If you’re a sex toy newbie, you might be surprised to learn just how many people admit to owning not just one, but several sex toys! In a recent poll of female consumers, over 65% of respondents over the age of 18 admitted to having a sex toy at home. Among these, over 80% admitted to owning a vibrator, making it the most popular sex toy on the market.
However, male sex toy use is up too! According to recent studies, around 50% of men have used a sex toy in the past. While the figure remains markedly lower than the number of women using toys at home, men still do make use of sex toys!
So – if you’re a total sex toy newbie, what is there to know? When it comes to buying sex toys, it’s not as effortless as simply picking out a size, color or shape that takes your interest. The USA sex market is completely unregulated, so you need to make wise decisions when it comes to the sex toy’s material, size, durability and quality.
Luckily, there are several trusty experts who write sex toys reviews online to help consumers like you make safe, informed choices.
Are sex toys safe?
For the most part, sex toys are completely safe. However, as the sex toy market is mostly unregulated, there are certain materials used in common sex toys that you might want to avoid. For example, when choosing toys that make contact with your internal body (the vagina, anus, or mouth) you’d be better off selecting a sex toy made from a non-porous material. If you’re wondering: what’s a non-porous material? Let us explain.
Non-porous vs. Porous materials
Most sex toys will be made from either porous materials or non-porous materials. If the material is porous, it means that bacteria will be able to squeeze through microscopic holes in the material and harbor bacteria.
If a toy is non-porous, it means that the surface is much tighter, and won’t allow any bacteria to pass through or linger on the toy. Non-porous toys are therefore preferable to toys made with porous materials: not only are they safer for the body, but they’re also much easier to clean and share with a long-term partner.
What should I look out for when buying a sex toy?
Materials
As we explained above, prioritizing non-porous materials is the best option for any sex toy beginner. Common non-porous materials used to manufacture sex toys include silicone, ABS plastic, glass and metal. Look out for porous materials and try to avoid them: these include soft plastic, polyvinyl, TPE, PVC and various others. Always check the label, or read trusted sex toy reviews online to check if a toy is porous or not.
Quality
When it comes to buying a sex toy that might be going near your genitals, you want to look at the toy’s quality: the manufacturer, where it’s made and how it’s made are all important factors to take into consideration. This is also another time to look out for some sex toy reviews online, allowing you to check if the manufacturer is reputable and respected in the world of adult toys.
Sex Toy Provider
As the sex toy market is mostly unregulated, it’s important to buy your sex toys exclusively from trusted and highly-reputable sex toy providers. I would avoid using Amazon or any other mass online retailers: while you might have confidence in the trusty Amazon website, it’s not Amazon who manufacture the toy: many unregulated manufacturers use Amazon to sell cheap sex toys made with unsafe plastics, such as PVC. Stick to reputable stores like Lovehoney, Shevibe and TooTimid for the highest quality adult toys.
Sex Toy Reviews
As I think we’ve made clear by now, it’s important to read sex toy reviews online before taking the leap and buying your first sex toy. I would advise newbies to read sex toy reviews written by independent third parties and individual sexpert bloggers, rather than going by the reviews on the shops’ product page: websites that write sex toy reviews will be more objective and give you the cons with the pros.
What kind of sex toy should I buy?
If you’re a beginner sex toy user, you should opt for sex toys that are designed for novices: nothing too intense, too lengthy, too girthy or too complicated to use. Many beginner sex toys include but are not limited to: bullet vibrators, clitoral vibrators, fleshlights, cock rings, and wand massagers. We’ve rounded up the best of the best to help you get started on your sex toy journey:
Best Beginner Sex Toys to Try in 2022: Top 5 Best Picks
Bullet Vibrators
Bullet vibrators are the perfect starter toy no matter your gender or sexuality. Bullet vibrators are simple: just pop them on and pass them over any areas of your body that respond well to stimulation: the clitoris, the balls, the perineum, the nipples, anywhere that makes you feel good! Bullet vibes should be used exclusively on the external body, so don’t put this inside the vagina or anus.
If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly bullet vibrator, Kip by Dame is ideal: not only is Kip whisper quiet, but he’s also made of body-friendly silicone, making him easy to clean and store. With 5 patterns and 5 intensities, you can explore bullet sensations with this handy, lipstick-shaped toy.
Best Bullet Vibrator To Try in 2022: Kip by Dame
Cock Rings
Cock Rings are one of the most common sex toys bought by male sex toy consumers: they help keep the penis harder for longer during sex or solo masturbation, and you can even opt for a vibrating cock ring for enhanced sensations!
If you’re looking for a luxury pick, opt for the Mio Vibrating Cock Ring by Je Joue: this silicone toy is easy to clean with an intense, rumbly motor that promises orgasmic intensity! As this toy is pretty pricey, make sure to check the sex toy reviews online before purchasing.
Best Cock Ring to try in 2022: Je Joue Mio Vibrating Cock Ring
Clitoral Vibrators
If you have a clitoris, you probably enjoy having it stimulated – those thousands of pleasure nerves aren’t there for nothing! Clitoral vibrators come in every size with several different functions to choose from: some are hands-free, some mimic oral sex while others can sit comfortably in the palm of your hand while you get to that big O!
For a clitoral vibrator that goes the extra mile, try the Baci by Lora DiCarlo. This toy works by simulating the intense feel of oral sex on the clitoris: with 10 intensities and a sleek, silicone feel, you’ll be canceling your weekend plans to spend Saturday night with Baci!
Best Clitoral Vibrator to try in 2022: Baci, Lora DiCarlo
Couples Toys
If you’re looking to experiment with a sex toy, what better than to experiment with your partner and see what new orgasmic heights you can reach together? If you’re looking for the ultimate couple’s experience, try the beginner-friendly Liberator Sex Position Wedge.
You might be surprised at just how much this piece of furniture revamps your sex life – not only will you enhance your positions, you’ll enhance penetration, and the views in certain positions aren’t bad either! Super beginner-friendly, this bedroom accessory will show you what’s possible when you welcome sex toys into the bedroom!
Best Couples’ Toy to try in 2022: Liberator Sex Position Wedge
Mini Massager Wands
Whether you’ve got a clitoris or not, don’t underestimate the power of a good ‘ole massager wand! Massager wands are great when it comes to offering powerful vibrations on the external body: they can be used on the clitoris, the balls, the perineum – anywhere on your skin that feels good!
However, full-size massage wands might be a little too powerful for newbies, so trying out a Mini Massage Wand is a great way to taste the power of a massager wand without being overpowered. The “Le Wand Petite” by Le Wand is a great choice for luxury and premium quality: this wand offers 10 intensities and 6 pulsation patterns and a handily cordless for easy storage and travel – you’ll never be bored, whether you’re at home or on the go!
If you’re easily overwhelmed by vibrations, make sure to check out other sex toy reviews to find a toy that might be less powerful – Le Wand really does pack a punch!
Best Mini Massager Wand to Try in 2022: Le Wand Petite, Le Wand
Verdict?
When it comes to sex toys, know that sex toy use is normal and a healthy part of any sex life, whether you’re single or in a relationship. Before making any purchases, always make sure to read trusty sex toy reviews by objective experts to be certain that you’re buying the right toy.
