As I am still fairly new to 'the scene' as it were, I was very excited to receive my first paddle, the Teddy Bear Spank-Her. I took it out and carefully ran my fingers over it. It is made of leather, with finished pink on the business side, stitched with black in the shape of a loveable, plush teddy bear. Oh, how deceiving…

I think when it comes to paddles, there are many things that can be used, and you need to evaluate them using three criteria; form, function and fantasy. The construction of this paddle is great. It feels sturdy in your hand, so no hesitation when you go to use it. There are two layers of thick leather that is padded on the pink side. It actually feels great in my hands!

The paddle also has a great swing, so full marks on function. I am finding I like to give the spankings more than receive them, and so I was worried this one might be heavy in my hands. Yet, I got in many a whack on my playmate’s rear cheeks, and felt no fatigue. Quite the opposite reaction actually! Makes a nice strong 'smack' sound and I used both sides to equal effect.

The look of the paddle is what makes this one a real keeper for me. The use of toys like this is enhanced greatly by how it adds not only to the sensation, but also to the fantasy. Most paddles have that über dungeon look, leaving little in the realm of 'fun' B&D toys; just gloomy gothic whips and chains. The pink teddy bear both feminizes this sex toy and adds to a kind of play that can be more fun and whimsical; think sleepover game with an initiation! I would even hazard to say this allows a girlie sensitivity to a traditionally male dominated realm. Heck, I could leave this paddle out and it goes great with my frilly bed cover and pink canopy four-poster bed!

I give one note of caution about this cute paddle, though. I mentioned this paddle to a girlfriend of mine with kids. I think it's great, and cute and girly, but she was not enthused. For her the paddle resembles too much of the realm of children, which for her is a problem. When she gets time for adult play, the last thing she wants is to be reminded of is her kids and the responsibility she feels for them. In fact, she told me she draws very clear lines between her 'Mommy' duties, and her 'Sexy Mama' games, and this piece of gear blurs the lines for her. So, while this might be a great present for the spank minded females you know, make sure they will be able to integrate it fully into their play, and not have it add to any confusion during fun time!