THIS ENTRY WAS POSTED ON May 1, 2023 BY The Pleasure Chest.
It’s Masturbation May, y’all! It’s our favorite time of year. Of course, we’re pro masturbation all-year round, so celebrate masturbation and self pleasure whenever and however you like it. But, Masturbation May is particularly important because it’s all about raising awareness and removing the stigma against masturbating, embracing your body and exploring all the self love you want and deserve to feel!
Sex Education: What is Masturbation May?
International Masturbation Month happens every May for the entire month and is about educating folks on the importance of self-pleasure and sexual health, debunking harmful myths and letting masturbation simply be a neutral act that most folks participate in (which is the truth!). Especially for women and trans folks, at a time when there are constant political and legislative threats to our bodies and what we choose to do with them, an annual celebration like Masturbation May reminds us to take the time to get in touch with ourselves (literally!) and honor our bodies and sexual pleasure! Masturbation and self-pleasure are radical, revolutionary acts.
In this blog, we’ll dive into some sex toy recommendations for solo play across the board, from clitoral stimulators to anal penetrative toys as well as sex toys that you can incorporate into mutual masturbation with a partner. We’ll explore the concept of mindful masturbation and why it’s a great practice for any and everyone. There will also be some featured staff picks from the savvy sex educators that run our stores!
National Masturbation Day: Mindful Masturbation
Mindful masturbation is the practice of masturbation with a focus on mental presence and self-love. This technique of sexual expression encourages mindfulness—the state of being conscious and focusing on the present moment—with masturbating, providing a full mind-body experience.
Mindful masturbation provides various health benefits, personalized to each individual, such as:
Reduced stress levels. Engaging with and focusing your attention to your body not only relieves tension but also slows down your mind by bringing your attention to the present. It also helps relieve menstrual cramps!
Clearer intentions. The more you experience pleasure while making an effort to be mindful, the more you’ll become attuned to sensation; you’ll have a deeper understanding of what feels good and why.
Stronger communication. The better you know your own body and what turns it on, the better you’ll be able to communicate that to a partner.
More pleasure. Remaining mindful of pleasurable sensations allows you to explore further and encourages you to try new things, bringing you more opportunities to experience pleasure.
Here are some tips for the whole month on practicing mindful masturbation:
Set the scene. Put aside time to engage in this practice and create a space that allows you to explore. Clean the area, clean your body, light a candle… whatever helps you get in the right headspace.
Get rid of distractions. Mindful masturbation is a meditative practice, so removing anything that could disrupt you is key.
Don’t limit yourself. Whether that be time constraints or feeling like you should be engaging with your body in a specific way; do what comes naturally to you and don’t judge yourself in this process.
Stay present. Focus on your breathing, how your hands feel on your body, the sensations you’re feeling, or any tangible detail that jumps out to you. If your mind starts wandering, bring it back by focusing on your breath.
Now let’s get into some sex toy recommendations!
International Masturbation Month: Solo Sex Toys – Bullets
For folks who prefer external stimulation, smaller external sex toy options can be used on the clitoris, nipples, perineum, or anywhere you desire that is not internal. External vibrators are versatile for all types of play and all types of bodies. They’re usually discreet and travel-friendly, and they’re great for sex toy beginners and seasoned sex toy pros alike. They’re also some of the easiest toys to use if you like your solo sessions to be low maintenance with minimal buttons and settings to mess with.
These particular three offer different shapes for different types of stimulation depending on your preference. If you like spread out vibration that feels lightweight on the skin, the Amour Bullet from Je Joue is for you. If you like pinpointed vibration that can be pressed lightly or firmly against the skin, then the Lelo Dot is for you. If you like spread out vibration that you can press firmly into and like your toy to lay flat against you, then the Dame Dip is for you in this masturbation month.
 Je Joue Amour Bullet |
 Lelo Dot |
 Dame Dip |
Masturbation May: Solo Sex Toys – Wands
If you like external stimulation but you want it as powerful as it can get, wands are the perfect toy for you. Wands are great because they can be used anywhere on the body and used as full body massagers. Their bodies are also long enough that they can easily be incorporated into BDSM play and tied to the body with rope via a makeshift harness for some extreme solo kink exploration.
The Le Wand is a classic large rechargeable wand with a rumbly motor and Le Wand also makes various attachments so you can turn your wand massager into an internal G-spot toy, a stroker, etc. The FemmeFunn Ultra Wand is a quiet and powerful wand vibrator that comes in three sizes (Original, Mini and XL) so you can pick and choose the size ideal for your purposes. The Fun Factory Vim Wand is a brand new wand that is specially weighted to make holding the wand easier so you can go for longer sessions!
 Le Wand Original |
 Femme Funn Ultra Wand |
 Vim Vibrating Wand |
⭐ Featured Staff Pick: Magic Wand Original
Alexander / He/Him / Assistant Store Manager / NY UES
One of my first sex toys ever, and one I'm going to keep around probably for the rest of my life. There's a reason it's a classic! Both of the Magic Wand Originals I've owned lasted 5+ years before having to be replaced, and I look forward to owning my new one for another 6 or so years! If you prefer more targeted sensation, and find some toys to be too soft like I do, this is by far your best bet. The intensity is no joke either, if I'm struggling to reach orgasm I just reach for this powerhouse and it's no problem after that.
Masturbation May: Solo Sex Toys – Suction
Suction toys have quickly gained popularity due to their unique motors that mimic the sensation of oral pleasure. They come in various shapes and sizes, and some of them even come with internal components for additional stimulation. Suction vibrators are great options for folks looking for a different kind of sensation other than vibration, folks who want to slowly ween themselves off of powerful wand vibrators, and even FTM folks who want to experience a realistic stroking sensation during the national masturbation day.
The We-Vibe Melt is a small, quiet and discreet option with a curved tip. The Biird Namii is a wider option that provides good vibrations as well as suction for some dual-motored fun. The Romp Rose is a cute and compact option perfect for people who want their toys to be discreet and not look out of place sitting on their nightstands!
 We-Vibe Melt |
 Biird Namii Suction Stimulator |
 Romp Rose |
⭐ Featured Staff Pick: Lelo Sona 2
Alex / She/Her / Web Content Coordinator / Chicago
This one has been my go-to since I got it 3 years ago! Air pressure/suction toys are my favorite and the Sona 2 is a little more intense than most of the ones I’ve tried, which I'm a fan of. It’s almost like, instead of the air moving in circles, it moves like how a bass does in a speaker, with more pressure. Highly recommend this one if you like suction toys and rumbly intensity rolled into one.
⭐ Featured Staff
Pick: Womanizer Premium 2 Vibrator
J / They/Them / Web Manager / LA
The Womanizer Premium 2 has really stepped it up with a few more levels of intensity from the original version! This version still comes with a few different nozzle sizes, so it’s more inclusive in terms of anatomy. I also love the colors available for this model, which are fairly gender neutral.
⭐ Featured Staff
Pick: Lelo Sila
J / They/Them / Web Manager / LA
Huge fan of suction toys, and this the Lelo Sila my fave and go-to! It’s among my most-loved toys overall. It’s not quite as strong as the Womanizer Premium 2, so if you’re going for suction power, I’d say to go with the Premium 2. However, I love the larger opening and the patterns—which I normally don’t care about—are phenomenal on this toy. I’m obsessed! I also find it the easiest to hold between my legs.
Masturbation May: Solo Sex Toys – Internal
Internal toys come in a lot of shapes to achieve various styles of stimulation. They can be large and heavy for deep, penetrative pleasure and attempting C-spot orgasms. They can be skinnier and shorter to hit the G-spot. They can also have bases or stoppers to safely use for P-spot, or prostate, stimulation.
The Womanizer OG is a unique internal toy that applies the popular suction technology to G-spot stimulation. The Kurve from Hot Octopuss is a rumbly curved vibrator with two motors so you can choose your own adventure. The Impulse E-Stim vibrating wand incorporates electrostimulation with its vibration to reflexively make the internal muscles flex, prompting an intense experience and a possible G-spot orgasm.
 Womanizer OG |
 Hot Octopuss Kurve |
 Impulse E-Stim Petite Wand |
⭐ Featured Staff Pick: We-Vibe Rave
Alexander / He/Him / Assistant Store Manager / NY UES
The Rave from We-Vibe is my current favorite g-spotting toy! The pointed tip can really give a lot of targeted sensation on the g-spot, and it has a really nice range of intensities. The shape allows you to twist and move it to create different amounts of sensation and pressure depending on your preference, which makes it really versatile. It charges relatively quickly, and the smooth surface allows for easy cleanup.
Masturbation May: Solo Sex Toys – Dual
For folks who like a little bit of everything in their solo exploration, dual-stimulating toys are your best bet. Sometimes called ‘rabbits,’ these types of toys have multiple arms so you can have internal and external stimulation at the same time. Dual-stimulating vibrators work for almost everyone; they can be inserted vaginally with the external arm resting on the clitoris or they can be inserted anally with the external arm resting on the perineum. They can also be used fully externally if they’re bendy enough, letting the vibration hug all the curves of your body wherever you place it.
The Klio from FemmeFunn is a dual-stimulating vibrator with a vibrating internal motor and a unique thumping external motor that applies pressure in repeated bursts at different speeds. The Klio is great if you want to try something different than your standard dual vibe. The We-Vibe Nova 2’s uniquely shaped curved external arm allows for stimulation to never leave body while the internal arm has a bendable core so you can adjust it to your liking. The Lelo Enigma features an internal vibrating more and an external suction motor so you get the best of both worlds!
 Femme Funn Klio |
 We-Vibe Nova 2 |
 Lelo Enigma |
National Masturbation Month: Solo Sex Toys – Strokers
Stroking toys can be manual or automatic, vibrating or non-vibrating. Sometimes they also have special motors that allow the toy to move on its own and do all the work for you! Stroking sleeve toys work by stimulating the penis via pressure, movement and sometimes vibration. They do what a handjob does without the hand, and sometimes even simulate oral with mouth-like suction sensations. Some of them are even hands-free!
The Aero Stroker from Tenga has a dial the allows you to adjust the chamber to your desired tightness. The squishy sleeve is easy to remove, clean and pop back into the chamber for another round. The Pulse Solo Lux from Hot Octopuss has a unique oscillating motor that feels closer to real movement as opposed to vibration and even comes with a convenient remote control that straps to your wrist for a hands-free, stress free session. The Svakom Alex Neo is an interactive automatic stroking toy that mimics realistic stroking movements and even allows you to play long-distance with a partner via Bluetooth.
 Tenga Aero Stroker |
 Hot Octopuss Pulse Solo Lux |
 Svakom Alex Neo |
⭐ Featured Staff Pick: Arcwave Voy
James / He/Him / Assistant Store Manager / Chicago
The Voy has a slick, compact, and discreet design that makes the toy stand out more than other stokers. Due to the design of the Voy, it’s very easy to travel, and it's a great stoker to use in the shower. The Voy features two entrances if you want your penis to feel tighter or loose. Also, the Tightness Adjustment System adds another fun feature to intensify your pleasure.
Masturbation May: Solo Sex Toys – Anal
Exploring anal solo not only a fun way to keep your masturbation routine interesting, but it’s also something we highly encourage for folks starting out on their anal odyssey! Trying anal stimulation on your own can help you stay relaxed (which is key) and allow you to take as much time as you need without feeling any added pressure.
The Bing Bang Beads are a great starter size and the length of the anal toy helps with mobility for solo anal explorers. The Bootie Fem from Fun Factory is designed to be worn anally while being penetrated vaginally for a full body experience. The Vector+ from We-Vibe is a strong vibrating anal plug designed for intense prostate stimulation; this one is definitely for folks who are already experienced in P-spot play and want to up the ante!
 Bing Bang Silicone Anal Beads |
 Bootie Fem |
 We-Vibe Vector+ |
Masturbation May: Mutual Masturbation Sex Toys
Looking to spice up intimacy with a partner outside of penetrative sex? Try mutual masturbation! There are tons of benefits to mutual masturbation, including the fact that you get to show your partner exactly how you like to be stimulated and vice versa. It can be a little intimidating at first, but once you get into the groove and feel more comfortable, you can put on a show for them! Mutual masturbation increases trust in each other and confidence in your sexuality and sensual skills. And who knows? It could turn into something more if the feeling is right!
A sex toy set is a good choice for indulging in the practice of mutual masturbation. The new We-Vibe Forever Favorites set includes one Tango X and one Touch X, which are both great as solo toys and also work well when playing with someone. The Romp Pleasure Kit includes one Romp Juke vibrating cock ring, one Romp Flip vibrating wand and one Romp Free suction toy, giving you a versatile group of toys to mix and match with. The b-Vibe Anal Massage and Education Set features the Le Wand Petite, a powerful compact wand as well as an internal attachment to place on the head. You can use the wand as a clitoral stimulator or give your partner a nice full body massage! This kit also comes with a b-Vibe Snug Plug, making this kit versatile enough to explore anal stimulation with your partner.
 We-Vibe Forever Favorites Set |
 Romp Pleasure Kit |
 b-Vibe Anal Massage Set |
Masturbation May: Lube
You may think lube won’t be necessary in a solo session, but we always recommend including lubricant in your play whether or not you plan on penetration being part of your experience. Even with just external stimulation, lube helps keep things going nice and smooth. With lubrication, you don’t have to worry about feeling ‘too dry’ or your toys dragging against your skin in an unpleasant way. It helps you stay concentrated on your pleasure, which is the point of a mindful masturbation session!
⭐ Featured Staff Pick: Sutil Rich
Alexander / He/Him / Assistant Store Manager / NY UES
I can't say enough about this lube honestly. My husband and I were struggling for so long to find a lube that lasted long enough for us that we weren't constantly reapplying, but that could work with our toys. I was lucky enough to try a sample of Sutil Rich, and now my husband has made it very clear to me that I'm not allowed to buy any other lube! It actually lasts so long sometimes we don't have to reapply at all, which honestly I'll take a little extra cleanup over constant reapplying. It also never leaves a weird aftertaste in my mouth after oral, which is a huge plus.
⭐ Featured Staff Pick: Uberlube
Alex / She/Her / Web Content Coordinator / Chicago
The holy grail of lube. Out of all the lubes I’ve tried (which is a LOT) Uberlube lasts the longest and leaves my skin feeling the best after use. It never gets sticky, it has no scent or flavor, and it comes in a nice glass pump bottle which not only looks great on the nightstand but also keeps the lube protected from air. The added Vitamin E leaves my skin feeling like I just did a full skincare routine; it’s very nourishing and absorbs into the skin easily. The only downside is that it can’t be used with silicone toys, but this lube is so good that I purposefully seek out toys that are made of materials that will be compatible with it!
Masturbation May: Honorable Mentions
Gender Affirmation
⭐ Featured Staff
Pick: Pierre Packer
Jena / They/Them / Web Manager
I absolutely adore this silicone packer from NYTC! The silicone makes it easy to clean and is non-porous, meaning it won’t hold any bacteria or genetic material over time. Even though it’s not meant for insertion, it’s still right up against your bits, and I feel a lot more comfortable wearing a silicone packer rather than a porous material one. If you’re not into the uncut version, I’d suggest the Archer Packer.
Toy Attachments
⭐ Featured Staff Pick: Scylla Wand Attachment
Erica / They/She / Sales Floor Supervisor / Chicago
I love funky looking toys and toy enhancers. The Scylla Wand Attachment from Pris Toys is a great bedroom guest that slips on to the head of a large wand (like the Magic Wand Rechargeable) to add that extra spice. The 'arms' come to life, and can be used for dual pleasure. Using it as a 'rabbit' vibe can make for a very fun night, or even using it for double penetration. You can even use it on its own, which is always bonus.
Toy Cleaners
⭐ Featured Staff
Pick: Aneros Wipes
Alex / She/Her / Web Content Coordinator / Chicago
The Aneros Wipes are my favorite way to clean my toys! They’re super convenient and inexpensive. There’s no smell and no lingering stickiness on the surface of the toys after cleaning. These are ideal for travelling with if you’re taking some toys on a trip but don’t want to be bothered bringing all the cleaning essentials. I keep an extra pack in my bathroom to use as regular wet wipes, and I’ve even used them as make-up wipes in a pinch!
As Masturbation May concludes, let's embrace its lessons for enhancing our overall wellness. Let's continue to talk about sex and masturbation as crucial aspects of self-care. This month encourages us to masturbate multiple times, exploring all the kinds of pleasure and breaking down barriers in sexual health conversations. Let Masturbation Month be just the start of a year-long journey of exploration and wellness.