Why Are Fantasy Toys So Expensive? The Real Cost of Handmade Silicone

Quick answer

Fantasy toys are expensive because they're handmade in small batches from platinum silicone, which costs more than mass-produced materials. You're paying for labor, material quality, and the artisan process—not just the product. For body-safe, long-lasting toys, the price is usually justified.

It's a common question: why does a small silicone toy cost more than a mass-produced vibrator from a big box store? The answer isn't markup—it's materials and method.

Tentickle makes every toy by hand in the UK, using 100% platinum silicone. That's a different production process than injection-molding thousands of identical units. Here's a breakdown of what drives the cost and why it might be worth it for you.

Platinum silicone costs more than you think

The raw material is a big part of the price. Platinum silicone is the gold standard for body-safe toys because it's non-porous, hypoallergenic, and can be sanitized by boiling. But it's significantly more expensive than TPE or jelly materials used in cheap toys.

You won't see a price tag for the raw silicone, but you can feel the difference: platinum silicone holds its shape, doesn't absorb oils, and lasts for years if cared for. That's why a higher upfront cost often means a better long-term value.

• Check the firmness options—Tentickle offers OO20 (super soft) up to 10A (firm) so you can choose the feel you prefer.

Handmade means labor-intensive

Each Tentickle toy is poured and finished by hand, not stamped out by a machine. The sculpting, molding, and quality control take time. For example, the squishy stimtoys are made from leftover silicone at the end of a pour, which is why they may have tiny air bubbles—an honest sign of a handmade process.

Handmade production also means flexibility. You can often choose size, firmness, or even add a Vac-U-Lock hole. That customization isn't possible with factory-made toys, and it adds value for buyers who know exactly what they want.

• If you're unsure about firmness, a sample pack is a cheaper way to test before committing to a full toy.

Small-batch, not mass-produced

Mass-produced toys benefit from economies of scale. A small studio making a few dozen toys per week can't match that pricing. But you're also not getting a generic product—you're getting a unique design and a piece of an artisan's work.

For buyers, that means a toy that's not only safer but also more expressive. Fantasy toys, in particular, rely on intricate shapes and textures that wouldn't survive cheap manufacturing. That creativity is part of the cost.

Claim vs. verdict

• Claim: Fantasy toys are overpriced for what they are.: Verdict: False. Prices reflect platinum silicone cost and hand labor. A $20 toy from Tentickle uses the same material as much pricier products, and the handmade process adds time and skill. You're paying for material quality and craftsmanship.
• Claim: You can get the same quality for less from mass-market brands.: Verdict: Mostly false. Mass-market toys often use cheaper materials like TPE, which are porous and harder to clean thoroughly. Platinum silicone is the standard for body safety. Compare materials, not just price tags.
• Claim: Expensive means better for everyone.: Verdict: It depends. If you rarely use toys or prefer firmer textures, a more expensive soft silicone might not suit you. A sample pack is a cheaper way to check. Let your preferences, not the price, guide the choice.

What you're actually paying for at Tentickle

• Silicone sample pack: Pack contains 4 samples: Super Soft (OO20), Soft (OO30), Medium (OO50) and Firm (10A). 100% platinum silicone. If you're new to platinum silicone, this is a low-cost way to feel the firmness options before spending on a full toy. It takes the guesswork out of your purchase.
• Burgore 'Trophy' #2 squishy stimtoy super soft (OO20): Super soft (OO20) silicone stimtoy, 5cm x 6.5cm. Not designed for internal use. Free squishy may have slight imperfections such as tiny air bubbles due to late stage of leftover silicone pour. This shows the handmade, reuse-everything approach: a cute, affordable novelty that uses leftover silicone. The tiny bubbles are a sign of honest craftsmanship, not a defect.

Expensive fantasy toys aren't a rip-off—they reflect the cost of body-safe materials, hand production, and small-batch artistry. If you value safety and unique designs, the price is often worth it. Start with a sample pack to test firmness, then invest in a toy you'll love for years.