When it comes to spicing up your sex life, there are so many possibilities. From exploring new positions to trying out different types of role play, the possibilities really are endless. But there is one option that often gets overlooked: sex toys. Whether you and your partner are just starting to explore sex toys, or are looking for ways to upgrade your existing collection, there are plenty of creative sex toy techniques that can help to add some extra spice to your bedroom.

Sex toys don’t have to be intimidating, and they don’t have to be limited to traditional dildos and vibrators. There are plenty of innovative ways to make the most of the toys that you have, or to give your usual toys an extra special twist. Here are 7 creative sex toy techniques to add some extra spice to your bedroom. From exploring temperature play to using ice cubes, these techniques will help to bring some fresh ideas and add a whole new level of excitement to your sex life.

1. Make sure everyone is on board.

The first step to using toys is to make sure everyone involved wants to use toys. It might involve a conversation. But don’t worry if you or your partner have some initial hesitations. There’s still a lot of societal weirdness about using sex toys as a couple. You might have internalized the narrative that a good partner is supposed to be “enough” for you and your needs, no toys required. 

2. Shop for a toy together to build up anticipation.

If you’re truly a beginner to using sex toys together, it can be a really good idea to follow your curiosities and familiarize yourself with what options are out there. More than that, it’s an incredible opportunity to talk with your partner about your interests and can double as foreplay.

3. Use toys all over your body.

When it comes to sex toys that are typically used on your genitals, like a vibrator or a dildo, people don’t tend to think outside the box. But Torrisi encourages people to explore their entire body with a toy, whether that means experimenting with how vibration feels on your nipples or how the smooth silicone of a dildo feels running down your back.

4. Stimulate yourself during penetration.

Like I mentioned above, a big reason people with vaginas may have trouble orgasming during penetration is the lack of clitoral stimulation. There’s nothing wrong with taking the reins there while your partner penetrates you. 

5. Experiment with edging.

Toys are especially handy when it comes to edging, the act of getting yourself or a partner close to orgasm but stopping before it actually happens. You know, pushing each other to the edge of orgasm and backing off. Not only is it equal parts teasing and sexy, but it also helps you and your partner tune into exactly what needs to happen to make each other orgasm.

6. Go remote.

Some toys–specifically vibrators and vibrating plugs—come with a remote, which can come in handy in a variety of ways. For one, it can save you and your partner the hassle of fiddling with awkwardly placed buttons in the middle of sex. It can also give you or your partner even more control over the other’s pleasure, allowing you to choose the intensity and pattern of the vibrations. Which, hot.

7. Play with all of your senses.

We mentioned sensation play above, but it’s worth expanding on. According to Torrisi, there are many ways to get creative with your senses during sex with the help of toys—and some don’t even require specialty toys. 

8. Find ways to reverse roles.

Toys provide a ton of opportunities to play in ways you wouldn’t normally be able to. On that note, toys can aid sexy role reversals between you and your partner. 

9. Masturbate together.

Using toys together doesn’t have to mean using toys on each other. Mutual masturbation is an equally valid way to explore your bodies, show each other what you’re into, and get off together.