How to make DIY sex toys at home
Question: Are there ways to use household items as sex toys and accessories? How do I know which ones are safe?
How to know if an item is safe to use in/on your body during sex.
Generally speaking, if you're using toys, you should only use toys that are made from body-grade or medical-grade silicone, ABS plastic, stainless steel, or glass. If you're using a household item, it's always safest to pop a condom on it to avoid contact with the skin. You actually CAN use a cucumber as a dildo, if you want, but only if you put a condom on it. Without it, you could disrupt the vaginal PH and wind up with a yeast infection. For items just, say, a wooden spoon -- if anything is being inserted, again, a condom. You don't want splinters.
It's a different game when it comes to anal. You cannot just go and put a random household item up the bum. If you're putting anything in the anus, it's really important that you're only using anal-apporved toys with flared bases. Otherwise, you could very well end up in the ER. We don't have control over the second ring of the anus, which means it can suck things up.
Household items that work for temperature play.
Temperature play is appealing because of our heightened sensitivity to touch and sensation. Our brains become quite primal when we’re turned on. We want to touch and explore everything on ours and our partner’s body. Feeling something cold (or hot) on certain areas sends a shock through the system. It’s something we’re not expecting. Experiencing that level of surprise increases blood flow and heart rate … only furthering our sexual intensity and desire.
Items I'd recommend for cold play: Icecubes, a solid glass object like a small glass trophy (only use this on the skin and not internally because of the edges), stainless steel utensils. You can just pop these items right into the freezer. Test them out on your arm before making contact with the genitals to ensure they're not too cold.
Warm play: A warm washcloth, a warm silk scarf, a massage candle. Massage candles are especially great because they're designed to only heat up to a safe degree. You get to play with wax play without the risk of burning your partner.
Household items that can be used for kink.
A wooden spoon
A wooden spoon is an excellent toy for spanking. When you’re ready to move on from a flat palm, this is a good next step. Be sure the spoon is on the newer side and if possible, finished. You don’t want to give your partner any splinters in their rear. Use the back of the spoon as the paddle. Don’t hit full force. Work your way up to more intense strokes. Remember, always ask your partner if something feels good or is too rough. As beginners, it can take some time to get your bearings.
A tee-shirt
You don’t need a sexy silk blindfold to cut off someone’s vision. Just grab a cotton tee shirt from your drawer. Slip it over your partner’s head (or yours) like you’re going to put it on for real. Then pull the shirt up so that it’s covering your eyes. It’s really easy to remove so if anyone is feeling nervous or uncomfortable, you can slip off that bad boy with little effort. A tee is a simple way to try sensory deprivation without going too intense.
A silk tie
Rope is never a great plan for first time bondage. Tying someone up is dangerous and when done incorrectly can lead to cutting off the circulation in wrists or ankles.
And, finally, what about lube?
Virgin Coconut Oil & or Olive Oil
You may have heard on ~the internet~ that coconut oil is a fantastic natural lubricant. And you would be right. Just be sure the coconut oil you use is virgin or unrefined. This means it hasn’t undergone a ton of processing. Coconut oil is a great choice, if you’re looking for something natural that has great staying power. It has really long-lasting glide. Olive oil is also a great choice. It stays on and has quite a neutral smell. Do not use oil-based lubes with condoms. It degrades the latex and will break them.
Aloe
Aloe vera is soothing and cooling, which can be great on a hot vulva, [anus, or penis]. It is water-based so it is safe to use with latex condoms. Aloe has very little glide-ability and tends to dry out quite fast. This means it often needs to reapplied quite often.
Vitamin E and Primrose
If you’re a skin-lover, chances are you may have some 100% natural vitamin E oil in one of your drawers. Vitamin E is especially helpful if you have issues with vaginal dryness. Primrose is also quite a nice choice. Evening primrose oil reduces inflammation and helps to lubricate the vaginal tissues. Evening primrose and vitamin E are also decent choices for anal and vagina intercourse.
XOXO GIGI
Part of this blog post originally appeared as an interview with Women’s Health.