Sex

Miss Sex? 7 Versatile Sex Toys That Will Get You Through Quarantine and Beyond

If you’re spending some extra time "doing you" during quarantine, this could be the perfect time to add a new sex toy to your sexual toolbox.

[Photo: An illustration of an array of sex toys.]
When people think of sex toys, they might imagine a few iconic pieces like the Magic Wand or a rabbit vibrator. But there is a big, wide world of versatile sex toys out there. Shutterstock

For more sex education resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, check out our Better Sex Ed guide.  

As we self-isolate during the pandemic, many of us may be longing for sexual activity—making this moment an important one to center self-pleasure, and, perhaps, experiment a little.

Your hands and your shower head can get the job done, but if you’re marking the time you’ve spent in quarantine by the number of orgasms you’ve attained, this could be the perfect time to add a new sex toy to your sexual toolbox.

When people think of sex toys, they might imagine a few iconic pieces like the Magic Wand or a rabbit vibrator. But there is a big, wide world of versatile sex toys out there. Vibrators aren’t just for vaginas, and a well-designed sex toy can be used for more than one sexual purpose. You don’t need to invest in a sex toy that is trendy on Instagram or that your best friend loves or that has Bluetooth capabilities. And if you’re new to sex toys, picking one that has a specific purpose (like a clitoral suction toy) is a big gamble. You might not like the type of stimulation it offers, and sex toys are often nonrefundable.

To help you on your search for self-pleasure during quarantine and after, here is a list of versatile sex toys that can be used on different bodies in different ways, and are made of nontoxic, body-safe materials (meaning they’re nonporous and can be easily cleaned with soap and hot water). You may be tempted to search for these toys on Amazon, but I’d discourage it. Sex toys sold on Amazon are sometimes fakes; plus, you can usually find just as good of a price at a smaller retailer or from the company itself.

New York Toy Collective’s Shilo

If you’re looking for an insertable toy that doesn’t vibrate, New York Toy Collective has the Shilo dildo, which is insertable up to 6.25 inches and is 1.5 inches around. It’s made out of soft silicone which gives it a squishy yet firm, comfortable texture. A flexible metal core also allows it to be bent and posed so you can more easily wear it under your clothes.

Use it on yourself, or wear it with a harness to use with a partner. The prominent head is soft enough to not cause pain with penetration but pronounced enough to still create gasp-inducing sensations. The Shilo comes in four flesh tones and several whimsical colors, including rose gold and tie-dye.

Use it with a water-based lubricant and wash with hot, soapy water.

(Le Wand Massager/YouTube)

Le Wand Rechargeable Vibrating Massager

One of the most versatile sex toys that you can purchase is a wand-style vibrator. Wand vibrators offer rumbly, deep vibrations that can be used all over the outside of your body. Try holding it down there, running it over your nipples, teasing your inner thighs, and yes, even using it as a back massager.

The original Le Wand design features a silicone head, 10 vibration strengths, and 20 vibration patterns; plus, it’s rechargeable. If you want to save $55, opt for the corded version, which has 10 vibration speeds and six patterns, and keeps you from worrying about running out of juice. If both seem too intense or large, try the Le Wand Petite.

Whichever you choose, use it with water-based lubricant and clean the head with hot, soapy water.

Crystal Delights’ Anal Plugs

Butt plugs have a single purpose—going inside your butt—so you won’t likely be using these on other parts of your body. But pretty much everyone has an anus, and anal play is something that anyone can do and enjoy, regardless of your gender or sexuality. If you’re experienced with anal play, Crystal Delights’ handmade glass products can make for a smooth upgrade.

If the idea of glass going into your bum is freaking you out, rest easy—Crystal Delights makes their glass toys using borosilicate glass, which is incredibly sturdy. Their prices range from $35 to over $100, so there’s something for every budget.

Glass toys can be used with water-based, oil-based, silicone-based, and hybrid lubricants. Clean them up with hot, soapy water.

(SexceteraMx/YouTube)

Crave’s Duet

Crave has mastered small, sleek designs. You’ve probably seen Vesper—a vibrator that doubles as a necklace—but their Duet is another travel-friendly fan favorite. You can use it externally all over your body for 40 minutes on a full charge. It’s USB-rechargeable, and the vibrating arms are made of silicone.

While most vibrating toys have one head, Duet has two arms and a motor for each of them, meaning you get strong, deep vibrations even in a small package. People who enjoy simulating a jacking off motion on their clitoris may enjoy the Duet’s slightly flexible arms, which can stretch around the clitoris. For even more flexibility, try the Duet Flex.

Because the arms are made of silicone, use this toy with a water-based lubricant and clean it with hot, soapy water.

b-Vibe’s Novice Plug

If you’re new to anal play or are looking for a vibrating option, try b-Vibe’s Novice Plug. It’s a smaller plug that packs a lot of power into a small design.

All of b-Vibe’s products are made from 100 percent silicone, a material that’s easy to clean and that nicely diffuses vibrations. Use it with the vibrations turned on or off (it has six vibration strengths and 15 patterns). And don’t worry about having a hard time reaching a button to adjust the setting—this plug comes with a remote control for easy adjustments. Plus, it comes with a hard-backed travel case and is rechargeable, so it travels well for when you are allowed to leave your house again.

Like all silicone toys, the Novice Plug can be used with water-based lubricant. Clean it with hot, soapy water.

(We-Vibe Shop/YouTube)

We-Vibe’s Tango

The Tango by We-Vibe is made from ABS plastic and is rechargeable. It’s shaped like a lipstick, so you can use the flat side, the pointed tip, or the longer round side for stimulation, because the whole thing vibrates.

You can use it on nipples, a clitoris, or along the back of a penis. Because it’s a bullet-style vibrator and doesn’t have a flared base, you can’t use it anally. You can, however, use it lightly on your perineum (the area of sensitive skin between your genitals and your anus). However you use it, it’ll last you a while: up to two hours on a single charge.

Because the Tango is made from ABS plastic, you can use it with any type of lubricant. Cleaning it is simple—just use hot, soapy water and dry it thoroughly.

SportSheets’ Adjustable Nipple Clamps

Almost everyone has nipples, but not everyone loves for their nipples to be touched. If you are one of those people who does, nipple clamps are a hands-free tool to add to your toy box. You might be thinking, “I have clothespins at home, I can just use those!” Don’t listen to that thought. SportSheets’ Adjustable Nipple Clamps are specifically designed to allow you to control the amount of pressure being applied, while clothespins just pinch down as hard as they can.

Using a nipple clamp with a built-in adjuster allows you to adjust the pressure to what feels good for you (and increase or decrease it as needed). Plus, nipple clamps usually come with a softer protective coating that a clothespin doesn’t have—getting a splinter on your nipple isn’t a good time. Nipple stimulation can also increase vaginal lubrication and arousal.

Feminist, body-positive, and queer-friendly sex toy shops are small businesses, and they may be excluded from small business support funds, so by purchasing their products, you’re helping keep small businesses afloat while also investing in your pleasure.