BDSM is primarily known for incredibly kinky and risky scenarios: people being tied up, blindfolded, gagged, or suspended in the air while their partner spanks or whips them. But BDSM is quite a broad category, so naturally, it has its gentler side. And one of the milder — but just as erotic — plays you can get into is tickle play.

What is a tickler?

A tickler is a toy that consists of a long, thin handle with soft feathers or silicone strands at the end. Its primary purpose is for sensation play, especially tickling someone's skin to arouse them.

There are myriad ways to incorporate a tickler into your bedroom routine. Most people use it during foreplay to turn each other on, while others utilize it during bondage play, where the dominant teases and punishes the submissive. However, it's also possible to use this toy during non-bondage sex, especially if you or your partner gets sexually stimulated from tickling.

What is the erotic side of tickling?

Tickling isn't inherently a sexual activity. In fact, it's something we've been doing for fun even since we were little — we tickle people when we're teasing them, and when we get tickled, we burst into uncontrollable laughter. So, how does tickling play into BDSM?

From a BDSM standpoint, tickling is a form of sensation play, a method that aims to play with one's sensations to achieve intense orgasms down the line. It's also considered a form of "punishment"

BDSM has always been about power. Between you and your partner, there's a dominant and a submissive. The dom gets to control how much sensation the sub will feel, and they can also decide to punish and discipline their partner. To do this, the dom will usually restrain or blindfold the sub while they tickle them or use a tickler to graze their skin.

While the dom holds power during bondage plays, the sub relishes the relinquishment of control. It may seem ironic at first, but this loss of control is exciting and even liberating for many subs. They like the idea of being able to turn off their brain and simply experience all the tickling sensations instead.

There are also people who have a tickle fetish, otherwise known by its fancy term knismolagnia. People with this fetish get aroused when they get tickled, tickle others, or even by watching someone else get tickled.

Long story short, there are various reasons why tickling is popular in the BDSM world, and no matter which reason you're resonating with, this play is a great way to spice up the bedroom.

What are the different types of ticklers?

There are three different types of ticklers, and they vary in the materials used during their construction:

• Feather Ticklers. The most common type, this has a long feather or cluster of feathers at the top. The design may be simple, but it gets the job done well enough. It also doesn't seem intimidating, which is why this is best suited for beginners.
• Silicone Ticklers. This one has strands of silicone at the end of the handle. Because of this design, it's very versatile — you can use it both for tickling and whipping. Cleanup is also hassle-free with this model, because silicone dries much faster than real feathers.
• Unconventional Tickler. This type features wild and out-of-the-box designs, making it perfect for brave souls who want to try something bold and daring in the bedroom. Some wild examples we've seen include toys with pinwheels or fur.

What are the wonders of using a tickler?

Now that we've delved into what this toy is and the erotic art of tickling, let's go deeper into the benefits of using this particular toy.

1. It's not intimidating

Are you just starting to dip your toes into BDSM? It's completely fine if you want to avoid harsher tools that inflict pain at first. With the tickler, you can focus on the aspect of BDSM that's about simply letting go. Using it is straightforward too – just grab hold of its handle and use it to caress your partner's skin.

2. It opens you up to new sensations.

When this toy is used to stroke the skin, blood is drawn to the surface. Because of this, the skin becomes more sensitive – allowing you or your partner to experience stronger sensations. In comparison to just using our bare fingers, having this dedicated tool for tickling also means that we can exert more control over how light or hard we want to titillate someone. Plus, its long handle allows you to easily reach every erogenous zone in your partner's body.

3. It can be hidden in plain sight.

This BDSM toy is discreet in appearance. Unless they know what this toy is, most people won't bat an eye when they see it lying around your house. Sometimes, you can even use these accessories as "decorations" because they look aesthetically pleasing. Talk about hiding in plain sight!

4. It's travel-friendly.

Lastly, this toy's design and appearance also make it travel-friendly. Since it doesn't attract unwanted attention and is relatively small and lightweight, you can easily stuff it into your luggage when you're going on a vacation. No matter where you end up staying the night, when the spicy mood strikes, you only have to take it out of your luggage and get down to business.

The different ways to use a tickler

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to using this toy, but there are suggestions on how it can enhance your sex life. Some of the most common tips and tricks include:

• Using it for foreplay. Before going straight to lovemaking, you can use a tickler to turn on your partner and vice versa.
• During sensation play. If you and your partner are in the mood to delve deeper into sensation play, you should include this BDSM toy in your routine. You can use it together with other BDSM accessories, such as blindfolds and restraints.
• During erotic torture. Are you down for a much kinkier time? If so, then you can also use this toy for light flogging, especially if you're using a toy with silicone strands.

Top Ticklers from NOTI

Since there are many tickling toys available on the market today, shopping for one can get quite overwhelming. Here are a few recommended products that you might be interested in checking out.

Obei Classic Feather Tickler 42 cm

Classic in design, the Obei Classic Feather Tickler 42 cm is the ideal choice for beginners. Plus, it has a long handle, so you can caress your partner without having to extend your arms too much.

Obei Sparkle Feather Tickler 27 cm

The Obei Sparkle Feather Tickler 27 cm is short and compact, and it also comes with a bedazzled handle that gives you a firm grip. Beautiful and ergonomic — it's the perfect combination.

Obei The Explorer Interchangeable Fur and Flogger

Do you want to purchase both a tickler and a flogger, but your budget can only allow for one? Then the Obei The Explorer Interchangeable Fur and Flogger is the toy for you. With this two-in-one design, you can easily switch between light teasing and kinky spanking whenever you want.

Obei Seduce Me Tickler and Whip

Another product that features a two-in-one design, the Obei Seduce Me Tickler and Whip combines the titillating softness of a tickler and the tantalizing lashes of a whip. Who says you can't be naughty and nice at the same time?

Obei Classic Tickler 19 cm

With a length of 19 cm and weight of 50 grams, the Obei Classic Tickler 19 cm is the ideal product for busy individuals who have to travel often. No matter where you or your partner might go, this toy will be your loyal companion.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I care for and maintain my tickler?

One way to clean your tickler is the classic soap-and-water method. Start by damping a towel and rubbing a bit of soap on it, then use that soapy towel to wipe the handle. When it's time to clean the feathers or the strands, put them under running water, then gently scrub any dirt you can find.

Another great way to clean it is by using a sex toy cleaner. Sex toy cleaners are designed specifically for adult toys in your collection, so they're safe to use on this teaser toy.

When your tickler is dry, you can put it inside a satin or velvet pouch. Doing so will minimize its exposure to dust and dirt. Then, store the pouch somewhere dry, cool, and secure.

How do I choose the right tickler for my partner and me?

We can't give you a definitive answer for this because it's up to you and your partner. So, our best suggestion is that you two have a discussion on your preferences.

Do you want something more beginner-friendly? If so, then the classic feather tickler might be the one for you. What if you want something more practical in which you can get two products in one? There are whip-and-tickler or flogger-and-tickler combinations out there. Or maybe you'd prefer something more affordable for now — you can go for the travel-friendly ones.

The two of you can also browse our catalogs together — that way, you can see the different properties of every tickler, allowing you to have an informed decision about the matter.

Did you know?

Ticklers are actually available in the Philippines — thanks to our sex shop! Here at NOTI.ph, we believe that all women should have the chance to explore their sexuality without guilt or stigma. That's why we aim to offer as many adult toys as possible, and that includes these instruments for erotic tickling.

If you want to check out our stock, you can find the famed toys under the "Ticklers" catalog on our site.

Every package can be delivered directly to your doorstep. We guarantee discreet packaging without reference to the parcel's contents or our brand name. The only one who will be excited about the parcel is you!