At the beginning of the year, who could have predicted that kissing would soon be labelled a high-risk activity? As various government bodies have reminded us, the safest sexual partner during the COVID-19 pandemic is yourself, but that doesn’t mean satisfying sexual experiences are off the table. We’ve rounded up the best sex toy gifts and accessories to give your single and already-coupled-up friends — or, you know, just keep for yourself — this holiday season. We’d argue there’s never been a better time to gift a sex toy: hormones, like serotonin and oxytocin, released during sexual activity are shown to reduce stress and enhance feelings of happiness — something we could all use more of in 2020.
Womanizer Liberty by Lily Allen Rechargeable Clitoral Stimulator, $120, lovehoney.ca
THE CELEB-RECOMMENDED OPTION: WOMANIZER
The cost: $120
Best for: Multiple orgasms
The claim: The Womanizer’s patented technology uses air waves to stimulate nerve endings on the clitoris without direct contact so your body doesn’t become desensitized to the sensation. Ergo, the road to multiple Os.
The fame: In her 2018 autobiography, My Thoughts Exactly, British singer Lily Allen namechecked the Womanizer as “the vibrator above all others,” capable of giving her 10 (!!) orgasms in a row. Now the brand’s chief liberation officer, Allen has co-designed a limited-edition hot pink version of the device complete with two different-sized stimulator heads to ensure the perfect fit for every body.
Latitude Sex Pot Intimacy Oil, $49, 48nrth.com
THE CANNABIS-INFUSED LUBE: LATITUDE SEX POT
The cost: $49
Best for: The cannabis lover (or cannabis curious)
The claim: Launching in December, this Canadian-made blend of coconut-derived MCT, sunflower and argan oils is infused with THC to heighten erotic sensations.
The fame: Listen, lube is always a good idea. Although this one has THC in it, you won’t feel a traditional cannabis “high” as it does not absorb into the bloodstream. Note that all oil-based lubes are not compatible with latex condoms, as they make them more likely to tear — so if you’re using one, keep the oil usage to foreplay only.
Pleasure Works Electra vibrator, $28, babeland.com
THE BUDGET-FRIENDLY OPTION: PLEASURE WORKS ELECTRA
The cost: $28
Best for: First-time toy users looking for an accessibly priced option
The claim: This waterproof vibrator has five settings, from gentle to more intense, and can be used internally or externally.
The fame: If you (or a partner or friend) are new to the sex toy market and not quite sure what you’re looking for in a toy, start here. The sleek design and cheery colour options are unintimidating, plus the settings are straightforward — there’s really no wrong way to use it. Get exploring.
We-Vibe Sync Chorus, $199, babeland.com
THE LONG-DISTANCE OPTION: WE-VIBE
The cost: $199
Best for: Levelling up sexting and/or video chats with a partner
The claim: We-Vibe Chorus is a wearable vibrator that hugs the G-spot and clitoris. It can be worn solo or during penetration to stimulate both partners.
The fame: This vibrator is seriously popular. “Every holiday season since it’s release, I’ve seen the various versions of the We-Vibe couples’ vibrators fly off the shelves,” says Lisa Finn, sex educator for U.S.-based sex toy retailer Babeland. The style and intensity of vibrations can be controlled via remote if you’re in the same house or through an app, which works from continents away (yes, this is incredibly COVID-friendly). Your LDR just got more interesting.
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Nixit menstrual cup, $67, letsnixit.ca
THE BEST FOR PERIOD SEX: NIXIT
The cost: $67
Best for: Exploring period sex
The claim: Consider it the next-gen of menstrual cups. Unlike tampons and traditional cups that are placed in the vaginal canal, Nixit — a shallow flexible cup made from medical grade BPA-free silicone — sits in the vaginal fornix, above the vagina canal near the base of the cervix. Nixit tucks up under the pubic bone, so no suction is required to keep it in place.
The fame: We’re all for messy sex if that’s your thing. If it’s not, customers who have worn Nixit during penetrative sex on their menstrual cycle report not feeling like the cup was “in the way,” and importantly, no leaks.
Baed Stories Judge Set, $197, thenookie.com
FOR FANS OF ROLE-PLAY: BAED STORIES JUDGE SET
The cost: $197
Best for: Getting into role play
The claim: This sensual set includes a velvety mesh corset, translucent thong, cape and a lace jabot.
The fame: “Dress-up is a powerful way to lower inhibitions and overcome shame,” says Veronica Kazoleas, founder of west-end Toronto sex shop The Nookie, who has a master’s in social psychology. This set is essentially one level up from your most daring lingerie, which makes it perfect for those just starting to incorporate costumes or role play into their sex life.
Absidem Triple Rhinestone Ring Choker, $192, thenookie.com
THE BEST INTRO TO KINK: ABSIDEM CHOKER
The cost: $192
Best for: Exploring kink
The claim: This adjustable choker — which, depending on your personal style and comfort levels, can be worn anytime, anyplace — is handmade in Italy and studded with Swarovski crystals.
The fame: Kazoleas says the versatility of this luxury piece makes it the perfect gift “whether you’re just beginning to explore your sensuality or adding to an already robust collection of pleasure products.” Plus, who doesn’t like receiving jewelry?
Consonant Skin + Care Come + Glow Box, $175, consonantskincare.com
THE BEST MULTI-TASKER: CONSONANT SKIN + CARE COME + GLOW BOX
The cost: $175
Best for: Skin care lovers and those just beginning to explore their sensuality
The claim: The box comes with 4 HydrExtreme Charcoal Sheet Masks, a Lohn candle and the Dame Fin — a wearable, non-phallic shaped vibrator that slips on like a ring between your fingers.
The fame: This very giftable box is part of Canadian skin care brand Consonant Skin + Care’s “Mask and Masturbate” initiative to get women comfortable exploring their bodies. Light the candle, put on the sheet mask and stream the brand’s new podcast The More You O, hosted by psychotherapist and former Bachelor star Taylor Nolan. For newbies in need of a little direction, each episode ends with a guided practice dubbed “Headspace meets masturbation.”
Dame Pillo sex pillow, $125, dameproducts.com
THE ONE NO WILL REALIZE IS A SEX ACCESSORY: DAME PILLO
The cost: $95 (get 20 per cent off this price between November 25 and December 1)
Best for: Avoiding awkward sex injuries like pulled muscles and strained necks
The claim: A sturdy pillow designed to support limbs in hard-to-hold sexual positions.
The fame: Feel free to leave this one lying around when guests come over — thanks to a totally unassuming design, no one will suspect it was used to facilitate the best sex you’ve ever had. Bonus: The removable cover makes it very easy to clean.
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