Covid my arse! Brits get down and dirty to combat virus

The coronavirus pandemic might have caused a lot of anguish and pain but it seems Brits are turning to the bedroom to get some “light relief” with lingerie and sex toy retailer Ann Summers exposing a new kinkier and more adventurous nation, with sales of anal toys and BDSM gear spurting in end of year sales in 2020 compared to last year.

The study shows that sales for the PU Paddle, a leatherette paddle for spanking, have increased by 802% this year, while the Booty Blue Beginner’s Butt Plug has also seen an increase of 137%, showing a trend for more sexual experimentation in 2020.

This is further supported by this year’s search trends which confirm the UK is using 2020 to get more adventurous with sex. Searches for “what is pegging in sex?” have seen a 250% increase, while “what is BDSM?” searches are up by 70%.

An increase in sales for Spreader Bars (429%) and Ball Gags & Nipple Clamps (582%) show that experimentation in bondage and BDSM is on the rise. Searches for “how to have anal sex” also peaked during the first national lockdown and have seen an overall 40% increase throughout the year.

More people than ever are trying anal sex in 2020, with the Intro to Anal Kit coming in as the top-selling anal product. The anal toys category saw sales go rock hard this year, with the Silicone Anal Training Kit up 333% and the Metal Butt Plug up by 294%. To help those trying anal for the first time, Ann Summers has put together a Beginner’s Anal Sex Guide.

The bestselling anal product this year has been the Intro to Anal Kit (currently sold out), followed swiftly by the Small Heart Metal Butt Plug at number two, and then the Metal Butt Plug, the Black Silicone Anal Douche and bringing up the rear in fifth place was the Silicone Anal Training Kit.

The findings also suggest that couples are turning to toys and games to spice up their sex lives. Google has reported a breakout of new searches this year for ‘indoor date night ideas’, reflected in increased sales for couples games including the Monogamy Couples Board Game (up 253%), Kama Sutra Sex Positions Cards (up 144%) and 50 Days of Play Couples Game (up 274%).

Finally, it appears that people in the UK who are missing the office this year may be turning to roleplay; sales for the Sexy Secretary Outfit doubled in 2020.

An Ann Summers spokesperson said: “2020 has been a difficult year for many and it appears we’ve been using our extra time to escape reality and try out new things in the bedroom. The UK has become kinkier and more adventurous, with more people than ever spicing up their sex lives by trying out BDSM products and anal sex.

“We’re also seeing more couples turning to remote control sex toys to mix things up and enjoy hands-free pleasure – sales for the Fusion Remote Control Panty Vibe increased by 628% this year!

“Toys and games are a great way to experiment and discover, whether you’re alone or with your partner, so we love to see that more people in 2020 are trying new things in the bedroom. We’re thrilled to be helping both individuals and couples explore their sexualities and keep things interesting this year.”