opinion

Why Consumers Are Buzzing Over Grinding Toys, Accessories

Why Consumers Are Buzzing Over Grinding Toys, Accessories

Many people started their sexual exploration by humping or grinding. It’s so natural for humans to hump and grind without even thinking about it, it’s almost second nature. Toddlers will dry-hump just about anything and anyone; it’s all completely normal and an important step in early development. Humans need to explore those experiences to help shape their understanding of their own bodies and sexuality. Dry humping is also important for teenagers’ sexual maturation. It’s a way to build a “sexual repertoire” in terms of moves and figuring out what they enjoy and what they just don’t like. Grinding products may therefore provide some nostalgia, which can be comforting in a time chock full of uncertainty. It’s not unusual for people to feel comforted by memories of their youth — especially when those memories lead to an orgasm.

While sex toys made specifically for grinding are still relatively new to the industry, people have been humping and grinding on top of their sex toys for as long as sex toys have existed. While wand-style vibrators and hands-free vibrators have long been favored for this, saddles and grinding pads have helped folks explore new ways that all bodies and genitals can experience external pleasure.

These external and often textured products can appeal to many different kinds of people and are popular for their accessible and gender-neutral design.

What is grinding?

Grinding is rubbing or creating friction around the external parts of the genitals. Grinding can be any sexual activity where at least one person is stimulating their external genitals on something or someone. This means that it can be done solo, with a partner, using a pillow, the arm of the couch, one’s own knuckles — just let your imagination run wild. During partnered play, grinding can be genital-to-genital rubbing without penetration, with or without clothes. It can also be genital-to-thigh or genital-to-hip rubbing. Grinding has also been called outercourse, coital alignment or heavy petting. Vulva-on-vulva grinding is referred to as tribadism, aka scissoring.

Why does it feel so good?

For those who have a really sensitive clit and don’t want direct contact, grinding can be really great indirect stimulation. Grinding can provide a constant pressure that can be really pleasurable without being overstimulating. The G-spot is right under and behind the pubic bone, so putting pressure on the pubic mound and the clit and vulva itself can stimulate the G-spot and provide a new sensation.

Grinding also feels good for people with penises. What do a hand job, oral sex and penetrative intercourse have in common? They all involve rubbing and grinding. Especially for someone who hasn’t been circumcised, the rubbing motion of grinding can move the foreskin up and down the penis in a way that feels really good.

What are grinding toys, exactly?

Grinders, grinding toys, humping toys, saddles and riders are just a few of the names that have been used to describe this new and up-and-coming style of sex toy. Products under this category are designed for humping, rubbing and grinding against. These external and often textured products can appeal to many different kinds of people and are popular for their accessible and gender-neutral design. Many grinding products also come with a remote that makes it easier for users to control their devices from close range or incorporate them into partner play.

Grinding toys are pretty versatile. They can be used during partnered or solo play, as a warm-up toy or in combination with other types of sex toys. Many grinding toys feature ergonomic curves, soft textures and materials designed to accommodate the body rocking or bouncing against their surface.

Wetter is always better: Lube as an upsell

It’s called dry humping, but don’t take that literally! Silicone lube will keep things extra slippery if it’s just going to be skin-to-skin, while water-based may be when looking for a more natural feel or incorporating toys into sex play. Either way, we want things to slide and not cause customers the bad type of friction.

Add other sensations to the experience

Ask about what other sensations the customer might want to add. For instance, they might incorporate a butt plug, nipple clamps, a shorter G-spot dildo, a cock ring or even BDSM restraints. Basically, they should feel free to touch, stroke or vibrate whatever parts are open to stimulation. Blended orgasms, or orgasms that you reach from stimulation of multiple erogenous zones, are usually some of the most powerful climaxes, so encouraging customers to add layers of sensation may help them take their sex life to the next level.

Some grinding toys also work great with wands, such as soft non-vibrating grinding pads placed between the body and the head of the wand to add texture. A non-vibrating pad or mat can also be stuck on the back of a dildo worn in a harness, to give the wearer something soft and textured to grind against, or between bodies during scissoring to add texture and squish.

Lingerie with function

We don’t typically think of lingerie as part of the sex toy experience. However, different fabrics feel different on the skin, so lingerie with different textures can offer different types of stimulation and sensation when worn during play. Certain materials will work best for certain customers depending on their individual preferences. For example, denim and corduroy offer the most intense friction, just like any bottoms that have seams. While silk is best for an increased feeling of slipperiness, don’t forget about velvet, which can feel really plush to grind against. Stretchy leggings or sweats are probably the most accessible. These styles allow you to easily spread your legs and get into different positions.

Encourage your customer to make it a full-body experience. From lingerie to toys to the scents that fill the room, offer erotic possibilities to engage all five senses and create a smorgasbord of sensations during playtime. That way, helping them find the perfect grinding toy can unlock a whole world of pleasure.

Known as the Queen of Wands, Carly S. is a pleasure educator, author of the blog “Dildo or Dildon’t” and a self-described bad bitch from the Bronx. She is the buyer for Spectrum Boutique, runs social media for Nasstoys and recently launched Romantic Depot’s influencer program.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

profile

WIA: Jennifer Jolicoeur Reflects on Passionate Home Party Journey

Nearly 30 years ago, Jennifer Jolicoeur became the first adult toy party planner in Rhode Island. She gained experience with another company before launching Athena’s Home Novelties from her apartment in 1998, with the mantra “Educate. Empower. Entertain.”

Women In Adult ·
opinion

Tips for Embracing Diversity Through Language

We are all used to slang terms shifting from generation to generation, as words or phrases get co-opted and acquire new meanings. It is a much rarer occurrence when some of the most fundamental words in our language undergo a major transition in a short space of time, but that is exactly what is happening right now with pronouns.

Claire Sass ·
opinion

A Look at the Ethics, Risks of AI-Generated Sexual Wellness Content

Few technological advancements have inspired the level of controversy that has been generated by the advent of artificial intelligence, which is now powering or being incorporated into digital tools we use every day.

Anne Hodder-Shipp ·
opinion

How the 10-Minute Delivery Model Is Disrupting the Indian Market

In September, when the iPhone 16 was released, a person in India had the brand-new model delivered to him — while he was waiting in line at an Apple Store, before reaching the front for his turn. How? By ordering on Zepto, one of the leading “quick commerce” platforms that are changing how consumers shop in India.

Raj Armani ·
opinion

How to Keep Meta From Derailing Your Social Media Campaign

The heavy hand of Meta can be both unforgiving and unpredictable. Profiles that Meta decides have violated its platforms’ terms may find themselves on the receiving end of punishments — including the dreaded “shadow ban,” which can be damaging for a brand’s social media campaign and strategy.

Scarlett Ward ·
trends

Pleasure Biz Mainstays Reflect on Decades-Long Careers, Share Advice for Up-and-Comers

“If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” That saying definitely holds true in the pleasure industry, where many executives build careers that exceed a quarter century.

profile

WIA Profile: Melissa Fite

Though she works behind the scenes, Melissa Fite has a bird’s-eye view of the pleasure products industry. As the marketing coordinator and junior graphic designer at XR Brands, Fite gets an intriguing overview of the latest consumer trends, plus an exciting sneak peek at XR’s newest sex toys before they hit the shelves.

Women In Adult ·
profile

Distribuciones-BES Spreads Pleasure Brands' Reach Across Mexico

It’s time to brush up on your Spanish, sex toy manufacturers. The Mexican market is thriving, and the country’s distribution and retail businesses are eager to forge new connections with brands from around the world.

Colleen Godin ·
profile

YCosmetics Founder Tess Finkle Talks Messaging Behind 'If I Say Yes' Brand

Over the past few years, sexual wellness brands have gained much prominence in the digital space. YCosmetics, which released its flagship If I Say Yes collection earlier this year, is vying to become the next intimacy and skin care brand to gain a dedicated online following.

Nishka Dhawan ·
opinion

Promoting the Link Between Men's Mental Health, Sexual Wellness for Movember

As Movember rolls around each year, men across the globe grow mustaches to raise awareness of men’s health issues and help men take control of their mental and sexual health.

Ian Kulp ·
Show More