The Ultimate Guide to Sex Toys for Beginners: What to Know Before You Buy

You might be a blushing newbie to the world of sex toys—but not for long. Now that you’ve decided to spice up your solo adventures and raise the heat between the sheets, it’s time to shop till your libido drops! But before you go adding to your cart, it might be wise to learn a thing or two about vibes versus wands, for starters. 

This no-BS guide covers the basics of sex toys for beginners; so consider this your roadmap to naughtyville. So read on to discover what your nightstand needs so you can end your shopping spree with “Oh YES!”

The Pleasure Posse: A Rundown of the Types of Sex Toys

Vibrators and dildos are just the beginning. From butt plugs, anal beads and strokers, to life-like dolls, cock cages, and dual stimulators—imagine you’re walking into a candy store for adults where pleasure is just waiting to be plucked off the shelves. So what do you think? Are you ready to dip your toes into the pleasure pool? This guide offers a quick rundown of sex toys for beginners:

Vibrators 

Vibrators are like the popular clique of the sex toy club. Everyone loves them, and there’s an effortless ease in how they can please you. Chances are you’ll find your match with vibrators, since you can choose from so many different variations to suit your preference:

• Bullet vibrators
• Clitoral vibrators
• G-spot vibrators
• Rabbit vibrators
• Remote-control vibrators
• Thrusting massagers
• Suction vibrating massager

These options are just the (proverbial) tip, with newer developments surfacing every other day. There are also oral simulators, waterproof options, and travel-friendly sex toys for beginners who love carrying their pleasure with them.

Dildos

Dildos are kind of like the cousin of vibrators, and there’s quite a bit of overlap between these two. One of the most crucial distinctions is that not every dildo comes with a vibrating function. Dildos are typically designed in a phallic shape and used for penetration, but there can be a few variations in materials and wearability:

• Realistic-looking dildos
• Glass dildos
• Strap-ons
• Vibrating dildos

Male Toys

There are many different kinds of male toys you can explore, with plenty of beginner-friendly options from top brands to browse through. Some of these toys are designed to stimulate the penis for solo pleasure while others enhance your erection during sex. Whether you’re looking to improve your experience pleasuring yourself or want better performance with your partner, you’ve got a variety of options to choose from:

• Cock rings
• Dolls
• Penis pumps
• Prostate massagers
• Strokers
• Penis extensions

Anal Pleasure

Toys for anal pleasure might not always seem like the most obvious choice of sex toys for beginners. But anal stimulators can deliver a whole new degree of bliss if you give them a chance. 

Anyone can enjoy butt play, regardless of gender or sexual preference. Between anal beads and butt plugs, there are plenty of options suited to beginners. Our only piece of advice for beginners trying anal sex toys is to go slow and always use lube for maximum comfort.

Sex Toy Materials and Other Intimate Accessories

This sex toy guide would be incomplete without decoding popular materials, enhancers, and accessories like sex furniture and lingerie. These intimate accessories make it easier to enjoy your sex toys to the fullest. 

Materials Matter

The stuff your toys are made of matters when you’re thinking about comfort and safety. For starters, silicone is a winning choice since it’s easy to clean, soft to the touch, and body-safe. If you’re interested in temperature play, glass and steel are the way to go. But just make sure they’re top-quality. Jelly and PVC toys may not be the best materials among sex toys for beginners since they’re porous and can trap bacteria, which can turn into a problem if you’re not prompt with cleaning your toys after every use.

Lube

Using lube during partnered play or solo pleasure sessions enhances comfort, especially with toys designed for penetration. There are various types of lube you can choose from, each appropriate for different purposes. While water and oil-based lubes are popular, silicone and hybrid formulas also exist. A key tip for beginners pairing lube with their sex toys is to check for compatibility; for example, oil-based lube doesn’t pair well with latex toys and condoms. On the other hand, water-based lubes are great to pair with anal toys.

Furniture & Lingerie

Sex furniture with toy mounts can make it easier to enjoy hands-free pleasure and offers better support and deeper penetration during sex. If you or your partner is visually stimulated, wearing sexy lingerie is a fun add-on to using toys. It’s great to get you aroused and helps reframe your view of yourself, making solo pleasure more intimate and luxurious.

Safety & Hygiene With Sex Toys for Beginners

Getting frisky is all fun and games until you slip up with hygiene or hurt yourself by accident. This is why it’s best to keep your toys clean and do your research before trying something new, like anal sex. While we always recommend using lube for beginners trying new sex toys, it’s even more important to do this with butt play. 

Keeping your intimate accessories clean is manageable if you guide your sex toy hygiene with these tips:

• Use a gentle toy cleaner on your sex toys before moving to a different area or sharing them with a partner.
• Dry your toys fully before storing them away.
• Wrap your toys in a cloth bag or a clean t-shirt for storage. This keeps dust or bacteria from getting onto the surface or into crevices.
• Keeping your toys in a dry area protects them from water damage. Also, avoid heat or direct sunlight.

What’s important is to keep an open mind and go into any new experience with a relaxed frame of mind. Try this, and bliss and comfort will automatically follow!