What Is Foreplay?

Foreplay is any type of activity that takes place before sexual activity to build desire and increase arousal. Most often, we think of foreplay as physical, but it can also include verbal or emotional activities. Some common types of foreplay are: 

• Physical: kissing, cuddling, touching, massage 
• Verbal & emotional: dirty talk, flirting, intimate conversation
• Non-sexual: emotionally connecting activities like enjoying a meal or watching a movie 

Why Engage In Foreplay? 

Think of foreplay like preheating the oven, Sure, you can throw your dinner in the oven right away, but it won't cook properly! Foreplay builds arousal so the body and mind can be on the same page and enjoy the pleasure to come. Foreplay also helps enhance said pleasure, increasing the likelihood of an orgasm (especially for clitoral or G-Spot orgasms!) The acts also increase intimacy and physical bond for you and your partner(s). 

What Toys Can I Use For Foreplay?

When it comes to using toys during foreplay, the sky is the limit! Here are some of our favourite toys and ways to use them to pregame for the main event. 

Why we love them: Finger Vibrators are the perfect way to keep things hands-on. You and your partner still get to enjoy real physical touch, but with the added sensation of vibration. Enjoy them on the vulva (around the labia or clitoris), warm up the G-Spot, caress nipples, the outer portion of the anus (do not insert anything into the anus without a flared base for safety), or tease any other external erogenous zone. 

Why we love them: Penis & pussy pumps utilize suction to increase blood flow to the genitals. The increased blood flow creates stronger penile erections and a fuller more sensitive vulva. You can use them with your partner or as a solo ritual before sexual activity. 

Why we love them: Bullet vibrators are a staple sex toy not only for their compact size, but for their sheer versatility. These small but mighty devices can be used on pretty much any external erogenous zone with pin-point precision. They're even small enough to take on-the-go, so you can always count on them being ready when you are.  

Why we love them: Wands can add that extra little bit of magic to your play. They usually cover more surface area than bullet or finger vibes, so if your partner is a fan of full body massages, these beauties can really go the distance. Bonus: some wand brands even make attachments that can stimulate a penis or turn your wand into a penetrative toy so they are a versatile investment that anyone can enjoy.

What Other Products Can I Incorporate Into Foreplay?

If you're looking for items beyond toys to incorporate into your foreplay, there are tons of other products to consider. Anything from massage products to lingerie can add an extra element of excitement to your session. 

Why we love it: Not only does using a massage oil help your hands glide across the body, they also typically include a stimulating fragrance that can add to the experience. Massage is one of the best, truly hands on ways to stimulate your partner. Bonus: using a massage oil makes your skin feel ever so soft afterwards, so the good feeling lingers on way after the fun is over. 

Why we love them: Arousal products (usually gels, creams, or serums) utilize ingredients that help stimulate the genitals using a cooling or warming sensation. They're a wonderful precursor to fingering or a hand job, and sometimes they even have added flavour so you can use them before oral sex as well.  

Why we love them: Sex games like dice, board games or cards, take the guesswork out of foreplay and make it fun and interactive. They're usually super affordable and easy to travel with. 

Why we love it: Lingerie can make you feel confident and sexy and can build anticipation by stimulating your partner visually before any physical touch begins. Send your partner a sexy pic or do a little strip tease to get their heart rate up before you play! 

Why we love it: Sensory play refers to any of intimacy that deliberately engages heightens or deprives the senses. It can help build arousal and deepen connection. Using a blindfold for example, you can deprive your partner of their sight leaving you free to tease them without them knowing what your next move is. Ticklers and teasers are the perfect tools explore your partner's erogenous zones without using your hands or a toy. 

The Takeaway

Foreplay is the perfect way to enhance arousal, deepen your connection with your partner, and increase the likelihood of an orgasm. Be sure to talk with your partner about what types of foreplay they might enjoy and what products you can incorporate into your play. Foreplay should always be fun, engaging, and consensual, so communication is always key! However you play, Happy Foreplay Day!