How many intimate accessories does the average person in the United Kingdom have tucked away in a drawer? The answer, according to a new survey, might be more than you think.
The Numbers Behind the Nation's Collections
A study commissioned by sex toy manufacturer Rocks Off, published on January 9, 2026, has shed light on the scale of personal pleasure collections across the country. The findings are revealing.
The survey indicates that a significant 47.4% of people in the UK own between seven and nine sex toys. A further 10.5% of respondents reported possessing ten or more. Perhaps most striking is that another 10.5% admitted to owning more than twenty different items.
When it comes to favourites, the butt plug emerged as the most popular choice, favoured by over 47% of those surveyed. This was closely followed by clit suckers, cock rings, and traditional vibrators.
Why Do People Build Such Extensive Collections?
The primary motivation for using these products is clear: 57.9% of people said they 'help them climax'. Other common reasons included adding variety to their sex life and keeping intimacy alive. Interestingly, 15.8% candidly admitted to using them because they are ‘lazy’. Usage is frequent, with most people reaching for a toy at least once a week, and some enjoying them daily.
But what drives someone to own twenty or more different items? Annabelle Knight, the sex and relationship expert for major retailer Lovehoney, provided some insight. She argues that a single toy cannot cater to every mood, desire, or need.
‘Pleasure is varied, personal and ever-changing,’ Knight told Metro. ‘People often build a collection over time as they learn more about what they enjoy, just as they might with skincare, fitness equipment, or even lingerie.’
She emphasised that different toys offer distinct sensations and experiences, allowing people to choose what feels right in any given moment.
Building a Versatile Starter Kit
While a sex toy company naturally encourages exploration, Knight stresses that a good collection is about versatility, not sheer volume. ‘A few thoughtfully chosen essentials allow people to explore different sensations and moods without feeling overwhelmed,’ she explained.
For those keen to build a considered collection, Annabelle Knight suggests an ideal selection should include:
- A reliable external stimulation toy for easy, accessible pleasure.
- A suction or air-pulse toy, which offers a different experience to standard vibration.
- A couple’s toy to encourage shared pleasure and communication with a partner.
- A high-quality lubricant, which she describes as an ‘essential’ for comfort and enjoyment.
- A playful or fantasy-led item to add imagination in a pressure-free way.
‘Together, these essentials create a collection that supports self-discovery,’ Knight added, ‘giving people options to choose what feels right in the moment and helping pleasure feel relaxed, personal, and positive.’
The survey confirms that for many Brits, sexual wellness and exploration are an active part of life, with personal collections growing to reflect evolving tastes and a desire for varied experiences.
