18 Goodies That’ll Help Turn Up the Heat in the Bedroom

Foreplay is an integral part of getting it on. It prepares the mind and body for what’s to come and gives you time to get in the mood, leading to more pleasurable sex. Crave more emotional intimacy with your partner? Foreplay can help with that too, so you can have an even better time in the bedroom.

One of the best ways to have great foreplay is by opening up about your fantasies. “That’s how couples keep sex hot for 10, 20, 30, 40 years and beyond,” says Jess O’Reilly, a Toronto-based sexologist and relationship expert. Having discussions about desires gets the mind (and your parts) lubricated, she says. Plus, you’ll learn more of what turns on your partner, which can inspire you to try out new moves.

When you’re done talking, there are a few goodies that can help the pre-show be even better than the main event. Here, we’ve rounded up a selection of sex toys, accessories and products that’ll make your next romp your best one yet.

Image: Christie Vuong

Good Vibes Only

This is not your typical vibrator. It’s shaped like a tongue and designed to be used on any part of your body (erogenous or not). And it’s endlessly customizable—you can straddle it and grind for solo play, you can add pressure to up the ante on the sensation, and you can use it with a partner. (And in case you’re wondering, find out if  a vibrator can desensitize you.)
We-Vibe Touch X Rechargeable Clitoral Vibrator, $130, lovehoney.ca

Image: Christie Vuong

Playtime

“Playfulness is so important for relationships,” says O’Reilly. “Life doesn’t have to be that serious; sex doesn’t have to be that serious.” She suggests keeping it fresh and introducing something new, like a toy or game, to your sex life.

Turns out, there’s a reason spanking can make you feel frisky: endorphins released can cause a type of euphoria. Try this holographic rainbow paddle, which is much more fun than a hand and just the thing to get you in a playful and flirty mood.
Cosmo Bondage Holographic Rainbow Paddle, $29, bonjibon.com

Sex games can feel corny—but that’s the point, says O’Reilly. The cheesiness of them can actually make you feel comfortable. “They also help people with communication, and encourages you to set time aside and engage with your partner,” she says.

This board game from Lovehoney is like the adult version of truth or dare: It contains cards that ask players to answer a spicy question or dare them to do something sexual to their partner.
Lovehoney Oh! Fantastic Foreplay Board Game, $40, lovehoney.ca

Image: Christie Vuong

The Rub Down

Massages offer the opportunity to explore your partner’s body and melt into their touch for a sensual moment. The right massage oil can also elevate the mood with the right aroma—like this one that smells like a ritzy night of strawberries and champagne. From Canadian brand High on Love, this product, which contains hemp seed oil, nourishes the skin and claims to stimulate circulation to boost energy for a bedroom romp.
Sensual Massage Oil, $60, highonlove.ca

This balm is designed to make the clitoris more responsive to touch, increasing your likelihood of the big O. Peppermint and other essential oils are intended to stimulate the nerve endings and promote blood flow for extra sensitivity to encourage an explosive finish.
Lovehoney Bliss Orgasm Balm, $17, lovehoney.ca

Image: Christie Vuong

Get Boosted

Sex pillows can make it easier for you to reach your G-spot and make tricky positions more comfortable. Plus, they’re invaluable for people with mobility issues—sex pillows allow you to modify your favourite position and take the pressure off of your joints, support your hips and back and allow for a greater range of motion to make sex sexy, not painful.

This pillow from Brooklyn-based company Dame comes with a cotton shell and soft foam interior that provides just the right amount of support and comfort. Bonus: When you’re not using it to get the perfect angle, the pillow seamlessly blends into the rest of your bedroom.
Pillo, US $95, dame.com 

This firm pillow option from Liberator supports two bodies during playtime and comes with a non-slip, easy-to-clean soft velvet cover. The best part: The cushion includes a toy slot that holds your favourite dildo or vibrator in place for hands-free fun.
Liberator BonBon Toy Mount, $150, lovehoney.ca

Image: Christie Vuong

Frisky Business

A stroker is made to be wrapped around the penis to add extra sensations as you stroke it. This silicone version is easy-to-clean, stretches to fit most sizes and has two different textures for different feelings.
Arcwave Ghost Silicone Reusable Reversible Textured Male Stroker, $25, lovehoney.ca

Tuck this discrete, versatile vibrator between two fingers to add a little something extra to a touch. The toy’s three speeds heighten the experience of using your fingers for pleasure and can be used with a partner or on your own.
Fin by Dame, $115, bonjibon.com

Image: Christie Vuong

Wet ‘n’ Wild

Even if you’re turned on, your body’s natural lubricant might just not be enough. Sometimes you need a little help.

Lubricants generally fall into two categories: water-based and silicone-based. Water-based lubes are more viscous and rinse away more easily, says O’Reilly. They’re typically recommended for use with a silicone toy to keep it in good shape. Silicone-based lubes are thicker, slicker and last longer during sex. They’re great for shower or bath play, since they don’t rinse away easily. Silicone-based lubes are also recommended for those who are perimenopausal or postmenopausal and are dealing with vaginal dryness because of their long-lasting slickness.

Maude Shine Organic Personal Lubricant, $34, chapters.indigo.ca
Lovehoney Enjoy Water-Based Lubricant, $20, lovehoney.ca
Dame Alu Water-Based Lubricant, $25, chapters.indigo.ca
Uberlube Silicone Lube, $25, bonjibon.com

Image: Christie Vuong

Take Cover

Condoms from Canadian brand Jems are lubricated with silicone for a frictionless experience. They’re made without potentially harmful ingredients like parabens and paraffins to keep your goods healthy.
Jems Condoms – 12 Pack, $15, jemsforall.com

Skyn condoms are made with the brand’s proprietary non-latex material that feels like there isn’t a condom on, making them ideal for those allergic to latex.
Skyn Original Condoms – 12 count/pack, $14, well.ca

Does size matter? It might when it comes to condoms: Ill-fitting ones can cause slippage, erection loss and discomfort, but the company MyOne is solving that. With 66 different sizes, MyOne claims to have the perfect rubber for everyone—not too tight, saggy or big.
MyOne Perfect Fit Condoms, see website for $18, myonecondoms.co.uk

Image: Christie Vuong

The Come Down

Yes, post-sex blues (A.K.A post-coital dysphoria) are real. They stem from the rush and sudden comedown of pleasure. Keep those happy hormones by spending a little more intimate time with your partner.

This candle, as its name suggests, will help you relax like it’s Sunday morning. It boasts calming scents including lavender, apricot and sandalwood that smell like breakfast in bed.
Mala Sundays, $38, malathebrand.com

Spend time making your honey feel good by working out their kinks—in their back, that is—with this oil. It’s made without synthetic fragrance (to avoid irritating sensitive skin or causing migraines) and contains only certified organic plant ingredients.
Province Apothecary Sex Oil, $22, provinceapothecary.com

Next: The Absolute Best Sex Position, According to Experts