The holidays are just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with good vibes – or vibrators.
Finding the perfect gift can be a drag. But if new socks, robes, or candles just aren’t going to cut it this year, why don’t you think outside (or inside?) the box?
Sex toys really are just toys for adults, allowing you to have a good time while learning more about what you and/or your partner(s) are into. So, they make great gifts for those who are sex-positive, body-positive, open-minded, or just in need of some me time. And Toronto is chock-full of places to pick up a new vibrator, dildo, or whatever else tickles your fancy.
SEX SHOPS IN TORONTO
Good For Her
Location: 1592 Queen St. West
First opening its doors to Toronto pleasure seekers in 1997, Good For Her is a great spot for those looking for a shop offering high-quality sex toys, books, DVDs, workshops, great advice and more.
The business operates under the philosophy that there is nothing shameful about an open, honest dialogue about sex and sexuality, and everyone deserves to explore their own sexuality in a safe and comfortable environment.
Good For Her was founded after the owner, Carlyle Jansen, learned how to orgasm and began doing workshops focused on sex toys in 1995. It has since grown into a sex-positive space aiming to meet the needs of all community members, regardless of gender, sex, sexual orientation, or partner status.
In solidarity with women and transgender people, the shop offers women and trans only hours for those who feel more comfortable in an environment that is designed especially for them. Meanwhile, those who feel uncomfortable browsing in public can also book private appointments and shop alone, with a partner or with a group of friends.
Plus, the company gives back! Every year, they donate thousands of dollars of financial support to various organizations and initiatives, operate workshops about sexuality, safer sex and pleasure, and contribute to initiatives ranging from literary projects to top surgery.
The Nookie
Location: 128 1/2 Cumberland St.
Located in Yorkville, The Nookie was founded by researcher-turned-healthcare-executive Veronica Kazoleas, who dreamed of creating a welcoming space that supported people throughout their sexual journeys.
The business considers itself more of a sensuality shop than a sex shop, calling their merchandise pleasure products instead of sex toys. Their inventory includes lingerie, toys for people of all genders, lube, swimwear, products for couples, and more.
The concept of the store was born when Kazoleas, who now has a Master’s in Social Psychology, was researching sexual fantasies at the University of Alberta in 2002. Her studies showed that few women felt empowered to assert their desires.
She addressed this by advocating for change in the conversations being had about female sexuality and pleasure, and dreamed of creating a space for people to explore these things. Fast forward to 2017, and The Nookie was born.
The store strives to foster human connection through everything from providing advice on sexual issues in the relationships of their clients, helping people pick out the perfect product for their needs, or providing information through private workshops.
Northbound Leather
Location: 117 Jefferson Ave., Toronto
First opening as a regular leather shop in the 1960s, Northbound Leather has been around for a minute! The shop became popular with Toronto’s 2SLGBTQ+ community, with employees happy to make custom products to meet the needs of whatever people desired.
‘They got bolder and when they realized they weren’t going to get chased out of the store, word got around,” owner George Giaouris said in a statement posted on the store’s website.
“We were getting into things that I had never seen, and when I realized there was a market for this stuff, we created a separate shop.”
“We called it ‘North’ for where we were. ‘Bound’ for what you’d do with it. And ‘Leather’ for what it was made from. And that’s how Northbound was born in 1987,” the founder explained.
Northbound Leather describes itself as different, subversive, and sexually charged about leather. Their inventory includes bondage, bustiers, kilts, harnesses, jocks, and basically anything else that you could think of. They also stock lots of toys, accessories, and bedding.
They have proudly designed and created leather pieces for stars like Lady Gaga, Carmen Carrera, Kreesha Turner, Carole Pope, Katy Perry, Madonna, Enrique Iglesias, and Paris Hilton.
Come As You Are
Location: 254 Augusta Ave., Toronto
Serving Toronto for decades, Come As You Are is Toronto’s anti-capitalist, feminist, co-operatively owned sex shop.
They have a special interest in sexual health education, telling Now Toronto that they focus on putting pleasure over profit.
In addition to being an adult toy retailer, they also pride themselves on being a sexual health education and community hub. Come As You Are offers a variety of different workshops on sexual health with a focus on pleasure, partnering with sex educators from across Toronto to offer top-notch classes.
All the toys in the store have also been tested by a member of the co-operative that owns the shop, and they require all toys to live up to the promises on the packaging, not be harmful, and provide pleasure. So, the team knows what they’re talking about and is happy to help you find the product that best meets your needs. Plus, all products are backed up with an in-house warranty.
Read More
Rainbow Station
Location: 76 Wellesley St. E.
Self-proclaimed as Toronto’s adult store with heart, Rainbow Station is located in Toronto’s Church and Wellesley neighbourhood, AKA The Village.
With a selection of everything from lingerie, men’s underwear and fetishwear to prostate toys and nipple clamps, the shop proudly offers a bold and playful selection of merchandise.
Located in the heart of one of the city’s most inclusive and diverse neighbourhoods, Rainbow Station is also proudly inclusive and purpose-driven, offering a space that aims to allow shoppers to enjoy a safe and welcoming space where everyone can explore their desires freely and without any judgment.
Meanwhile, those who would rather shop from the comfort of home can enjoy free worldwide shipping on online orders.
