Your Guide To Pleasure:
How To Choose A Sex Toy - By Adrie Santos

From vibrators that look like bunnies to beads on a string that you put up your behind—the choices in sex toys are endless and can be daunting. This overview of what’s out there and what it all means will help you get the goodies you crave.

Choosing the best adult toy for you will first mean figuring out what type of pleasure you want and is as simple as answering a few questions:

- Do you want something to use alone or with a partner?
- Do you want penetration or clitoral stimulation or both?
- Do you want something for possible anal play as well?

Here are the juicy deets on the types of sex toys you have to choose from, with a few suggestions for each thrown in. By the time you read through it, you will be ready to not only make an informed choice, but wanting more than just one!

Toy Categories

Classic and Simple Vibrators: This is the most popular type of adult toys and the kind most people envision when thinking of sex toys. They are great for newbies to the toy scene because they come in a wide array of sizes from small to fantasy-sized and can be used for clitoral stimulation as well as penetration. Aesthetically they come in all colors, shapes—generally a variation of the phallus shape, textures and widths which means; something for everyone.

Recommended: Lady Finger , Velvet Touch, Impulse

Combi Stimulators and Rabbit Vibrators: Great when you’re looking for sensation overload; these vibrators have become increasingly popular since the Rabbit made its television debut on Sex and the City. These vibes offer a vibrating shaft as well as an external clitoral stimulator. Some even offer rotating heads or pearls in the shaft. Another great feature is that the clit stimulator, head and shaft are independently operated meaning you can pick and choose which sensation you want according to your mood.

Recommended: Pearl Diver Squirmy, Kolibri, Erotic Rabbit, Double Bunny

Dildos and Dongs: Think vibrator without the vibe! These are often more realistic in appearance and feel and are used strictly for penetration. Dildos also come in a variety of sizes from teeny enough even for beginners anal use, to large enough to scare even then likes of porn star Sean Davis —who incidentally has a dildo molded from his very own member! Another thing about dildos and dongs is that you can find them double ended for two times the fun!

Recommended: Pink Jelly Vibrator, Cock Crazy, Jr. Double

Clitoral Stimulators: These little toys are made for maximum pleasure and are just tiny enough to fit snuggly in your most delicate spot! Often times they are powered by a vibrating bullet with externals made of various materials, in different shapes and colors. They also come hands-free and remote controlled which can be especially fun if you’re looking for some couple play or a little adventure. Their discreet size means they can be used anywhere—hand your mate the remote and voila—your orgasm is literally in their hands! Great for solo or couple play indeed. Also available in vibrating panties!

Recommended: Ravishing Red Pocket Pulse, Two Finger Juice Junky, Venus Butterfly Massager

G-Spot Toys: These adult toys are geared with a G-spot orgasm in mind. Curved just so in order to reach and pleasure this special spot; they are able to go where no other toy has gone before! Great to use on yourself or to have used on you by a partner as it makes finding the G-Spot a whole lot easier.

Recommended: Playful Curve Massager, G-Spot Teaser, Slim jellies

Anal Toys: Anal toys are popular with all sexes. They can be used for anal play alone or during intercourse for double penetration. This category includes: probes, non vibrating butt plugs, vibrating butt plugs and beads. Again, these come in all shapes, sizes and textures so whether you are an anal virgin looking to get started or a novice; you’re sure to find something to tickle your fancy—or fanny I should say! Note as well that when you are looking to enjoy any sort of anal play; lube is an absolute must in order to make the experience as pleasurable as possible.

Recommended: Mr. Softee Anal Plug, Suction Plug, Triple Play Beads

Cock Rings: The pleasure rings come with both his and her pleasure in mind. Simple cock rings wrap around the base of the penis to restrict blood flow from the erection and therefore keep it hard longer—that alone is already a plus for you and your partner! Vibrating cock rings have a vibrating bullet attached which can be a source of pleasure for the man or if turned upward; for her by stimulating her clit. There are as well, dual action or couples cock rings which come with a jelly attachment and Metal Cock Rings in varied sizes which cater to extra stimulation for her. Cock rings are great for keeping an erection and enhancing intercourse.

Recommended: Magnetic Cock Ring, Sex Marathon, Perfect Couple

Materials

You’re almost ready to make an informed decision that will keep you thanking us for years to cum! These toys that we have outlined are made of various materials that not only offer different sensations, but also require different care. These factors may play a role in the type of toy that you choose.

Plastic is what many of the traditional vibrators are made of. It is preferred by makers and users alike because it is inexpensive, easy to care for and offers amazing vibration thanks to its ability to transfer the vibes through it so well.

Jelly is another common material used in vibrators, dildos and cock rings because it pliable and comes in a variety of textures and colors. It’s soft and smooth and still firm enough for easy penetration much like a real penis.

Latex is another material to be considered by those looking for a more life-like feel. This is often used to make the ‘realistic’ dildos. Something to keep in mind about latex though is that a small percentage of people are allergic to it, so use caution if you suspect that you may be as well.

Silicone is sort of a wonder material when it comes to sex toys because it’s so durable. Silicone also makes toys that can range from softer to harder; catering to many tastes AND is even dishwasher safe!

Glass toys may seem a little scary to some, but the reality is that the Pyrex that they are made from is durable and the most hygienically sound material as it is non-porous. As well, glass toys can be heated or cooled for those looking for a different sensation. It is not at all pliable, but it is smooth, luxurious and glass toys are beautiful works of art.

Cyberskin is the closest in true-to-life feel for those looking for a realistic experience. Used for not only dildos but for cock rings and masturbation sleeves as well; it’s worth paying a little more for because of the ultra realistic feel.

Sex Toy Care

Caring for your sex toys is easy, though some materials are easier to care for than others. Keeping your sex toys clean is important to not only preserve it for years of pleasure, but also for hygienic reasons; especially important to those who insist on sharing their toys. (Note: Condoms are recommended for toys that are being passed around to different partners.)

All toys can be cleaned using special antibacterial toy cleaners such as CleanAToy and Toy Cleaner.

Mild soap and warm water is also safe on most toys, such as silicone, plastic, latex and glass. When washing vibrators that are not specifically labeled as ‘waterproof’; be careful not to allow water into the motor or battery pack.

The only material that really requires some special care is Cyberskin. While you can use a mild soap with water if needed; it is recommended that you use the special cleanser and talc made for Cyberskin to help keep its amazing texture. Many toys made from this material come with their own supply of cleanser and talc.

We hope that this guide has not only given you what you need to help you choose the toy of your naughtiest dreams, but also that it has made you giddy with anticipation to explore all of the other products that you never knew existed in our sex shop!

Happy Shopping!