Professionals weigh in on their favorite sex-essories.
What's your pleasure? Does it vibrate? Is it leather? Does it wriggle? Does it jiggle? For most of us, bringing toys into the boudoir has become old hat, and our battery-operated friends of choice are a comfortable part of our sexual routine. But when “comfortable” starts to creep into the realm of “boring,” it’s time to switch it up. Whether you’ve got a collection of play-things that rivals the selection at Toys “R” Us or you’ve never owned anything you wouldn’t want your mother to find, it’s always fun to try something new. After all, no matter how hot your partner is, sex can get a little monotonous if it’s the same-old, same-old, night after sweaty rhythmic night. We checked out the newest trends on the sex-essory market, and we’re pleased to report that we were pleased. It was a dirty job, but somebody had to do it.
Ladies, especially those of you who are a little intimidated by the thought of breezing into an “adult” store, you have a friend at Good Vibrations (308A Harvard Street, Brookline, 617.264.4400), a boutique sex shop that’s all class, all sass, and run by a team of approachable salespeople. Most importantly, it’s bursting at the seams with happy little gadgets. The most eye-catching are the glass dildos; specifically, the Luminous, the Ariel, and the Aurora. These vibrantly colored toys are absolutely beautiful, like works of art that you just happen to plunge into your naughty bits. The cylinders are woven with stripes of color and bedecked with smooth knobs in all the right places. And, no, they’re not dangerous: crafted from borosilicate, a type of glass that is extremely durable, these babies are safe, easy to clean, and a hell of a lot of fun, because they heat to your body temperature and offer incredible smoothness. “The glass toys provide a unique feeling of fullness and emptiness at the same time,” says saleswoman Ashley. The glass pieces range in price from $45 to $360, and they’re worth every shiny penny.
Long, curvy shapes are another guaranteed good time between the sheets, so the wooden toys produced by Nob Essence will bring you endless pleasure. And they’re eco-friendly, so you can groan and moan in good conscience. The organic, sensual sculptures are made from sustainably-farmed exotic woods — bamboo, cocobolo, wapino— and they’re carved in swooping curves to fit the shape of a woman’s, er, interior. Stop into Good Vibrations or surf over to www .nobessence.com to check out the teardrop-shaped Allure ($180) or the exquisitely knobby Tryst ($180). Gentlemen, slip on a smooth wooden cock ring ($30 to $55) for some hot wood-on-wood action, or have a romp with the Romp ($110), a toy that’s shaped just for you and your hot bod.
For lovers of luxury, there’s Goldfrau, an Australian company that produces sleek, adorable stoneware ceramic toys. At $220 to $240, these pieces are an investment, but isn’t your purest pleasure worth it? Again, these pieces are extremely durable, so go crazy. The dildos are deliciously candy-colored and are shaped like drumsticks, only fatter. Grip the knob as a handle and slide the body into your orifice of choice for a cool, smooth ride. Our favorite is the Asian-inspired Miss Saigon Classic ($220). Visit www.goldfrau.net to get yours.
For penetration of a different kind, try a Fukuoko 9000 ($28), a vibrating finger sleeve that’s sold at Good Vibrations. Just slip it over your (or your partner’s) finger and let the gentle buzzing escalate you to bliss. It’s made of soft, textured rubber, and it’s so small and discreet that it runs on watch batteries.
Ever wish you could get it on to the exact rhythm of your favorite tunes? You can, by plugging into the thumping grooves of the OhMiBod ($99.95), available at Too Timid (297 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.431.5080). This vibrator is available in basic cylindrical or curved G-spot versions, guaranteed to scratch all your itches, and it plugs into the headphone jack of your iPod. “It goes beat for beat with the bass of whatever you’re listening to,” says Chad Chunglo, who cofounded TooTimid.com and now co-owns the Back Bay retail store.
Across the river at Hubba Hubba (534 Mass Ave, Cambridge, 617.492.9082), the cutting-edge material of choice is Vixskin, which simulates the look and feel of skin. “It feels warm to the touch,” says Hubba Hubba’s Ellie Laramee. “A lot of the new products are being make with Vixskin instead of regular silicone.” Made by Vixen Creations, Vixskin is durable and flexible, bringing new life to your (fake) cock. Whether you prefer a Mustang ($105), a Maverick ($105), or an Outlaw ($120), a dildo in just the right shape and size awaits. And how many times will you hear that in your lifetime?
Also at Hubba Hubba, all-in-one kits made by Sportsheets are the perfect way to one-stop-shop your way to a good time. The Pink Prisoner kit ($30) includes fur-linedcuffs, a blindfold, and a feather tickler.
“Toys aren’t just for girls,” says Denise, manager at Hubba Hubba. “For the boys, we have a lot of really nice prostate stimulators.” Tickle your fancy with the Tantus ($52) or the Nexus Excel ($80), a stainlesssteel, ballbearing perineum stimulator that promises a deep, intense experience.
Of course, what with the Sex and the City movie creating a Manhattansized buzz, who could forget the Rabbit, that pinnacle of pleasure touted by Carrie and her crew? There’s a reason why Charlotte could barely drag herself out of her apartment after discovering this orgasmic gem. “We definitely keep up on the newer models of the Rabbit,” Denise says. “As the older models go out of style, people aren’t as interested anymore.” What’s not to be interested in? Tiny ears tickle your hot buttons while a whirring shaft takes care of the rest. Stop into Hubba Hubba or South End sex mecca Eros Boutique (581A Tremont Street, Boston, 617.425.0345) for the latest model.
Known largely as a destination for giggly teenagers who want to buy kitschy love gloves, Condom World (332 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.267.7233) is also chock full of high-quality sex toys, many made from hypoallergenic materials. Manager Rosemary Hilliard is excited about Njoy products ($80 to $150), medical-grade stainless-steel wands and plugs that can be used to stimulate either the G-spot or the prostate. Give your Njoy a few minutes in the fridge (not the freezer!) for spinetingling chills, or heat things up with a brief warm-water bath.
Naturally, you’ll want to get things good and wet, and there’s an innovation for that, too. Hybrid lubes are the trendiest way to keep things slick. A mixture of water-based and silicone-based lubricants, they’re long-lasting but easily washable, which means no embarrassing stains to explain to the dry cleaner. (Been there.) Try Sliquid Silk ($12.99/4.2 ounces; $15.99/8.5 ounces) from www.sliquid.com; the vegan-friendly (and similarly named) Liquid Silk ($6) from Too Timid; or Good Vibrations’ Hydra-Smooth ($12), a cream lubricant that moisturizes your skin with aloe and vitamin E while it works to help you slip and slide.
Sex toys should be fun (duh), but they should also be respected and well cared for. One of the great things about all of the new materials is how easy they are to clean. Many toys are dishwasher safe, and though it probably seems a little weird to throw your dildo in with your juice glasses, it’s a necessary step in ensuring your safety and pleasure. Whatever you choose to use, be sure to follow the care instructions to keep your toys (and your body parts) in tip-top shape.
Nothing takes sex to the next level faster than toys. Whatever you’re into, whoever you’re into it with, there’s a plaything out there that’s perfect for you.
