QUESTION: What would you say is the next big thing in sex toys?

Last year, right before lockdown really got underway and there was still a sliver of joy in the world, sex toy company Pure Romance asked to gift me a warming vibrator. I mean, who doesn’t love a free sex toy, right? Not to sound smug, but I really don’t need any more sex toys. I have hundreds, probably. It’s one of the perks of being a sexual health writer: You don’t get paid a lot of money, but you do get a lot of free stuff.

Anyway, the PR email about this warming vibrator surely explained what I was in for, but I didn’t read it thoroughly because I’m very busy. LOL, just kidding: It’s because I’m lazy. If you’re offering me a free sample, I’ll happily provide my address and ask very few questions. 

The toy that arrived? A baby pink, G-spot vibrating wand with a rose-gold, crystal-encrusted handle (seriously), and self-heating capabilities. 

Now, I love the idea of making truly luxurious sex toy products from high-quality materials for several reasons, but the top one is because it fights stigma. We live in a sex-negative world and it feels good to buy toys that aren’t seedy and weird and made by a sketchy company that also sells glass marijuana pipes. High-quality sex toys (like the ones at Dame, hint, hint) are a celebration of sexuality.

The problem with this toy was the cost. The price tag? $1,000. Unless you’re a member of the monarchy, I’m guessing you’re not game to spend $1,000 on a sex toy. I’m all for treating yourself, especially when it comes to masturbation, but come on. 

Still, the toy was amazing. I could do without the bedazzled base, but the self-heating body? I didn’t think I could ever go back.

After this, I put a call out on Twitter to see if other sexual health companies were hip to this new trend. I was very interested to see who else had figured out self-heating and if they had toys available for a reasonable price. And also, I wanted more free self-heating vibrators to try. Sue me.

A few companies came back to me, shipped me their products, and my life has never been the same. Warming vibrators are my new obsession and I’m here to get you on the train to BlissTown. 

Warming vibrators can help bring you into your body, relax, and enjoy more embodied pleasure.

The toys to play with right now: Lora Di Carlo and Jimmy Jane. Two companies. That’s it. I’m saying it loud and I’m saying it first (well, maybe I’m first, who knows): This is the next sex tech revolution.

XOXO GIGI

This article originally appeared as a column on Swell’s Crushing On.