Small Changes That Make the Biggest Difference
If your sex life feels like it's settled into autopilot, plenty of couples feel that way at some point, and a few small changes can make a real difference. Six simple, low-pressure ideas are easy to try when you want more variety together: new toys, roleplay, lingerie, a different time of day, a different setting, and adult content made with couples in mind. Each one is simple enough to try on an evening you're already having together. Think of them as options to pick from, choosing whichever one sounds good in the moment.
Trying something new together isn't just a fun way to shake up your routine. Research suggests it may also be linked to greater sexual satisfaction over time. And sex toys are more common than you might think! A long-running U.S. study from Indiana University's Center for Sexual Health Promotion, reported by ScienceDaily, found that about half of women and nearly half of men surveyed had used a vibrator. Among women, recent vibrator use was also associated with higher self-reported scores across several aspects of sexual function.
Of course, every person and relationship is different, and research can't tell you what you'll enjoy most. But it does offer a reassuring starting point: exploring what feels good together can be part of building a more satisfying sex life. The trick is finding what works for both of you.
How to Choose What to Try First
There's no right or wrong order for trying something new together. Start with whatever sounds fun, feels comfortable, and fits the mood you're in.
Want to keep things simple? Try changing the time of day or setting. It's easy, costs nothing, and can make a familiar routine feel fresh. Curious about toys, roleplay, or lingerie? A little conversation beforehand can help you figure out what excites you both. And if couples' adult content sounds intriguing, check in with each other before pressing play to make sure you're both comfortable with the idea.
The most important thing is that you're both genuinely interested. Choose something that feels exciting rather than pressured, and don't worry if the first try doesn't go exactly as planned. Sometimes discovering what you enjoy is part of the fun!
6 Ways to Spice Up Your Sex Life Together, Explained
New toys. Sex toys can be a fun way for couples to explore new sensations together, especially when trying one for the first time. A kit built for trying a few things at once, like the Adam & Eve Pretty Naughty bondage kit, gives you restraints and a few extras so you can improvise as you go. If anal play interests either of you, something playful like the Tailz Animal Anal Plug & Ears Set can be a lighthearted way to try it. If you'd rather try something designed for simultaneous play, a couples vibrator such as the We-Vibe Chorus couples massager is built to be used by both partners at once.
Roleplay. Acting out a scenario, even a lighthearted one, is a low-cost way to break a routine, because it gives each of you permission to be someone slightly different for an evening. A costume built around a scenario, like the Extra Credit Cutie role-play set, can be enough of a prop to get into character for the evening, with minimal planning.
Lingerie. It works for any partner, and any evening can be the occasion. Browsing the lingerie collection together can turn picking something out into part of the fun on its own.
A different time of day. It's natural for couples to settle into familiar routines over time: work schedules, kids, how tired you both are by evening. Trying a different time, whether that's a slow weekend morning or an unplanned afternoon, can make the same activity feel less automatic.
A different location. The specific place matters less than simply being somewhere different from your usual one. A different room in the house, a weekend away, or anywhere private and comfortable for both of you can have a similar effect to changing the time.
Adult content made with couples in mind. It tends to suit watching together. What matters most is agreeing in advance on what you're both comfortable watching and why you're watching it, whether that's for ideas, for arousal, or simply to see what you both think of it.
Keeping It Comfortable, Consensual, and Safe
Trying something new should feel good for both of you, starting with an honest conversation. Bring up the idea at a relaxed moment, give your partner room to respond, and remember that hesitation or a no deserves respect. Consent applies to each activity and can be withdrawn at any time, even if you've already started, as explained in the New York State Department of Health consent guide.
A few simple safety habits matter, too. For anal play, choose toys with a wide, flared base to prevent them from slipping inside, and use plenty of lubricant to help protect delicate tissue. The Cleveland Clinic also recommends cleaning toys between uses, especially when switching between anal and other types of play or sharing toys with a partner.
A little communication and care go a long way toward making new experiences more comfortable, enjoyable, and safe for both of you.
What to Know Before You Try Something New
Some ideas click right away. Others take a little getting used to, and that's simply part of learning what works for the two of you. A costume might feel a little silly before it feels fun. A new toy might take an attempt or two to figure out together. A different setting might just turn out to be less comfortable than you pictured. Treat a flat first try as useful information: adjust what you tried, set it aside, or come back to it later with a different approach. Part of the value is simply choosing something together and paying attention to how it actually feels in the moment.
Shop Sex Toys and Lingerie Made for Couples
Once you have an idea of what you want to try first, explore sex toys for couples at Adam & Eve, where you can browse kits built for roleplay and restraint, toys made for anal play, and vibrators designed for both partners at once. Let your mood lead the way and start with whatever sounds fun.