Sex shops in NYC: Find the best sex toys and workshops

Babeland

For 12 years, this chain has been one of the most accessible resources for sexually adventurous New Yorkers, selling body-safe toys and organic lubes, and hosting parties and workshops geared toward guys and gals. Collectively, its three local stores throw about 20 events per month, including the always-popular “Art of the Blowjob” (Park Slope location; Mar 24 at 7:30pm; $35). During your visit, keep your eyes peeled for less conventional items like the Solar Bullet ($34), a dildo that requires eight hours of sunshine to yield 60 minutes of eco-friendly fun.

The Leather Man

With three in-house tailors churning out a full range of men’s and women’s, erm, attire—zipper-front black bodices ($195 and up), studded and spiked jockstraps ($99.95 and up)—this West Village boutique has remained a go-to for Manhattan leather lovers since 1965. Upstairs is devoted to male chastity devices, pants, jackets, boots and shorts—as well as specialty items like a full-size red leather apron ($295)—while downstairs has two entire walls dedicated to fetish accessories both flirty (fleece-lined blindfolds, $29.95 and up) and kinky (steel shackles, $79.95).

Museum of Sex Store

• Price band: 2/4

This isn’t your average museum gift shop—but then again, MoSex isn’t your average museum. Inside the sleek, gallery-like space, peruse Keith Haring–decorated masturbation Tenga Eggs ($8), glow-in-the-dark One condoms ($2) and state-of the-art vibrators such as Fun Factory’s new Stronic Eins ($199.99), which uses magnets to simulate a thrusting penis.

The Pleasure Chest

Bachelorette-party gag gifts such as “I Owe You Sex” coupon books ($5.95) sit alongside sex toys by top brands (Rocks-Off, Lelo, We Vibe) at this friendly Village store. Stop by on Wednesdays at 8pm, when staff members lead free two-hour workshops like “Bend Over, Buddy,” which focuses on (duh) anal play. 212-242-2158, thepleasurechest.com

Purple Passion

Whether it’s your first time handling an 18-inch-long elk-hide flogger ($115–$225) or your twentieth, you won’t feel judged by the welcoming employees here. The Chelsea fetish supplier offers a huge range of S&M and bondage accoutrements, including adjustable nipple clamps ($14–$22) and sculpted leather masks by Cecilio Castrillo Martinez ($87 and up), who has designed pieces for Lady Gaga and Madonna. The shop even boasts its own in-house latex designer, ready to whip up a pair of custom briefs for as little as 50 bones.

Shag Brooklyn

• Price band: 2/4

This homey Williamsburg spot successfully straddles the line between sex shop and local-and-DIY-promoting boutique, selling all-natural massage oils, jewelry, perfumes and lingerie by 70 NYC artists and designers. Besides stocking handmade white ceramic G-spot dildos ($68), Shunga oral-sex lipgloss ($16) and penis-decorated wooden nesting dolls (set of five, $100), Shag also holds monthly events and workshops ranging from Couple’s Massage to Intro to Rope Bondage (each $100/couple).