That Midas Touch

Most of us may be in an economic depression, but Wellington-based online retailer Sexgear has sold the first 18k gold vibrator in New Zealand to a South Island woman for a mere $2229. The vibrator, Yvaan Yva, was custom-made by the Swedish company, Lelo. Lelo is known for making vibrators designed by and for women, vibrators that are both functional and aesthetic. Their design philosophy is based on knowledge of female anatomy, and organic shapes and textures, with high-quality miniaturized circuitry. Their Luxe line is a collection of vibrators custom-designed for him, her, or both, in stainless steel or 18k gold plate. There's apparently quite a market for up-scale vibrators, like the stylish one made by Lelo and other European designers and sold by upscale retailer Myla.

These are not your mom's Hitachi Magic Wand, or your big sister's Rabbit; these are once in a lifetime purchases, designed to be elegant in appearance.

The current climate has been an amazing one for online retailers, as people increasingly spend their leisure time at home, where they can shop online discreetly. As times get harder, people are finding that there are pleasures to be had at home, in the company of a loved one, or solo—online sex toy retailers like San Francisco's Good Vibrations or Seattle's Toys in Babeland are seeing increasing sales across the board. As people "nest" and shop online, they're also educating themselves, often with the help of online retailers who provide sensitive answers to questions like how to select a vibrator or even how to use a vibrator.