NEW YORK — The Strategist, New York Magazine's dedicated guide to online shopping, today posted its "13 Best Sex Toys of 2019," naming a smattering of top brands and products to its list.
The hand-picked list is not exhaustive or definitive — its editors cop to the list being "the best of the best" of toys that the Strategist has previously written about — but nonetheless, offers a compilation of "not-so-obvious vibrators, more-obvious dildos and lots of surprisingly tasteful erotic accessories," as the introduction notes.
"Whether you want to give the gift of self-pleasure or heat things up with your partner," it continues, "there’s a little something for everyone on this list of Strategist-approved sex toys."
Topping the list in the ever-important Best Vibrator category is Maude's minimalist "vibe." Strategist editors praised the "no-frills" toy for its ease of use and "pretty packaging," noting that its beige canvas travel bag is "subtle enough that you could leave it on your nightstand." Vibe picks up on the growing trend for non-gendered toys, opting for a neutral color scheme and versatile shape.
Dame Products' Fin made the cut, taking the title of Best Gentle Vibrator. The wearable finger vibe is made from super-soft silicone and features a removable tether, making it ideal for foreplay, sex and solo play.
Lelo's Gigi 2, which Strategist editors interestingly dubbed “the yacht rock of vibrators,” nabbed the Best G-spot Vibrator distinction, while the We-Vibe Sync was named Best Vibrator to Use With a Partner. Aside from Sync's unique construction that allows for dual G-spot and clitoral stimulation, We-Vibe's high-tech features that allow it to be controlled via an app from anywhere in the world likely is what earned it a spot on the list.
Njoy's Pure Wand earned a nod for Best Non-Vibrating Toy for Any Body. Ideal for either G- or P-spot stimulation, or both, Strategist editors also note that the stainless steel Pure Wand can be heated or cooled for users to play with a range of different temperatures.
Dubbed Best Dildo, Vixen Creations' ultra-realistic Bandit is made from the brand's proprietary dual-density VixSkin material and features a streamlined set of balls that more easily fit into harnesses.
In the anal play category, b-Vibe's Snug Plug was named the Best Anal Plug, while the title of Best Prostate Massager went to Force from Blush's Performance Plus line.
For men, Fleshlight maintains its clout as the OG in male masturbation tools with its Classic Pink Lady model, the original that's "stood the test of time," as their website notes, being dubbed the Best Masturbation Sleeve. "For people who have penises and who want the sensation of being completely enveloped in something squishy and ribbed, you kind of can’t beat it,” Searah Deysach, owner of Early to Bed in Chicago, told The Strategist.
The Best Toy for Trans Men distinction went to the Buck-Off compact stroker, the flagship product in Buck Angel's FTM line in collaboration with Perfect Fit Brand.
Finally, the award for Best Cock Ring went to Screaming O's disposable vibrating pleasure ring, which offers an affordable option for couples looking to spice up their bedroom routine.
Rounding out the list, Strategist distinguished the Best Silicone and Water-Based Lubes, selecting Uberlube and Unbound Jelly, respectively.
For a complete description of all the Strategist's "Best Of" picks, click here.
