Gift giving can be miserable. Finding the perfect gift for a partner — even a longstanding one — can be even more difficult. Choosing a sweater or a necklace has become the solution for holiday gifting to a significant other, but big retailers are way off the mark.

Everyone needs a vibrator.

Just hear me out. Every single person on this planet — regardless of age, sexual orientation or gender — can benefit from a vibrator, even if they already have one. Even you.

Studies from Indiana University published in the June 2009 issue of the “Journal of Sexual Medicine” have shown that vibrators can greatly help with sexual health, and their use is common.

“The study about women’s vibrator use affirms what many doctors and therapists have known for decades — that vibrator use is common, it’s linked to positive sexual function such as desire and ease of orgasm, and it’s rarely associated with any side effects,” Debby Herbenick, associate director of the Center for Sexual Health Promotion, said in an Indiana University press release.

According to the studies, vibrator use helped aid sexual function in women, including desire, arousal, lubrication and orgasm. Women who used vibrators were also more likely to feel sexually confident.

Vibrators are also great for men. The study reported that 44.8 percent of men incorporated vibrators into sexual activities, either on their own or with a partner. These men experienced increased erectile function, intercourse satisfaction, orgasmic function and sexual desire.

“The study about male vibrator use is additionally important because it shows that vibrator use is also common among men, something that has not been documented before,” Michael Reece, director of the Center for Sexual Health Promotion, said in the press release. “Also, both studies help us to further understand the way in which American consumers are turning to the marketplace for products that promote their sexual health, and that has important economic implications.”

Not wild about using a vibrator on your own? A 2004 Berman Center study titled “Health Benefits of Sexual Aids and Devices” found that 30 percent of couples use vibrators.

But don’t scramble to buy one just yet. The choices and features are staggering, and must be carefully considered. Levels of vibration and noise, shape of the vibrator, and material are all very important when finding the right vibrator for you or your partner.

It’s serious business, and can be a hefty investment — but the payoff can be incredible.

Consider these questions: Where on the body would it be used? Should it stimulate multiple zones at once? Will it be inserted, or for external use only? Where will it be used? Does it need to be waterproof? What kind of batteries should it run on, or should it be plugged in? Should you or your partner be in control of the vibrations?

Bigger vibrators allow for insertion, while bullet vibrators can be used anywhere and easily concealed. More speeds or different patterns of vibrations let you find the perfect vibration for you. Waterproof vibrators allow for easy cleanup and can be used in the shower or bath instead of just in bed. Vibrators that come with a remote control allow one partner to take control while leaving the other to sit back and enjoy. Other vibrators are specifically tailored for vaginal, anal, clitoral or used in combination. Hard plastic vibrators are easy to clean but don’t feel as real, and silicone vibrators feel more real, but require more cleaning and can only be used with with water-based lube. Be sure to look at care and cleaning guidelines.

The amazing thing about a vibrator is that it’s incredibly versatile. It can be used pretty much anywhere on the body, for both men and women. If you get something that doesn’t suit your needs, you can always find something else to do with it. For example, if your genitals are too sensitive, try using it on your nipples, ears, fingertips or anywhere where a light touch turns you on.

No matter what your budget, you’ll be able to find something perfect. But don’t go big on a vibrator that you aren’t sure is going to be “the one.” Beginners should purchase something that fits their needs for under $30 or so, and then upgrade from there.

Many online retailers offer special deals online around the holidays, but shopping in person gives you a better idea of what you’re actually getting in to. So get out there and shop away for the perfect gift for that special someone or to spoil yourself, and find out what all the buzz is about.