The second UK lockdown is descending on us during peak cuffing season, with National Sex Toy day landing just one day prior, on November 4th.
Coincidence? We think not.
Whether you’re single or in a relationship, unless you actually live with your partner, it’s likely any sexy time is going to completely dry up (excuse the pun).
But here’s an unexpected twist – the global pleasure industry reported a major spike in sales during the first lockdown, with one sex toy brand reporting an increase of up to 71% percent in Italy, and 13% in the UK.
We could all do with a little added pleasure during this strange time, and when it comes to beating stress and anxiety, orgasms are well known to do the job. And if you’re coupled up, there are plenty of toys that link up to tech and you can use with a partner, to help keep connected when you’re facing weeks apart.
It might not be the real deal, but it’s most definitely better than nothing. We’ve rounded up some of the best to keep you lubricated during the drought (sorry).
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CHECK OUT: The best sex toys to make self isolation more fun
Sex toys for self isolation
1 of 8Lelo Insignia Soraya Luxury rechargeable rabbit vibrator
BEHOLD: the Rabbit of the future. So named for its ear like clitoral ticklers, the Rabbit is still the most iconic sex toy around. This sleek black one by luxury sex toy brand Lelo not only looks super sexy, the brands trademark 'rumbly' vibrations coupled with G spot stimulations offer the most intense orgasms we've had.
2 of 8Lovehoney Classic mains powered magic wand vibrator
If you've not tried a magic wand, prepare to have your mind well and truly blown. The UK's favourite sex toy website reimagines the classic Hitatchi wand that promises to be "stronger, quieter and more powerful than ever before." It plugs into the literal wall socket so that should give you an idea as to how robust this thing is.
3 of 8Womanizer Premium
The latest in sex toy tech means stimulation through air pressure and German company Womanizer was the first to develop sucky-air technology (the technical term) in the most beautiful, palm sized toys. This bad boy offers a totally distinct experience, gently "sucking" the clitoris rather than using vibration to get you off. It's not cheap, but it's worth the money.
4 of 8Lovense Lush 2 App controlled rechargeable Love App vibrator
Welcome to the wonderful world of teledildonics – toys that hook up to apps on your phone. If you have a long-distance bae who you can't see now you're self-isolating, then we have just the sex toy for you – a wireless wearable vibrator which can be controlled by anyone you give access to, through an app. Cor, we know how we're spending our next 'date night'.
5 of 8Smile Makers The Romantic vibrating dildo
If it's good old-fashioned penetration you're after, this cute vibrating dildo manages to avoid being intimidating whilst still packing a punch. Its angled head and clever detached motor deliver direct G spot stimulation with a ridged shaft for added sensation. Like all good sex toys it's got various pulsation modes and is completely waterproof – it's basically your new boyfriend.
6 of 8Lovehoney Hot Shot Rechargeable warming male masturbator
While the Orgasm Gap (quite rightly) means most of the pleasure industry is designed with women in mind, toys for the man in your life do exist. Now, we don't have the appropriate hardware to confirm, this warming masturbator is 'designed to mimic the sensations of the mouth' and looks hella cool to boot. Order one for your other half and let him in on the fun.
7 of 8Lust! Erotic Dice Game
While our social feeds are full of family's bonding over long-forgotten boardgames, don't underestimate the good clean (kind of ) fun of adult games. This dice set contains six die - red is an action, blue is a body part and green is a part of your house to get up to business in. Just THINK of the combinations you could roll...
8 of 8Loving Joy 20 Function Rechargeable Power Bullet Vibrator
For a purse-friendly option that's discreet but no less powerful, a classic bullet is a fail-safe option and a staple of any sex toy collection. This rechargeable one from Loving Joy delivers precise external stimulation, without the faff of tracking down tiny batteries for it.
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Johanna Reif, Head of Sexual Empowerment (yes, that's a real job) at sex toy company Womanizer, said, "Many people and businesses are affected negatively by the virus and we saw it as a challenge for us as well.
"The numbers are therefore surprising. We do know from our customer’s feedback as well as different surveys we conducted among our sex toy tester panel that time is an essential factor when it comes to sexuality and self-pleasure.
"With the prospect of long periods at home either alone or with your partner, people are exploring new ways to make the best of the time available."