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

Making our way through this Pandemic hasn't been easy. For most of us self-care seems to be slipping, pandemic paranoia is mounting, and prioritizing pleasure seems to be an uphill battle full of negotiation and risk assessments. SEXY, RIGHT? If you're lucky enough to be in a solid relationship, we hope you're having the best sex of your lives and not trying to kill each other if you're couped up at home. Either way you slice it, it's not easy feeling pleasy at the mome, but here are a few MORE toys and tips from our Sex Educator and CHI store Manager Tania on how to keep it safe & sexy this Holiday Season.

Part 1 of this blog can be seen here.

Q: What is a realistic budget when shopping for toys?

Let's talk budget.

A: A realistic budget is whatever your budget is. Toys range anywhere from $10 - $200. But just because your best friend is raving about and constantly recommending their amazing $200 vibrator, doesn’t mean you can’t find a great one that’s more affordable. Also, if you’re just trying out a specific category of toys and you’re not sure if you’ll like it, it’s best to stay in the middle to lower price points (unless that really doesn’t matter to you.) Prices range just as much as our budgets. Pleasure Chest carries great products at any price level, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t/don’t want to buy a $200 vibrator. The point is to buy the best quality, body-safe toy that you can afford.

Pro tip: If you’ve tried less expensive toys and looking for something more, consider increasing your budget to get extra features, a more sophisticated motor and warranties, etc.

All aboard Pleasure Air. First Class or Coach?

Here are a few of our Pleasure Air Toys for comparison:

And Anal Toys:

Q: What materials should one avoid when buying and sharing sex toys with a partner?

A: Any materials with phthalates should be avoided entirely! Phthalates in anything else are usually not accepted, so it’s the same with your sex toys. Toys made of jelly rubber tend to have phthalates.

Also, know your allergies and, obviously, avoid any toys or lubricants that contain anything that will irritate you. Read the boxes/labels, ask questions, and do your research by checking out toy shop websites, manufacturer websites and sex toy blogs. Or ask us when you are in the store. When in doubt, always stick with silicone, glass and stainless steel toys which are non-porous, easier to clean or sterilize, and have a longer shelf-life.

Shocker! The famous Rabbit Vibe is actually porous!

You can reuse sex toys with new partners IF:

• The toys are non-porous and completely sanitizable (whether by boiling for about 5 minutes or using a bleach solution for glass and stainless steel toys)

• You and your partners are okay with reusing toys

There may also be some folx that are uneasy about using toys that were used in previous relationships, or with previous partners; definitely discuss that beforehand if that type of thing bothers you. If it does, it’s a great opportunity to go toy shopping together!

Pro tip: Don’t even attempt to share jelly rubber toys! Porous toys in general are more difficult to clean and completely sanitize, so they shouldn’t be shared.

When in doubt, bring your partner(s) out.

Examples of non-porous toys:

Q: What other services does the Pleasure Chest offer aside from sex toys?

A: The Pleasure Chest is focused on sex-positive, pleasure focused, inclusive sex education. I’m sure most of us didn’t get much out of our high school sex-ed classes; it wasn’t sex-positive (mine being mostly abstinence focused) and it definitely wasn’t pleasure focused. So as adults, we have a lot to learn and explore about our sensuality and what makes us feel good, as well as what doesn’t. Back in the good ol’ days (pre-quarantine) we’d have weekly, free workshops that explored topics ranging from Couples Play and Butt Sex Basics, to Blowjobs and Beyond. Now we’ve adapted to the times where everything is digital so that we can safely educate and stay connected with our customers.

Pro tip: Follow us on IG @pleasurecheststores where we have bi monthly mini workshops that aim to help you understand more about pleasure and sex toys!

Our pre-COVID in-store Pleasure Ed Program

Sarah and Mary teach Dom/sub Dynamics	We've moved our Pleasure Ed Workshops Online !	Rope Master Midori teaches intro to BDSM

Q: What are some travel friendly sex toys?

A: Small toys travel very well. Some of my favorites are the Crave products; especially the Vesper. Crave makes small, sleek and unbelievably quiet vibrators. Plus they charge really quickly. Fun Factory, Lelo, and b-Vibe toys are great because they have travel lock functions so your toy won’t go off in your luggage. B-Vibe even includes a travel friendly hard case with a lot of their vibrating plugs. It's always good to secure your toys in a protective bag or case when you travel.

For those not able to see their partners in person or sneak your fave travel-friendly vibe by the TSA, luckily there is a whole new batch of high tech app-controlled toys that can keep you connected from around the globe! Looks like mutual masturbation has finally seen it's day!

Pro tip: Consider if you’ll have access to electricity when you travel (like if you’re camping, or in a place where your plugs aren’t compatible with the outlets) because you may need to recharge your toy. If you can’t charge, there are battery operated options.

Top-Selling Travel Toys:

Tania Moaton: Sex Educator	Pleasure Chest Chicago: Open for business	Face Coverings Required: No mask, no service.

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.

More reasons to come by and see us!

Hang in there through the Holidays, everyone. Stay safe. Play safe.