Ever fancied the idea of using an ice-cold dildo but don’t want it sticking to your vag? Like the thought of hot wax but not third-degree burns? For top tips on making temperature play go down a treat, I’ve got you covered.

Temperature play is a form of (consensual) sensation play whereby people explore and experience different temperatures, feelings and textures on their skin. It can satisfy a kink or teeter on the edge of BDSM play, depending on the way various sensations are achieved. Cucumbers straight out of the fridge can be as sexy as warm, melted chocolate… Toys can be carefully warmed or cooled to heighten their impact… And fire can be introduced into play (needless to say with great caution) for a risky, sexy evening.

Here are some ways to explore temperature play you can bring into the bedroom tonight.

Cool as…

A cucumber. Conveniently shaped, intriguingly ridged, suitably chilly. And one of your five-a-day.

No, not cold strawberries. Everyone knows they’re best served at room temperature (and therefore have no place in this blog post).

Pop dildos made of glass, steel or crystal into the freezer, then pop them inside you. Or tease your lover’s skin with the chilled surface.

Ice cubes can be run over skin or allowed to melt and drip in all sorts of places.

If you don’t mind getting a bit sticky, ice cream makes a delicious addition to cold-temperature play.

BDSM toys made of metal (clamps, butt plugs, handcuffs) can be chilled in the fridge for extra sting.

Hot and steamy

Glass dildos can be heated in boiling water to ramp up the sensation. Remember that while we’re trying to add heat to the occasion, check the temperature on yourself before shoving a hot dildo inside your lover.

Bondage candles are designed to add a burning feeling to temperature play by the dripping of body-safe wax. These can still cause burns, so be careful and follow guidance on the packaging.

Melt your favourite chocolate and smother your favourite bits of your partner’s body. Savour every last lick of warm, melted chocolate.

Less sticky, some massage oils can be warmed and some lubricants create a warming sensation. Enjoy discovering what you can make warm and tingly!

With all means of temperature play, remember to be careful. Hot burns and cold burns do happen in the bedroom and I’d hate to be blamed.

Photo by Jaclyn Moy on Unsplash