Pleasure, inclusion and exploration are the keystones of National Sex Toy Day. 

Today marks a day when we recognise that sex and the use of sex toys are not taboo or shameful topics to discuss, but important topics in the wider conversations around acceptance, consent and representation in our wider society. 

If over 78% of the world's population uses them, why aren't we still supposed to talk about them? 

However, as sex toy companies rejoice, discuss the history of the sex toy (don’t worry, so will we) and share the benefits of using sex toys in the bedroom. One key thing is usually missing from the conversation. And that's the use of sex toys outside of heterosexual identities. 

As Labeless gears up to celebrate National Sex Toy Day, we wanted not just to explore why sex toys are a special part of your bedroom activities, but also to explore the current sapphic options available and take a moment to introduce ourselves.

So strap in (pun definitely intended) and let's begin … 

The (Brief) History Of Sex Toys 

The term sex toy is a modern umbrella term for describing different types of sex devices. Sex toys themselves have been around since the dawn of time. 

In both ancient Greek and Edo-era Japanese art, figures can be seen using phallic-shaped objects for pleasure. Archaeologists have found these sex toys, made out of leather, clay and stone, during excavations. In 5th BC, Hippocrates treated ‘female stress’ by rubbing his female patients' vulvas until they reached orgasm, which later inspired the invention of the original vibrator in the Victorian era to treat ‘female hysteria’ in patients. 

However, the oldest dildo was discovered by a German archaeologist and dates back to 28,000 BCE, with many discovering similar objects made of stone and bone, often speculating that they were used in fertility rituals or for personal pleasure. 

As we celebrate National Sex Toy Day, we aren’t just celebrating the technology that we have today and the female orgasm, but the history of sex, pleasure and curiosity that came before. 

The Benefits of Sex Toys

When it comes to celebrating National Sex Toy Day at Labeless, we aren’t just here to celebrate the craftsmanship and technology of these longstanding bedroom companions. But we also recognise that using sex toys in the bedroom can offer multiple benefits. 

 

From a health perspective, sex toy usage can help with tackling different vulva health problems such as vaginismus and anorgasmia. They can also help maintain lubrication production and vulval muscle elasticity as you age and enter menopause. In addition, orgasms have also been seen to have health benefits, including better sleep, mental health, pelvic floor strengthening, heart health and pain relief. 

However, the benefits of sex toys go beyond health and can have benefits around pleasure, self-identity, and confidence. Being curious and using sex toys to explore your and your partner's bodies can help you maintain intimacy, deepen your understanding of your bodies, desires and fantasies and build your confidence around what you like in the bedroom. 

In other words, they are just what the doctor ordered!

Let’s Hear It for The Toys: Popular Sapphic Sex Toy Options 

 

Dildos and Vibrators 

Coming in all shapes and sizes, dildos and vibrators are some of the oldest types of sex toys used by vulva owners. They are perfect for those who want penetrative sex and g-spot stimulation. 

You can use them solo, have a partner use them on you, or go hands-free with double-ended dildos, strap-ons, and harness-free strap-on dildos for more control and dual stimulation during the act. 

Grinding Toys

Often lumped in with clitoral sex toys, grinders deserve their own recognition. Coming in different sizes, textures, colours and offering the option to be strapped to an object or person, or gently placed against a pillow, they offer external stimulation to the entire vulva. 

For sapphic couples, the ability to strap them to a person's leg is great for those who like intimacy and being able to touch your partner during sex fully. 

Clitoral Toys 

From vibrations to sucking, these sex toys are perfect for those who enjoy clitoral stimulation. Often cited as the perfect beginner toys because they offer more control over stimulation of your erogenous zone, without needing penetration, clitoral toys are great additions to any sapphic bedroom. 

The handle makes the toy easy to manoeuvre for you and your partner, and the different settings can make solo and couple play more intense as you build up the stimulation and tease each other. They're also small and easy to hide, so you won't have to answer awkward questions if someone looks through your drawers! 

Where Is The Sapphic Representation?

When it comes to sapphic pleasure, oftentimes our identities are ignored outside of the fetishisation of porn and how adult entertainment has framed our pleasure for the male gaze. When it comes to sex toy offerings, this is no different. Stores often curate ‘lesbian sex toy selections’ that focus on hyper-realistic or intimidating-sized dildos and vibrators, double-ended dildos that look like terrifying creatures from the deep or clitoral toys that are designed around hyper-femininity (i.e lipstick, fruits, etc.). 

And while that doesn’t mean these toys don’t have their appeal in the bedroom, they often portray only one type of sapphic identity. One that is feminine, performative and matches what is shown on Pornhub. 

When it comes to strap-ons, the options for materials, styles, and sizing can also leave a lot to be desired. Either harnesses are just that: utility-looking leather straps that are adjustable and allow easy access to the vulva but offer no stimulation beyond that, or, for those who want full coverage, the only strap-on harness available looks like a pair of boxers. Further pushing this idea of heteronormative ideals onto sapphic sex (the ‘masculine’ partner is the only one who wants to wear the strap-on.) 

Many brands offer generic styles that don’t account for gender identity and expression, comfort, control, or both people enjoying the toys. Not to mention the lack of real options when it comes to dildo sizing, which can make use uncomfortable, intimidating, and unrealistic for many. This often causes panic as partners worry that penetration may hurt, especially if this is your first time using a penetrative sex toy. 

Ultimately, sapphic sex toy options are based around two things: missionary, penetrative sex or scissoring/ tribbing positions, recreating what is offered in porn and missing the many other ways pleasure, intimacy and sex can be done between two sapphic people.  

Meet Labeless … Your New Sapphic Sex Toy Shop 

Because of the lack of sapphic representation in mainstream sex toy brands, Labeless was created in 2021. Labeless began as a small idea with a big purpose: to create space for lesbian and sapphic pleasure that felt real, respectful, and genuinely represented.

The aim was to create a safe space for lesbian and sapphic identities to not only find sex toys, but to feel themselves being seen in every toy selection offered. 

In 2026, we took it one step further by releasing our own product line. The Labeless dildo range recognises that not everyone's pleasure is the same and therefore not everyone wants or needs the type of dildo. The range (packaged in the colours of the lesbian flag) offers inclusive sizing, with the smallest size perfect for those new to penetration, plus a non-phallic design and comfortable, body-safe materials. 

Labeless is not just a celebration of sex toys, but a celebration of queer, sapphic identity. The intention is not just to be a sex toy brand, but a hub of queer sex education and exploration into pleasure. 

Lez Talk About It … Sapphic Sex Ed 

Celebrating National Sex Toy Day isn’t just about waving around the best vibrator, but a moment to reflect on the way that pleasure and exploration intertwine in our lives. The day offers a safe space for us to have open-minded conversations around sex, sexuality and pleasure, creating safe, inclusive spaces for sex education. 

By recognising the current limitations that come with framing sex toy usage through a heteronormative experience, we are limiting our understanding of how sapphic relationships and intimacy can benefit from including sex toys in the bedroom. We also ignore crucial conversations around intimacy and education within the wider WLW community. 

That's why Labeless has created Lez Talk About It, with each blog exploring topics around sex, intimacy, relationships and sexual health. 

Think of it as your new hub for sapphic sex ed! 


-  Written by Katrina Fairhurst, who specialises in inclusive, sex-positive content for brands and educators across sexual wellness, sex tech and the adult industry.