DIY Sex Toys: Unexpected Household Items to Bring Into the Bedroom

Looking for more variety and experimentation in your sex life? Whether you’re with a partner or going solo, sex toys can add that extra oomph factor. But a lot of sex toys are expensive, and you might feel like DIY-ing it, especially if you’re unsure what you want or like. The good news is, you can always grab something around the house that’s free and readily available—you just need to keep safety in mind while getting creative. So, if you’ve ever eyed a nice-looking cucumber and wondered, hey, maybe—know that it’s not such an “out there” idea. But, there are some ground rules. So, what should you consider before using a DIY sex toy in the bedroom?

We spoke with certified sex therapist Holly Wood, LMFT about homemade sex toys. She has some genius ideas you likely never considered—but first, remember that safety and hygiene are more important than anything else.

Are homemade sex toys safe?

DIY sex toys can be perfectly safe, provided that you follow a few basic guidelines. “Make sure that the homemade sex toy is clean, sterile, and made from a material that can be sanitized easily, like plastic or stainless steel,” Wood says. Try not to use porous items like untreated wood or anything that’s going to hold onto bacteria. And no matter what, putting a condom over the toy of choice is always a good idea to protect your more sensitive areas.

Also, remember that size does matter when it comes to homemade sex toys. Wood cautions against anything small that could get lost inside the anus or vagina. “You want to be able to hold on to the end of the object," she says. "If anything is going to be used in the anus, you want to make sure that it has a flared base because the anus works like a suction, so it’s easy to get something stuck up in there and you really want to avoid that.” We want to have fun, not go to the ER, okay?

Is it okay to use a vegetable as a sex toy?

The short answer: with caveats. A carrot or zucchini that is sturdy and firm but also smooth will allow for easier vaginal penetration, Wood says, but be sure to put a condom over any vegetable you use vaginally. “Some vegetables, like a cucumber, can easily break in half depending on how vigorous your play is, and you don’t want it to break off inside of you. So, if you have a condom around it, you can get everything out.” This will also help you avoid a bacterial infection, she adds.

The best homemade sex toys

There are quite a few ordinary items around the house that can be used as toys, including the following popular choices, according to Wood:

Hairbrush: The handle of a hairbrush can double as a dildo—just use a condom and make sure the brush has smooth edges. Bonus: the back side of the brush can also double as a paddle for some impact play!

Clothespins: If you like a dash of pain with your pleasure, ordinary clothespins can be used as nipple clamps, or to pinch other sensitive areas. Just be sure to place them gently to test the pain level and get your partner’s consent.

Electric toothbrush: Put the toothbrush on vibrate, grab a condom, and use the handle on or near the clitoris. Voila, it’s an instant vibrator! Obviously, you’ll want to clean and sanitize it after use.

Showerhead: The shower is a great place for some “me time.” If you don’t already have a handheld showerhead, it’s straightforward to install with a flexible hose. A handheld allows you to control the position of the showerhead, and then you can experiment with different settings. Test your water pressure on a less sensitive area of the body first, so you know what you’re getting into.

Massage wands: Be aware of the mechanism’s intensity when it comes to massage wands. Some of these wands really pack a punch, so start cautiously, Dr. Wood advises. “If you have a Theragun, start at level one and maybe in an area that’s not directly on the genitals so you can test the intensity.” she says. You can also start outside of your clothes so that you’re not getting direct stimulation on your genitals.

Homemade toys for bondage and temperature play

Wanna raid your closet? For kinkier sex with your partner, you can make bondage toys out of a simple necktie or belt. After getting consent and discussing your guidelines, these items can be used to tie up your partner for some hot beginner-level BDSM. And a T-shirt or sleep mask can be used as a blindfold to dim the sense of sight and rev up the other senses.

Household items can also be used in temperature play, the use of hot and cold for pleasure in sexual activities. Ice is a cheap and safe option, but start slow since everyone has different temperature thresholds. You can also put a bought or homemade sex toy in the freezer, Wood says. But again, be sure to check on partner's comfort level first, and see how it feels against a different part of their body before using it on their genitals. The same goes for hot wax; in this case, a regular household candle is not a good DIY option. It’s better to use a body-safe candle intended for wax play, or you and your partner could burn yourselves.

The bottom line: Safety, cleanliness, and hygiene are more important than anything, but also, tons of classic household items have something sexy to offer. Just don't forget your condoms!