NSFW
This post features vibrators for women and some other sex toys, please be aware it IS NOT SAFE FOR WORK
Look, it’s not going out on a limb to say that Valentine’s Day is supposed to be sexy and romantic. And even though we don’t talk about it much, it’s also not going out too much on a limb to say that masturbating is a normal, healthy part of many people’s sex lives. In fact, studies have suggested it might make us healthier and happier, and make partnered sex better. And vibrators—for many women—are a big part of that. So you know where this is going: This Valentine’s Day, maybe it’s time to think about getting yourself a vibrator.
We’re 100% totally serious right now.
There’s been a shift in the vibrator and sex toy market in the last few years. While some small, local shops have long provided a comfortable space to shop for vibrators for women, they’ve remained hard to find outside of major metro areas until recently. Online shopping for sex toys has long been, uh, risky, as anyone who has ever Googled “vibrator” or “dildo” will tell you. But recently, a new generation of women entrepreneurs have launched companies that are rebranding sex toys as “sexual wellness” companies that take pleasure a bit more seriously. They’re not only focused on the pleasure of women and humans with vaginas, but also offer shopping experiences that feel accessible, comfortable, and welcoming—not weirdly juvenile and overly graphic, which is great for someone like me who is looking for vibrators for women, by women.
There’s a lot to say about pleasure, how we think about it, and what this shift means for the way we view it, but that’s for another post. Valentine’s Day will be here soon, and it seems to me it’s a perfect day to show yourself a little love and try out a new toy or vibrator for women. These would all be fun with a partner, but they’re also all perfect for loving yourself, too. For some tips on picking out a good toy for your needs, this is a handy guide.
Lelo Sona 2 Cruise Sonic Stimulator
Sonic stimulators aren’t technically vibrators; rather, they use pulsation and suction to stimulate the clitoris (or any other spot). This one is waterproof, rechargeable, and pretty cute too.
This hands-free vibrator delivers consistent stimulation anytime… even during penetration.
Unbound is one of the new wave of sexual wellness shops on the internet, replete with great branding, informative descriptions, and actually really attractive vibrators for women. Case in point: this vibrating ring that’s super subtle and pretty enough to wear as jewelry. Oh, and it’s available in either gold or silver.
Remember when Charlotte on Sex and the City refused to leave her apartment because she was shacked up with her rabbit? Well, it’s a classic for a reason. Have fun—but remember to leave the house sometimes too!
Another rabbit-style vibe, but with some fun metallic accents and a less, um, bunny-evocative shape.
Super quiet motor, five speeds, a lovely plum color AND it comes with a velvet bag for discreet storage. Perfect.
This pretty royal blue mini vibe has lots of different surfaces and shapes to play with, making it great for solo play, or with a partner.
Another option from Unbound, this butt plug is small and approachable, and I particularly like the shape—it’s subtle, and reminds me of both ancient goddess symbols and Prince.
Lioness Smart Bluetooth Rabbit Vibrator
Lioness is one of the leaders in “sex tech” right now, and with good reason. It’s pricey, but this vibe allows users to track the structural, physical effects of orgasm. What does that mean? That you can actually research your own pleasure, and figure out how to have more of it—information is empowerment, right? You can also opt-in (or out, don’t worry) of Lioness’s own research into vibrators for women and how they affect orgasm, which is not particularly well understood or researched currently.
This unique egg shape is waterproof and rechargeable—and has the optional feature of connecting to Bluetooth if you want to play around with that.
Shibari Mini Halo “The Original”
Wand vibrators are also total classics since women in the 1970s started using so-called “sports massagers” to bring themselves to orgasm. The style remains a favorite to this day, though you don’t have to pretend this one is for your sore muscles.
Mini bullet vibrators are super versatile. They can be used on their own, and lots of people love them for their small-but-powerful motors and simple shape. But there are also tons of products that are designed to be used with the mini bullet, so the options really are endless.
Unbound Stellar Borosilicate Glass Dildo
I have long thought dildos weren’t for me, mostly because all the ones I’ve seen in stores are highly representational (i.e., veiny and realistic in a way that I do not find sexy), and hilariously… bouncy? But this rather beautiful one from Unbound might just change my mind. The glass material allows you to heat or cool it to play with temperature sensation, as well.
Satisfyer Pro Deluxe Next Generation Air-Pulse Stimulator
Another air-pulse stimulator, this one is rechargeable and comes in a very pretty, very discreet rose gold.
The Pom from Dame is flexible, with a wide, flat surface that comes to a point at one end, perfect for all different placements.
The Coral pod’s vibrations alternate between motors and rolling sensations from one side to the next—plus it’s waterproof.
Maude is a sexual wellness company founded and run by women that offers subscriptions for condoms and lube in the kind of tasteful packaging you wouldn’t mind keeping on your nightstand. In addition, they recently launched their vibrator for women, which offers a versatile shape, matte white finish, and comes with a natural canvas bag for easy transport and storage.
Jimmy Jane Form 2 Luxury Rechargeable Vibrator
Another option from Jimmy Jane that includes their nifty charging dock, this one has two pressure points as well as a broad, round base for all sorts of options. Dare we say, it almost looks downright glamorous, with its matte black style and gold accents.
Anon or not. Do you use a vibrator? Do you have a favorite? Can you think of a better way to celebrate V-day?