For a partner or friend who is struggling to enjoy sex (because of pain or changes in desire). Pelvic floor muscles contribute to the enjoyment of sex, and these can weaken after menopause. “There are new toys coming out all the time that focus on pelvic floor strengthening, such as kegel balls,” Jamea said. Vibrating Ben Wa balls combine pleasure with self-care exercises. Lubricant, which can be silicone-based or water-based, is also a great gift for postmenopausal women, and there’s no shortage of flavors and types. Jamea noted that water-based lube must be used for silicone sex toys.
• For a partner who likes to play together. Double headed vibrators or couples’ rings are designed to be worn during sex and can be used when you’re getting intimate with a partner of any gender.

What to keep in mind when shopping for adult toys:

• Make certain your intercourse toys are made out of protected supplies. Some folks have allergy symptoms to plastics, resembling latex. Toys made out of silicone or ABS plastic are a very good different. They have a sensual really feel they usually’re non-porous, body-friendly and waterproof.
• How to wash intercourse toys. The intercourse will be soiled, however the toys ought to all the time be clear. There are cleansers particularly designed for intercourse toys, which will be sprayed straight onto the toy, then rinsed with water after 5 seconds. You don’t want a particular cleaner, although, Jamea mentioned. “Any gentle, mild soap with warm water is all you need.” Avoid soaps with oils, silicone or abrasives. After cleansing a toy with cleaning soap and heat water, retailer it in a protecting container. A plastic container or bag is nice, Jamea mentioned. “Just make sure they’re fully dried before storing them.”
• Charge it. Toys can recharge utilizing a wire or battery. Battery-charged toys are extra moveable and fewer restrictive, however they don’t normally final as lengthy. Also, it’s necessary to maintain them charged in order that they don’t fizzle out simply if you’re feeling frisky.

Still have intercourse toy questions?

There’s no disgrace in visiting a intercourse store. They’re normally sex-positive, no-shame environments. Vendors are available in and educate the salespeople, in order that they’re usually well-informed. Don’t be afraid to go in and ask questions. There’s nothing you’ll be able to consider that they haven’t heard earlier than. Trust us.

Now, get going — and provides the reward of getting it on.