adult advent calendar Archives - Page 2 of 8

Lovehoney Advent Calendar 2024 Day #14: Menthol Pleasure Balm

Published on October 22, 2024October 21, 2024 by Amy

If you’re just joining me now, I am midway through my semi-annual quest to review every item in one of Lovehoney’s adult advent calendars. Specifically the Lovehoney x Womanizer 24 Day Couples’ Advent Calendar, which retails for £149 at Lovehoney UK and $199 at Lovehoney US and contains £457/$530 worth of products.

Ready for Day 14?

Lovehoney Advent Calendar 2024 Day #14: Menthol Pleasure Balm

Today’s item is a 7g tin of Lovehoney’s menthol pleasure balm. This item isn’t sold separately in this form but it’s pretty similar to the Bliss Orgasm Balm, which I love and use regularly.

Product Info

In a nutshell, pleasure balm or orgasm balm is designed to be applied to the external genitals, especially the clitoris. The ingredients provide a tingling sensation and may encourage blood flow, promoting greater sensitivity.

The Menthol Pleasure Balm contains a pretty long list of ingredients, but most of them give me no cause for concern. It does contain propylparaben, and some people like to avoid parabens entirely for understandable reasons. However, according to a report by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, “the SCCS has concluded that propylparaben is safe when used as a preservative in cosmetic products up to a maximum concentration of 0.14%.” I’m not a scientist, of course, but I would conclude from this data that the tiny amount in this product is unlikely to do you any harm.

Lovehoney menthol pleasure balm ingredients list

Unfortunately this balm contains beeswax, so it is not vegan.

Pros

7g doesn’t sound like a very big tin, but you really don’t need a lot to get the effects so you’ll get a good few uses out of this
Genuinely works! I have had several tins of this stuff over the years and I love it. It really does enhance sensitivity (it’s not a magic orgasm spell, though, so keep your expectations realistic!)
Some of the plant-based oils and other ingredients may have beneficial properties for skin

Cons

Not vegan due to beeswax
Oily consistency can make clean-up a bit annoying
Strong minty scent may be unpleasant to some people

Verdict

I still really like this stuff, though I think personally I’ll be sticking to the vegan, paraben-free version.

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me the 24 day Lovehoney x Womanizer Sex Toy Advent Calendar to review. All views are mine (with occasional input from Mr C&K!) Affiliate links appear in this post.

Lovehoney Advent Calendar 2024 Day 13: G-spot and p-spot massager

Lovehoney Advent Calendar 2024 Day #13: G-Spot/P-Spot Massager

Published on October 21, 2024October 23, 2024 by Amy

With the half way point done, we’re into the second half of my review series of the Lovehoney x Womanizer 24 Day Couples’ Advent Calendar. Retailing for £149 at Lovehoney UK and $199 at Lovehoney US, this set contains £457/$530 worth of products.

Let’s get going with Day 13.

Lovehoney Advent Calendar 2024 Day #13: G-Spot/P-Spot Massager

Today’s product is a G-Spot/P-Spot Massager. In other words, a penetrative toy that can be used to stimulate either the G-spot or the prostate. It has an optional slot to insert a bullet vibrator such as the one from Day 1.

Product Info

Lovehoney black silicone P-spot massager

Material: Silicone
Colour: Black
Body safe? Yes
Waterproof: Yes (though if you’re using a vibrator with it, make sure that’s waterproof too!)
Size: 4″ insertable length, 1.4″ diameter at widest point
Speeds/patterns: N/A
Lube-compatible: Water-based lube is best
Cleaning: A body-safe sterile wipe, boiling, or gentle antibacterial soap and water
RRP if bought as a single item: N/A – not available

Pros

Suitable and safe for both vaginal and anal use
Can be used with or without a vibrator
Very flexible, which can help with insertion and comfortable positioning
Bulbed head for precision stimulation of the G-spot or prostate
Narrow neck allows it to sit comfortably once inserted
Beginner-friendly size

Cons

None that I can see!

Verdict

This is a lovely item and a great inclusion in the kit. It’s good to see items that are suitable for people regardless of their body or genital type, the shape and curve are excellent, and the size isn’t too intimidating for those who are new to anal play.

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me the 24 day Lovehoney x Womanizer Sex Toy Advent Calendar to review. All views are mine (with occasional input from Mr C&K!) Affiliate links appear in this post.

Lovehoney Advent Calendar 2024 Day 13: Snap sex position card game

Lovehoney Advent Calendar 2024 Day #12: Snap Sex Position Card Game

Published on October 20, 2024October 21, 2024 by Amy

Here we are at the half-way point! As is now a mostly-annual tradition, I am unboxing one of Lovehoney’s sexy advent calendars and reviewing it day by day! The 2024 24-day adult advent calendar from Lovehoney and Womanizer retails for £149 at Lovehoney UK and $199 at Lovehoney US, and contains £457/$530 worth of products.

As I said, today is the half way point. That means it’s Day 12.

Lovehoney Advent Calendar 2024 Day #12: Snap Sex Position Card Game

Today it’s literally the card game “Snap” but as a sex position card game. Is the idea that you play the game and then when you get a “snap”, you have to have sex in that position? Because YKINMKBYKIOK and all, but that doesn’t sound sexy to me.

Also, they should really rename this as “Sex Position Card Game For Very Athletic Straight People.” Because seriously, look at them. They all assume, to a greater or lesser extent, a cisgender man and woman having penetrative vaginal sex. Some of them are fine, if fairly generic. Some are potentially doable, if you’re very fit, like “The Wheelbarrow”:

Snap Sex Position Card Game sample cards from Lovehoney Advent Calendar 2024

Others are… well, this:

Snap Sex Position Card Game "Hold On Tight" sex position

Stop it, Lovehoney. You’re being silly now.

Pros

Potentially a fun, goofy and low-pressure way into exploring new positions, I guess?
Calls to mind this scene from The Bold Type in which our three bestie protagonists test out a new sex position for Scarlet Magazine.
Some of these, at least, could potentially work for strap-on sex or anal sex (at least if you made some minor adjustments) as well as vaginal sex.

Cons

A lot of these are just fairly standard positions that most people who have penetrative sex likely already have in their repertoire.
The others are, as we have identified above, anything from “improbable if you’re not an athlete” to “physically im-fucking-possible.”
Extremely cishetero and gendered

Verdict

You might get a little inspiration from this, or at the very least you’ll have a laugh trying out some of the more challenging positions. Overall, though, I don’t know why we’re still pretending that contorting yourself into all kinds of weird shapes is superior to or hotter than good old missionary, doggy style, or over-the-edge-of-the-bed fucking.

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me the 24 day Lovehoney x Womanizer Sex Toy Advent Calendar to review. All views are mine (with occasional input from Mr C&K!) Affiliate links appear in this post.

Lovehoney Advent Calendar 2024 Day #11: Spanking Paddle

Published on October 19, 2024October 12, 2024 by Amy

We’re almost half way through this annual-ish tradition of unboxing and reviewing oner of Lovehoney’s sexy advent calendars! Lovehoney and Womanizer’s 2024 24-day adult advent calendar retails for £149 at Lovehoney UK and $199 at Lovehoney US, and contains £457/$530 worth of products.

These calendars will likely be sold out long before December, so get on it now if you want to buy one.

Let’s get into Day 11.

Lovehoney Advent Calendar 2024 Day #11: Spanking Paddle

Today’s item is a mini spanking paddle with a pretty black and rose gold design matching other items in the kit. It’s made of silky satin on one side and faux leather on the other, and has a ribbon wrist loop. It measures 9″ in total length.

A similar item retails by itself for £16.99.

Pros

Very safe as an intro toy for impact play beginners – you’re very unlikely to do anyone real damage with this
Slightly different sensation from each of the two sides (the leather side is a little more stingy)
Impressive slappy noise which is hot to some people

Cons

Unlikely to satisfy anyone who enjoys more than very mild pain
Loud noise may be problematic if you have to keep your play discreet
Not particularly robust, will probably fall apart after a bit

Verdict

This is a perfectly okay spanking paddle for total beginners. It’s gentle enough to be safe and non-threatening, and might be a decent way to figure out if impact play is something you enjoy. It’s unlikely to satisfy serious BDSM enthusiasts but honestly, serious BDSM enthusiasts aren’t the target market for this kit anyway.

Try it out and, if you like it, upgrade to a well-made BDSM paddle.

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me the 24 day Lovehoney x Womanizer Sex Toy Advent Calendar to review. All views are mine (with occasional input from Mr C&K!) Affiliate links appear in this post.

Lovehoney Advent Calendar 2024 Day #10: Thick Cock Ring

Published on October 18, 2024October 12, 2024 by Amy

We’re already ten days into this annual-ish tradition of unboxing an adult advent calendar day by day and talking about what’s inside! This year it’s Lovehoney and Womanizer’s 2024 24-day adult advent calendar, which retails for £149 at Lovehoney UK and $199 at Lovehoney US, and contains £457/$530 worth of products.

Get your orders in now if you want one of these, because they usually sell out by mid-November.

Let’s get into Day 10 shall we?

Lovehoney Advent Calendar 2024 Day #10: Silicone Cock Ring

Today’s item is a basic silicone thick cock ring. Cock rings are worn around the base of the penis, restricting blood flow outwards to help the wearer maintain a stronger erection for longer. Some also say they heighten sensation and intensify orgasm.

Lovehoney advent calendar thick cock ring

According to Healthline, cock rings are safe for the vast majority of wearers as long as you listen to your body, wear a ring of a suitable size, and follow some basic precautions, such as using lube and not leaving the ring on for more than 30 minutes at a time.

Product Info

Material: Silicone
Colour: Black
Body safe? Yes – silicone is non-porous and non-toxic.
Waterproof: Yes, this toy is non-porous and has no motor so can safely be used in water
Size: 1.5″ diameter but stretchy
Speeds/patterns: N/A
Lube-compatible: Water-based lube is best
Cleaning: Boiling, a 10% bleach solution, a sterile wipe, or warm water and antibacterial soap
RRP if bought as a single item: £9.99 for a pack of 3

Pros

Very stretchy to accommodate most penis sizes
Extra-thick cock ring enhances comfort

Cons

May be uncomfortably tight on those with very girthy penises

Verdict

Not much more to say on this one – a great basic cock ring that is also body-safe and should be durable and long-lasting.

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me the 24 day Lovehoney x Womanizer Sex Toy Advent Calendar to review. All views are mine (with occasional input from Mr C&K!) Affiliate links appear in this post.

Lovehoney Advent Calendar 2024 Day #9: We-Vibe Sync Lite

Published on October 17, 2024October 21, 2024 by Amy

This is the third time I’ve reviewed one of Lovehoney’s sexy advent calendars (check out the entire series and past iterations here!) The Lovehoney x Womanizer 24 Day Couples’ Advent Calendar retails for £149 at Lovehoney UK and $199 at Lovehoney US, and contains £457/$530 worth of products! For the first time, it contains not one but two premium products, the first of which is the We-Vibe Sync Lite.

Let’s dive into Day 9.

Lovehoney Advent Calendar 2024 Day #9: We-Vibe Sync Lite

The We-Vibe Sync Light is a wearable vibrator designed to be inserted into the vagina during penetrative sex, with an external arm that provides clitoral stimulation. Of course, as always, there are lots of different ways to use toys and the suggested way is just one of them!

Product Info

Material: Silicone
Colour: Black
Body safe? Yes
Waterproof: No – toy is IPX-4 splashproof but should not be submerged
Size: 3″ insertable length
Speeds/patterns: 4 speeds and 6 patterns
Lube-compatible: Water-based lube is best
Cleaning: A body-safe sterile wipe is best for non-submersible toys
RRP if bought as a single item: £79.99

Pros

Middling power vibrations – they’re not knock-your-socks-off, but they’re decent
Flexible middle between the two arms allows you to position the toy in whatever way is most comfortable for your body
App controls! I did not expect to find an app-controlled toy in this kit but I am very pleasantly surprised. We-Vibe’s app is free from the Android or iOS stores and allows you to connect at close range or remotely from anywhere in the world.

Cons

No remote control, which is a downside if you don’t want to use the app
Single button interface on the body of the toy is kind of annoying
Not waterproof
In my experience, these toys don’t generally stay in place well during partnered sex without someone holding them in position

Verdict

This is a really impressive addition to the kit! These types of toys are normally seriously pricey, so this is a great introduction for those who are curious about trying one. The app controls are also a really nice extra, particularly for couples who want to connect sexually over long distance.

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me the 24 day Lovehoney x Womanizer Sex Toy Advent Calendar to review. All views are mine (with occasional input from Mr C&K!) Affiliate links appear in this post.

Lovehoney Advent Calendar 2024 Day #8: Wrist Restraints

Published on October 16, 2024October 11, 2024 by Amy

If you’re just joining me for this series, I am currently unboxing and reviewing Lovehoney and Womanizer’s 2024 adult advent calendar (which retails for £149 at Lovehoney UK and $199 at Lovehoney US, and contains £457/$530 worth of products!) Check out the whole series and come back each day until 1 November for more.

If you’re intrigued and want to get one of these sets, move quickly as they usually sell out by mid-November.

It’s time for Day 8.

Lovehoney Advent Calendar 2024 Day #8: Wrist Restraints

Today’s box contains a pair of velcro-shut wrist cuffs with plastic hardware. The cuffs are black, and the hardware is rose gold, matching various other items in this set. I’ll say this for Lovehoney and Womanizer, they have their aesthetic cohesion down.

Pros

I will say straight away that these are a huge step up from 2021’s “wrist restraints” (glorified ribbons and frankly pretty dangerous) and from 2022’s uncomfortable rough cuffs. These ones are made of a soft material that feels nice against the skin.

Other pros include:

Velcro fastenings come undone in seconds, enhancing safety and making them beginner-friendly
Very adjustable so will fit just about anyone
Attached clips allow you to cuff someone’s hands together or clip them to something else

Cons

Clips are tiny, so what you can fasten them to is pretty limited
Not particularly strong – the hardware feels like it would break if you pulled against them too hard
When you fasten them tighter, there’s nowhere for the spare velcro to be tucked so it just sort of… dangles

Verdict

Lovehoney wrist restraints from adult advent calendar 2024

You might be sending a theme in my overall impression of this kit: these cuffs aren’t amazing, but they’re fine. If you want to play with light bedroom bondage or try out getting restrained for the first time, they’re ideal. If you’re looking for something a bit more heavy-duty, though, you’ll probably want to upgrade to leather cuffs (or vegan equivalent) or go to a dedicated kink gear maker.

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me the 24 day Lovehoney x Womanizer Sex Toy Advent Calendar to review. All views are mine (with occasional input from Mr C&K!) Affiliate links appear in this post.

Lovehoney Advent Calendar 2024 Day #7: Vanilla Massage Oil

Published on October 15, 2024October 11, 2024 by Amy

How does £457/$530 worth of sexy products for £149 (Lovehoney UK) or $199 (Lovehoney US) sound to you? That’s what you get with this year’s 24-day advent calendar aimed at couples, which is on sale now. From today’s vanilla massage oil to vibrators, strokers, anal toys, and more, there’s something for everyone. These calendars sell out quickly, so don’t wait until December if you want one.

To help you decide if it’s for you, I’m unboxing the calendar day by day and posting a series of mini reviews of what’s inside. Come back each day until November 1 for more!

But for now, let’s get into Day 7.

Lovehoney Advent Calendar 2024 Day #7: Vanilla Massage Oil

Day 7’s box contains a 30ml bottle of Lovehoney’s vanilla massage oil. Massage can be a great precursor to sex, a way to connect intimately and show love and affection to a partner without getting your genitals involved, or a form of aftercare. For those in kinky dynamics, it can also be a fun form of service!

Product Info

This vanilla massage oil contains just four ingredients:

Ethylhexyl palmite: A common and safe emollient and carrying agent which can soften and smooth the skin.
Caprylic/capric triglyceride: Derived from coconut oil and glycerine, this antioxidant also smooths the skin and helps to bind other ingredients. It is safe for topical use unless you have a coconut oil allergy.
Isopropyl myristate: An emollient with low viscosity which softens, smooths, and moisturises the skin and is safe and beneficial for most users. It may cause skin irritation in a small minority of people, usually those with existing skin conditions.
Parfum (aroma): This is a weird one. “Parfum” isn’t actually an ingredient but a concoction that could contain any of over 3000 ingredients designed to make a product smell good. Some people recommend avoiding products with this mystery mix, others say it’s probably fine as long as you don’t have an allergy or sensitivity. Personally I don’t worry about it too much for products for occasional topical use (such as massage oils), but your risk tolerance may vary.

This oil is also sold separately under Lovehoney’s Fifty Shades of Grey branded products and retails for £11.99 for 30ml.

Pros

Nice vanilla smell, distinctive but not overpowering or too “chemically”
Glides on smoothly and has a pleasant skin feel

Cons

Dries out quickly and doesn’t last particularly well, meaning you might need to reapply it regularly
May be unsuitable for those with fragrance sensitivities or certain skin allergies
Leaves a slight oily feeling on my hands after use

Verdict

Not my favourite massage oil, but it’s fine. I wouldn’t likely buy this again as there are other massage products I like a lot more.

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me the 24 day Lovehoney x Womanizer Sex Toy Advent Calendar to review. All views are mine (with occasional input from Mr C&K!) Affiliate links appear in this post.

Lovehoney Advent Calendar 2024 Day #6: Crystal Butt Plug

Published on October 14, 2024October 11, 2024 by Amy

I recently received the Lovehoney x Womanizer 24 Day Couples’ Advent Calendar, which retails for £149 at Lovehoney UK and $199 at Lovehoney US, and contains £457/$530 worth of products, to try. As such I’m unboxing it one day at a time and telling you a little bit about what’s inside and my thoughts. You can read the whole series here and don’t forget to check back every day until 1 November for new posts every day.

These calendars usually sell out before December starts, so don’t wait too long if you want one.

Ready for Day 6? Let’s go.

Lovehoney Advent Calendar 2024 Day #6: Crystal Butt Plug

Box #6 contains an aluminium metal butt plug with a sparkly red crystal-look base.

Product Info

Lovehoney advent calendar crystal butt plug

Material: Aluminium
Colour: Rose gold body with a red gem base
Body safe? Generally yes; aluminium is a non-toxic and non-porous metal that is safe for use in sex toys. However, some aluminium can contain traces of nickel so I’d be very cautious if you are allergic.
Waterproof: Yes, you can use this toy in water with no issues.
Size: 3″ in total length, 1.1″ in diameter at widest insertable point
Speeds/patterns: N/A
Lube compatible: Yes, any kind of lube is suitable
Cleaning: Sterile wipe, 10% bleach solution, or warm water and antibacterial soap. I wouldn’t boil this one or put it in the dishwasher as it might damage the glue holding the gem in place.
RRP if bought as a single item: This similar toy retails for £22.99

Pros

Surprisingly light – aluminium is a lot lighter than stainless steel, making it a more accessible entry point for metal toys
The rose gold body and red crystal colour scheme is really pretty
Great for temperature play – just pop it in the fridge or run it under some warm (not hot) water right before use
Small size likely to make it suitable for more users

Cons

In general, I think a metal anal toy in a set aimed at beginners is a bold choice. I might have gone for silicone instead.
The firm rounded base might dig in after you’ve been wearing it for a while and could be uncomfortable

Verdict

A nice little metal plug; personally I would have gone for silicone if I were designing this kit, but as entry-level metal anal toys go this is a decent one. The pretty colour and sparkly crystal make it super cute, too.

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me the 24 day Lovehoney x Womanizer Sex Toy Advent Calendar to review. All views are mine (with occasional input from Mr C&K!) Affiliate links appear in this post.

Lovehoney Advent Calendar 2024 Day #5: Kink Blindfold

Published on October 13, 2024October 11, 2024 by Amy

Over the course of 24 days, I am unboxing one of Lovehoney’s adult advent calendars day by day and writing mini reviews/roundups of what’s inside. The Lovehoney x Womanizer 24 Day Couples’ Advent Calendar, which retails for £149 at Lovehoney UK and $199 at Lovehoney US, contains £457/$530 worth of products in total.

These calendars tend to sell out well before December, so don’t delay if you want one.

Today is Day 5.

Lovehoney Advent Calendar 2024 Day #5: Kink Blindfold

Sensory deprivation can be a lot of fun to play with. By taking away one or more of the senses (such as sight) you heighten the others (such as touch). It can also be a great way to enhance anticipation, play with power and control, or otherwise explore whatever aspects of kink and BDSM appeal to you.

Today’s advent calendar box contains a kink blindfold. Made of polyester and with a pretty black and rose gold pattern, this blindfold measures 7″ across and 2.5″ top to bottom. A similar item retails for £7.99 if bought separately.

Pros

Lovehoney black and rose gold satin kink blindfold

Stretchy elastic means the blindfold will fit most users
Plushy padded backing is comfortable to wear
Pretty black and rose gold design
Doubles as a sleep mask (I have several of these now and as a seasoned kinkster I rarely use them for BDSM as I have better blindfolds, but I always take one with me when I travel to help me sleep)

Cons

Not quite big enough – it blocks most of the light effectively but I can still see around the edges a bit if I keep my eyes open
Cheap fabric is starting to pull at the edges and look less attractive after just a few wears
I’m not sure how well it would survive washing

Verdict

A perfectly serviceable basic blindfold if you just want to play but aren’t looking for complete sight deprivation. It would be better if it was slightly wider. If you enjoy playing with this, then it’s easy to upgrade to a better kink blindfold that will last you longer and block more of your vision.

Thanks to Lovehoney for sending me the 24 day Lovehoney x Womanizer Sex Toy Advent Calendar to review. All views are mine (with occasional input from Mr C&K!) Affiliate links appear in this post.