If you’re new to the sex toy scene or just looking to learn more, then keep on reading! In this complete guide to sex toys, we talk about:
- Finding a suitable toy for you
- Avoiding what’s wrong for you
What to Look for (or Look OUT for) When Finding the Right Toy
To figure out the best toy for you, identify and isolate what you’re trying to do with your sex toy. For example, are you looking to stimulate a specific body part, treat yourself, or your partner? Perhaps you’re looking for something to enhance how you already have sex or something utterly new to spice things up.
Once you’ve got an idea of what you’re looking for, you can begin to decide on the sex toy that will help you reach your sexy goals.
If You Want…
CLITORAL STIMULATION
Vibrators of all kinds, especially wands and bullets, are perfect for externally stimulating the clitoris. For those who are ultra-sensitive, there are now toys that stimulate the clitoris via pulsation and air.
PENETRATIVE (VAGINAL, OR G-SPOT) STIMULATION
Dildos and classic vibrators can be used to penetrate and stimulate from the inside out. There are G-spot-specific vibrators and dildos that are less ‘real-feel’ and more so designed to reach that special place.
BOTH CLITORAL AND VAGINAL STIMULATION
Why not have the best of both worlds? Rabbit-style vibrators have both an internal penetrative component and an external clitoral stimulator. Make sure whichever dual-stimulation toy you purchase has a clitoral stimulator that works for you and your body. Clitoral stimulators that are soft and flexible work best as they adapt to your shape and movement.
SEX SIMULATORS
Fleshlights, sex dolls, and real-feel butts, boobs, and dildos are all great sex toy options for those who want to get closer to the real experience.
PROSTATE STIMULATION
The elusive prostate is well worth a tickle. If you’re looking for a mind-blowing sensation, then make sure to keep a prostate massager in your sex toy arsenal.
IMPROVE PENETRATIVE SEX
If you’re looking to enhance the sex you’re already having, try cock rings (especially the vibrating kind) and other aforementioned masturbating toys that you can use on each other or mutually. If you want to spice things up, try getting kinky with tickling feathers, handcuffs, whips, and blindfolds.
Material Matters
You should be thinking about whether you have any allergies, whether you want a lifelike feel, how bothered you are with sanitizing your toys, and how much money you’re willing to spend on maintenance.
Toys usually come in four different materials: silicone, rubber/jelly, glass, and stainless steel.
Silicone
Most modern sex toys are made of silicone, and that’s a good thing. It has a soft, skin-like feel and provides flexibility—making it a suitable material for intimate toys. It’s generally safe (make sure you stick to 100% silicone, though), easy to clean, and not porous—so it won’t absorb any chemicals or bacteria over time. While silicone is an excellent material to look out for when buying toys, remember that high-quality silicone products are costly.
Also, make sure to use, clean, and store your silicone toys properly—as they’re fairly easy to disfigure. Silicone lubes will cause them to melt, and storing them with other silicone toys will result in the same issue. Keep them out of the dishwasher and boiling water, as silicone toys will also melt at high temperatures.
Rubber / Plastic Jelly
Rubber and plastic jelly toys are often what inexpensive dildos are made of. Rubber can produce a massive variety of textured feels, colors, and shapes—making it an easy choice for dildos.
However, even though you save some cash, rubber and plastic jelly toys do have quite a few downsides. They’re often made of a mix of plastics and chemicals, meaning they can easily irritate the skin. Rubber is also a porous material, making it more susceptible to bacterial biofilms, and more likely to absorb harmful chemicals or unpleasant odors.
You should try to use condoms with rubber toys for this very reason. Because they are porous, rubber toys often have a much shorter shelf life, so it might be better to invest in a high-quality material for the long term.
Glass
Glass toys, while fragile, a bit heavier, and less discreet, are great for penetrative play. They retain heat, making them pleasurable to use over time, or for use with temperature play specifically.
Glass is, of course, non-porous, making it more hygienic, long-lasting, and easy to sanitize. Glass can be used with any type of lube, but keep in mind that using silicone lube with glass results in an oil slick of a situation—but hey, whatever floats your boat. Keep glass toys out of the dishwasher, and extremely hot water, as high temperatures can disfigure them.
Also, keep in mind that exposing your glass to extremes of cold, then hot, can result in fractures. As soon as your glass toy has a fracture, it is no longer safe to use.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel can make any toy feel futuristic, and to be honest—quite kinky. Nonporous, durable, and temperature-sensitive, stainless steel is a choice material for penetrative or massaging toys. Try cooling your stainless steel toys in the fridge for an exciting sensation!
While stainless steel toys are almost impossible to break, they are expensive and can be a bit too heavy to lug around for a weekend getaway.
Special Considerations
Are you going to be traveling with your toy?
Go for small toys that you can carry around in your purse or pocket. Bullet vibes, for example, are effective at clitoral stimulation, incredibly mobile, and most importantly—won’t raise any eyebrows if spotted.
Need something accessible?
If full wrist motion and using your hands for long periods of time will be uncomfortable, or inaccessible to you, try using toys with more ergonomic handles or hands-free toys. Some toys, like rubber dildos, can be incredibly taxing on the wrist and arm as they require more control. However, something like a wand, with an extended handle, will be much easier to use.
If you’ve got impaired eyesight, as well, you may want to make sure that your desired toy has obvious operating buttons, lights, etc—or better yet, an easy-to-use smartphone app!