Yikes! We have less than two weeks until Valentine’s Day. If you’re like many of us, you’ve just finished (or started) paying off the bills from Christmas. But Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about spending a lot of money. Take time to show your lover you really care by giving them the oh-so-important gifts of your time and undivided attention.

Add a few toys from Vibrator.com to make your playtime on Valentine’s Day evening more fun and you’ve got the recipe for a successful holiday celebration. Order now to get delivery by Valentine’s Day.

We’ve compiled a list of our favorite Valentine’s Day picks for every budget. You’ll find the perfect present in every category, and we’ve selected a “steal” and a “splurge” for each one. Whether you want to spend a little or a lot, we’ve got you covered. (Or, um, not covered very much at all, as the case may be… make sure to check out the lingerie!)

Gift Sets

The Steal: Basket of Love: Looking to create a steamy night and still have money left over for champagne? This gift set comes in an adorable red basket and contains massage lotion, Hot Stuff warming massage oil, incense cones to set the mood, edible body paint to play with, and Spanish Fly sex drops to enhance the most romantic night of the year – all for under $20.

The Splurge: Lover’s Choice Enchanted Evening Kit: Everything about this gift set exudes luxury, including the classy box it comes packaged in. Best of all, what is more quintessentially Valentine’s Day than rose petals, champagne flutes, candles and chocolate? Splurge on this kit and you’re all set, with very berry warming massage oil, cocoalicious chocolate body paint (and a paintbrush) glass champagne flutes, scented silk rose petals and four tealights. Plus a guide book with some creative ideas for ways to spend your night.

Vibrators

The Steal: Doc Johnson’s Candy Ripples: Candy and Valentine’s Day just go together. For only $13, Doc Johnson’s 6.5-inch textured Candy Ripples vibrator will leave you with enough left over to splurge on some chocolate in a heart-shaped box, as well. This vibrator comes in a choice of three iridescent colors perfect for Valentine’s Day: Hot Pink, Purple Passion and Ivory Drop.

The Splurge: Lelo INA: You can’t go wrong with any of Lelo’s line of  ergonomically designed luxury vibrators. But we especially like the  INA, a dual-action, rabbit-style vibrator with two motors for the ultimate control. (And what lady doesn’t love being in control?) INA features eight variable stimulation modes, and comes in a gift box and satin pouch. Super-silent vibrations last up to 4 hours after a 2-hour charge. If you’re looking for a sex toy that says “class,” look no further than INA.

Toys for the Guys

The Steal: Dr. Joel Kaplan’s Prostate Massager: Priced at just $20, this slim prostate massager offers all the features of more expensive toys.  It’s waterproof, multi-speed, and perfectly shaped for easy prostate stimulation.  At this price, can spring for the extra large bottle of lube, too.

The Splurge: Aneros Helix: If your man has never experienced the joys of prostate massage, make this Valentine’s Day a very memorable “first” for him. And you may as well start him out with one of the best – the Anerox Helix. The only toy of its kind with a patented design, the Aneros Helix provides hands-free anal pleasure for the beginner or novice – alone or with a partner.

Lingerie

The Steal: Sweet Afterthought Babydoll w/ Thong: We love this sexy white and oh-so-revealing baby doll top with matching g-string thong. He’ll know he’s not an afterthought in your mind when you greet him at the door in this sexy ensemble.

Another Deal: Roses are Red Babydoll w/ Thong: We also couldn’t resist, for just a few dollars more, this white babydoll sleepwear set with satin bow and ribbon hem details. It includes a matching thong and a bag of red rose pedals to set the Valentine’s Day mood.

The Splurge: Peek-a-boo set w/ bows: We admit, the lingerie at Vibrator.com is so reasonably priced, it was a challenge to find a splurge! Whatever you choose, you’ll find a deal, with most items $25 and under. Spend just a little bit more, though, and treat someone special to this 3-piece mesh peek-a-boo set with bows. Or buy it for yourself and let your significant other “unwrap” you for Valentine’s Day.

Where do you keep your vibrators and other sex toys? For a long time, I kept mine on the nightstand. But having a toddler in the house that is becoming increasingly aware of her surroundings has made me re-think this plan.

You can easily tuck vibrators away in dresser drawers, nestled beneath sweaters and underwear. In all likelihood, no one will find them. But lint from sweaters sticks to jelly vibes, meaning you have to clean them very well before use. (And cleaning lint from a jelly vibe that’s not waterproof can be quite a hassle!)

If you’re opting for a bedroom drawer, wrap any vibrator in a lint-free hanky or, better yet, keep it in a silk pouch designed for toy storage.

Here are some other “Dos” for vibrator storage:

• Store vibes in a dry, dark, cool place. Sunlight can fade or possibly even melt some vibes. Heat and humidity can damage the electronics and promote growth of bacteria.

• Remove batteries before storage.

• Clean vibrators after use to inhibit the growth of bacteria – and so they’re clean for next time!

Storage Boxes for your Vibrator
Vibrator.com sells storage cases for your sex toys, like this large lockable box with keyless entry from BMS Enterprises.  This case looks like a train case or storage chest, which means you can keep it on your dresser without incident, funny looks or questions from anyone who may see it. I’d still recommend storing it out of sight if you have children – unless you have an amazing but believable story prepared for the inevitable query: “What’s in that box, Mom?”

If you frequently travel with your vibes, you may opt for this faux-leather soft case from For Your Nymphomation. Measuring a foot long, it holds all but the biggest of dildos. (You won’t be able to cram Doc Johnson’s 16-inch giant cock with balls into this one easily.) This case stores unobtrusively in a closet or drawer, and has a lock with two keys.

Have a lot of large toys? The XL faux leather hard case from For Your Nymphomation measures 18 inches high and 12 inches across to hold your entire collection – even that giant cock.

The lockable case (with two keys) includes six clear pouches attached to a long Velcro strip so you can store toys separately, and six loops with Velcro to hang items (such as paddles or floggers). A lower pouch with elastic lets you stow condoms or less “personal” items.

The separate pouches for toys are great because storing toys together can damage them. For instance, metal or plastic toys can scratch if left to bang around together in a case, and jelly vibes can get stuck together. Mixing toys of different materials together can actually cause materials in some toys to break down or get stained and discolored. For best results, if you use a case without separate compartments, wrap each sex toy in a lint free cloth before placing it in your toy box.

Finally, I can’t resist sharing this all-purpose faux leather case, again from F.Y.N. It looks like a briefcase and holds up to eight DVDs in their cases, a two-inch stack of magazines, or enough sex toys for a weekend getaway. As long as you check your luggage when you fly, no one will be the wiser about what’s inside.

There’s been a lot of buzz lately on the health and science blogs about BPA and phthalates. You probably already know not to nuke plastic or leave your water bottles baking in the hot sun; the plastic breaks down and releases cancer-causing chemicals. But did you know that some sex toys can cause health problems, too?

Phthalates, sometimes called plasticizers, are used to soften plastic. They are sometimes used to make your favorite sex toys soft, smooth and flexible. Phthalates are found specifically in plastics like PVC.

Similar to a water bottle left in the hot sun, the phthalates in rubber and jelly sex toys break free with time and normal wear and tear. If you boil your toys to sterilize them, this accelerates the process. You can learn more about the dangers of phthalates in this article.

Phthalates have been linked to:

-    birth defects when pregnant women use products with phthalates
-    reproductive problems in male infants
-    early onset of puberty

For these reasons, pregnant or nursing women should never use products with phthalates. Phthalates have also been found to cause:

-    Low sperm count / poor semen quality
-    Reproductive development issues

These are exactly the kind of side effects you don’t want in a sex toy.

Fortunately, many manufacturers have already taken phthalates out of many of their popular products. For instance, Doc Johnson’s Blush Vibe with a ribbed sleeve is manufactured from safe ABS plastic with a phthalate-free elastomer (UR3) sleeve.

As for BPA? It isn’t commonly used in sex toys. Simply look for hard plastic vibes, dildos and butt plugs manufactured from ABS plastic.

So which materials are safe for sex toys?

TPE – TPE, aka Thermoplastic elastomer is a silky soft plastic that has, so far, been deemed safe for most uses. Many “green” children’s toys have parts manufactured from TPE, so if it’s safe for a kid to put in his mouth, it’s probably safe for you to put – well, anywhere. The Sapphire Magnum cock ring is manufactured from this versatile material. However, it is slightly porous, so while you don’t have to worry about toxic chemicals, you do have to clean it well to avoid the spread of disease and bacteria growth.

ABS plastic – Most hard plastic sex toys are manufactured from this safe, non-porous plastic. If you’re not seeking a lifelike material but instead want a firm, hard toy, ABS plastic is a cost-effective, safe choice.

Silicone – This luxurious, albeit pricey, sex toy material – sometimes called medical-grade silicone – is recognized as one of the safest options. Not only is it completely non-porous and easy-to-clean, but silicone doesn’t break down, releasing harmful chemicals into your body. Beware of toys advertised as a silicone mix, which may include toxic plastics as part of the blend.

Glass – A luxurious, glamorous option, glass toys such as Doc Johnson’s Glass Pleasure Dong are safe, easy to clean (they can be boiled for sterilization) and beautiful, as well! There’s no question about what a glass toy contains, and it will last virtually forever. The downside, of course, is that glass toys don’t have options for vibration. Glass dildos, however, offer a unique feel unlike any other sex toy.

How can you tell what your toy is made of?

You know that plastic or rubbery smell when you take your sex toy out of the package for the first time? That’s bad. Those are the chemicals in the plastic already breaking down, releasing all those molecules that damage your health. But how will you know before you make your purchase?

When you shop at Vibrator.com, unless you are buying a toy labeled “medical grade silicone” or a pure glass dildo, look for the words “phthalate-free” (in soft rubber toys) or ABS plastic (in hard toys). Lots of great toys exist, and these toys are not only safe for you, they’re better for the environment, too.

A friend (read: playmate) recently confessed that any woman who entered his backdoor with a finger or toy could basically win his heart (and cock) for life. For those who’ve never experienced the thrill of a prostate massager, (I’m told) it offers unrivaled pleasure leading to uncontrollably intense orgasms.

The anus contains one of the highest concentrations of nerve endings per square inch in the body. That, combined with the ass being the portal to the highly sensitive prostate – often dubbed “the male g-spot”– makes anal stimulation some of the most intense sexual experiences a man can have.

For men unaccustomed to inserting toys (or anything else) in that region, stretching out the area with a butt plug, first, might be beneficial.
With that in mind, Vibrator.com offers our list of the top five anal toys for men – and why they rock.

As always, practice safe sex. Make sure any toy you use is clean and sterilized, do not share toys (pass them back and forth) without cleaning them first, and use plenty of lube to prevent tiny rips and tears in the anus, which could lead to infection. Stop if you experience any pain beyond slight discomfort.

Prostate Massagers/Vibrators for Men

Aneros MGX – This company manufactures a wide range of critically-acclaimed male sex toys, designed with feedback from medical professionals. The company’s best-selling MGX model is 3.6 inches of smooth, comfortable plastic, plus ridges toward the lower end of the toy. The hands-free, self-pivoting mechanism is exclusive to the Aneros line and it leaves both hands free to pleasure other areas to provoke amazingly intense dual orgasms, or to stimulate yourself and your partner. Really, with both hands free and the Aneros doing its job on the back-end, the possibilities are endless.

Dr. Joel Kaplan Prostate Massager – For men who envy their lady’s multispeed vibrators, the Prostate Massager from Dr. Joel Kaplan packs multispeed, one-handed operation into a vibe specifically shaped to stimulate the prostate. This multispeed vibrator can be used in or out of the water. The slim design makes it ideal for beginners to anal play, making it Vibrator.com’s number-one-selling prostate vibe.

The Rude-Boy – It’s rugged, masculine, and also hygienic. The Rude-Boy vibrating dual action stimulator offers hands-free operation for intense stimulation of the prostate and perineum. You won’t believe the orgasms you can have when both your hands are free and the Rude-Boy is humming merrily along. Soft, flexible medical-grade silicone also makes this toy one of the safest men’s massagers available.

Butt Plugs

NJoy Pure Plugs – For a night of anal play that is purely NJoy-able, the uniquely-shaped, weighted Pure Plugs fill your every desire. Designed with a unique curve, large head and small stem for added comfort, plus a handle for powerful control and ease of removal when playtime’s over, the Pure Plug stands out amongst hundreds of models of butt plugs. Available in three sizes (small, medium and large), this butt plug is perfect for beginners and pros alike.

Pop Plugs – Doc Johnson’s very reasonably priced Pop Plugs come in three sizes and feature a handy pull ring for easy removal. At this price, you can purchase all three sizes, so your butt plug will grow as you do. Manufactured from phthalate-free medical grade silicone, Pop Plugs are soft, silky and hygienic.

Tired of the same old Father’s Day gift suggestions? Tools, ties, and techie gadgets are fun, but isn’t it time for something a bit more… arousing?

The staff of Vibrator.com has painstakingly picked our favorite men’s sex toys, from cock rings to personal masturbators. Of course, we recommend these Father’s Day gifts for the man – or men — in your life who isn’t actually your father. That would just be weird.

1. The Fleshlight Masturbator – Vibrator.com’s most popular toy for men, hands-down,  the Fleshlight masturbator features an interchangeable masturbation sleeve in a case that looks like a large flashlight. If women can have vibrators disguised as lipstick tubes or cell phones, why can’t men have appropriately discrete toys, as well? The sleeve is manufactured from patented Real Feel Superskin for a soft, realistic sensation and the phthalate-free material is safe and hygienic. The only drawback I see is that it won’t be much help on the nightstand in the event of a blackout – on second thought, it would probably be perfect in that situation.

2. Colt Power Stroker – Can a sex toy get any more manly than the “Colt Power Stroker?” In case the name doesn’t scream “tough,” this sexy, ribbed suction shaft is also shaped like a hand grenade. Inside, though, it’s all soft, super-stretchy Futurotic, which forms a tight little anus with ribbing for added pleasure and a tight-vacuumed suction shaft to make the experience even better. Like the Fleshlight, this toy is relatively discrete – that is, if you’re the type of person who can easily explain why there’s a hand grenade on your dresser.

3. Maven Masturbator – This reasonably priced masturbation sleeve comes to you from Vibratex, makers of the legendary Rabbit Pearl and Rabbit Habit toys. With a seven inch shaft and a textured entrance for immediate and prolonged stimulation, plus rows of raised nubs inside, this fun sleeve is a great introduction to masturbators for your favorite man.

4. Beginner Cock Ring – Tantus, well-known for quality dildos, vibes and other sex toys, has introduced a stretchy silicone cock ring. Easy-to-use and not intimidating, Tantus hails their newest offering as the perfect “beginner” cock ring. Two inches in diameter and super-stretchy, the cock ring warms up quickly to body temperature for a comfortable experience. The silicone is hygienic and easy to sanitize in the dishwasher or in boiling water.

5. Lasso Cock Ring - Every man wants to think of himself as a wild animal that must be tamed, so why not get your guy a Lasso? This easy-to-use adjustable cock ring from Cal Exotics makes a low-priced gift that promises an evening of fun.

6. Dr. Joel’s Penis Pump – If you’re looking for an exciting new adventure in the bedroom, a penis pump may give your man the lift he craves. A penis pump increases the cock’s size temporarily (some say permanently) and creates a stimulating suction effect. This high-quality pump from trusted sex toy manufacturer Doc Johnson features a state-of-the-art quick release valve and an industrial grade hose. The tapered cylinder measures nine inches long with a 2 ¼-inch opening. Manufactured from ultra-clear polished acrylic with a flared base that doesn’t need a gasket for the right fit, this comfortable pump includes a pressure gauge to help maintain consistent suction pressure.

If you’re looking for a great surprise that’s sure to get your lover revved up, why not give him a video? Masturbation videos of yourself are quick, easy to make, and don’t require any coordination between two parties. When it comes to making a porno, it doesn’t get any easier than this.

All you need is a video camera, a place to prop the video camera (a tripod, dresser or table) and your own two hands. Or one. Add some colorful toys if you want to make it really hot. Make sure you record the video in a well-light room, with the lighting at your back to avoid shadows.

Slip the CD in the computer hard drive so it’s the first thing your lover views when they boot up the home computer in the morning, or tuck it into their briefcase—with a note to only view the vid with the office door closed!

Here are some tips to make sure that video makes your lover’s day.

1.    Keep it short and switch it up. Sure, masturbation is hot. And of course you’re lover’s going to want to watch this. Try different techniques, different camera angles and different positions. Whatever you do, no matter how wild and crazy you get, keep the entire video down to five minutes or less. There’s a lot less variety in any type of masturbation than there is in other sexual activity, and any more than five minutes of the same-old, same-old gets… well, old.

2.    Talk! When my husband and I recorded some masturbation videos for close friends, I was told that he enjoyed the scenery, but when I started talking, that put him over the top. Address the camera with those wide, “fuck-me” eyes and tell the viewer exactly what you would like them to do to you, right now.  Don’t forget the moans, groans, and passionate sighs, either.

3.    Use toys. Most of the guys I talked to about what they’d like to see in a masturbation vid gave me a one-word answer: TOYS! The bigger and more colorful they are, the better! Doc Johnson’s 7-inch pink jelly dong with balls offers a large base to hold and manipulate the pretty pink cock. I also can’t resist the look of the glittery, 7-inch hot pink devil dick for video fun!

4.    The climax. Ladies, don’t let any orgasm go unseen. Play it up “When Harry Met Sally”-style for the camera. Scream, wriggle, writhe… even call out his name! Whether you cum with a toy or your own two fingers, make it one to remember. Ideally, you’ve set up the camera so he can view your face, too… Look straight into the camera for a sexy solo finale.

Guys, think about where you’re going to shoot that final cum shot, and how you’re going to make it special. Straight up in the air will offer a wonderful cascade of on-camera cum without creating a mess on the lens. You may want to set up a towel on the floor before you begin for easy clean-up. Again, don’t forget to ham it up with moans and groans.

A masturbation video is a perfect first foray into “film-making.” It’s easy to release your inhibitions with no one else around and with only one person involved and not a lot of large-scale movement, there are less logistical concerns. You can even use the video as a gentle way to show your lover what you really like.

Coitus interruptus (sex interrupted) is a literary device that was often used by the Ancient Greeks. In Aristophanes’ play “Lysistrata,” when Myrrhine withholds sex from her husband Cinesias as a ploy to try and stop a war, audiences of the time laughed at her delay tactics.

When it’s happening in real life, whatever the reason, it’s anything but funny. Except in retrospect, of course… That is to say, “someday, you’ll look back and laugh.” I don’t know if “someday” has arrived yet…

The other night, performing painstaking research (I have a very hard job!) for my two-part series on how to make your own porn, everything that could have broken, did. First, we realized the camera’s memory card was loaded up—with baby pictures of all things! My husband was ready with a second card, fortunately. Of course, it took some time to get the camera connected to the tripod, and the tripod positioned in front of the couch.

Then, the camera batteries decided they’d had it. We fumbled around the house looking for two AAs (batteries, I mean… I haven’t seen Double-A cups since junior high). We found the last two fresh batteries in our storage closet. So the camera had to come off the tripod while we re-loaded, and then we had to re-attach it. Now I was getting edgy and just bordering on frustrated, knowing we still had a few minutes (at least) of shooting before we’d get to the actual act.

Then we needed more light. Hubby pulled out a heavy-duty Craftsman flashlight, but that, too, had a dead battery. He replaced it quickly, and gave me a quick kiss and a wink, imploring me silently to have patience. I set myself up on the edge of the couch. With the glaring light… well, it was anything but romantic.

With lights dimmed, we started on phase one of the video—masturbation. He handed me a vibe. A nice, blue 7-inch cock-shaped Doc Johnson with three vibrating speeds. I rubbed it against my clit then turned it on. Or tried to. That’s right. More dead batteries. We stole the batteries from our television remote control, but the vibrator still didn’t work. I’ve had this toy for many years. Let’s just say we’ve put it through the paces.

Knowing my favorite toy had just given its last buzz, my “fuck- me-now” mood vanished. I pulled my partner in close for a deep kiss. “Let’s save the video for another night and just make love,” I said, taking a completely different tact to rekindle my feelings. Sometimes getting creative just doesn’t work and you’re better off relying on the old standards!

And now I have something else to look forward to. The demise of my “go-to” vibe means I get to shop for a replacement. I know exactly what I’m going to buy. The famous Aphrodite, complete with three attachments for every mood (you can even use this toy for all-over body massages!) and (best of all) a 110-volt AC battery charger with rechargeable batteries included. I guess my mention of the Aphrodite brings us full circle to Greek literature references. It’s time to stop reading (for now, of course) and shop!

Here are a few more AC-powered or rechargeable vibes that let you get right to the fun stuff without worries.

Slimline g-spot - This slimline g-spot vibe can’t get any more convenient with one-hand push button operation and a 110/120-volt AC-powered charger.

Lelo GIGI -  If you’re looking for g-spot luxury, we love the Lelo GIGI. Rechargeable batteries offer 1.5 hours of pleasure.

Playpal - If you’re looking for a heated, rechargeable vibrating massager and you’re watching your wallet, check out the Playpal for under $30. It’s waterproof, too!

I didn’t plan to buy a vibrator last weekend.

In fact, our tour de adult shops focused on one very specific goal—finding thigh high leather boots for my best friend’s honeymoon.

Our quest took us to a three-story shop with an adult store on the lower level, and all manner of Wiccan, goth and “drug culture” memorabilia on the main retail floor. Looking for tarot cards, incense and a spiked collar? You’d find it here, along with an entire wall of leather boots.

In our mid-to-late 30s, my best friend and I were the oldest people in this store. And the only ones not clothed in black, with hair dyed in fluorescent colors. Imagine an X-rated video section tucked in the corner of Hot Topic, and you’ve got a pretty good description of this place. The phrase “Head shop with an identity crisis” also comes to mind.

When I spotted a Doc Johnson wireless remote control vibe for a little over $50, I couldn’t turn it down. But let me be clear: we were not in your usual adult video store, nor did the clientele represent the typical adult store demographic.

Every adult store has the resident overcoated perv in the corner ogling female customers, the quiet couple browsing the how-to videos, the twenty-something loner seeking something to keep him busy Saturday night, and the gaggle of bachelorette party babes giggling over the penis drink stirrers.

My first clue that something was amiss came right after I paid. The 19-year-old (at least, he looked 19) behind the counter put the toy in a paper bag, handed it to me and sent me on my way.

As anyone who’s purchased adult toys knows, they are non-refundable (quite understandably) and the clerk usually puts batteries in to make sure it works before you leave the store. I’m not thrilled with the idea of the fat, hairy middle-aged guy usually behind the counter in an adult store handling such an intimate item, but it’s better than being out $50 if the vibrator is defective. (Incidentally, Vibrator.com has a special, and very fair, return policy. You may write in to request a refund or exchange if your merchandise does not work… but back to our story! )

“Aren’t you going to make sure it works?” I asked the clerk.

His eyes gazed blankly at me. “Oh,” he said, slowly. Everything he did was slow. I’m not passing judgment or making assumptions, but I can’t help but think he frequently tested the “tobacco products” for sale in the store. “I suppose we should,” he said.

This isn’t your normal vibrator with a few AA batteries. Six watch batteries power the egg while a CR2, commonly used in digital cameras, powers the controller.

I tried to hide an expression that was half-smirk, half-grimace as I watched him putting six batteries smaller than my thumb into the small, egg-shaped contraption. I offered to help. Clearly uncomfortable handling the sex toy, he heaved a sigh and handed it to me.

I installed the batteries and pushed the button. Nothing.

A line has formed behind us, two twenty-something men with a question about a tobacco pipe and some kids buying rolling paper (for tobacco, of course.) Everything in the store is to be used only for tobacco, it is noted on signs taped to the wall.

I suspected one of the batteries might be facing the wrong way. I opened the egg and promptly dropped the batteries (all six) on the floor. I bent down to pick them up, knocking into the man behind me. My best friend giggled; I joined her.

Apparently, the spectacle of two women buying a vibrator became far more interesting than tobacco pipes, and everyone in the store gathered around to see if we could get the toy working.

After taking out and putting in the batteries three times—and checking the single battery in the remote, as well–we suggested to the clerk that the vibrator may be broken. Stumped, he called the manager.

The manager brought us a new vibrator, opened the package, started the process again.

“Does each remote work only on the egg it’s sold with?” I asked, my imagination running wild at the possibilities if one remote can control more than one vibrator.

“Of course,” the manager replied, giving me an odd look. “They’re all coded differently.” Adult novelty items are a recent addition to the shop, and I can tell he’s second-guessing the decision to carry them.

“That would be like a comedy skit if one remote controlled more than one vibrator!” my friend said, painting a verbal picture of women in a restaurant jumping and orgasming at sporadic intervals.

“It could make for an interesting evening!” I said, laughing.

A moment later, the egg I had in my hand—from the first, broken vibrator—began buzzing, as did the one in the manager’s hand. Letting out a girlish squeal, I dropped the toy and it fell just the right way to roll beneath the counter.

“I guess the remotes do work on more than one!” my friend observed.

Twenty minutes later, we managed to leave the store with a working vibrator and a modicum of dignity. Until we ran into the guys so amused by our antics. “Have fun with that!” they said as we walked out the door together.

Yes, from now on, I am definitely doing all my shopping for sex toys online.

In a sluggish economy, sex remains one of the best free activities two people can engage in. Research shows it even helps you relax and forget your worries.

And sure, sex is free, but creative, earth-shattering, experimental sex - solo or with a partner — doesn’t have to cost a lot, either. Take, for example, these 10 toys, discovered by your resident bloggers (and believe me, we made the sacrifice to do some painstaking product testing!) to be Vibrator.com’s Best Buys.

Each of these goodies, including clitoral stimulators, traditional vibrators, toys for boys and more, can be had for less than $20, but they all pack a lot of bang for the buck. For instance, did you know you can experience the dual action of a rabbit for less than the price of a night at the movies (with popcorn and Jujubes, of course) here in New York?

• $15 - Silicone Posh Massager -
  CalExotics’ silicone “posh” massager sounds expensive, but it’s really not. At just $15, this powerful clitoral massager offers push-button, dual speed control - a feature often found on more expensive vibes.
• $15 - Peanut Vibe -
  Discretion often comes with a high price tag, but not in the case of this small and powerful clitoral vibe. It gets its name because it’s the size of an unshelled peanut, but it’s also less expensive than a trip to the circus! This clitoral vibe features 7 functions of vibration and pleasure nubs. One tester called it “scary-strong,” while Desiree Sweet was left wordless and moaning.
• $16 - Velvet Touch Hugs Vibe and Kisses Vibe $16 each -
  Everybody loves hugs and kisses, another free luxury. The Velvet Touch Hugs Vibe and the Velvet Touch Kisses vibe aren’t free, but they’re close to it, at just $16 each. Both have features not normally found on such inexpensive vibrators, putting them a few steps above your “basic” models.
  The Kisses vibe is adorned with little nubby hearts that fill with powerful vibrations. The velvety Hugs vibe has a rounded head. Both feature three different vibration settings and are waterproof.
• $18 - Bunny Buddy -
  You could spend close to $100 on a rabbit vibrator. Or you can get the Bunny Buddy for only $18—and that includes batteries, too! His lucky rabbit’s foot tickles your clit while those curved ears pleasure your g-spot. If you’ve never tried a rabbit before and aren’t sure if you’ll like the experience, this is a great toy for bunny beginners. At this price, though, even seasoned rabbit users will want to add it to their collections.
• $16 - Pleasure Dot Massager -
  Handheld massagers like the Hitachi Magic Wand, the benchmark in that field, can be expensive. Now you can get all the power and the discrete shape of a pricey personal massager for just $16. The Pleasure Dot is ergonomically shaped, with a pleasure-inducing round rubber head and three different vibration speeds.
• $14 - The All-American Whopper -
  No, we’re not talking about a bargain burger loaded with fat. This realistic, flesh-colored dildo with balls is 7 inches long and made of real-skin. The suction cup base holds it in place. Tell us, what’s more American than a classic sex toy at a great price?
• $19 - Jelly Flex Clitterific Dildo -
  Are you looking for a multi-featured, realistically-shaped vibrating dildo that will also stimulate your clit? I bet you didn’t think you could find one under $20, but the colorful Jelly Flex Clitterific Dildo will fulfill all your dreams and still leave you with money left for lube.
• $7 - Screaming O Vibrating Ring -
  Have you always wanted to try a vibrating cock ring, but didn’t want to spend a ton of money? The Screaming O Vibrating Ring is perhaps the best bargain on this list at under $10. You can barely buy two cappucinos for that price, but now you can treat your lady to a fantasy-filled night of clitoral pleasure.
• $9 - Sidekick 2 -
  This masturbator from Vibratex proves quality doesn’t have to cost a lot. The manufacturers of the world’s best selling vibrators bring you this soft elastomer sleeve with inner pleasure bumps and waves for a memorable, relaxing experience every time you use it.

All that talk of kissing in my last blog got me thinking about flavored products. The right lip gloss not only makes your lips soft, smooth and succulent, but it can add a pleasant flavor to a kiss.

Likewise, Nipple Nibblers lotion not only adds a sweet, pleasant-tasting tingle to your nipples, it’s also recommended for the lips. Available in sun-ripened strawberry, this lotion from Holiday Products is a steal at only $8 for the 2 oz. container.

But let’s work our way down as we explore some of  Desiree Sweet’s favorite lubes, lotions and condoms to make oral sex even sweeter.

Sweeten’d Blow – This cleverly named pleasure gel comes in raspberry, vanilla and watermelon and has a lubricating effect for an extra smooth blow job. Vibrator.com offers plenty of different oral sex gels, but this blogger likes the unique flavors of Sweeten’d Blow and the campy container.

Boi Toyz Blow Job Drops – Just a few drops of this minty concoction on your tongue gives your partner a tingly treat. Lots of fun for the adventurous couple! Best of all, it’s available in minty combinations of spearmint, cinnamon, wintergreen and chocolate mint.

Oral Delight Couples Kit – This kit from Doc Johnson has it all: Wild cherry-flavored Good Head lotion for blow jobs, strawberry-flavored LickMe licker gel for her, plus a mini-waterproof massager and UR3 slipper tongue sleeve for the vibe. You can use this exciting foursome in any combination for a full night of oral pleasure.

Astroglide Sensual Strawberry – If you’re looking for an effective, light, water-based lube that is safe for use with condoms, you can’t beat the classic Astroglide. Add strawberry flavor and you have a true winner! This lubricant keeps you wet and slippery for hours while adding a light taste that’s not too sugary-sweet. Definitely a favorite of this blogger!

Four Seasons Flavored Condoms – Oral sex with a regular condom can leave a rubbery taste in your mouth; flavored condoms are the way to go. And because variety is the spice of life (and your sex life!) this four-pack gives you four different flavors: banana, strawberry, blueberry and chocolate.

The Collection - Flavored massage oils add a great taste and scent to foreplay. This kit from Kama Sutra offers five 1 oz. bottles of tasty massage oil in sensual flavors such as chocolate mint, cherry almond, raspberry kiss and vanilla crème.
It’s important to remember that not every flavor appeals to every person. (Although we’ve yet to find the individual who is turned off by chocolate!) Variety packs of condoms, flavored massage oils and drops help ensure that you are adding a pleasing taste for your partner. Before you apply a particular flavor, make sure to ask! You don’t want to be sent off to the showers with the line: “No, really, it’s not you! It’s the cherry lube!”

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