Like the Tickle-Me-Elmo of sex toys, the We-Vibe is clearly the hottest toy on the market this holiday season. When I asked the staff from my favourite independent Canadian sex stores for their top three sex toy picks for 2008, every single list included the We-Vibe. Toronto sex shop Good For Her described it as “a fantastic innovation in the world of couple’s toys from a genius inventor right here in Canada.” Come As You Are called it “esthetically unique and brilliantly designed, the We-Vibe is the great leap forward in sex toys that we’ve all been waiting for.” Womyn’s Ware in Vancouver said it was for the “girlfriend who has seen it all when it comes to sex toys and is tired of sex toys that don’t meet her standards.”

Believe the hype. This toy hits all the marks so many other toys do not. Plus, it’s Canadian. Designed and invented by Ottawa’s own Bruce Murison, the We-Vibe (we-vibe.com) is clamshell-shaped and can be worn during intercourse with one end going inside the vagina and nestling against the G spot and the other end buzzing against the clit, providing bonus vibration for him. It’s rechargeable, waterproof, made of phalate-free medical-grade silicone and comes with a lovely hard-shell storage case. ($129.95)

Here are some other suggestions from my fave Canadian sex shops:

Good For Her (goodforher.com)

• The Sasi ($195)

Both cunnilingus fans and tech nerds have been rejoicing over the release of The Sasi. From French designers Je Joue, it is the height of techno-savvy sex toy technology. The magic is delivered primarily by a small, rotating ball placed under a silky silicone cover that runs through a series of programmable patterns designed to send the user to new heights. It’s small, quiet and will remember the strokes you like — and the ones you don’t — without the inevitable fatigue of a human tongue.

• The Monarch Dildo ($60)

Remember the Thigh Master? Taking inspiration from the exercise contraption, this toy features a modestly sized dildo attached to hinged wings that work by pressing the dildo up and inside via thigh power. Made of silicone so it can be sterilized.

Venus Envy (venusenvy.ca)

• Sliquid Organic Lube ($23.95)

A glycerin- and paraben-free lube made with all natural ingredients. Sliquid Organics Lube is a silky smooth lube that dries without becoming sticky. Very little taste or smell.

• Rosebud Silicone Vibe ($99.95)

This sweet dual vibe from Vibratex is made from velvety silicone. There aren’t many silicone Japanese-style vibes on the market, and this is one of the best of the bunch. It has a short and powerful shaft with a nicely bulbous head. The built-in clit stimulator offers a high buzz and is quite wide to cover a greater area around the clitoris.

Come As You Are (comeasyouare.com)

• Jimmyjane Massage ($30)

Warm up your winter and someone you adore with Jimmyjane’s new luxurious and sensuous massage tools: the Afterglow Candle and the Massage Contours I & M. These massage candles melt at a low temperature and can be dripped onto your lover’s back or lovingly painted on with the included brush. Increase the intensity of your massage with Jimmyjane’s I- and M-shaped ceramic massage stones.

• Lelo Bo ($85)

Up until now, most of Lelo’s sex toys have been designed for female pleasure. Now they’ve applied their genius to pleasing the guys with the Lelo Bo. This vibrating penis ring is made of body-safe rubber, is portable, discreet and rechargeable. It comes with its own storage case and will vibrate for four hours on a single charge.

Womyn’s Ware (womynsware.com)

• Lelo Mia ($89.85)

The rechargeable lipstick-sized Mia vibe is sleek, small and recharges in your computer’s USB port, making it the perfect travel vibe. Mia has multiple vibration speeds and pulsations. The beautifully designed discreet, powerful, Earth-friendly vibrator comes in pink or plum.

• Liberty Bell with Red Zinger ($59.85)

For the boyfriend who has dabbled with penis rings, but has never tried a vibrator on his bits before. Made of silicone, this cushy ring fits snugly at the base of the penis. The attached triangle-shaped pad is softly textured. Insert the Red Zinger vibrating “bullet” into the pad for plenty of nubby stimulation on the clitoris when pointing north or his perineum when pointing south. Fun for everyone!