These 11 Beginner Sex Toys Will Help You Explore Every Erogenous Zone
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Whether you're looking to enhance your masturbation technique or experiment with a partner, sex toys can add an extra layer of dimension and excitement to the bedroom. Yet with the seemingly endless buffet of options you can discreetly and conveniently shop online, buying a sex toy for beginners can feel overwhelming. Are you looking for clitoral stimulation? On a mission to find your G-spot? Dipping your toe into the world of anal exploration? To help you navigate the vast sex-toy market and launch into action, here's what to know about sex toys for beginners, according to sexologists and sex therapists.
What Are the Best Types of Sex Toys For Beginners?
Marla Renee Stewart, a sexologist and sexpert for sexual wellness brand and retailer Lovers, has some tips for where to start. Stewart recommends trying a variety of products including bullet vibrators, G-spot vibrators, and anal toys, depending on what sort of stimulation you enjoy. If you aren't sure, she advises opting for a vibrator like the Playboy Pleasure Royal Mini Wand ($72).
"You can use this all over your body to find the right spots that feel good to you. Mapping your pleasure from placing this wand on all sorts of parts (think nipples, vulva, clitoris, feet, neck, etc.) can help you to determine where you like vibrational stimulation," she says.
Once you discover spots you enjoy, Stewart recommends finding products that deliver that type of stimulation and continuing to build on your pleasure zones. Even something as straightforward as a vibrator can have variation with vibration intensity, speed, and patterns, so there's plenty to explore.
What to Know About Sex Toys for Beginners
For a rundown on how to safely clean your sex toys, sex therapist Aliyah Moore, PhD, recommends carefully inspecting your sex toy as the first step before cleaning and using it. "Your sex toy should be free from imperfections like bumps, cracks, or tears," she explains. "Any damage can either hold bacteria or injure the soft tissues on your insides."
When shopping, sex therapist Shadeen Francis, LMFT, advises skipping porous sex-toy material altogether, as these can easily harbor bacteria and are more complicated to clean. "Avoid using toys made with wood, crystals, stones like jade and rose quartz, latex, rubber, jelly, PVC, and vinyl without a barrier of some sort," she warns.
Paying attention to the shape of your sex toy is key — and make sure that things like rippled surfaces and crevices are thoroughly cleaned since these can be magnets for bacteria.
As for the best way to clean your sex toy, you can use a specialized sex toy cleaner, or Moore recommends using a mild soap and warm water for an effective combination you'll already have on hand.
Now that you're equipped with the best types of sex toys to shop and how to properly care for them, the fun begins. Browse our favorite options for beginners, including expert and editor favorites.
— Additional reporting by Sara Youngblood Gregory
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A Waterproof Vibrator
Dame Dip ($35)
This toy is everything a good vibrator should be: sleek, simple to use, and high quality. Made of medical-grade silicone and sporting five intensity settings, Dip can be used for both internal and external play. And because it's waterproof, you can explore in the bath or shower.
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A Clit Sucker
Lelo Sila Clit Sucker ($169)
This toy's sonic waves send gentle pulses to stimulate the clitoris while the wide mouth creates a subtle suction. It has eight pleasure settings; is made from extra-soft, body-safe silicon; and is fully waterproof. Our contributor took it for a test spin and says it brought her to climax in less than a minute. Read all about her experience in this Lelo Sila Clit Sucker review.
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A Luxury Vibrator
Goop Wellness Hearththob Vibrator ($98)
This pretty clitoral stimulator has a dual motor: one that sends a blend of vibrational patterns and intensity levels, and another that delivers a unique tapping sensation. You can play with them separately — each features three speeds and seven patterns — or combine them. It is made from silky, body-safe silicone; is waterproof; and even has a battery-life display so you're never caught by surprise. Our contributor tested it out and fell in love. Read all about her experience in this Goop Wellness Hearththob Vibrator review.
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A Cheap Vibrator
Maude Vibe ($49)
This toy is simple in the best way possible. It's elegant, near silent, and powerful with three speeds and 2.5 hours of play on a single charge. Water-resistant and made of platinum-grade silicone, it's the perfect starter vibe.
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A Bullet Vibrator
Lelo Mia 2 ($89)
A bullet vibrator is a no-nonsense basic that's perfect for anyone new to using sex toys or feeling a bit intimidated by larger toys. This one is a discreet, rechargeable vibrator perfect for a drawer, an overnight bag, or travel. Made for external use on the clit and vulva, the Mia 2 encourages exploration and is one of the best starter vibes.
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A Vibrating Sex Toy
Satisfyer Love Triangle ($90)
This toy is a crowd pleaser because it combines air pulsation and vibration to create a versatile sex toy. The air pulse, when applied to the vulva and especially the clit, feels very similar to oral sex, and the vibration can be switched on or off depending on the user's preference. The toy itself is small, great for travel, and fairly quiet. Its unique triangular design fits in the hand easily, making it perfect for masturbation or partnered sex.
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A G-Spot Vibrator
Poco ($159, originally $199)
This toy is a powerful (two motors!) and user-friendly vibrator. What sets Poco apart from the pack is the bendable design, which was made to mimic the dexterity of human fingers. It's perfect for internal G-spot stimulation or for external use as a clit stimulator. Bonus: you can connect Poco to an app and create your own vibrational patterns or get a partner involved in the fun.
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A Remote-Controlled Vibrator
We-Vibe Chorus ($209)
This option is a perfect toy for any couple but especially those in a long-distance relationship. Worn during sex, Chorus is made to be intuitive to your body's natural responses, heightening vibration as you squeeze down on them. Unlock remote-control features with the We-Vibe app to play any time you want, hands free.
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A Vibrating Wand
PlusOne Vibrating Wand ($33)
This toy is a great introduction to clit-stimulating wand vibrators. While most wand vibrators are on the larger side and a bit hard to handle, this wand is compact at a little over nine inches tall. With 10 different vibrational settings, body-safe silicon, and a fully waterproof design, the PlusOne Vibrating Wand is a super-affordable, quality option.
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An Oral Sex Toy
Womanizer Duo ($219)
This is essentially two toys in one small package made for both clit and G-spot stimulation. With 12 intensity levels, 10 vibrational patterns, and two different sizes for the stimulator head, this toy adapts to every and anyone's body. It's basically the Cadillac of toys since the external part simulates the feeling of oral sex, too.
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An Anal Toy Set
Playboy Pleasure Tail Trainer Anal Training Kit ($36, originally $52)
Stewart recommends this set as a fantastic place to start if you're curious about anal play. "These trainers are great because they are flexible and easy to insert, and the grooves along the shaft add an extra element of pleasure as you twist and guide it in," Stewart says.
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