Best budget: Lovehoney BASICS Mini Vibrator Lovehoney BASICS Mini Vibrator VIEW ON LOVEHONEY | $10 Pro Great value for a basic vibrator Con Vibration may not be powerful enough Rechargeable: No Waterproof: Water-resistant Lovehoney's AA-battery-operated waterproof mini vibrator has an angled tip that helps with direct clitoral and erogeneous zone stimulation during solo and partnered play. The 5-inch vibrator comes with a multi-speed dial for variety with your vibrations while keeping the sound whisper-quiet. The hard plastic ABS materials are latex-free and phthalate-free, meaning it's safe to use on your genitals. Another favorite of Moore's, she recommends the toy as an effective yet budget-friendly option. "It gets the job done for a toy that costs less than your average trip to Starbucks." Best for dual stimulation: Happy Rabbit Realistic Dual Density Rabbit Vibrator Happy Rabbit Realistic Dual Density Rabbit Vibrator
VIEW | $140 VIEW ON BABELAND | $110 Pro Soft and pliable for vaginal or anal use Con Size can be too big for some Rechargeable: Yes Waterproof: Yes Packed with many vibration and pulsation features, the dual rabbit vibrator is made with super-soft dual-density silicone and ABS plastic for safe play. The powerhouse toy has multiple massaging stimulations, like the flickering rabbit ears to tickle the clitoris and a curve on the shaft of the toy to provide pulsations on your G-spot or prostate. Phillips recommends it for any of his clients looking for simultaneous vaginal and clitoral stimulation. Best for discreet use: Crave Vesper Crave Vesper VIEW ON BABELAND | $70
Pro Stylish option when you're on the go Con Charge can wear down over time Rechargeable: Yes Waterproof: Water-resistant If you don't want to keep your sex toys locked away in your nightstand, take the Vesper with you for a night out on the town. Made from high-polish stainless steel, the 3-inch slim pendant shape hangs on a chain around your neck with an intense vibration on the tip for focused clitoral stimulation. "Wear it out and then use it wherever you'd like," Wright recommends. "It's sexy to wear something so out in the open–if you know, you know." Best to simulate oral sex: The Womanizer Pro40 The Womanizer Pro40 VIEW ON LOVEHONEY | $75
VIEW | $70 Pro USB charging cable Con Vibration could be stronger Rechargeable: Yes Waterproof: Yes Womanizer's Pleasure Air technology provides clitoral stimulation without direct contact, so you get all the pleasure without overstimulating the nerves. The waterproof toy comes with six intensity levels and hours of battery life. Certified sex therapist Bat Sheva Marcus, Ph.D., MSW, MPH, notes this is a brand she recommends often. "It's not inexpensive, but because the suction needs to be fairly powerful, it's worth paying up for this. Many women say it feels like oral sex. So if you are an oral sex fan, and that gets you off, this one might be for you." Best for clitoral stimulation: The Magic Wand The Magic Wand VIEW ON GOOD VIBRATIONS | $130 VIEW ON AMAZON | $120 Pros Long battery life Plug-in and battery options Cons Bulky size Rechargeable: Yes
Thunder BeadsWaterproof: No The Magic Wand is known as the little black dress of sex toys. It's so consistent, Marcus recommends every woman should have a wand in their vibrator collection. The rechargeable pick comes with an updated, easy-to-clean silicone head and the same deep, rumbly vibrations for strong orgasms. "It's an all-around massager that works not only on my pleasure zones but also on other parts of my body or my partner's like the back, neck, and shoulders after long travels," Moore says. Best for queer women: Wet for Her's Two Finger Extender Wet for Her's Two Finger Extender VIEW ON WET FOR HER | $40 Pro Can be more comfortable than using a dildo Con Material could be softer for flexibility Rechargeable: N/A
Waterproof: Water-resistant Ideal for G-spot stimulation, the finger extender was ergonomically designed so you could easily slip your two fingers into the toy. The body-safe material lets you feel your muscle contractions and the warmth of your body, so the touch feels natural and super-soft. Good for solo or partnered masturbation, customers rave that the toy is amazing for those who love finger play. Best for innovation: Lovense Nora Lovense Nora VIEW ON AMAZON | $120 VIEW ON LOVENSE | $100 Pro Remote controlled Great for long-distance relationships Con Customers have noted problems with the toy holding a charge Rechargeable: Yes Waterproof: Water-resistant "I have to admit I don't get off from penetration alone, and I know most people don't either. That's where rabbit vibrators with clitoral and internal stimulation come in," Moore notes. The water-safe and body-safe Nora toy has an external vibrating arm to deliver rumbly vibes to the clit while the insertable arm rotates instead of vibrates, which uniquely stimulates your G-spot. So, where does the innovation come in? The technological features. The app-controlled vibrator can be used at close range or far away, which also makes it a great sex toy for long-distance relationships. "You can even sync it to your favorite playlist or your partner's voice," she says.
Tips to keep in mind: See your sexuality as part of your self-care. Sexual self-care is about checking in on your sexual likes, dislikes, and preferences since they can change over time. Being in rhythm with your body and prioritizing pleasure via masturbation allows you to nurture a deeper connection with yourself. Bringing toys into your sexual self-care practice can be a bridge to work through any shame and traverse new sexual ground as well. Get in touch with your body. You can't find the right toy unless you know what makes your body tick. Phillips suggests running through several questions to help you figure out the particular features you'll want with your sex toy: "Is it to spice up your sex life with your partner? Are you not being pleasured enough, and you are tired of using your hands and fingers? Are you having a difficult time achieving an orgasm?" Getting down to the nitty-gritty opens you up to explore your pleasure zones and the type of touch you would prefer, which narrows down your choices.
Strapless DildoElevate the sensations you already like. Think about what you already like in bed, and then look for a toy that can give you the sort of focused stimulation you crave. "For example, if you really like using your fingers in a fast, pressure-filled way on and around your clitoris, try something that vibrates on and around your clitoris," advises Wright. "If you like the feeling of flickering on your clitoris, find a toy that mimics this either with air, a tickler, or suction. If you like dual-stimulation (penetration and clitoral stimulation) find a toy with dual stimulation." Try out new things you're curious about. It's not just about sticking with what you know. Sex toys offer a pathway to experiment with new kinks individually or in partnered scenarios. So, break away from the familiar activities and be as curious as you want to be. Trying out anal beads, remote-controlled vibrators, or internal g-spot vibrators can empower you to play out any secret fantasies or try out that hot move you saw in your favorite porno. (Here's our full guide to using every kind of vibrator.) Choose the proper materials. In the world of sex toys, not all sex toys are created equal. The FDA doesn't regulate the sex toy industry since they're not considered medical devices, so they're classified as "novelty items." Therefore, it's important to have some awareness about the chemical makeup in your sex toys to avoid any dangerous compounds. The exact material of your toy plays a heavy consideration here, and body-safe materials are king. "Don't use toys made from anything besides silicone, borosilicate glass, or stainless steel. It's OK if a handle is made of ABS plastic, but anything going on or in your bits needs to be body-safe," Wright says.
Lube, lube, lube. Just like with sex, you don't need to just rely on natural lubrication to get you going. "Make sure you have plenty of lube on hand," Wright suggests. "Everyone needs it. I promise it makes everything better." The exact amount depends on whether you're using the sex toy internally or externally, but you can apply the lube directly on top of the toy or on your body. How to clean your toys. Wright recommends using a sex toy cleaner that's gentle enough for the genitals but also strong enough to get rid of bacteria. "How you clean a toy varies depending on the material that the toy is made out of. Some say gentle soap and water is fine; however, there are so many variables when it comes to the ingredients in soap that I prefer to use something I know isn't going to mess up vaginal pH." (Here's a full guide about how to exactly clean every sex toy out there.) She shares a few tips below: Store toys in a relatively temperature-controlled place to prevent bacteria growth. Don't store silicone on silicone (the same reason you don't use silicone lubricant on silicone toys; it creates microscopic holes for bacteria growth).
If something is glass or stainless steel, boil them! Especially if they're being used anally. If they're only being used vaginally and on one person, a toy cleaner will suffice. Clean the sex toy before and after use to wash away dirt, bacteria, microscopic organisms, body fluids, etc. Depending on the material of the toy, leave it out to air dry or towel dry before storage. The takeaway. Sex toys are a great way to invite fun into the bedroom, even if it does require a little bit of research and experimentation to find the best sex toys that work for you. These sex toys are a great starting point to help you fulfill your sexual needs and stay curious about what turns you on. The best part is that you don't have to stop at just one toy—you can get as many as your heart desires. Whether you’re perusing the aisles and displays at an IRL sex toy emporium or scrolling online, shopping for a sex toy can be a little overwhelming. Not only do you have to figure out what everything does, you also have to figure out if it aligns with how you like to be done.
G-spot targeters These are quite similar to dildos in that they are a similar shape, though they can sometimes be a rabbit as well. These toys are specifically angled to reach that elusive “magic spot” instead of the more straightforward in-out of a dildo. These are great for those who love stimulating the g-spot. How do you judge if you will like such toys? Here’s a handy guide with some tips on how to evaluate a toy! WHERE TO BUY TOYS (DISCREETLY) Here's the hard part now that you know more about toys. Where can you get them? Although we may believe and advocate for taking charge of your self-pleasure and freeing yourself from shame, it is a fact that people still judge when you even simply take a glance at the condom section. With that, we offer some recommendations that can help you avoid these barriers.
First of all, other than physical sex shops that seem seedy, Watson's and Guardian actually sell a few of the types we spoke about, for a reasonable ($50 range) price and performance! They stock toys from Smile Makers, a local company focusing on women's pleasure. This line of toys can also be found on The WYLD Shop, Qoo10 and Lazada. Other than these "normal" shops, be it online or physical, you can obviously find toys on sex toy websites (a simple Google search will produce results). Most of them offer discreet shipping, which means that these come in unbranded brown packaging with little to no information. If you're concerned about your family finding out, local ones will also offer POPstation pickup or store pickup (usually at innocuous warehouses, no fear, except perhaps when you face the receptionist). You can also look at some international sex toy websites, as they may offer free shipping as well as student discounts When it comes to most activities in life, the right tools can help you get there, and then some. That’s especially true for sex. Whether you’re looking to have fun on your own, or with others, the right sex toys can help amplify pleasure and reintroduce a bit of curiosity and novelty into the bedroom. We don’t have to tell you all the benefits of an orgasm!
Sex toys are fast becoming household staples, and why not? The 21st century has brought us plenty of life-changing tech and the same goes for adult toys. 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 which toys we recommend how to store and clean those prized possessions best practice tips Before you get down and dirty, get educated! What to look for (or look OUT for) when finding the right toy You’re not alone on your search for the perfect sex toy. In fact, 50% of women start using sex toys in their 20s!
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 in your head of what you’re looking for, you can begin to decide on the sex toy that will help you reach your sexy goals. guide to sex toys 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 (i.e. The Womanizer). 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.
Artificial VaginaBOTH CLITORAL AND VAGINAL 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. After deciding on what type of toy you want, consider other variables, such as: material whether the toy is discreet, mobile, or accessible level of maintenance pink sex toy Materials 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 rubber/jelly glass stainless steel Here are some pros and cons to each: 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.
Fetish HoodRUBBER / 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? Will you be storing your toy in a home with nosey family members or roommates? Do you have any wrist issues or arthritis that might make it difficult to hold and manipulate a toy for minutes (or perhaps, hours) on end? How easy does your toy need to be to operate? These are just some of the questions you should be asking yourself before committing to any sex toy purchase.
