Homemade sex toys — DIY sex toys to (safely) use at home

Cosmopolitan

23-05-2025

The idea of homemade sex toys and DIY sex toys can be kinda scary — especially if you've read some truly awful stories about people using household items during sex and suffering the consequences.
And, TBF, some of these fears are justified: good quality sex toys need to be made from body-safe materials, so that you and your vulva are kept in tip top condition. But that doesn't mean DIY and homemade sex toys are totally out of the question. Stephanie Alys, sex expert and founder of MysteryVibe, explains there are some safe items you can fashion and use as sex toys.
'Recently we've seen the use of homemade sex toys and DIY sex toys rise, as people look for things to increase the intimacy and get sexy at home,' she says. 'Cucumbers, hair brushes, mobile phones… these are all things people have experimented with during masturbation. Firstly, I don't think any of us really want our mobile phone stuck inside us! Secondly — and most importantly — this is very dangerous. Inserting objects like this can upset the natural balances of your vagina and cause all sorts of infections.'
That's not to say there aren't things at home that you can use to enhance your sex life. 'DIY toys can be especially fun for engaging in sensation play and kink,' says Gigi Engle, a certified sex and relationship psychotherapist and resident intimacy expert at dating app, 3Fun. 'A wooden spoon can be great for spanking, ice cubes can provide different temperatures on the body, and a t-shirt can make a great blindfold.'
She continues: 'DIY kink toys can be an interesting and budget-friendly way to explore more expansive sex with your partner. If you find something you really like, you can always invest in gear later. For example, if that wooden spoon gets you going like a train engine, you can always go out and buy a flogger or paddle later.'
But with any DIY toys, it's important to consider the materials you're using. 'Wood, plastic, cotton (clothing), or ice are all all safe to use on the skin and body,' explains Engle. 'Essentially, it's just about using common sense. DIY toys won't be body safe for internal use, so this is something to keep in mind when you're looking to use them.'
If you're looking for more than external sensation play, then, it's important to stick to body-safe sex toys from reputable brands (FYI: not Shein). So, how can you tell which toys are body-safe?
'When shopping for sex toys you want a toy that is made from body-safe or medical-grade silicone, ABS plastic, or stainless steel,' continues Engle. 'You also want to consider buying toys that are USB rechargeable and waterproof. These toys are generally better quality and will last you a long time. Consider what kind of sensations you're looking to explore: Clit stimulation? Penis stimulation? G-spot? Dual stimulation? Knowing what you're trying to achieve with the toy can lead the way for what you want to buy.'
Okay, now that's all cleared up, below Alys shares seven household items that can be used safely in sex — just remember: external play only!
'Tease and titillate your partner with the soft, delicate touch of a feather,' Alys suggests. 'Using feathers during sex is a great way to build anticipation and leave your partner gasping for your touch. Trace your lover's body with the feather to heighten their sensations, leaving nerve-endings tingling from head-to-toe.'
Alys also says that if it's more intense pleasure you're after, you can try using a vibrator while your partner teases your neck, nipples, and inner thighs with a feather.
Temperature play can be a really fun way to try out new sensations and increase sensitivity. 'Use an ice cube during oral sex, to tease nipples and create light puddles you can both lick off each other's bodies,' says Alys.
'Start by sucking an ice cube, before taking it out and giving your partner oral sex. At the same time, you can use that same ice cube to trace along their inner thighs. This mixture of hot and cold can really blow their mind.' Don't forget to take it in turns because trust us, being on the receiving end is amazing.
If you don't have an old tie knocking around, you could also try a ribbon or a piece of fabric to use as a blindfold. 'Shutting one of your senses naturally intensifies the others, which means you'll be extra receptive to your partner's touch,' Alys says.
Blindfolds are a great way to explore power during sex, giving you both a chance to play the dominant role. For lots of us, not being able to see also reduces inhibitions, which means you'll be less focused on your 'O face' and more focused on every movement your partner makes. 'Start by kissing their neck before nibbling their nipples and licking every inch of their body,' continues Alys. 'The teasing will drive them wild.'
This one might sound as cliché as using your electric toothbrush, but ye olde shower head is much safer. 'There's a reason why masturbating in the bath or shower is so popular. Firstly, you're already naked… you're wet and slippery, you're relaxed and you have some time to yourself,' Alys says.
'Take the shower head and press it against your clitoris starting from cold to warm. If you have a fancy shower head with different intensity settings — now's your chance to finally try them out.' If you have a waterproof vibrator, you can also use this alongside the shower head for double the sensations.
BTW: if your shower head is a little on the old side and you're thinking of upgrading it, might we recommend Womanizer's Wave? This may look like your average shower head, but it's actually a discreetly disguised clitoral stimulator, with a few (strategically placed) jets to offer pinpoint pressure — and pleasure. Want to know more? You can read our full review here.
A scarf is an item of many talents, apparently. 'Ask your partner to tie your wrists together, or to your headboard, and try your own power play scenario,' suggests Alys. 'With your hands (and even your feet) tied, you won't have any say in where your partner touches or squeezes. This will leave you feeling exhilarated, begging them for more.' Just be sure to establish your boundaries and safe words before you start playing.
'The flexible design of a spatula makes for a very handy spanking tool,' Alys says. 'Simply bend over your partner's lap, or ask them to bend over you, and bite your lip as you prepare for the satisfying sensation of the spatula spanking your bottom.'
'If you want to be extra naughty, try using your favourite vibrator at the same time. This combination of pleasurable pain and your pulsating clitoris will quickly become a new favourite.'
Some food cupboard and fridge items that you may have can work really well incorporated into your sexual experimentation. 'Honey, whipped cream, and melted chocolate can give you a completely new experience and, although it's messy, it engages all of your five senses,' Alys says.
'Remember that too much sugar around your vagina can encourage yeast, so keep the food play centred around your lips, nipples, tongue, neck, belly button, toes — whatever you're into.'