What do you really want this holiday season? If the answer is pleasure, I'm happy to share that you can actually gift it to yourself. How so? With sex toys. They're intriguing yet intimidating for most of us, so we tapped sex educator and researcher Gwen Walsh, M.A. to give you the lowdown.
"My first job as a sex educator was at a sex toy boutique, so toys (and their benefits for sexual and relationship satisfaction) have a very special place in my heart," she tells me.
To make it easy to pleasure yourself (and your partner) this season, she shared one place you can shop for every toy imaginable. "Lovehoney's sex-positive, education-forward ethos makes them a great option for sex toy shopping," she says. "They have a large selection of products from reputable brands that I love, like We-Vibe and Womanizer, and their variety of offerings makes them a great fit for any budget, whether you're shopping for beginner toys or investment pieces." Keep scrolling to shop her highly giftable picks, from glass dildos to a peach-shaped clit stimulator to massage must-haves.
Couples Fun
"Couples toys allow you to co-create an intimate experience together and share the joy of giving and receiving pleasure. Communication is a key part of sexual satisfaction: shopping for a new toy, trying it together, and sharing how it felt can bring you and your partner even closer. We-Vibe's app-controlled vibrators can sync to music and operate remotely, perfect for tech-loving or long-distance couples."
Romantic and Emotional Intimacy
"Whether you've been partnered for a week or a decade, a relationship provides infinite opportunities to explore your own, and your partner's, inner worlds. We are always growing and changing, and that's an exciting thing! Explore the subtleties of your partner's mind and body through erotic card games, massage candles, and sensual oils. Sex researchers note that expanding your definition of sex beyond penetration or orgasm can increase sexual pleasure and satisfaction. Including many aspects of emotional and physical intimacy in our sexual repertoire can bring more excitement, closeness, and fulfillment into our intimate lives."
Solo Pleasure
"Whether you're single or partnered, maintaining a sexual relationship with yourself is important. Solo toys are a wonderful way to connect with yourself, discover new areas of self-intimacy, and enjoy familiar favorites. Wands, vibrators, and stimulators allow you to explore different sensations, like suction or vibration, and different angles of internal and external pleasure. You can enjoy these toys solo or share the experience with a partner through mutual masturbation."
BDSM
"When exploring kink and BDSM, make sure you communicate with your partner before, during, and after. Discuss each of your limits, do a 'Yes/No/Maybe' list, and establish a safe word or safe gesture beforehand. Once you've negotiated your play, enjoy exploring the new sensations and emotions that BDSM can bring! Remember that BDSM includes a variety of sensations and intensity levels: You don't have to jump straight to the Saint Andrew's cross. With a paddle or mini flogger, you can explore light impact play. You can dip your toe (or rather, your wrists) into restraints with handcuffs, or explore sensation play with a blindfold, a tickler, or a tingling balm. Lovehoney's bondage kits allow you to explore a variety of sensations and power dynamics."
