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There are definitely pros and cons to being in a long-distance relationship. Some of the good include having your own space to do and be what you want (as it can be hard sometimes to stay true to yourself when you’re involved with another person) and having passionate embraces when you do finally see each other — you know what they say, “absence makes the heart grow fonder.” And, of course, the not-so-good (and probably the worst of them all) is loneliness. As someone in a long-distance relationship for quite some time, I can speak to all of the above. My person is all the way at the other end of the East Coast, so there are plenty of moments when I wish I could physically enjoy them.
While we’ve figured out ways around the distance, like long phone calls and FaceTime dates, it can be a little rough when it comes to physical pleasure. Every now and then, I’ll break out one of my favorite vibrators, but because my partner isn’t with me, it doesn’t always feel like there’s that much enjoyment for both parties. So, last night, I did some digging and wanted to find some of the best sex toys that are great for long-distance couples. And let me tell you, plenty of options are on the market. Thanks to good ‘ol technology, there are plenty of ways you and your long-distance boo can spice things up with an app-controlled toy.
So, when I’m here and they’re there, we can still help each other reach optimum pleasure with just a touch of a button. Below, check out a few options I’m considering adding to my bedroom. And the best part is, some of them are on sale — because good sex toys aren’t cheap.
We-Vibe Nova 2 Midnight Blue App Controlled Rechargeable Rabbit Vibrator
With the app in your partner’s hand, this rabbit vibrator can do wonders for you. It has two points of stimulation and has a variety of speeds and vibrations that your partner can control.
Here’s an app-controlled set that works for those vulva’s and penises. This is great if you both want to share pleasure during your virtual spicy nights.
Now, this little gadget can definitely spice things up in any relationship. Your partner can control this wearable panty vibrator while you’re out and about or just at home.
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission.
A good sex toy is a few things: fun, effective, (generally) long-lasting. A truly excellent sex toy, though, is all of these things — and it’s also easy on the eyes. Pretty sex toys, truly, are the best of both worlds, which is why we’ve rounded up 20 of our favorites right here.
Since a sex toy’s chief purpose is to turn you on, you obviously don’t want to opt for something that leaves you feeling weirded out (or worse, grossed out) every time you look at it. But being discreet in appearance is the least a sex toy can do. Exceptional toys — the toys you swear by and recommend to your friends — do more than the bare minimum. They delight. They entrance. They stun so thoroughly that you may find yourself tempted to adorn every corner of your house with them like your home is a funky little sex museum. And in some cases, the sex toys on offer are so pretty you actually could use them as decor (post-a healthy, product-recommended cleaning regimen!)
Whether haphazardly strewn across a table or carefully assembled on a shelf, some vibrators, dildos, and butt plugs are so stunning that they manage to elevate any space they’re in. We picked out the following sex toys because they’re sure to upgrade any corner of your home with fun colors, unique shapes, and luxe materials. With sex toys this pretty, why not give them something to do when you’re not putting them to good use?
A version of this story was published December 2019.
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission.
Long gone are the days of having to go to an adult boutique to buy sex toys — *so* many sex toy sites exist online! Not that there’s any shame at all in shopping for things like vibrators, but some of us want a more private shopping experience. That’s why if you ask practically anyone nowadays where to buy sex toys, “online” is the go-to answer — and we’re not just talking Amazon (although you’ll find some good options there, too). The best sex toy sites deliver your goodies in discreet packaging, too, which is a bonus. So there’s really no good reason not to take the wheel of your own self-pleasure journey, especially in an era where we understand more than ever before about the magical ways in which our bodies work.
“Most [women] weren’t taught that our pleasure matters, or that only 18.4 percent of women can orgasm from penetration alone without any clitoral stimulation,” millennial sex and relationship coach Catherine Drysdale (a self-proclaimed “orgasm queen”) tells SheKnows. “This means that many of us need to focus on clitoral stimulation — and lots of it — in order to reach that big O.” She says that focusing on how to give yourself pleasure isn’t just a fun way to spend some solo time — it can help you understand how to enhance your experience with partner, too.
What To Look for When Shopping for Sex Toys Online
“I love it when people come to me asking for recommendations for sex toys — but they’re often surprised when I don’t have a quick answer for them, because it depends on what you’re wanting out of a sex toy,” says Drysdale, whose MULTI-ORGASMIC course helps her students discover how to get “there.” She says that to really understand what you’d enjoy in a sex toy, ask yourself:
1. What kind of sensation are you looking for? Are you looking for something with more or less intense vibration patterns, for instance, or with or without features like suction and penetration?
2. What kind of material do you want? Does it need to be latex safe or compatible with oil-based lubes?
3. Is this for solo or partnered play? Or both?
4. Does it need to be waterproof, discreet, or quiet? Do you want something that plugs into the wall, is rechargeable, or takes a battery?
5. How easy is it for you to clean your toys? Do you have a space for you to wash and dry them before and after use, or do you need something that’s compatible with a disinfectant wipe or spray?
6. What’s your budget?
What To Avoid When Shopping for Sex Toys Online
“It’s important to make sure that you’re purchasing your toys from a reputable supplier that has good quality materials that are body safe,” notes Drysdale. She says that silicone makes for the best sex toys, because it’s a body-safe, non-porous, and easy-to-clean material. Beyond that, glass, metal and ABS plastic are great choices. Drysdale recommends avoiding anything else.
Drysdale also suggests trusting online reviews or personal and expert recommendations as opposed to just clever branding. “There’s nothing worse than getting swindled by marketing for a product that doesn’t deliver what is promised,” she said. To further ensure you don’t get swindled, check the return policy and the warranty before clicking ‘complete purchase. “And if you’re like me who constantly loses your chargers, find something with a universal charger so it’s easy to replace if your cord goes missing.”
The 21 Best Sex Toy Sites
Most of the online sex toy retailers do so much of the work for you: They highlight their bestsellers, include reviews from happy customers, and even get down to the nitty-gritty of details on the products, from how loud and buzzy it is, to how powerful it is and if it’s best used externally or internally. The best part is, with such a range of retailers, you can choose to invest big bucks into your sex toy collection if you really want to build it out, or you can spend under $50 on a tried-and-true vibrator.
We did some pre-shopping for you to get the process started. Ahead, you’ll find tons of specialty retailers (many of which are women-owned!) and boutiques with a few big chain stores mixed in and even a surprising beauty shop with some great options. Here are our favorite places to buy sex toys online, plus a standout product from each retailer that you should add to your cart immediately and some pointers on how to use the toys either solo or with a partner.
Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Lovehoney brand is a SheKnows sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
With a name that nails it — and the URL to match — you would think that Good Vibrations must have been around for a while. And you’d be right: the brand was founded in 1977 by a San Francisco woman who wanted to turn the tables on the traditional sex toy industry and have it focus more on females. In the 46 years since it’s been in operation, Good Vibrations has grown and changed with the times. It became the first shop to eschew toys made with phthalates — taking a stance for body-safe materials — as well as cater to people across the gender spectrum. To develop stronger pelvic floor muscles, which in turn leads to stronger orgasms, use a pelvic floor exerciser like the Bloom Kegel Exerciser by We-Vibe, which is app-controlled.
When it comes to convenience, you can’t do better than Amazon: The retailer carries a variety of toys that have thousands of five-star reviews and boast reasonable prices. The caveat here (and most sex toy experts will agree) is that you do need to be wary of counterfeit, and low-quality products that haven’t been vetted. So before you click “add to cart,” always make sure to read through the reviews, as well as the actual materials the toy is made out of. We spotted this $15 classic wand from Sikxtoa made from medical grade, smooth silicone that’s easy to clean and feels great. It also has wow-worthy features such as: 20 vibration modes and eight vibration intensity settings, a good battery (it’s charged via USB), and it has a compact, discreet size.
You can find just about anything you could ever possibly be into at Lovehoney. It’s a great place to buy sex toys online because it truly has something for everyone. It’s stocked with lingerie, sexual health products for people of all genders, including anyone going through menopause, and much, much more. Not only do we love the product selection we’re also big fans of their packaging. Every order is sent in a discreet brown box or padded envelope, so no one but you will know what’s inside. “If you’re wanting something a little less intense only focused on the clit, grab the Lovehoney Rose Clitoral Suction Stimulator. It’s budget friendly, completely waterproof, and easy to clean,” says Drysdale of the rosebud-shaped toy.
Back when the industry was a bit more fledgling, Babeland was founded in 1993 by two Seattle-based women as a response to the lack of female-friendly sex toy shops in existence. They put women’s pleasure on the map, as their brick-and-mortar shops became well-known throughout the area and then in New York City. Nowadays, Babeland offers its entire inventory of sex toys online, too (and you can still visit their famous shops), and products run the gamut from vibrators and butt plugs to harnesses and strap-ons. Go the old-school route with Babeland’s Foreplay Frenzy Climaxer, a budget friendly pick that stimulates the G-spot while simultaneously addressing the clitoris with its notorious bunny ears.
If you’re looking to get off and save money in the process, PinkCherry hits the spot. Not only do they carry a wide range of products with a decent assortment of very affordable, but their deals and discounts are off the charts. They have an entire clearance section full of vibrators, suction toys, and more up to 80 percent off. (!) The brand also has an educational blog that helps you learn more about your purchases and how to use them. One of them is the Three Speed Bullet Vibe, a PinkCherry customer favorite that’s currently less than $2. It’s a classic bullet for stimulating the clitoris as well as other erogenous zones, like your nipples.
If you’re thinking, “Target? For sex toys?”, you’re not alone. Yes, the same mega-retailer you can’t resist for skincare, toiletries, groceries, and decor galore also has a decent assortment of top-rated toys, including ones for both women and men by popular brand Hello Cake. The brightly colored silicone gems are perfect for both solo and partner play. Target also carries a handful of products by one of our other favorites, plusOne. The plusOne Waterproof and Rechargeable Vibrating Ring might be the perfect couple’s sex toy, in fact. Designed to fit snugly around his penis to give good vibes to both parties, it rises to the challenge when your partner’s not around, too.
Wet for Her is a sex toy brand that was founded by lesbians, and the brand celebrates all things queer and LGBTQIA+. Take a look at their joyful online storefront and you’ll find everything from Rainbow themed dildos to scissoring vibrators. Wet for Her celebrates sexuality in all its forms, offering a guide for beginners, transgender gear and an “orgasmic reward program.” One of the shop’s top new products is the WowHer Wearable Ring and Clit Vibrator, a little accessory that truly packs a punch. Fit over any dildo or double dildo and turn it on to get clitoral stimulation at the same time as penetration — a true double whammy.
Pardon the double entendre, but Womanizer is very pro-woman. In fact, the site specializes in clitoral stimulators that use patented Pleasure Air Technology to stimulate your most sensitive spots without touching you — really! It’s just currents of air pulsating and massaging without making contact. But the 8,000 nerve endings you have there will certainly feel it and Womanizer promises you’ll have the intense orgasm to prove it. The brand’s Premium 2 vibrator is a perfect example of these out-of-this-world inventions, and it comes in five fun colors.
Perhaps you’ve seen them, or perhaps you’ve used them. Vibrating wands that look similar to a body massager you might find on The Sharper Image are the bread and butter of Le Wand. The Le Wand Petite Massager, a slightly smaller version of the original, has six pulsation patterns and 10 vibration intensities, but it has all of the power of the full-size version for you to enjoy.
Are you a fan of the clean girl aesthetic? You need to shop at the woman-owned brand Maude. They have sexual wellness products, including lubes, massage oils, and even condoms in their trademark sleek, minimalist packaging. But we also love it because of their cheeky names for their sex toy bundles, like Vibe+Shine, which includes the brand’s trademark three-speed external silicone vibrator and their organic aloe-based lubricant. And if you want to have something on hand to clean yourself at the end, grab the Wash No. 3, a pH-balanced body wash and bubble bath.
Another women-owned company, Dame prides itself on its trademark pastel-colored, fun, body-safe toys and sexual wellness products that are made for people with vulvas. They have plenty of options for solo play, but one of their most unique silicone vibrators is a hands-free couples’ toy called the Eva. It stays in place during partnered sex and adds extra clitoral stimulation. And for that alone, it’s a worthy investment. Dame also sells everything from pleasure products like massage oils and candles, lubes, and sexual health and hygiene products.
You can count on the woman-owned brand Unbound for a full line of brightly colored toys, lubes, and gift sets that are made with your body in mind. The other thing you can depend on them for is discretion: The brand name or items won’t show up on your credit card statement or the boxes the products are shipped in. One of their best-sellers is the Unbound Puff. It’s a waterproof suction vibrator designed for external use that allows you to choose from five different speeds. And when you’re done, store it in this cute, unassuming case until next time!
Wild Flower’s mission is to break out of traditional boxes used to define sexuality and gender in binary terms. To this end, the company does not classify its sex toys by gender where you flesh tones, for instance. The site even has an entire sex and category that offers information intended not to educate but to “un-educate,” or challenge preconceived notions.The brand’s popular Enby 2 vibrator in bodies its inclusive ethos. The waterproof silicone toy is designed for everyone and even for couples. Its flexible enough for any area of the body, too — use your imagination.
Ulta is probably not the first place you think to order sex toys online, but the brand recently expanded its offerings to include sexual wellness products. Along with your regular order of mascara and makeup remover, you can add an even more fun purchase to your cart. If you’re looking for a solid beginner vibrator, we highly recommend this VUSH Gloss Bullet Vibrator. You can flip-flop between 10 buzzy settings, easily recharge it in less than two hours, and stick it in your carry-on to use while you travel. For only $40, this is one of our top picks.
LELO toys are kind of like the Rolls Royce of sex toys. Don’t get us wrong, all of the toys on this list are top quality, but if you want something extra to expand your collection, invest in a LELO toy. The helpful thing about the site itself is that it includes diagrams of how the product can be used to maximize pleasure. This one, the Soraya Wave, is super high-tech rabbit vibrator that uses LELO’s signature WaveMotion technology to simulate “finger-like” motions and thrusting. It’s super-powerful and offers both clitoral and internal G-spot stimulation for a luxe experience you won’t forget.
We-Vibe specializes in app-controlled toys that are great for those of us in long-distance relationships — or who just love the feeling of giving up a little control in the bedroom. The sleek and tech-savvy toys have found fans around the world, and one of the brand’s bestsellers is the simple yet effective Sync 2. Dubbed “the original couple’s vibrator,” popping in this G-spot and clitoral vibrator gives the power to your partner and their smartphone, plus it’s “whisper-quiet” to keep things discreet.
Organic Loven is a Black woman-founded and -owned shop for sex toys that makes materials the focus. That is, natural and body-safe materials that you can feel comfortable inserting… well, wherever you want to insert them. The brand offers all-natural lubes, vegan condoms, and organic toys, washes, and massage products. This website is also a good one to choose if you’re on a budget, as it’s helpfully split between “Tease Me” toys (under $100) and “Indulge Me” toys (over $100). While they have gifts as varied as sex benches, harnesses, and metal pasties, we recommend the simple but super-satisfying B Swish Bgood Deluxe Infinite, a firm yet soft and flexible vibrator that does just what you want it to.
Founded in 1981 by a mother-daughter duo (iconic), Lovers is all about keeping things light, fun, and always sex-positive. That means they offer your classic Rose vibrators, butt plugs, dildos, and the like — but right alongside them are some tasty edible underwear (candy bras and G-strings!), aphrodisiac chocolates, and oral sex spray. Our pick? The innovative SnailVibe, designed to “hit every touchpoint of the vulva” through simultaneous penetration and clitoral stimulation.
The folks at Smile Makers have vulvas on the mind, and the world is better for it. This brand focuses on bringing sexual wellness front and center — one of their goals is to “make vibrators available in everyday beauty stores” — by offering high-quality, body-safe, vulva-centric toys that bring pleasure by stimulating all the sensitive nerves of that area. We recommend the Self-Exploration bundle, which includes the Firefighter for clitoral play and the Tennis Pro for all the G-spot orgasms you could ask for. Switch between them or work up to trying both at once and thank us later.
You might remember Bellesa‘s viral collab with Demi Lovato (which resulted in the cute Demi Wand), but she’s not the only celeb who shows her love for the brand: Ashley Benson, Saweetie, Kerry Washington, and Jameela Jamil have also posed with their cute Bellesa vibes. Many of the smaller toys, including the uber-popular AirVibe, also fit into tiny cases the size of a make-up compact — talk about discreet. The AirVibe also has over 3,000 positive reviews, with shoppers saying they’re “completely amazed” by how good it is. “This toy had me seeing stars,” one person wrote. “I’ve never been able to make myself orgasm like that before.”
If you’re the kind of person who wants your sex toys to double as statement decorations on your nightstand, ZALO is the shop for you. This brand is dedicated to making all their products gorgeous as well as orgasmic, aiming for an “ornate, eye-catching aesthetic” that includes gold plating and real Swarovski crystals. Why not start with the appropriately-named Queen G-spot vibrator set? It uses pulses to intensify your pleasure, with a curved structure designed to hit all the right nerves — a positively regal experience.
Cute Little Fuckers is more than adorable collection of sex toys with perfect names (Zeep! Jix! Shimmer!). This queer-, trans-, and disabled-owned brand is also all about making pleasure accessible to people of any gender, body, or ability, through sex toys that really do look like toys. Start out with Starsi, a starfish-shaped, gender-inclusive vibrator designed to bring pleasure to every kind of body through 10 different vibrational settings. “The design truly allows for experiencing different sensations from the tips of the star points to the base and more,” one reviewer writes.
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