How to Shop for a Sex Toy During a Pandemic Pt. 1

The following questions were submitted by Coquette Claudette for their upcoming podcast launch.

We are at the peak of a Pandemic and about to enter Holiday season. This could be a dangerous mix, changing how we experience everything from family and friends to partners and pleasure. Many people have been practicing more solo pleasure, virtual play dates, and mutual masturbation sessions to keep pleasure (and self-care!) in the mix. Here are a few toys and tips from our Sex Educator and CHI store Manager Tania on how to keep it safe & sexy this Holiday Season. 

Q: What are some questions someone should have ready when talking to a sales associate? What should they be prepared to talk about?

A: Customers should be prepared to talk about functions and qualities they are looking for in a toy. Have some idea of what kind of toy you’re looking for, because the most common question we get is “Can you help me find a good vibrator?” But vibrators are many and vast in options. 

Here are some questions to ask yourself before shopping:

• Do you want something external, internal, dual stimulation (rabbit), double-ended or anal?
• What do you want it to look like? Aesthetics are really important, and if you hate pink, it’s totally fine to tell the sales associate that you don’t want any pink toy suggestions.
• Ask for body-safe toys which won’t have phthalates. (Opt for body-safe silicone, stainless steel or glass).
• Have a budget in mind, but be flexible. You may find something that’s higher quality that’s a little more than your budget but worth the investment in the longterm.

Here are a few examples of the different types of toys we carry:

A lot of times customers want to know what sales associates like/use in the store. Some folx are comfortable answering that within, but some aren’t. Never ask about a salesperson’s sex life or intimate details. It’s easier to help customers when we also feel safe and comfortable. Don’t make assumptions about folx that work in sex toy shops. We are mainly here to educate and help you find the best toy for you.

Do your research , but DON'T be a Samantha.

Q: Any suggestions for how people can use sex toys in a long-distance relationship or during quarantine?

A: What’s so interesting about this quarantine time is that it’s requiring us to get creative with play and communicate with our partners in new ways. Whether it’s more sexting, phone sex, or even a good old fashioned freaky-deaky letter, it’s important to communicate even before adding toys into the mix. Get the fire going first.

Foreplay Tip: Download and fill out these cards by yourself or with a partner to explore and communicate your desires. 

Get dressed up in something that makes you feel sexy, set the mood with music and candles even though you and your partner are apart. The sexier you feel, the more fun you’ll have! Treat it like a regular date. 

App-controlled toys are getting more popular than ever, so if you’ve never tried one, now’s a great time. These toys can really amp up regular ol’ phone sex, but there’s an added level of hotness when you can video chat and incorporate your toy. Pro tip: know how to use your toy (functions, app, settings you like) before you get going with your partner. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to figure out wtf you’re doing when you’re already horny.

Set the mood, test the lighting, know your angles, then try a few of these:

Even without app-capable toys (which can be pricey), you can enjoy mutual solo play over the phone or video chat with the same elements of excitement. After a bout of dirty talking, both of you can grab your favorite toys and describe how you’re using it, and how you’d want your partner to use it.

Here are some cutting edge conversation starters for solo and mutual masturbation: 

Q: What toys are better suited for partners/solo play?

Well, honestly, almost any toy can be used together or solo. That’s great news because you gotta get your money’s worth, and it’s less limiting to look at toys as having many uses! But particularly, toys with remotes, apps and shared vibration functions are designed for partner play. Companies like We-Vibe (WowTech) are incredibly popular among shoppers because they offer remotes and Bluetooth connectivity that provide extra features through their  We-Connect app. This means long distance play is totally possible, and you don’t even have to be in the same room with your partner to get freaky. At Pleasure Chest Chicago, currently, the  We-Vibe Chorus and Moxie are best sellers.

What’s cool is that even remote control toys can be used solo. I like to use my Moxie, which is an external panty vibe of sorts, and clip it to a pillow to hump up against, and use the app on my own to control the toy. I highly recommend.

Near, far, LDR? Our best selling selection of app-controlled toys:

Long Distance Love: The  We-Connect App from We-Vibe allows you to easily explore yourself and control your partner's pleasure from anywhere in the world!

Some final Sex Toy Shopping tips from Tania:

Make observations about what feels good to you (and also what doesn’t) and maybe jot down a few words to get your gears going before visiting a shop. This will manifest an experience that’s more unique to you and your needs, and the sales associate will be more equipped to make effective suggestions. If you’re not sure what makes you feel good, stop what you’re doing right now and get sexy with yourself. Masturbate! We can learn a lot about what we like to feel, what kind of pressure, speed, and patterns we like through solo play.

Tania is the Manager of our Chicago Lincoln location and a certified Sex Educator. Have more questions? Stop by our  Lincoln location, shop online, or order curbside pickup at check out via pleasurechest.com. To protect our staff and customers, face coverings and social distancing are required for all services at our Los Angeles, Chicago, Upper East Side and West Village locations.

All toys featured in this blog can be found in our 2020 Pleasure Gift Guide: 

Stay tuned for Part 2 of How to Shop for a Sex Toy During a Pademic where we'll cover Travel and IRL Partner-Friendly toys, top toy materials, and ballin' on a budget!

XO