I’ve never used a paddle before, so when I received an assignment of the Blush Paddle, it looked like a gentle way to ease myself and my partner into using paddles. After actually receiving the paddle, I still feel this is a gentle introduction.

The Blush paddle measures about 13 inches from the tip to the end of the handle, with a 10 inch cord tied through the handle. The actual paddle is 5 1/2 inches long and 2 1/2 inches tall, with the handle being 7 1/2 inches long and between 1 1/2 and 2 inches tall. There is a metal ring in the handle to allow for the paddle to be hung up without damaging it. One side of the paddle is pink faux-leather, the other side is black. The pink side has XOXO cut out. Underneath this area, there is more black faux-leather with some plastic over it. The O cut outs seem to be cut a little rougher and aren’t very even looking, unlike the X’s. It looks a little like someone hand cut the O’s out and let a machine press out the X’s. Both sides of the paddle are sewn around the edges with black thread. The build quality of this toy is pretty good, especially considering the price. Mine is sewn together very well and does not look like it will be falling apart any time soon.

The nylon cord has a card attached to it with a small amount of information: the name of the product, the manufacturer, and the manufacturer’s web site. There is no material or safety information included. I believe my paddle came wrapped in a plain plastic bag, as many items I receive from EdenFantasys do when there is no actual packaging for the product.

Since this toy is basically made out of two pieces of faux-leather slapped together with a plastic stick in between, it isn’t heavy at all. It doesn’t feel like it weighs any more than a quarter of a pound. Because this weighs very little, it also causes very little pain. I am assuming the XOXO is supposed to imprint on skin, but even hitting my leg with this as hard as I can, I cannot leave a mark. There wasn’t even a red mark from being slapped. My partner’s skin is very sensitive to touch. If I scratch him lightly with one of my finger nails, his skin will turn bright red in that area pretty quickly. His skin was also unmarked by this paddle. As far as pain goes, this paddle hurts about as much as getting hit with a flyswatter would. The best I can manage is a very light sting that goes away quickly. The sound of this hitting skin is also not very satisfying. It’s a light slapping sound, similar to that of slapping a bug off of your arm or something. The handle is very comfortable to hold, regardless of how much power I am putting behind my swing.

To care for the Blush paddle, you can simply wipe it down with a damp cloth. The faux-leather is safe to also use gentle soap on, but I would not recommend putting this in the sink, as water could become trapped inside and could wreck the toy. It can be gently wiped with a soft-bristled brush or a microfiber towel. It can also be gently toweled dry. I keep mine stored in a storage tub under my bed to keep it dust free. It can also be stored in the plastic bag it comes in or it can be hung up.

I’d have to say, for a beginner’s paddle, this was okay, though not all terribly too enjoyable. I feel I’d prefer something a little harder hitting. It did its job, though. My partner feels more at ease with this kind of toy. I wouldn’t recommend this toy to anyone looking for a more painful paddle at all. This is much too small to really inflict a good amount of damage. It’s also not sturdy enough to leave XOXO imprinted on skin. Those looking for a good impression may be better off looking at this paddle.

I still don't care for this paddle. It doesn't do anything it's supposed to, making it a major let-down. The only good thing I see about this is the price, as it can make a good, cheap gag gift.