A beginners guide to sex toys

I like to drape mine over the head of a wand vibrator when I’m feeling too sensitive for direct contact since it softens the sensations to a comfortable level without dulling them too much. You want this to be for both of you, something special that you can share. Offer to bring your partner along to the store or to shop online with you. It might relax them to see that there are so many options for sex toys, as well as not-at-all scary places to shop for them.

Its hands-free vibrations can be controlled via Bluetooth using the Lovense app , which also allows you to pass the controls to a partner, whether they’re located halfway around the world or lying right next to you in bed. The Dame Aer is the first air-suction toy that we’ve liked better than our previous picks from Womanizer (the first brand to offer this technology). It’s significantly smaller and narrower than the Womanizer Classic we also like, and it’s made from a softer silicone material that’s more comfortable against the body. Most notably, of all the suction toys we’ve tried, the Aer produces a sensation that feels most similar to oral sex, according to our testers.

If I think about the effects that most often confound neophytes, the Uni-Vibe and its many clones have to be right near the top of the list. With the Fidech G-Spot Rabbit Vibrator, you get the the power and pleasure of a rabbit, but at a pleasingly low price. On the spec side, the Satisfyer Pro 2 is completely waterproof and comes with a USB magnetic cable for easy charging. It’s a bit of an eyeful, but at this price, it’s a bargain too — endless amounts of bedroom fun, whether you’re riding solo or with your partner. Not every type of vibrator will suit everyone’s pleasuring needs, so it’s worth considering your options before taking the plunge. After all, you’re buying something that’ll go inside, around, and on top of intimate and delicate parts.

Whether you prefer a gentle hum or a more intense pulsation, you can tailor the experience to your liking. Control the speed and strength of the vibrations to find the perfect level of intensity for your needs. Richards recommends this classic toy, which he considers “the gold standard of vibrators,” for anyone who wants to introduce strong sensations into their sex life, regardless of their gender or anatomy. “If you find [it] a bit intense, using it over underwear is a way to enjoy the buzzing sensation on clits and cocks without excessive direct stimulation,” he suggests.

My favorite part about the Satisfyer Pro 2 is the shape — it almost looks like a hairbrush with a small nose on the top. The only part that really vibrates is that little nose, so your wrist or hands don’t feel numb from the vibrations. The Fin’s tether also easily slips off even if you’re in the middle of using it, and the buzzing is quiet enough that it won’t distract you (or wake the neighbors). It’s water-resistant, too, and made of medical-grade silicone, making it great for anyone with sensitive skin. Its pointy side can be a little intense with its targeted vibrations, though. I found myself feeling over-sensitive and needing a break after a few minutes of extended use.

This cheekily named Four Play set from Evolved involves four toys in one. “Just as much as they’re good for solo play, they’re also perfect to use during intercourse, as they’re unintimidating and small enough not to get in the way viberator,” Alvarez Story says. “Bullet vibes are only designed for external use, not as much for insertion,” as they don’t have a flared base so they shouldn’t be used anally. But ironically, women’s sexual pleasure was the furthest thing from the minds of the male doctors who invented vibrators almost two centuries ago. Therein hangs a strange tale that provides quirky insights into both the history of sex toys and cultural notions about women’s sexuality. So when I heard about a three-in-one toy from Playboy’s Pleasure line called the Vibrato ($136, babeland.com), which functions as a wand vibrator, a vibrating dildo, and a G-spot stimulator, I decided to give it a spin.

“Vibrators with various settings and modes of stimulation allow you to explore a range of sensations to discover what feels best,” she says. “Versatile options are also ideal if you enjoy switching between different types of stimulation or want a toy that can be used in different ways, whether during solo or partnered play,” she adds. The Lush 3’s curved design provides simultaneous internal and external stimulation, with the egg vibrator designed to target the G-spot while a smaller vibrating pebble sits on the clitoris. Testers loved that the base is compatible with all Love Not War vibe heads – ideal when you can’t decide what you’re in the mood for – and they rated the sleek, waterproof design, long-lasting battery and handy travel-lock feature.