= Know how to tell when the fun is over Nothing lasts forever, and when it comes to well-loved toys, it’s important to tell when they’ve passed their use-by date. Look out for louder than usual whirring in motor toys, seams that have come loose on battery-operated toys (they’re no longer waterproof, and therefore not safe to use!), toys that won’t charge properly anymore, and pockmarks on silicone toys, and fractures in glass ones. If you’ve noticed any of these telltale signs, it’s time to swap your toy for a new one! Adult toys enhance any play session. Whether you’re going solo or sharing the experience, they quickly become important possessions once they’re in your sexy times toolkit. If you’re a newbie looking to dive into the world of adult play, then we hope our guide has helped you decide on what toy you want, and how best to use and take care of it. Or if you’re a sex toy veteran, we hope we’ve helped shed light on some of the lesser-known maintenance tips you may not have come across yet. The most important thing is that you’re all out there having amazing orgasms, and we trust that our guide will help you reach that goal in no time.
Long gone are the days where you’d pick out a “back massager” from the Sears catalog. Now, many types of sex toys are available at independent sex shops like Babeland and major retailers like Amazon. To find the types of sex toys that are right for you, start with what sensations you want to add to your sex life. Do you have a G-spot that needs stimulation? Do you want to add some buzz to penetrative sex? Do you need to replace a partner who you can’t find your clitoris despite the Powerpoint presentation you gave them last week? Types of Sex Toys Check out this list of all different types of sex toys and see which ones match up to the sensations you want. 11 Types of Sex Toys You Should Know About Clitoral Vibrators A clitoral vibrator is a vibrating toy meant to be used on or around the clitoris. They are also called external vibrators, since they’re not designed for penetration. You can use them on any external part of your body where vibration feels good: try them on nipples, labia, testicles, or that one sore spot on your neck.
“Terrible sex ed and confusing pop culture references make it seem like vaginal insertion is the primary way to stimulate people with vaginas, but most orgasms for them are clitoral,” says Carol Queen, PhD, staff sexologist at Good Vibrations. “So exploring clitoral stimulation can be a revelation for those new to toys.” Expert Recommendation: Pipedream Fantasy for Her — Her Ultimate Pleasure Types of Sex Toys - Clitoral Vibrator Subscribe to Let's Eat Cake! Get weekly updates of our best content straight to your inbox. Your Email... SUBSCRIBE I consent to receiving emails and personalized ads. The classic bullet design is a popular option, but clitoral vibrators have come a long way. “This does vibration, suction, and tongue actions,” says Alex Miller, sexologist at Orchid Toys. “We hear nothing but good things about that combo.” We love any 3-in-1 that’s not shampoo.
Wand Vibrators Get your hands on one of these magic wands. Wand vibrators are a type of clitoral vibrator with a long handle and large head that gives intense vibration. They usually come with multiple vibration patterns, so you can find the one that makes you say “Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo!” At least this one won’t turn back into a stick at midnight. “Wand vibrators are among the most lauded and popular toys because they deliver significant stimulation,” says Queen. “They have helped many people with a clitoris have their first — and many subsequent — orgasms.” Expert Recommendation: Vibratex Magic Wand Types of Sex Toys - Magic Wand wand vibrator “It’s the magic wand that started it all but now it’s cordless. There are so many attachments for it and it just works,” they explain. If it doesn’t, maybe try turning it off and back on again. Clit Suction Sex Toys We’ve had sex toys and vacuums for so long, and yet only recently have these technologies been combined for the greater good. Clitoral suction toys are all the rage because they use air and suction to stimulate the clit, not just vibration. They feel like getting oral sex from someone whose tongue never gets tired and who has no opinions about your pubic hair.
Silicone Cock Sleeves“Many people LOVE these and say they can have orgasms more quickly and easily than ever before,” says Queen. “They can be sneaky-good nipple toys too!” Expert Recommendation: Lelo Sona Cruise Cerise Types of Sex Toys - LELO SONA 2 Cruise Sonic Waves Massager clit suction Miller says, “This is a sonic air toy and it’s awesome.” It’s rechargeable, waterproof, and just the right amount of buttons. Not to be confused with an air horn, though you might disturb the neighborhood with either. Dildos and Harnesses A dildo is a phallic-shaped toy that’s used for penetration. They can come in many different shapes, sizes, textures, and colors. Some even have a suction cup base, can be made with materials like glass or stainless steel, thrust automatically, or be double-ended to use on multiple holes. You can use a dildo in a harness to penetrate your partner, or wear it as a fun fashion statement that will get you kicked out of the grocery store.
“There aren’t lots of vibration-focused nerves deeper in the vagina or anus, but they do feel pressure, motion, and fullness,” says Queen. When shopping for a dildo, consider the weight, depth, texture, and even temperature you want to feel. Glass dildos can be frozen if you like your sex cold and with a popsicle. Expert Recommendation: Tantus Beginner Kit Types of Sex Toys - Tantus Bend Over Beginner Harness Dildo Kit “Choosing a favorite dildo is like choosing a favorite ice cream flavor,” says Miller. “But anything by Tantus is amazing.” G-Spot and A-Spot Sex Toys You don’t need Young Money to make your room into the G-Spot, no matter how much he claims to make your bed rock. G-spot or A-spot toys are curved to help hit the front wall of the vagina, which contains the feel-good clitoral tissue that creates vaginal orgasms. G-spot and A-spot stimulation toys can come in many shapes and sizes, as well with or without vibration. “They are intended to stimulate either the G-spot or the A-spot (anterior fornix, tucked in under the cervix) so they will be curved to better reach these areas,” says Queen. “G-spot toys may also have a rounded end that can ‘grab’ the G-spot and focus on it.” Expert Recommendation: Gläs G-Spot Tickler Types of Sex Toys - Glas Purple G-Spot Tickler Toy “For targeted G-spot toying, I find myself going to the Gläs Purple G-Spot Tickler,” says Miller. “It’s no frills, feels comfortable in my hands, plays well with all lubes because it’s glass.”
Combination or Rabbit Vibrators Combination vibrators are like a dildo and a clitoral vibrator put together. They have an internal vibrator and external vibrating parts so you can stimulate the clitoris and the vagina at the same time. These vibrators can come with rotating or thrusting parts to increase the intense stimulation. “Two separate erogenous areas are stimulated at the same time, and that can result in a blended orgasm or just a lot of pleasure,” says Queen. They’re perfect for solo play since they can provide so much stimulation with one hand. Otherwise, you’d need one partner to hold the clitoral vibrator, another partner to thrust in the dildo, and somebody to prepare the post-game snacks. The rabbit was invented by Vibratex and came in bright colors with cute vibrating animals to get around the country’s obscenity laws. They’re called rabbits because of their ear-shaped clitoral stimulators. If you’re looking for the OG, try the pearl rabbit. Expert Recommendation: We-Vibe Nova 2 Rabbit Types of Sex Toys - We-vibe Nova 2 Flexible Rabbit Vibrator “This is a no-frills rabbit that provides great flexibility and a bit of rigidity for constant, body-hugging contact,” says Miller.
Chastity BondageCock Rings Cock rings go around the base of the penis to keep the blood flow in, which helps erections last longer. They can also have attached vibrators for some extra buzz. “Vibrating cock rings are often a form of a couple’s toy, with the vibe intended to add clitoral stimulation,” says Queen. “But plenty of users like to experience the vibrations themselves, and they will be more intense if the ring is worn up at the head of the penis.” Expert Recommendation: Satisfyer Power Ring Types of Sex Toys - Satisfyer Vibrating Cock Ring “Satisfyer vibrating rings are affordable, rechargeable, and come in many shapes,” says Miller. One ring to rule them all, indeed. Butt Plugs and Prostate Massagers Butt plugs stimulate the anal cavity and, in people who have one, the prostate. It can also create a pleasant “full” sensation if you wear it while receiving vaginal penetration.
“People of any gender and anatomy might enjoy these toys, because they stimulate the sensitive anus and anal canal,” says Queen. Their anal play pro tip: “Always use lube!” Toys are not one-size-fits-all-holes. Repeat after us: nothing goes in the anus without a flared base. You need a toy that can safely be inserted without getting lost. It’s all fun and games until somebody needs to go to the ER. They don’t have Twister there anymore. Expert Recommendation: Blush B Yours Slim Anal Plug Types of Sex Toys - Blush B Yours Slim Anal Plug “The Blush B Yours Slim anal plug is a great, body safe plug that’s non-threatening for beginners,” says Miller. Anal Beads Anal beads are a string of beads that are designed to massage the sphincter when inserted and when slowly removed. “Anal beads are often graduated in size, so smaller ones are inserted first, and they get larger as you go,” says Queen. “Pulling them out can be intense and pleasurable–it can trigger an orgasm for some people.” Expert Recommendation: Naughty Bits Butt Balls Types of Sex Toys - Naughty Bits Anal Beads Butt Balls
“They are tapered, made of silicone, and come in cute packaging,” says Miller. They’ll work great once you stop giggling over the name. Cock Sleeves “Sleeves are toys that the penis can penetrate,” says Queen. “They are hand job enhancers and may also have a vibrator built in for extra sensation.” Sleeves are perfect for mutual masturbation sessions or solo time. Additional fashion accessories like a jaunty hat are optional. Expert Recommendation: 6-Pack of Studded Cock Sleeves Types of Sex Toys - Crystalline TPR Cock Sleeves “This pack is cheap and gives you six options so you can try them out and see what you like the most,” says Miller. It also gives you the wearer feeling the feeling that they’re the missing member of Judas Priest. 1 Couples Sex Toys “Any toy can be a couple’s toy, but some are specifically designed with partner sex in mind,” says Queen. Sex toys for couples may be insertables that create sensations for both partners. Some are remote controlled so your partner can push your buttons. In a fun way this time! Expert Recommendation: We-Vibe Chorus Couples Vibrator Types of Sex Toys - We-Vibe Chorus Couples Vibrator with remote “The toy has amazing build quality and the best app in the industry,” says Miller. “It’s adjustable so it stays in better than earlier iterations.”
BONDAGE BOUTIQUE Adjustable Nipple Clamps with Double Chain $199 at Lovehoney Buy Now ADVERTISEMENT Gags Gags can take on many forms in BDSM play, but most commonly as a cloth gag around the mouth, or as a gag with a bar or a ball gag. Typically, the sphere or bar will be made of a body-safe silicone, as other materials might damage those pearly whites of yours. This gag is great for beginners, as it has a few extra holes in the ball for extra breathability. ZHEXU Beginner's Ball Gag $52 at Amazon Buy Now Paddles & Riding Crops Who doesn’t like a little spanking, now and again? Whether your dom is using a 16-inch bamboo paddle, riding crop, or a spanker that looks like it was made out of Furbies, these are great sex toys for a little kinky foreplay, or even a game of shuttlecock. This silver paddle has a 7-star rating on Lovehoney because it’s great for seasoned spankers and beginners alike; one side is made out of a padded satin and the other is a firmer faux leather.
FIFTY SHADES OF GREY Twitchy Palm Spanking Paddle $281 at Amazon Buy Now $399 $50 at Lovehoney Buy Now E-Stim Toys Erotic electrostimulation (E-stim) is a kink in which a person enjoys receiving or giving a bit of light electric stimulation through electrically endowed paddles, wands, and patches. It’s important to practice this kink correctly, but once its parameters are understood, it can make for some fun horny Frankenstein roleplay. ELECTROSHOCK E-Stim Paddle $796 at PinkCherry Buy Now Pinwheels …Not the kind you find blowing in your aunt’s garden. These spiky pinwheels or “Wartenberg” wheels are very common in people with a sexual medical fetish, or anyone with an especially sensory kinky side to them. As with every sex toy—and especially those falling under the traditional BDSM umbrella—be sure to use them correctly by applying only the slightest pressure to yourself or your partner, and never inserting them into your body.
UNBOUND BABES Spike Sensation Play Pinwheel $18 at Unbound Babes Buy Now Sex Furniture Our honorable mention goes to sex furniture, otherwise known as anything you can grind or bang on, because so many folks first sexual toy/accomplice was a pillow—and look how far the humping and grinding sex toys have come since then! Brands such as Liberator make firm pillow wedges designed to be placed under your back or below your stomach for deeper penetration and more comfortable sex. As a certified sex educator, I get a lot of questions about sex toys. Like, a lot, a lot. For now, let’s distill my inbox’s most prominent sex toy–related inquiry: “There are so many different kinds of sex toys. How do I know which one I want? And what are the differences? Are there any? What am I doing? Help me!”
The thing is, when it comes to sex toys (and sex education in general, if I’m being honest), there just isn’t a lot of good, trustworthy information out there. Why? There are a lot of reasons, mostly to do with shame. There are countless problems with sexual shame and our society’s fraught relationship with it, but sex toys can be especially confusing. If you want a vibrator and you buy a dildo, you’re going to be disappointed. If you buy a vibrator that isn’t made for anal play and use it for anal penetration? You could wind up in the emergency room. What’s more, the Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate sex-toy materials in the U.S. This means that companies can make sex toys out of whatever the hell they want with very little consequence. Read: Companies can make sex toys that go in your body out of materials that aren’t safe for your body—such as jelly or low-grade rubber. Don’t worry: We have all the information you need so you can go forth on your sex-toy journey prepared and armed with information. Because you deserve to know what’s making you orgasm. Vulva Toys: Dildos vs. Vibrators What’s the confusion? The shape. The classic dildo and rabbit vibrators (of Sex and the City fame and still the most popular sex toy for vulva owners) both have a long, phallic shape. They look relatively similar and are both made for penetration, so they are often mixed up. Let’s break them down:
Anal Glass DildoDildos: A dildo is a long, cylindrical sex toy that, in its most basic form, looks like a penis. Luckily, there are now so many different shapes, sizes, and colors that the scary penis-centric image of the dildo has transformed. People still buy real-dick-looking dildos, but you have options. The notable thing about dildos is that they don’t vibrate. “A dildo is a phallic-shaped object that can be inserted into an orifice,” Kenneth Play, an international educator and sex hacker, tells TheBody. And, sometimes, they are curved to reach the G-spot area. Vibrators: What makes a vibrator? You guessed it—they vibrate. Vibrators are, in my opinion, the most nuanced and complex category of sex toys because there are a zillion different shapes and sizes. They are designed for either external or internal use (or both), depending on their shape and size. It’s important to note that while a vulva/vagina toy might be designed for external or internal use, you can experiment and use them for one or the other, or both. The vagina is a closed-off canal. Your toys won’t get lost, I promise!
Who doesn’t love a good subcategory, amiright? Let’s break them down (again). External vibrators (bullets, finger vibes): These toys are used for external stimulation of the clitoris. “Both bullet and finger vibrators are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand,” erotic educator Taylor Sparks tells TheBody. “The ones called bullet vibrators tend to be shaped like ... bullets or at least are cylindrical in shape. Finger vibrators are similar to bullet vibes but have a loop so that you can slip it on your finger and it becomes an extension of your own hand. You can find them both at varying speeds and intensities.” Internal vibrators (G-spot wands): Internal vibrators have the same “phallic,” cylindrical length of a dildo, only they vibrate. What’s more, they are usually shaped with a curved head, designed to reach the G-spot area. “Some vulva owners like the feeling of the vibrations on their G-spots, while others may enjoy it being rubbed back and forth or round and round. So a G-spot vibrator can be used to stimulate this area on or off,” says Sparks, who is the founder of Organic Loven, the largest Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC)–owned online intimacy shop. Dual vibrators (rabbits, dual wands): As mentioned, the rabbit is the most popular form of vibrator to this day, thanks to Samantha Jones. Dual vibrators combine clitoral and G-spot stimulation for a full, internally and externally stimulating experience. They have a vibrating, cylindrical base and an attached, external head designed to reach the glans clitoris. Some vulva owners love them, some don’t. Get curious and experiment.
Anal Toys: Anal Beads vs. Anal Dildos vs. Anal Plugs Anal toys are in their own special category for one big reason: safety. The anus has two rings: the outside ring (the one you can flex when you tighten your butthole) and an inner ring, which we cannot control. The inner ring has truly astonishing sucking power—it can take toys right up and away. Anal toys are specifically designed to avoid this pitfall: They have a flared base, designed to act as a stopper. All forms of butt toys come in both vibrating and non-vibrating versions. Read the toy’s description before you purchase. Let’s break them down: Anal plugs: Anal plugs look like, well, plugs. Butt plugs have a flared base. Never, ever put anything up your bum that doesn’t have a flared base. From this article to God’s ears. “They tend to be tear-shaped with a wide base to keep them from being ‘sucked up’ into the anal canal. They come [in] vibrating and non-vibrating [models] and in many materials—silicone, glass, and even wood,” Sparks explains. Anal dildos: Anal dildos are usually best paired with a strap-on for pegging. They fit into a harness (such as the cloth harness from SpareParts) and can be used for anal sex. They look very similar to classic dildos—only they have a flared base. Start with smaller anal dildos before moving up to bigger sizes. Communicate with your partner and let them know if anything feels uncomfortable. Anal beads: “Anal beads come in a string of beads, like on a bracelet,” Play tells us. The idea is to insert the beads, one at a time, to stimulate the nerve-rich anal opening. When you’re about to orgasm, you (or a partner) can remove the anal beads one at a time. This can increase your sensation. Play notes that you should always choose anal beads that come with a flared bottom, so you don’t lose them up your bum.
Dildo ExtensionI cannot stress this enough: FLARED BASES FOR BUMS ONLY. Penis Toys: C*ckrings, Masturbation Sleeves, etc. Lastly, we would be remiss not to mention toys designed for penises. Penis toys are important to understand before using them, but they come with fewer risks. You’re not going to lose a penis ring up your urethra the way one might lose a non-anal dildo up a tight sphincter. Let’s break them down: C-rings: C*ckrings are rings that go around the base of the penis to restrict blood flow. This can help with greater control over climax, longer erections, and more intense orgasms. Be sure that the c-ring you’re using is made of body-safe or medical-grade silicone. Use a reliable, water-based lubricant to help with friction. Do not exceed 20 minutes when using one, as this can cause injury.
Masturbation sleeves: Masturbation sleeves are exactly what the name says: A sleeve for masturbation. Its most rudimentary model might be familiar: the Fleshlight. The Fleshlight is designed to look like a vagina or anus. It has a bad reputation as being seedy and weird, but I chalk this up to our culture’s shame around sex. Men and all penis owners have every right to pleasure and orgasms, too. Plus, you don’t need to get a grimy-looking toy anymore. Sex-toy company Tenga has taken the lead in creating masturbation sleeves that are truly works of art. Party on! Vibrators: Vibrators are made for vulvas, but they can be used for penises too! They are versatile—so long as you’re keeping them away from your anus. Try using a wand vibrator on the head of your penis and see how it feels. Don’t forget lube! If your sex life is feeling a bit stale, or ...well ... just not getting the job done, you're not alone. The FDA reports that 43% of women have some form of sexual dysfunction — which is higher than the number of men (31%). Sometimes, there's a biological or psychological cause. But if you're simply in a slump, or sex has slipped off the relationship priority list, sex toys are one way to amp up a woman's sexual pleasure and help her reach orgasm. In a recent Harris Poll survey, 71% of women ages 18 to 34 agreed that using sex toys added intimacy in the bedroom. Even better? They've never been so tech smart, better designed, or more widely available.
Lou Paget, a certified sex educator and best-selling author based in Los Angeles, isn't surprised by a recent surge in interest in toys. "We've seen a definitive change in attitude where there is recognition that a woman's pleasure matters," she explains. "Sex toys can play an important role in boosting a women's abilities to really enjoy themselves during sex." So whether you're trying it for the first time, or you've got some experience under your belt, we've got a suitable enhancer for you. 1 Want to test the waters? most convenient sex toys emojis DANA TEPPERGETTY IMAGES Before you head to the adult novelty shop, look around: Chances are, you have something in your house right now that will do double duty as a pleasure enhancer. Paget suggests looking to your bathroom for potential stimulators. "A hand-held, detachable shower head or Jacuzzi jets can be arousing," she says. Start slow and use indirect pressure to the area around your clitoris, but not direct, until you have a sense of how it feels. Her advice for the beginner: Take baby steps and try basic toys first. And remember to have fun! "As adults, our ability to play is driven out of us and we lose it," explains Paget. "We like gadgets in the kitchen and outside of the bedroom, so why not take the opportunity to enjoy them in the intimate part of our lives, too?"
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