Once again, my lovely pals at Lovehoney have sent me their advent calendar for couples, this year created in partnership with Womanizer. And once again, I’m going to be opening a door a day and telling you about the products inside.

This kit, as the name implies, is aimed at “couples”, which assumes one penis-owner and one vulva-owner. There are several other adult advent calendars for couples in the range including 12 day toy calendars for different types of bodies and a 7 day lingerie calendar.

I’m going to try a slightly different format this year as I review this kit: giving you some basic product info, some pros and cons, and a quick final verdict on each product.

Day 1: Bullet Vibrator

Product Info

• Material: ABS plastic
• Colour: Shiny gold with a black Lovehoney heart insignia.
• Body safe? Yes – ABS is non-porous and non-toxic.
• Power: Rechargeable, cable included.
• Speeds/patterns: 3 constant speeds, 7 patterns
• Waterproof: Yes, submersible.
• Size: 3″ in length, 0.8″ in diameter.
• Lube compatible: Yes, all kinds.
• Cleaning: Gentle soap and warm water or a 10% bleach solution.

Pros

• Surprisingly powerful for its small size
• Small enough to slide between bodies during penetrative sex other activities
• Versatile and suitable for a wide range of body parts

Cons

• A little more buzzy than I would like
• Only one button, making it a little annoying to select the pattern you want

Verdict

A decent, basic bullet vibrator. Unlikely to satisfy serious power fans or those who really need rumbles, but otherwise perfectly serviceable and does what it says on the tin.

Day 2: Ribbed Penis Stroker

Product Info

• Material: TPE, I think
• Colour: Translucent white
• Body safe? Kinda. TPE isn’t toxic but it is porous and will harbour bacteria
• Waterproof: Yes, submersible
• Size: 4″ in length, very stretchy
• Lube compatible: Yes, water-based only
• Cleaning: Gentle soap and warm water. Please note that TPE can be washed but cannot be sterilised

Pros

• Small pocket in the side, allowing you to insert yesterday’s bullet vibrator (or any bullet vibe of your choice)
• Soft, squishy feeling material
• Very stretchy, making it suitable for the vast majority of dick sizes
• Nice internal texturing

Cons

• Material cannot be fully sterilised due to its porous nature
• Material is already starting to tear around the holes
• Likely only good for a few uses

Verdict

An okay stroker for a few uses, or for a beginner to find out if this is a sensation they enjoy. It won’t last long, though, so if you enjoy using it I recommend upgrading to a silicone stroker ASAP.

Day 3: Wrist Restraints

Product Info

• Material: Polypropylene with plastic hardwear
• Colour: Black with gold clips
• Body safe? Yes
• Waterproof: No
• Size: Each cuff is 14″ in total length
• Cleaning: Wipe clean if necessary

Pros

• Highly adjustable to fit the vast majority of people
• Velcro fastenings are quick to undo, making them safe and beginner-friendly
• Can be clipped together using the attached gold clips

Cons

• Material isn’t particularly soft so not very comfortable for long-term wear
• Not very strong so only suitable for light bondage activities

Verdict

These are a very basic set of cuffs. They’re serviceable for complete beginners and very light bondage, and may help you to discover whether being restrained or restraining your partner is something you enjoy. If you do, though, consider upgrading to a set of proper bondage cuffs if you can.

Day 4: Mint Orgasm Balm

This product, very similar to Lovehoney’s Bliss Orgasm Balm (a surprising winner and a fave I return to again and again) is designed to be applied to external erogenous zones such as the clit and nipples. The menthol provides a cooling, tingling sensation that brings additional bloodflow to the area and increases sensitivity.

Product Info

• Packaging: A small gold tin with black detailing
• Body-safe? Yes, as long as you’re not allergic/sensitive to any of the ingredients
• Vegan? Unfortunately not, as it contains beeswax
• Safe for use in water: Yes
• Clean-up: You’ll need to use plenty of soap and warm water as this is an oil-based product

Pros

• Really does enhance pleasure – the extra sensitivity is glorious
• Great for an all-day tease or kinky edging/orgasm control games.
• A little goes a long way

Cons

• Oily consistency makes clean-up a little annoying
• Strong minty scent can linger even after washing

Verdict

Having tried variations on this product previously (including in last year’s calendar), I’m not at all surprised to say that today’s item is a hit. I really love this stuff.

Day 5: G-Spot Dildo

Product Info

• Material: Silicone
• Colour: Purple
• Body safe? Yes, silicone is phthalate-free and non-porous
• Waterproof: Yes
• Size: 5″ insertable length, 1.59″ diameter at widest point
• Lube-compatible: Yes, water-based only
• Cleaning: A body-safe sterile wipe, antibacterial soap and water, a 10% bleach solution, boiling, or dishwasher

Pros

• Lovely curve, ideal for targeting the G-spot
• Soft silicone with a firm head
• Has a slot in the base to insert the bullet vibe from day 1 (or any bullet vibrator)
• Flared base for anal safety

Cons

• Bullet can get kinda stuck if you accidentally wedge it in too far
• Base isn’t quite wide enough to use with a harness

Verdict

This is a lovely little dildo. Body-safe, a non-threatening size (suitable for the less experienced toy users this calendar is really aimed at), and suitable for use with or without a vibrator. If I was going to make one change, I’d make the base a little wider to make it harness-compatible for strap-on sex.

Day 6: Thick Cock Ring

Product Info

• Material: Silicone
• Colour: Black
• Body safe? Yes, silicone is phthalate-free and non-porous
• Waterproof: Yes
• Size: 1.5″ basic diameter but very stretchy
• Lube-compatible: Yes – water-based is best
• Cleaning: A body-safe sterile wipe, antibacterial soap and water, a 10% bleach solution, boiling, or dishwasher

Pros

• Soft, body-safe silicone
• Thick cock ring design makes it comfortable to wear
• Super stretchy to accommodate the vast majority of penis sizes
• Comes with a useful (multilingual) safety guide

Cons

• None – this is a great basic toy.

Verdict

An excellent basic cock ring. No criticisms here; it’s body-safe, will fit the vast majority of users, and should last for years if you look after it.

Day 7: Blindfold

Product Info

• Material: Polyester
• Colour: Black with gold detailing
• Waterproof: No
• Size: 7″ across, 2.5″ top to bottom
• Cleaning: Not washable – wipe clean only

Pros

• Plushy padding makes it comfortable to wear
• Stretchy elastic to fit most users
• Super pretty gold-on-black “night sky” design
• Doubles nicely as a cute sleep mask

Cons

• Cheap fabric that starts to pull at the edges after a couple uses
• Not quite big enough to completely block vision

Verdict

This is okay as a very basic blindfold. If you’re brand new to this sort of play or just wanting something you can pop over your/your partner’s eyes for a kinky twist without aiming for complete sensory deprivation, it’s fine. But it could do with being slightly bigger (to better block the light). Though the design is pretty, the cheap fabric and inability to wash it means it’s unlikely to last particularly long.

Day 8: Sandalwood Scented Candle

Product Info

A small (40g) sandalwood-scented candle in a little gold and black tin.

Pros

• Lovely, earthy sandalwood scent – ideal for setting the mood for a romantic night in

Cons

• Not suitable for wax play
• May be unsuitable for those with fragrance sensitivities as the scent is quite strong when lit

Verdict

It’s a nice extra if you’re someone who likes to light candles during sex (or just enjoys using scented candles to make your space smell nice.

Unlike last year’s candle, I don’t feel at all confident suggesting that this one is suitable for wax play. Its melting point is not clear and the addition of scents can sometimes make candles burn much hotter so, since it is not specifically stated as a wax play-safe candle, I wouldn’t take the risk. Choose a wax play candle or massage candle if you want to apply the wax to your skin.

Day 9: Crystal Butt Plug

Product Info

• Material: Aluminium and acrylic
• Colour: Gold with a purple jewel
• Body safe? Yes, aluminium is a body-safe metal for sex toys as long as you are not allergic/sensitive to this metal
• Waterproof: Yes
• Size: 3″ total length, 2.5″ insertable length, 1.1″ diameter at widest point
• Lube-compatible: Yes, any kind of lube
• Cleaning: A body-safe sterile wipe, antibacterial soap and water, or a 10% bleach solution. Do not boil or put in the dishwasher as this may cause the glue holding the gem in place to melt

Pros

• Super pretty and with a purple gem – my favourite colour!
• Small, non-threatening size makes it friendly for beginners
• Rigid material means you get a lot of sensation from a small toy
• Can be warmed up or cooled down for versatile, temperature-based play

Cons

• Rigid base can dig in after a while, making it uncomfortable (and unlikely to be suitable for all-day wear)
• There was already a little damage on the gem when I unboxed it, cheapening the overall look

Verdict

A cute, beginner-friendly crystal butt plug ideal for anyone curious about using metal toys for the first time. Its body-safe material and flared base mean you can enjoy it with confidence. Pro tip: if anal play feels really intense, coupling it with stimulation of your clitoris or penis can massively enhance the pleasure.

Day 10: Mini Wand Vibrator

Product Info

• Material: ABS plastic body, silicone head
• Colour: Black with a gold Lovehoney heart insignia
• Body safe? Yes, silicone is fully non-porous and non-toxic
• Waterproof: It doesn’t specify, so I assume not
• Speeds/patterns: 3 speeds, 8 patterns
• Size: 5″ total length, head 1.3″ diameter at widest point
• Lube-compatible: Yes, any kind of lube
• Cleaning: Clean the head using a body-safe sterile wipe or an antibacterial toy cleaning spray – don’t get the whole thing wet

Pros

• Very light and highly portable
• Flexible neck for easy positioning
• Ideal for penises, nipples, and other erogenous zones as well as clits

Cons

• Vibrations are only middling strength and quite buzzy
• Unlike Day 1’s bullet vibrator, this one does not come pre-charged so you’ll need to charge it up before you play
• Only 1 button, making it a little annoying to find the speed/pattern you want if you like to change between them

Verdict

This is a mediocre vibe. The vibration strength isn’t terrible but it’s not great either, and the overall effect is far more “buzz” than “rumble.” As a warmup toy or one for those who prefer weaker vibrations, it’s fine (the body-safe materials and flexible neck give it some points) but as a more experienced toy user I got very little out of it and I’m unlikely to use it again.

Day 11: Nipple Clamps

Product Info

• Material: Plastic with silicone tips
• Colour: Gold with purple tips
• Body safe? Yes
• Waterproof: Yes
• Size: 3″ in length
• Cleaning: Wipe clean if necessary

Pros

• Really cute gold-and-purple design with festive star decals
• Comfortable to wear and not too pinchy
• Adjustable via a simple slider mechanism

Cons

• Not likely to fit anyone with large nipples
• Adjustment slider scratches the gold plating off the clamps
• They don’t stay on very well and pop off at the slightest tug

Verdict

These nipple clamps are really pretty and cute, but I don’t think they’re very high quality. The slider scratching off the plating means they won’t retain their appearance for very long and they don’t stay on for very long. They’ll be fine for a few wears if you just want them to look pretty, but don’t expect much more than that from them.

Day 12: Vanilla Massage Oil

Product Info

A small (30ml) bottle of vanilla-scented massage oil. It contains the same 4 ingredients as in last year’s calendar, which I discussed in detail in that review.

Pros

• Distinctive and pleasant vanilla smell
• Nice sensory properties – glides on smoothly and doesn’t leave skin feeling greasy

Cons

• Dries out quickly so needs reapplying often
• May be unsuitable for those with fragrance allergies/sensitivities

Verdict

This is a perfectly nice massage oil with a distinctive (but not overpowering) scent. It’s pleasant to use and left my skin feeling soft and healthy. Massage can be a fun precursor to sex or a lovely activity in its own right. If you enjoy using it, you can grab a bottle of Lovehoney’s Oh! Vanilla Massage Oil for £5.99 when this one runs out.

Day 13: Tickler

Product Info

A purple feathery tickler (made from polyester and nylon) on a black velcro ring, designed for running over your or your partner’s body.

Pros

• Feels nice and soft
• Works well with other items from the kit, such as the blindfold and cuffs, to create a fun sensation play scene
• Adjustable loop means you can wear it on your fingers like a ring or just hold it in your hand

Cons

• No easy way to get it clean – if you get bodily fluids on it, consider it bonded to that person

Verdict

A nice little addition to the kit. Sensation play can be a great way into exploring BDSM and kink, or enjoying intense sensation if pain isn’t your thing. Remember that it can still be intense, and tickling in particular can be edge play or even a hard limit for some people. As with anything else, ALWAYS check in with your partner and get consent.

Day 14: Textured Stroker

Product Info

• Material: TPE
• Colour: Translucent white
• Body safe? Sort of. TPE isn’t toxic, but it is porous and will harbour bacteria.
• Waterproof: Yes, submersible
• Size: 6″ long and 4″ wide when flat
• Lube compatible: Yes, water-based is recommended
• Cleaning: Gentle soap and warm water. Please note that TPE can be washed but cannot be sterilised.

Pros

• Nice ribbed and dotted texturing
• Flat wrap-around design makes it suitable for all penis sizes

Cons

• Weird powdery texture that makes my sensory issues unhappy
• Material cannot be properly sterilised due to its porous nature
• May only last a few uses

Verdict

This is an interesting design; I like that it’s flat and wrap-around rather than the usual tube shape, and the texturing is excellent. Due to it being made of porous TPE, which will start to break down after a while, it’s probably only going to last a short time. Grab a silicone stroker if you enjoy this sensation and want a longer-lasting toy!

Day 15: Ankle Cuffs

Product Info

• Material: Polypropylene with plastic hardwear
• Colour: Black with gold clips
• Body safe? Yes
• Waterproof: No
• Size: Each cuff is 14″ in total length
• Cleaning: Wipe clean if necessary

Pros

• Go with the wrist restraints from Day 3 to make a full 4-way restraint set
• Highly adjustable to fit the vast majority of people
• Velcro fastenings are quick to undo, making them safe and beginner-friendly
• Can be clipped together using the attached gold clips

Cons

• The wrist and ankle restraints should really have been ONE day in the calendar, not 2 separate ones
• Material isn’t particularly soft so not very comfortable for long-term wear
• Not very strong so only suitable for light bondage activities

Verdict

Like the matching wrist restraints, these are a very basic set of ankle cuffs. They’re a fine introduction to bondage for complete beginners and will work fine if light restraint is all you want to do. If you’re interested in exploring restraint in a more intense way, though, consider upgrading to a set of proper bondage cuffs if you can.

Day 16: Body Massager

Product Info

A purple (with gold glitter) plastic body massager shaped like a five-pointed star. It measures 6″ in total length and each point is approximately 2″ in length.

Pros

• Very light
• Ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold
• A great way to give massages without tiring your hands or wrists (particularly good for those who experience pain in those areas)
• Versatile: use all five points at once, or one at a time for a more focused sensation
• Feels AMAZING. I keep reaching for mine to get the knots out of my back after spending too long working on my computer
• Sparkles!

Cons

• None – I actually really love this one.

Verdict

If you like the kind of deep tissue massage that sort of hurts a little bit but also feels really good, you’re going to love this one. Massage can be a great way in to sex, or a wonderful and sensual activity by itself. Combine this with the massage oil from day 12 if you like!

Day 17: Anal Beads

Product Info

• Material: Silicone
• Colour: Black
• Body safe? Yes, silicone is non-porous and non-toxic, making it fully body-safe
• Waterproof: Yes
• Size: 6″ total length, insertable length 5″, widest bead 1.2″ in diameter
• Lube-compatible: Yes, water-based only
• Cleaning: A body-safe sterile wipe, antibacterial soap and water, a 10% bleach solution, boiling, or dishwasher

Pros

• Can be used with the bullet vibe from day 1
• Super soft silicone
• Flexible for comfortable insertion and wear

Cons

• Quite long – may feel intimidating to beginners

Verdict

A lovely set of anal beads. They score top marks for body-safe materials, flexible shaft with firm beads, and the ability to turn them into a vibrating toy by adding the bullet vibe from this kit (or any other bullet in your collection.)

Day 18: Finger Vibe Sleeve

Product Info

• Material: Silicone
• Colour: Purple
• Body safe? Yes, silicone is both non-porous and non-toxic, making it an ideal safe sex toy material
• Waterproof: Yes
• Size: Just over 2″ total length
• Lube-compatible: Yes, water-based only
• Cleaning: A body-safe sterile wipe, antibacterial soap and water, a 10% bleach solution, boiling, or dishwasher

Pros

• Pairs with the bullet vibe from day 1
• Super soft silicone
• Fun way to bring something new to hand sex (either solo or partnered)

Cons

• Silicone dampens the vibrations somewhat
• Smallish finger loop may mean it won’t fit those with larger hands/fingers
• Couldn’t feel the texturing in use

Verdict

Finger vibes can be a fun add-on to hand sex, particularly clitoral play. I like the basic design of this finger vibe, but it’s let down by the lacklustre texturing. It needs to be much more pronounced to have any effect for any but the most sensitive of clits. But if you find the bullet vibe too intense by itself or prefer the softer feeling of silicone over hard plastic, this is a nice addition to the kit.

Day 19: Sex Dice

Product Info

A pair of dice, one listing acts (such as “kiss”, “nibble”, etc.) and one listing body parts. The idea is that you roll them together and then do the act stipulated.

Pros

• Can be a fun way to explore different sensations
• Sex is best when there’s laughter, and this guarantees plenty of that
• Not gendered

Cons

• Occasionally baffling combinations (no, I do not want you to suck my back, thanks!)

Verdict

I don’t have anything against the concept of sex dice, but I think they’re just not really for me. I prefer sex to be fluid rather than gamified and I’d rather just communicate and do what feels good in the moment. So while I think these would probably be great for some people (I’ve particularly found that sex games like this can be a fun icebreaker in group sex scenarios), I don’t think I’m one of those people.

Day 20: Spanking Paddle

Product Info

A mini spanking paddle decorated with a pretty black and gold design in silky fabric on one side, and plain black faux leather on the other side. The paddle measures 9″ in total length.

Pros

• A fairly non-scary beginner paddle that delivers a gentle sting rather than anything more painful
• Pretty aesthetic
• Slightly different sensations from each side
• Loop handle makes it easy to hold and store

Cons

• Loud noise can be problematic if you have family or roommates at home
• Not particlarly robust

Verdict

This is a nice enough beginner spanking paddle. It’s gentle enough to be suitable for complete BDSM novices, though unlikely to do much for fans of more intense pain play. It might not last very long if you’re doing anything more than very gentle play with it, but it’s fine for figuring out if spanking and impact play are things you enjoy.

Day 21: Sexy Snap Position Cards

Product Info

A set of cards featuring various sex positions, plus instructions for two different games to play with them.

Pros

• Quite inclusive; many of the positions will work for either vaginal or anal sex with their a bio cock or a strap-on.
• Fun, playful and non-threatening way to try out new positions.
• Reminds me of this scene from The Bold Type where Jane, Kat and Sutton test out one of Sage’s sex positions to “verify it’s physically possible.” I’m always happy to be reminded of my favourite show

Cons

• Some of them require ridiculous core strength, upper body strength, or just indestructible furniture to pull off

Verdict

To be honest, my approach to penetrative sex has typically been “find two or three positions that work and just rotate them depending on mood and energy levels.” I imagine this is fairly normal, especially in long-term sexual relationships. If you’d like to try something new, this game will give you some inspiration. Just don’t be put off by the fact that some of these positions are not going to be physically possible for everyone.

Day 22: Under-Mattress Restraints

Product Info

A set of 4-way restraint straps which fit under your mattress and feature loops at each corner to attach cuffs and restrain your partner by all 4 limbs.

Pros

• Suitable for almost all bed sizes as they are highly adjustable
• Easy to tuck out of sight if necessary
• Pair them with the cuffs from Day 3 and Day 15 or with any other set of cuffs you own.
• Quick, safe, and non-threatening introduction to bondage

Cons

• None – this is a really nice inclusion.

Verdict

I’ve been after a set of these for ages but always assumed they wouldn’t fit my giant bed. Happily, I was wrong! These are strong, easy to set up, and safe to use as long as you observe some basic safety protocol (e.g. never leaving a bound person alone and always playing with a safeword.) These might be among my favourite items in the whole kit!

Day 23: Couple’s Cock Ring

Product Info

• Material: Silicone
• Colour: Purple
• Body safe? Yes, silicone is both non-porous and non-toxic, making it a completely body-safe sex toy material
• Waterproof: Yes
• Size: 3″ total length, with a 1″ “tongue” for clitoral stimulation
• Lube-compatible: Yes, water-based only
• Cleaning: A body-safe sterile wipe, antibacterial soap and water, a 10% bleach solution, boiling, or dishwasher

Pros

• Pairs with the bullet vibe from day 1 (or any other bullet in your collection)
• Soft silicone
• Stretchy to fit most penis sizes
• Nice texturing on the clitoral stimulator

Cons

• Vibrations feel very weak once transmitted through the silicone
• Clitoral stimulator is too flimsy to really be satisfying

Verdict

I have long come to the conclusion that vibrating cock rings are better in theory than in practice, at least for me. This one seems well designed on the surface, and I do like that it’s designed to fit a wide range of bodies and that the clitoral stimulator portion is textured. Unfortunately, in practice, it’s too flimsy and flexible to provide any kind of pressure or sustained stimulation.

Day 24: Womanizer Liberty

Product Info

• Material: ABS plastic body with silicone nozzle
• Colour: Purple with white nozzle and buttons
• Body safe? Yes, ABS plastic and silicone are both body-safe and non-porous
• Waterproof: Yes., submersible
• Size: 4″ total length
• Speeds/patterns: 6 speeds
• Lube-compatible: Yes, water-based lube is best with silicone toys
• Cleaning: Remove the nozzle and clean with a body-safe sterile wipe, antibacterial soap and water, a 10% bleach solution, by boiling, or in the dishwasher. Wipe the body clean if necessary.

Pros

• Comes with a little case, making it discreet and travel-friendly
• Suitable for use in the bath or shower
• Light and comfortable to hold
• Easy to clean due to the removable nozzle
• Feels AMAZING

Cons

• A little loud at the top speeds

Verdict

I had a feeling the Womanizer Liberty might turn out to be the crowning glory of the set and I was right. Once again, Womanizer – the original purveyors of suction-based clitoral stimulators – have knocked it out of the park. This amazing little stimulator is easy to hold and use, powerful, and feels incredible. On top of all that, it’s travel-friendly and waterproof. Top marks.

See you next year!

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me the 2022 Advent Calendar for Couples, which retails for £130 and contains £374.99 worth of products, to review. All views are mine. Affiliate links appear in this post and shopping through them helps to keep the site going!