Sportsheets Ostrich Feather Tickler

Bright, soft and slightly theatrical, the purple Sportsheets Ostrich Feather Tickler is a feather tickler made for teasing a partner from a little distance. A full plume of genuine ostrich feathers sits on top of a 16-inch handle, which keeps your hand out of the way and puts the focus on the touch itself. The purple plume brings a bit of colour to a scene, and it looks just as at home in a playful bedroom as alongside more serious kit.

A feather tickler built around anticipation

The appeal of a BDSM feather is how little it does. It doesn't vibrate, thud or squeeze; it brushes. That makes the person receiving it hyper-aware of where it is and where it might go next. Long, slow strokes down the back feel soothing. Quick flicks along the ribs or the soles of the feet tend to bring giggles. Circling closer and closer to a sensitive spot without quite arriving builds tension in a way a hand often can't.

Ideas for your first session

• Agree on a pause word and a few no-go zones before you start, even for gentle play.
• Begin over a thin top or sheet, then move to bare skin.
• Use the length of the handle to stay out of your partner's reach, so they can't anticipate your hand.
• Swap between the feather and your fingertips, warm breath or something cool from the fridge.
• Finish with a few slow strokes as a wind-down rather than stopping abruptly.

Sportsheets includes a small guide in the box with more role-play and game suggestions. The purple plume has an obvious feather-duster look, which makes it an easy prop for maid or butler role-play.

Handle, weight and reach

The handle is made from rubber and plastic, and the whole tickler is light enough that your wrist won't tire during a long tease. At 16 inches, you can reach your partner's feet while sitting near their shoulders, or trace the full length of the spine in one stroke. Pair it with a blindfold or wrist cuffs and the long handle gives the person in control plenty of room to move around the bed.

Caring for natural feathers

Ostrich feathers are a natural material, so keep them dry. Moisture and steam make the strands clump and lose their float. After play, shake the plume lightly to release any lint, and wipe the handle with a damp cloth if needed. A tall glass or vase on a shelf makes a good stand, keeping the feathers off the floor and uncrushed. Expect the odd loose strand; that's normal for real plumes.

Good to know before you buy

Because it's made from real plumage, no two ticklers look exactly alike, and the purple dye can vary slightly in shade from one batch to the next. It's an external toy for skin only, so it can't replace a vibrator or anything insertable. Natural feathers also can't be disinfected the way silicone can, so most people keep one tickler per partner. Anyone with a feather allergy should choose a synthetic sensation toy instead.

Specifications

• Brand: Sportsheets
• Materials: genuine ostrich feathers; rubber and plastic handle
• Handle length: 16 in
• In the box: tickler and a sensation-play idea guide
• Power: none, no batteries
• Colour: purple. Also in black and red

Planning more gentle kink for two? See our couples sex toy guide or browse floggers, paddles and ticklers.