The world of sex toys is a highly saturated market. You can get them in any color, style, or size that you want. They range from small, discreet items like bullet vibrators and go as far as not-so-discreet swings. That being said, it can be pretty overwhelming choosing the right toy for you. So keep reading for a Sex Toy 101 lesson.

We’ve broken down this vast array of pleasure items into a Beginners Guide to Sex Toys, explaining the different types of sex toys. Hopefully, it will give you a better understanding of what toy you want and how to use it.

Vibrators

When you think ‘sex toys’ what do you usually associate it with? Vibrators. We can attribute this to pop culture. You know what we’re talking about, that Sex and the City scene where Samantha Jones tries to return a “back massager” because it failed to get her off.

Fun fact: did you know that vibrators were invented to cure female hysteria? Dr. J Mortimer pioneered the manual labor-saving vibrator sometime in the 1880s. Back in the day, husbands would send their wives to see this doctor in hopes of calming their wife’s hysteria. It’s safe to say that more and more women would visit his clinic to “calm themselves down.” So let’s break down some different types of vibrators.

Wand Vibrator. The OG vibrator, the toy that brought vibrators into mainstream media. Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the Magic Wand! Wand vibrators were intended to be massagers, but some ladies decided to get creative and bring it down under. Props to them because they changed the game forever.

Clitoral Vibrator. These types of vibrators are designed specifically for clitoral stimulation as opposed to a penetrative vibration. Clitoral vibrators are popular for their discreet appearance, compact size, and little to no noise. They’re perfect toys for people that wanna have fun but also want to keep their fun a sexy, little secret.

Rabbit Vibrator. Sometimes called the Bunny Vibrator, these toys are not for the faint of heart. They’re considered intermediate to advanced sex toys depending on its construction and attachments. Rabbit vibrators are often penetrative toys that can be used with or without a partner. Bunny Vibes are characterized by their rabbit ear attachments that stimulate the clitoris whilst giving the user penetrative sensations. Rabbit Vibrators aren’t exactly the quietest of sex toys, but if you can find one that’s virtually noiseless, it’s worth shelling out the extra dollars.

Bullet Vibrator. Probably the most discreet of the bunch, bullet vibrators are the easiest entryway into beginner sex toys. They’re one of the first vibrators that you should buy. Bullet vibrators aren’t nearly as intimidating as Rabbit Vibrators, but they sure do get the job done. It’s a good way to gauge your tolerance for sex toys. Plus, great things come in small packages. Some bullet vibrators even come in lip stick looking tubes!

Suction Vibrator. This is the closest you’ll get to the real thing (well orally). Suction vibrators combine custom vibrations and inward air pressure to create the ‘sucking’ feeling. These toys were originally placed in the fetish area of the sex toy world, but they’ve quickly made their way to the mainstream market. The idea behind suction vibrator is direction more blood flow to the nerves in your clitoris making it extra sensitive to pleasurable sensations. You can say that there’s a science to this toy.

Dildos

Many people use the words ‘dildo’ and ‘vibrator’ interchangeably, but in truth, they’re two completely different things. For starters, dildos don’t vibrate on their own. They are phallic objects used for penetration. Many dildos lack the sophistication of vibrators as they don’t have nearly as many attachments that vibrators do, but they still get the job done. Manually. And like vibrators, dildos were a medical device created as a “cure-all” for ailments such as headaches, nausea, and even weight loss. Of course, these claims turned out to be false, but they were a ladies best kept secret back in the day.

Here are a few things you should consider before buying a dildo:

Size – Yes, size matters. But not for the reasons you think. If it’s your first time buying a dildo, start small. Especially if you haven’t had sex yet. Ease your way into larger sizes because if you buy one that’s too big for you, you may just get frustrated because the experience could be painful or uncomfortable.

Texture – When in doubt, buy a smooth dildo. Just like the principle of size, work your way up to a higher complexity. Glass dildos are always a good option for beginners. They’re easy to maintain and they give you the opportunity to explore temperature play.

Shape – Some women require G-spot stimulation for a pleasurable experience and others can do without it. So, it’s really up to you if you want a curved or straight dildo. Dual ended dildos are also a great option if you want to experiment with your partner. And if you want a dildo for anal purposes, buy one with a flared base. It makes it easier to handle and disconnect from.

Anal Play

Training kits – Anal training kits are made to prepare and train the anus for anal sex and play. Though anal sex can be pleasurable for both partners, you need to put some work in to get there. The kits come with different sizes, use the devices depending on your level of comfort and tolerance. The more comfortable you are with anal training devices; the better anal sex will be. 

Butt plugs – These are bulb shaped toys which are inserted into the anus. Like the training devices, the size of the toy will depend on your level of experience and tolerance. Butt plugs are pleasure items designed to be worn for a short time before performing anal sex. They’re made to stretch and relax the sphincter in preparation for penetration. The sensation heightens pleasure and ensures you are in the right state for anal play. You can spice things up by buying gimmicky butt plugs with soft, fur tails. 

Anal beads – Unlike butt plugs that were made to be pleasurable when inserted, anal beads were designed to be stimulating when removed. Anal beads are suitable to both women and men, if they’re something you’re willing to explore.

Cock Rings

The primary purpose of wearing cock rings is to restrict blow flow from the penis to produce or maintain an erection for a longer period of time. If you want your playtimes to last a little longer, then cock rings are a great option. They’re like an external source of Viagra.

Dual stimulation – Cock rings don’t necessarily have to be enjoyed by just one person; they are also great for dual stimulation. Some cock rings have bunny ear attachments, others vibrate, and some rings even stimulate other parts of your lower appendage. 

Solo play – You can amp up the fun even during your solo sessions! Slip on the cock ring for a more sensitized experience.

Side note: Always use a water-based lubricant when playing with sex toys. 

Of course, there are way more sex toys on the market than the ones we’ve mentioned. This is just a guide to the most common type of sex toys that people get into. Hopefully we answered some of your questions and piqued your interest.