Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to spice up your sex life by introducing a first (or thirty-first) sex toy into the mix. It's the busiest time of year for sex shops, so whether you’re dropping into your local favorite sex shop or shopping online, don’t be shy to ask for help and suggestions. Sex toy shopping is a completely personal task, but to inspire you to action, here’s what I’m hoping the Valentine’s Day fairy is bringing me this year.

Image courtesy of JimmyjaneA sweet and simple design twist on the classic Spin the Bottle game. The bottle comes pre-loaded with instructions on what the spinner gets to do to the spin-ee -- plus, you can always add your own.

Image courtesy of The Pleasure ChestIf you’re in a hurry or prefer to delegate your creative shopping, check out the funny and functional selection of sex toy Valentine’s Day kits at The Pleasure Chest. There’s expected kits (like the
Escapade Kit and the
Sex Seductress Kit), unexpected kits (I’m dying to know what’s in the
Potent Perv Kit and the
Serial Dater Kit), plus kits for the rest of us (check out the
Loveless Lover for Him and Her Kits, the
Single Guy at the Office Kit, and the
Stressed Out Mommy Kit).

Image courtesy of Chronicle BooksThis couples version of the classic teenage pastime promises hours of naughty and sensual fun. Every turn of the card and roll of the die is a chance for lovers to abandon inhibitions and explore their mutual passions.

Image courtesy of Come As You AreMost vibrators that are designed for couples disappoint because by trying to be discreet in size they end up being insignificant in vibration. This wearable vibrator, which features two removable micro-bullet vibrators, is great for couples and has a vibration that’s hard to miss. The double dolphin can either be worn on the body or on a dildo to provide extra stimulation during penetration play. The only thing I can’t explain is sex toy manufacturer’s fascination with dolphins.

Image courtesy of Come As You AreConsider this the most practical Valentine’s sex gift you’ll ever give. These machine washable, ingenious fabric throws (each 5 feet by 6 feet) provide a perfect barrier between your furniture and your love making. Available in shag and micro fiber, both with a silky satin flip side, the throws have an inner moisture barrier that ensures everyone but you stays clean and dry.

Image courtesy of VibratexWithout a doubt the most important sex toy for couples. So versatile and long lasting, you’ll never regret getting a Magic Wand. It’s great for full body massage, perfect for solo sex or using on your partner, and it fits well between the two of you during sex play. Some people are turned off by the size, strength, and noise levels, but few complain once they’ve turned one on -- or is that, once they’ve been turned on by one?

Image courtesy of Come As You AreIn the spirit of Valentine’s Day, consider the ways you can share the pleasure with Share, the newest silicone creation from German sex toy manufacturer Fun Factory. This double-ended dildo can be used on its own or in a harness, and like all Fun Factory products it looks as good as it feels. Plus, really, does anything say "Happy Valentine’s Day" more than a dildo?

Image courtesy of Come As You AreAnother wearable sex toy, perfect for couples, that’s surprisingly effective. The beads provide two kinds of stimulation for both partners. They lay over the vulva and during penetration they roll back and forth creating a mild pleasurable feeling for both people. Once you turn the clitoral vibrator the vibration is carried through the beads, so not only does the wearer feel the vibration, but the partner doing the penetration does as well. A rare example of an inexpensive sex toy that’s worth more than its price tag.

Image courtesy of NjoyDesigned for both g-spot stimulation and prostate stimulation, the Fun Wand is great for using with a partner, and between the elaborate and sexy packaging and shiny stainless steel construction, it makes a truly romantic gift (like jewelry for the inside). The stainless steel retains temperature, so another fun thing to do with the Fun Wand is heat it up or cool it down and surprise your partner.

Photo credit: Dennis DeanI’m not saying you have to spend $2,500 on a Valentine’s Day gift, but if you were going to, you may want to check out this beautiful handmade sex toy cabinet from CharlieRedInc. I’ve only seen them online, but they look exquisite. Perfectly designed to store all your sex toys (from silver bullets to leather floggers), DVDs, books, and dress-up gear -- and easily lockable -- the only problem with the Lovechest is that it looks so good, everyone’s going to ask what’s in it.