Vibes, lube and erotica for solo play and beyond…
Look, I won’t pretend that you’re not already aware of the many wonders of masturbating (you clicked on this page for a reason, amirite?) What I will point out, however, is that if you’re going to incorporate a sex toy into part of your self-pleasure routine, you want to make damn sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
Be it bondage, butt plugs, crystal wands or the humble yet powerful vibe (a firm crowd-pleaser), the Channel Void team have pretty well tried it all when it comes to solo sexual healing.
Below, we’ve rounded up 7 of our all-time favourite playthings.
QUIN, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
It’s a really spicy magnetised vibrator designed to fit in your underwear. It’s small as fuck, and super quiet. Almost silent. It can also be controlled via phone so it’s the perfect way to freak out the first date and see if they can rise to the occasion of my undeniable sexual prowess (kidding, I promise I always make sure they’re fully consenting to turn me on in a public space). But, it’s pretty unique and so cute.
ODETTE, CV CO-FOUNDER
What do I love about it?
Obvs this lil’ vibey does the job, but before we get to that… there isn’t a single hint of tacky gross. The branding, packaging and product itself all feels gloriously luxurious. No naff hot pink colours, the choices are all on-fleek (navy blue and baby pink).
She’s (do you call your vibe she or he? Mine’s a she) a rabbit-style vibe, aka she’s dual stimulation (meaning internal and clitoral). I like to start on level one and work my way up to three, but I know some pals find level three a bit intense for their liking. It’s gewd for a gewd time. Max ohhs experienced with this bedside drawer companion.
Also, it’s not a toy but Dipsea audio erotic stories pair pretty nicely with your fave sex toy. What’s better than being taken on an erotic adventure? Think a steamy holiday romance or a dalliance with the pool guy or the electrician fixing your AC. Obvs IRL is also lovely, but to keep things above board (and relationships intact) adventures of the mind certainly enhance any solo toy play.
Plus, hard to go past old mate coconut oil. I think it would be irresponsible to list masturbation play products without this essential companion.
SOPH, WRITER & CONTENT CREATOR
Showerhead
I’ve tried a fair few vibrators and dildos but, honestly, I’ve always found the showerhead to be the best, most stimulating and readily available. Obviously, there’s a safety element to using showerheads that means you should never make skin contact with it (other than to hold it in your hand). Particularly if it’s not your showerhead and you don’t know who’s been using it or how clean it is. No shame.
The ultimate setup is a bathtub with a showerhead that has an adjustable pressure gauge. Experts advise to try not to spray water into any holes, particularly for all of the vulva owners out there as it can affect your inner flora, so I would highly recommend external use only.
Pro tip: there are certain added extras specifically designed for water play. Think dildos that stick to the shower wall via a suction cup and silicone or oil-based lubes.
ASH, HEAD OF STRATEGY
I’m not really a person who enjoys being restrained or in pain, so I’m intuitively drawn to more gentle additions when it comes to the boudoir. If it’s for solo and/or partner play, I find lubes and gels super spicy and no fuss. They legitimately take your experience to the next level, boosting your sensitivity x 1000. I’ve tried a few in my time and sometimes I’ve felt like I’ve been stung by a big fat bee (swollen for all the wrong reasons) – but not with this one.
What I love about the Clitoral Jolt Gel is that it’s vegan, menthol free and paraben free; there are no nasties and it’s super discreet if you’re in transit. It looks like a skincare sample, so no dramas if you drop it on the sidewalk.
When you first apply it’s a little chilly down there, but that backs off and then it all makes sense. You don’t need too much, just apply as you feel. Happy tingling.
LUCY, HEAD OF EDITORIAL
Desire Luxury Rechargeable Rabbit Vibrator by Lovehoney
The first sex toy I ever purchased was a baby pink vibrator that looked like a finger (long, skinny, generally uninspiring). It sounds gross, and it kinda was! Back then, I wasn’t clued up on the ahhhh-mazing benefits of both girth and combined g-spot and clit stimulation (thanks for nothing, Sex Ed class). Needless to say, it did little to set the mood for self-loving. I can categorically say that repeatedly prodding your vag with a straight silicone stick will not equate to a mind-blowing climax. Who, knew?
Next, I invested in a vibrating cock-ring that came as a freebie with a box of Durex condoms. Much flimsy, little impact. It wasn’t until a few years later, however, that I learned a thing or two about the power of blended orgasms.
I was invited to a penis pottery event courtesy of Lovehoney where all attendees could pick a sex toy to inspire their creative… juices. What floated my boat about the Rabbit, in particular, was that it was rechargeable, cordless, waterproof and quiet enough – even on level 12 – to throw off nosy housemates.
Another bonus is the 8 patterns of waves and pulses (coz diff strokes for diff folks) and the zippable storage case which is perfect for storing lube.
It’s a giant YES from me.
