Oh, I’ve been there. Looking at shelves of fun toys. Like a kid in a candy store, I compare them, seeing what each one promises it can do, looking for that perfect one. The one that makes one that makes my face heat up and feel flushed thinking of all the fun we’ll have together. Then I see the price…
…and it’s not that perfect anymore.
I’ve learned a few things, though, since my early shopping days. I would go through, on average, a new vibrator every 6 months to a year. Here’s the thing: the cheap materials sometimes caused irritation, or the motor would end up numbing an area from the sharp vibrations (REALLY defeating the purpose), but most often the problem would just be that the motor died on me. I’ve tried countless brands; bought at stores, shopped online, hit up toy parties; experimented with different styles or different vibration pattern combos. The two things they all had in common was that they would be under $60 and they would NEVER outlive the year.
Finally my partner urged me to splurge on myself. The difference was night and day! A well-made vibrator, although pricier up front, is really worth the investment. They last so much longer, and if taken care of properly, the cost over time is actually much lower. And the benefits add up:
- First of all, higher-end vibrator brands (LELO, Jimmyjane, Je Joue, We-Vibe, Fun Factory) are made with easy-to-clean, body-safe materials that are free from phthalates and BPA (which mimic estrogen and wreak havoc on your body).
- They are rechargeable! No more stealing batteries out of your kids’ toys in a pinch. (Total mood killer!)
- For the most part, they are easy to use, quieter, and have a lot of optional features and settings. Some are even Bluetooth-compatible or use apps to control them from literally anywhere, opening the door to all new types of fun, whether flying solo or with a partner!
- A lot of these vibrators have manufacturer’s warranties averaging 2 years. Some have extended warranties up to 10 years. What that means for you is that if your well-loved toy stops working within that time they will replace it or give you credit towards a new one.
If $100+ is still more than you can comfortably spend, there are a few companies that have budget-friendly versions. Same materials and motor, but usually cheaper because they’re not using rechargeable batteries. This does make them louder, if that’s a factor for you. In this range, there’s the PicoBong brand by Lelo (about $49-79 here at Lotus Blooms) and the Lovelife brand by OhMiBod (averages about $65 with us).
By far, the motor makes the biggest difference. Well-made motors have a smoother, deeper, fuller vibration for better satisfaction. Despite prolonged use, none of my parts went numb from direct vibration! I was able to relax and enjoy myself. It also became more fun to include my partner in toy play – no longer a means to an end, but a toy that enhanced our shared experience. What finally sold me was realizing I’ve relied on the same toy, still keeping strong, for 4 years! A $160 investment saved me more than $200 and a lot of disappointment over time.
So from frugal shopper I say: Yes, it is worth investing in a well made vibrator!
On my current wish list:
