Welcome to the Choosing a Toy Guide series. If you haven't already done so, we recommend reading Choosing a Toy Guide - The Basics first. It provides general information about all types of toys. In this section, we discuss the four general categories of toys often used by couples.
First off, don't let the name of this section lock you into thinking that these are the only toys that can be used by couples. Almost every toy in existence can be used solo or with a partner. For example, just think of when you're not using a toy, simple masturbation with your hand. It feels good when you're alone, but it feels even better when a partner uses their hand on you in the exact same way. So too with any toy.
We've called it Toys for Couples because these are the toys that are best used with two people, or that are designed to make it easy for two people to use together. We highly recommend that you also read Choosing a Toy - A Woman and Choosing a Toy - A Man to learn about all the other possibilities for toys that you can use on each other.
There are four categories of toys best suited for couple play (Bullets & Eggs, Clitoral Wearable, Vibrating Erection Rings, and Harnesses & Harness Compatible Dongs).
- Clitoral Wearable: Also known as 'hands free' vibrators, most of these toys consist of a small vibrator encased in a soft tickler attached to an elastic harness. They can be used alone or to provide unobtrusive vibration during vaginal penetration and can be worn under clothing for private pleasure in a public setting.
- Bullets & Eggs: Most of these toys have a controller attached by a wire to the toy itself. This makes it easy to use by either partner or in a variety of physical positions. They're great for external clittoral stimulation or for insertion into either a vagina or anus.
- Erection Rings: These are usually stretchy rings that slip over his member to hold blood into the penis to keep it erect. Some of them vibrate to add stimulation to one or both partners (or are put on a dildo!). The vibrating bullet is often part of a tickler that pushes against the clitoral area on the in-stroke combining the best of partner sex and vibrator stimulation into one sensational experience.
- Harnesses & Harness Compatible Dongs: Often called 'strap-ons' these toys consist of some sort of harness or straps that go around the waist and between the legs to secure a dong (artificial penis) to the wearer for use on a partner.