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  The Poet is the latest offering from Smile Makers, famous for being the first sex toys on Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop, and for naming its toys after pin-up occupations (“The Fireman” and “The Tennis Instructor”). The Poet is Smile Makers’ take on the clitoral suction vibrator. But, rather than just emulating the same glorious technology other companies have created, The Poet adds something extra. The sides of the toy are a control, so you can make it more intense by squeezing the toy while using it. It takes a little practice to get a perfect control over the toy, but it functions as an additional layer of mindfulness, making you completely tune into your body as you adjust it. You effectively create a bespoke setting for every single use. Buy now Womanizer starlet 4 function clitoral stimulator: £699, Bondara.co.uk (iDOO) Best: Classic vibrator Rating: 10/10

  Most clitoral suction vibrators are pretty amazing, but this one happens to be a classic of the genre. It’s a very similar version to the one Lily Allen released in 2020. It comes in a pretty coral colour and the technology is just fantastic. Many women who have struggled to achieve orgasm through sex or traditional vibrators have found that the Womanizer toys can change all of that in a matter of minutes. It also holds a charge for an impressively long time and comes with a great variety of settings and speeds. Buy now Best toys for men Fleshlight: £699, Amazon.co.uk (Fleshlight) Best: Men’s one-stop-shop toy Rating: 9/10 There’s plenty of stigma around male sex toys, which is very unfair and nonsensical, given that we know that male masturbation is a) incredibly common and b) very healthy. The Fleshlight is one of the most famous sex toys, though the term “infamous” might be a more apt description. But they’re actually incredibly cleverly designed toys that get glowing reviews. If you’d like to elevate your masturbation from just a session with your own hand, the Fleshlight is absolutely the first place to start. This version is rather more discrete in design which might appeal to first timers.

  Buy now Bondara set of three cock rings: £49, Bondara.co.uk (Bondara ) Best: Erection aid Rating: 10/10 There’s absolutely nothing wrong with keeping it simple, which is exactly what these Bondara cock rings do. They’re a tactile, stretchy material which is (apparently) very comfortable to wear. You should use it in conjunction with a water-based lubricant. Many of the reviews from men who suffer with erectile disfunction say that these rings have helped them to maintain an erection during sex. Even those who don’t struggle to maintain an erection might well find that these rings help them to stay even harder for longer. Buy now Lelo Bruno: £149, Lelo.com (Lelo) Best: For adventurous men

  The Bruno is a sleek piece of kit, because Lelo have a real talent for making sex toys look like beautifully designed pieces of art. The Bruno is smooth, sleek and easy to use. If you’ve ever wanted to experience prostate massage, or if you’re already an old hand with all things male g-spot, this is guaranteed to please. Make sure you’ve got a decent lube on hand before trying to use it, and be prepared to feel something incredibly intense. Buy now Best toys for beginners Rocks off bullet: £99, Rocks-off.com (Bondara ) Best: Budget buy Rating: 8/10 The Rocks Off bullet is a gloriously inexpensive piece of sex tech. It comes at a variety of price points, but if you’re investing in your first sex toy, you might want to pick the cheapest one. It’s the best-selling single speed vibrator in the world, and the single speed is a lovely medium. If you know that you like extremely light stimulation, or that you need something a bit more intense to reach orgasm, then they have multi-speed alternatives.

Cock Stretcher

  These bullets are the perfect toy to use during sex. Stick to your regular routine, but include a bullet for clitoral stimulation, and watch how quickly your sex life goes from “nice” to “we have got to do that again RIGHT NOW.” Buy now Ann Summers slim recharging and rotating rabbit: £42, Annsummers.com (Ann Summers) Best: For the curious Rating: 9/10 If you’ve never used a vibrator before, or if you’ve only ever used a bullet, then the rabbit could seem slightly intimidating. This version is rather smaller than some of the other rabbit offerings, which makes it a perfect first place to start. All of the same intense, incredible stimulation, but packed into a slightly smaller package. Plus, it’s rechargeable so you don’t have to worry about stealing batteries from your TV remote control.

  Buy now Massage candle, kiki de montparnasse: £80, Kikimd.com ( Kiki de Montparnasse) Best: Tasteful toy Rating: 9/10 For anyone who wants to make their sex life a little more adventurous without going the whole whips and chains route, a massage candle is a delightful place to start. It burns at a super low temperature, and once the wax has melted you and your partner can pour it onto each other’s skin, using it as massage oil. Hold the candle higher if you like the wax cooler, or closer if you like it to be a little more piquant. This particular candle smells utterly divine and leaves your skin feeling like you’ve been at a spa.

  Buy now Best toys for couples Pjur lubricant: £33, Amazon.co.uk (Pjur) Best: For absolutely everyone Rating: 10/10 Lube isn’t technically a toy. But it is the quickest, easiest and arguably the most gratifying way to improve your sex life. Everything feels better with adequate lubrication, but lots of brands either dry up quickly or leave you feeling sticky. It’s condom safe, doesn’t have a scent or a taste, and works better than any other lubricant on the market. Buy now Lelo tiani: £90.30, Lelo.com (Lelo) Best: For mutual orgasms Rating: 9/10 The Tiani is the gold standard for straight couples toys that aim to stimulate both of you equally. It’s worn inside the vagina and then sits against your vulva, meaning that it can stimulate your g-spot and your clitoris at the same time. Given that the vast majority of women can’t achieve orgasm from penetration alone, this is a very smart purchase if you want to enjoy mutual orgasms.

Vibrator Sleeve

  This toy is effectively a date night in a box. It’s not cheap, though you could easily spend that much on dinner and a movie and arguably have rather less fun. Cheaper versions of this toy exist, and they do work. But this is the original and the best. Buy now Glass butt plug: £20.99, Loveplugs.co.uk (Love Plugs) Best: For couples wanting to explore Rating: 8/10 If you’re not looking to spend a huge amount of money but you want to take your sex life from sweet to spicy in one purchase, then a butt plug is the best possible use of your money. People of any gender can use a butt plug, so they’re certainly not just for straight couples. But if you’ve never experimented with anything anal before, it’s guaranteed to feel incredibly naughty.

  Butt plugs are a great gateway to anal sex because you can remove it privately after sex if you’re self-conscious. Plus they make penetrative sex more intense for women, and can stimulate the g-spot for men. That’s a whole lot of hard work for a little toy costing just over twenty quid. We suggest starting with the smallest size and then working your way up if you’re so inclined. Buy now The verdict: Sex toys It’s incredibly hard to pick just one of these products, especially as they all fulfil such different requirements in a varied sex life. The We-Vibe tango bullet is our overall best buy, but the unofficial best purchase has to be the Pjur lubricant because it’s inexpensive and it will make a marked difference to your sex life, regardless of what genitals you have. If you’re in a straight couple, it’s got to be the Lelo tiani, because you can’t put a price on mutual orgasms, and for men (as long as you’re a little adventurous), it’s got to be the sleek and impressively powerful Bruno. There is a lot of stigma surrounding sex toys, the first time I ever heard anyone talk about sex toys was on YouTube. Hannah Witton is a sex educator on YouTube, and she discusses the different types of sex toys and rates them based on her own sexual pleasure. The only time I have heard anyone discuss sex toys in person has been through CASH. This is why I think this guide is so important. Your sexual pleasure should not be stigmatised, you should be free to enjoy your sex life however you see fit (if everything is consensual of course). So, I am here to answer questions you may have about sex toys. The use of sex toys is personal to you, it is equally okay to not want to use sex toys as it is to use them. This article is a source of information for you to help you explore sex toys by yourself or with a partner.

 What is a sex toy? A sex toy is essentially an object that is designed for sexual pleasure, this could be during sex or masturbation, to use by yourself or with others. In case you did not know some sex toys can actually be used for medical purposes! Who can use a sex toy? Sex toys are for everyone. Some are clearly designed for those who have a vagina (such as a clitoral stimulator) and equally, some are clearly designed for those who have a penis (penis rings). Sex toys can be used during partnered sex or they can be used for solo sex. Sex toys are not a substitute for a partner but rather a happy addition and the stigma around couples using sex toys during sex needs to be challenged. Controlling and using a sex toy on your partner can be pleasurable for both parties. The biggest stigma about sex toy use generally surrounds males and toxic masculinity. Sex toys are often seen as something to laugh about and have negative connotations as some believe the misconception that it means their skills aren’t good enough and it’s not something they would use for their own pleasure. Normalising and breaking the stigma of the use of male sex toys is important, it is not shameful to use sex toys as a male and it can make your sexual experiences better. They are not there to replace you, but to work with you to make sex/masturbation a more pleasurable experience.

  Types of sex toys to gift As a scroll through this gift guide makes clear: There’s practically more types of sex toys than there are wrapping paper designs. But grouping sex toy types into the below 3 categories can be helpful when figuring out which type to pop a bow on. Vibrators Vibe, buzzy buddies, rumbly lovers… whatever you call them, vibrators (shocker!) vibrate. Said another way: Vibrators are little machines designed to move at a speed, consistency, and intensity that the human body physically is not able to! Available in a variety of shapes from rings to wands, mechanical bulls to bullets, vibrators are a great pick for pleasure-seekers at any point in their sex toy journey. The specific vibrator you choose to give will depend on a number of factors including your budget, as well as their specific anatomy and pleasure preferences. Check out our full vibrator guide here for detailed tips for finding the perfect vibe.

  Nonvibrating sex toys Ranging from butt plugs and anal beads, to metal wands and textured strokers, the market of nonvibrating sex toys is as varied as the market of vibrators. Rather than using vibration to make you moan, these toys use texture, material, temperature, and shape. When figuring out what kind of nonvibrating sex toy to box, ask yourself: Does this person enjoy or have interest in anal stimulation? What materials has this person explored? How much am I willing to spend on a toy? Pleasure aids

  Pleasure aids is a broad category of products that encompasses anything that can make sex better, wetter, or more comfortable. Think: lube, positioning pillows, water absorbent throws, and arousal oils. This is the category you’re going to want to lean into if you don’t know specifics about your gift recipient’s sex life. Why? Because TBH anyone’s sex life can be improved with these things.

 Whether you want to spice up a long-term relationship, explore sensations with new partners, or enhance your solo masturbation, sex toys can add excitement to your sex life. Learn From the Best What Are Sex Toys? 7 Types of Sex Toys Let’s Talk About Sex Learn More About Emily Morse's MasterClass What Are Sex Toys?

Electro Chastity

 A sex toy is any object or device made to enhance sexual pleasure or facilitate an orgasm. When safely used, sex toys can bring an entirely new element to a sexual encounter. There are several different types of sex toys, and each is designed for a unique form of pleasure. Meet One of Your New Instructors Sign Up 7 Types of Sex Toys Sex toys come in many shapes and sizes, but they typically fall within seven categories.

  Vibrators: These sex toys use vibration patterns to stimulate different parts of your body. External vibrators include clitoral stimulators like bullet vibrators and wands, which enhance pleasure around the clitoris and labia. Internal vibrators are shaped for comfortable vaginal and anal penetration. They usually include several vibration modes, so you can find the right intensity for you. Combination vibrators like rabbit vibrators include both internal and external functions. Rabbits are hybrid sex toys that allow for penatration while simultaneously simulating your clit.

  Anal toys: Some sex toys are specifically designed to stimlute the nerve endings in your anus. Examples of anal toys include butt plugs, prostate massagers, and anal beads. The important thing to look for when choosing an anal toy is a flared base. This wider base ensures that the toy doesn’t accidentally slip inside your anus. Since the anus doesn’t naturally lubricate itself, anal toys require a lot of lubrication. Don’t forget to clean your anal toy after each use, especially if you’re sharing the toy with a partner or plan to use it on another part of your body.

Nipple Estim

  BDSM gear: BDSM toys can enhance sexual pleasure by allowing for dominant and submissive roleplaying. If you are new to bondage, consider buying a pair of handcuffs, a blindfold, or wrist and ankle restraints. These simple items can add an exciting element to your sexual encounters by forcing you to focus on every physical sensation. If you enjoy erotic spanking, consider using a paddles, whips, or ticklers. When using BDSM gear, always be sure to have an agreed-upon safe word that you can use if you are ever feeling uncomfortable. Trust and communication are key for good bondage play.

  Dildos: One of the most popular types of sex toys, dildo are often phallic in shape. They are designed to comfortably penetrate a vagina, anus, or mouth. Dildos come in many shapes and sizes, but they are often textured with pleasurable ribs or bumps and made out of silicone, glass, and even steel. If you are having solo sex, consider buying a dildo with a suction cup base that you can attach to a wall for hand-free use.

  Cock rings: These toys wrap around the base of your penis to stop blood flow back into the body, which can help maintain and enhance an erection. Some cock rings wrap around the scrotum to apply extra pressure. The safest cock rings are made from a soft material like silicone, but they also come in materials like titanium or stainless steel. Vibrating cock rings can enhance sexual pleasure for the wearer and provide clitoral stimulation for a partner. Only wear a cock ring for brief sessions, and take it off immediately if it causes you any pain.