I often get tired of toys that seem to have a design scheme that seems geared toward those barely out of primary school. This is exactly why I love the design of the 'Ivy' Intimate Touch Massager by California Exotic. It's sleek style is composed of Plastic with TPR Silicone inserts and nubs takes out the 'child play' and makes it a true adult toy. Even the clear packaging upon first glance, is feminine, but understated, and requires a thorough study before the words 'intimate massager' become apparent. Otherwise, you'd think it was just another gadget that someone bought from an electronics's store.

The Ivy also appealed to me because while it's a hand-sized clitoral massager, it doesn't use an odd battery type. All you need is 2 standard AA batteries, and the item comes to life. The various pulse options are the best feature and include a bigger variety of pulsation than I've seen in other models. (One pulse option is actually like a car engine, and starts from a slow rev and quickly kicks into high throttle.)

I was disappointing though when I found out that the nubs don't vibrate, rotate, or pulse. They're only there for additional stimulation. I also found the hardness of the vibration to be lacking considerably despite the amount of noise the motor makes. The vibration itself seems strong enough, but it's not concentrated in any single portion of the vibe so it just disburses throughout. The button placement also irritated me because it's on the 'outside', or top, of the vibe and I found that while using it, that my hand would slip and change the setting, or turn it off all together. You also have to watch what kind of lube you use with it, as silicone lube on a silicone toy will cause it to melt.

Overall, I feel that the Ivy is a winner in contemporary design and packaging, but that it doesn't have strong enough vibration to meet my demands.

Despite not being right for all girls, I think that this is a toy that you'd definitely want to introduce your boyfriend to. The fact that the nubs on the end don't pulsate makes it a mild enough stimulation for his testicles without it being overwhelming. Especially if this is his first time playing with vibrator near his balls.