2018 My Favorite Things: Sex Toys & Sex-Adjacent

Another year has come and gone, which means it’s time for the yearly edition of my Favorite Things! For 2018, I decided to split it up into two posts: The first (this one!) will deal with all things sex toy and sexuality. The next will be more of a lifestyle round-up — things I’ve loved this year that aren’t wholly related to sexuality, but that I’m dying to share with you none the less.

Without further ado…

Lube of the Year: Sliquid

Sliquid, as you may know, is my all-time favorite lubrication company. I keep no fewer than 4 bottles on the shelf right above my bed. Why 4? I’ve got Sassy, which is a thicker gel and particularly great for days when I’ve taken antihistamines, since they tend to cause more dryness. I’ve got Silk, which is an amazing hybrid, perfect for longer, penetrative sessions. I’ve got Satin, which I actually really love to use as an ultra-light body moisturizer. And finally, Sea, which is perfect for a quickie, since it dries down to nothing and leaves no flaky residue like less high-quality water-based lubes.

Manufacturer of the Year: We-Vibe

By far, I feel like We-Vibe had the most amazing year. Their new releases have knocked it out the damn park! Between the incredible, rumbly Rave; the surprise hit Nova; and the newest iteration of their flagship toy, the We-Vibe Sync… They’ve had a bang-up year. Mostly, I attribute this to two things: Listening to their customers and reviewers, and focusing on a smaller range of products that they really put work into.

If you’re looking at getting a We-Vibe toy for yourself, check out my reviews of the Rave, Touch, Nova, and Sync. Tango is also supremely popular, as it’s currently the strongest bullet vibrator on the market, but it’s not my personal favorite because I’m just not really a bullet kinda gal. Your mileage may vary.

Most Used Toy of the Year: L’Amourose PRISM V

This one kind of snuck up on me, because even though it received a great review, I didn’t feel absolutely bowled over by it. But the thing is, the L’Amourose PRISM V is a reliable, well-designed, powerful vibrator. It’s just an amazing staple to have in your kit, frankly. It’s replaced the LELO Mona 2 for me, and I feel better recommending it. First of all, the price tag is a lot lower. Second, the company who makes it is a fantastic example of what a luxury toy company can be, and they have great customer service to boot. Pick one up at SheVibe or Holistic Wisdom.

Most Innovative Design of the Year: TIE — We-Vibe Sync and Mystery Vibe Crescendo

The We-Vibe Sync received a surprisingly glowing solo-use review from me, in part because of the time and attention We-Vibe put into redesigning their flagship vibrator. It’s got 2 hinges to make it customizable for just about any vulva, and the external arm’s vibrations have been amped way up. Get your own at SheVibe, Vibrant, or Lovehoney.

While I haven’t yet reviewed the Mystery Vibe Crescendo, this toy has made serious waves, and opinions vary. I received one about a week ago in the mail and was immediately blown away by just how different it was from any other toy I’ve ever seen. It looks kind of like if a slap bracelet and a stingray had a baby. It’s funky. It has a whopping 8 motors. And its app allows you to customize the experience to an almost overwhelming degree. It is, without a doubt, unique.

Best New Media of the Year: The Dildorks podcast

Like much of the rest of the world, my 2018 was full of podcasts. I listen to them while exercising, running errands, driving to Hamburg, and sometimes just sat on the sofa in the evening with my husband like we’re listening to old-timey radio shows. When Bex and Kate decided to launch a podcast of their very own, I was pumped, and my enthusiasm has been well-rewarded with hilarious and informative episodes each week. In their own words, The Dildorks is “dorky discourse on sex, dating, and masturbating.” Check ’em out!

Book of the Year: How A Bad Girl Fell in Love by Girl on the Net

I believe my first published reaction to this book was something like, “I laughed. I cried. I jerked off.” All of that is absolutely true and it’s still the best way to sum up the experience. For those uninitiated, Girl on the Net‘s writing is hilarious and powerful, often giving a voice to topics that “polite society” doesn’t make room for. Bonus: For those of you who met GotN at Woodhull, you’ll be able to hear her excellent voice as you read, adding an extra layer of amazing to this already fantastic piece of cliterature.

Kink of the Year: Dads

It’s been a year, friends. Like, it’s been a year. We all know it. 2018 is a dumpster fire. I can predict absolutely nothing anymore. But at least there are hot dads. And while early on in my dad-lust I thought that it was just me, it turns out that could not be more wrong. People fuckin’ love dads right now. From the mainstream success of the word Daddy to my main man Bob Odenkirk finally getting at least some of the attention that he deserves, dads are having a moment, and I am 1,000 percent here for it.

New Experience of the Year: Being Tied Up by Mr. BLK

I already gushed about this in one of my Woodhull posts, but let me reiterate here: It was the coolest thing ever. Mr. BLK (pronounced ‘black’) is half of the duo that run Black Pomegranate, a fantastic blog with a special focus on bondage. He’s an experienced rigger with great consent practices, so I felt like I was in good hands from the get-go. He even inspired me to get some of my own rope — I’m using Twisted Monk and will be writing about it soon!