Sex Toy BasicsFor many people, choosing a sex toy is a personal experience that involves finding the product that meets their individual needs. This can be a daunting task considering the hundreds of styles and varieties available. From large and powerful to small and dainty, there's something for everyone -- and something for every occasion. We've found that the better a person understands their basic physical needs, emotional desires, and the options available to them the happier they are with the toys they select. With this in mind we've set out to make choosing a sex toy as simple as possible, while keeping the information comprehensive enough as not to limit choices.
 Intended UseWho will be using the toy? If it's you alone, do you know what kind of stimulation you like? Would you prefer a small vibrator designed to stimulate the clitoris, a larger vibrator for penetration and G-Spot stimulation, or maybe a little of both? If you think you might like using your toy with a partner, is your partner male or female? Are they familiar with adult toys, or are they comfortable with experimenting? Do you anticipate that they might be uneasy about trying a sex toy? The answers to these questions are good to keep in mind when searching for a toy that will fit your lifestyle. The more you can pinpoint your needs the easier it will be to choose a toy that you will enjoy.
If you plan on purchasing a new sex toy to use with your partner but you're unsure how they will react, you might want to read the article "How to introduce a sex toy to your partner". One important key to choosing a toy both of you will enjoy is to keep your needs in mind, as well as the needs of your partner.
 Function What do you want the sex toy to do for you?
Vibrators can be a good arousal stimulator, help you achieve orgasm by yourself or with a partner, or simply massage aching muscles. Do you enjoy deep, hard penetration? Maybe a vibrating dildo would be a good choice. Or, maybe you would prefer the exquisite touch of external vaginal or clitoral stimulation. In this case a vibrator would work best. Perhaps you would like a combination of the two. A good guide to help you figure out what kind of sex toy you'd like is to ask yourself what kind of stimulation you enjoy during sex with a partner. For example, do you like light or moderate stimulation? Do you enjoy direct clitoral stimulation, or do you prefer more indirect stimulation? The answers to these questions will help you narrow down your choices and give you direction for your search.
(NOTE: Detailed information about vibrators types, styles, categories and their specific uses can be found in our Vibrators 101 section.)
 StylesSince sex toys come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and styles, the next question you should ask yourself is what you want your toy to look like.
Do you want your vibrator or dildo to look real? If so, there are several available in the "ultra-realistic" category that look exactly like the real thing. They are often formed from a mold of an actual penis, are colored in natural skin tones, and are textured with all the veins and ridges a real penis would have. They are usually made from silicone, Cyberskin, latex or a variety of other skin-like materials.
On the other side of the spectrum there are vibrators and dildos that look nothing like a real penis. They may have a phallic shape, but can be brightly colored neon red, blue or purple etc. Instead of ridges and bumps, they have smooth shafts.
Think about what would turn you on the most. Some people prefer the more realistic toys and some don't. It's just a matter of preference.
 Sex Toys For MenDid you know that there are sex toys available that are specifically designed for men? Many people don't.
In the past men were left out of the sex toy industry. There just weren't many choices and the choices were not very appealing. Cock rings and penis pumps have been around for quite some time, but it wasn't until someone figured out that realistic feeling materials might be enjoyed by men that men's toys became popular. Men can now enjoy realistic masturbation sleeves which are designed to enhance masturbation - cock rings which help control erection by slipping tightly over the penis - ticklers, which slip over the penis to heighten pleasure for the user and their partner - and penis extensions which extend the length of the penis. Dual vibrators are also designed to stimulate a man and his partner during intercourse.
 PricesDo you have an idea what you'll spend, and what you'll get for your money? Quality can vary greatly so it's a good idea to know what to expect.
As it is in most industries, some companies focus on manufacturing high volume, lower priced products and some spend the time to produce higher quality, longer lasting items. This is true in the adult toy industry as well. We believe it's in your best interest, and ours, to sell only the highest quality toys in our store. We do not sell products that we don't like, and we don't like products that don't perform as they should. Having said that it's important to know that every material performs differently. Generally, sex toys are made out of plastic, silicone, jelly or latex. Each material has different characteristics and different cleaning requirements. This leads us to the topic of sex toy materials.
 Sex Toy MaterialsThe difference between plastic and silicone, for example, is like night and day.
On one hand you have silicone which is soft, flexible and almost lifelike to the touch. On the other hand you have plastic which is hard, inflexible and as you can imagine doesn't feel much like human skin. So why are there so many choices?
It turns out that good old-fashioned materials like plastic are ideal for transmitting vibrations. A good analogy is that it's like riding in a sports car with a stiff suspension verses a luxury car with a soft, easy ride. The less flexibility there is between the source of a vibration and you the stronger the vibration will be. So carrying the analogy through to sex toys, a hard plastic vibrator is generally going to be more intense than a vibrator made of jelly. On the other hand, vibrators made from a combination of materials, say hard plastic and jelly for example, can offer more options than a vibrator made from just plastic. Clitoral stimulators, rotating beads and oscillating tips are features that require the use of several materials.
The ultimate goal is to find a toy that you like. Whether it ends up being plastic, silicone, jelly or any other material is probably secondary. We think it's useful, however, to be familiar with how different materials perform and then to apply that knowledge to your selection process. It will also help you to know that some sex toys have special cleaning requirements. Materials like plastic and glass are relatively non-porous and easy to clean while other's are quite porous and not suited towards sharing with a partner. NOTE: Click here if you're interested in seeing examples of toys made of the different materials. You will be linked to our online store where toys are listed by category - which includes listings by material. Select the material you're curious about to see those toys. Plastic Sex Toys generally have hard, smooth exteriors. There are a few varieties that have textured shafts, but for the most part they're perfectly smooth. Plastic is a popular and traditional material for vibrators. You may be familiar with "bullet" or "slimline" varieties. There are as many ways to use a plastic vibrator as there are people who use them, but they seem to be particularly well suited for direct clitoral and external stimulation. They can also provide internal stimulation as well. As mentioned above, the rigidity of plastic vibrators helps transfer the vibrations directly from the motor to the vibrator resulting in stronger vibrations. Cleaning is easy. All you need is a wet washcloth, some sex toy cleaner, or a tissue and some rubbing alcohol. Most plastic vibrators are not waterproof, so they shouldn't be held under running water. If you'd prefer a vibrator you don't have to worry about getting wet, or if you would like one you can use in the tub, check out our waterproof vibrators section.
Silicone is the second most lifelike material available, behind materials such as Cyberskin or UR3. Do you want your vibrator or dildo to look and feel real? If so, silicone may be the way to go. One nice feature of silicone toys is that they tend to absorb body heat, making them feel like real skin. Silicone vibrators come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. Silicone also has a few advantages over its closest relatives - latex and jelly. To start, silicone is a relatively smooth and non-porous material, making it easy to clean and even sterilize. All you need is soap and hot water. Silicone dildos can actually be boiled or run through the dishwasher! We wouldn't recommend running a silicone vibrator through the dishwasher - the plastic components would likely not fare very well - but the silicone is tough enough to handle it. Another benefit to the non-porous nature of silicone is that if the toy is cleaned properly it is less likely to spread germs between users. We always recommend using a condom when you share sex toys, but if you don't, silicone might be the least likely to trap and spread germs. Silicone is generally more expensive than latex or jelly but it is a higher quality material that lasts longer.
Jelly sex toys are a wonderful combination of realistic features and affordability. Because jelly is easy to mold into virtually any shape you can imagine, jelly sex toys come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Your (or the designer's) imagination is the only limit. Jelly can best be described as a soft and pliable material that feels smooth to the touch yet retains some rigidity. For many people the term "jelly" brings up images of strawberry preserves or a bowl of Jello. Jelly sex toys, however, are not as squishy as either of the two. Depending on the brand, the "softness" of jelly toys can range anywhere from the consistency of a hard-boiled egg to the consistency of a cold stick of butter (without the grease of course). Jelly is also an inexpensive material, but its not that much different from silicone. Most of our customers tell us that there is no real difference at all in feel. The cleaning differences between silicone and jelly toys, however, are significant. While silicone toys can be boiled, run through the dishwasher, micro waved and lathered up with harsh soaps without much detrimental effect, jelly is a much more delicate material that requires more careful cleaning. No boiling water, no harsh soaps, no running it through the dishwasher, and no microwave. Ideally, jelly toys should be cleaned with a little warm water and some Adult Toy Cleaner. If you're in a pinch you might be able to get away with using soap, but make sure it is very mild soap. Don't use dishwashing liquid soap, harsh oil-removing soaps etc. Use mild hand soap like Dove or a very mild liquid hand or facial soap with no harsh chemicals. Jelly is not as rugged as silicone and can become damaged easily. Never use rubbing or cleansing alcohol on jelly toys, and always use water-based lubrication. Rubbing alcohol and non water-based lubes will dissolve the jelly material, leaving you with a mess. The inability to thoroughly clean and disinfect jelly toys means that not only do you have to take a little more care during cleaning, but that they cannot be sterilized. They also contain phthalates, a chemical that gives jelly its softness. We recommend always using a condom with jelly toys.
Latex is a low cost alternative to silicone and jelly. While latex is soft, it is a bit less pliable than silicone and jelly. Are you unsure what type of toy you would enjoy? Latex is a popular choice for people experimenting with different shapes and sizes. Latex does not last quite as long as silicone or jelly and is quite porous and therefore not as easy to clean, but many people find latex toys enjoyable and satisfying. If you plan on sharing a latex toy, be sure to use a condom - it isn't practical to sterilize latex toys because the material tends to be damaged by harsh soaps and rubbing alcohol. Soap and warm water is the preferred way to clean a latex toy. If is also worth mentioning that some people have an allergic reaction to latex. If you or your partner is allergic to latex condoms, you might want to try a toy made of silicone or jelly.
Cyberskin is the most recent technological advancement in sex toy materials. This is the closest you can get to the look and feel of real skin. It is smooth, soft, flexible and well, feels like skin. It is porous like latex and jelly, so it must be cleaned carefully with soap and warm water, or with Cyberskin cleaning solution.
Glass
Glass sex toys (both dildos and vibrators) are made of Pyrex glass which is treated in such a way that the glass becomes extremely strong. These toys are chip and crack resistant and are generally considered safe. Glass offers a unique combination of durability, style and performance not found in other toys. For example, glass toys can be sterilized by boiling them in hot water -- something you don't want to try with other toys! They're so tough in fact that they can be run through the dishwasher without any ill effects. For this reason glass toys are ideal for sharing with a partner.
Ultra Skin is a new, lifelike material that feels similar to skin.
 Cleaning and Storing your Sex ToysSince it's always a good idea to clean sex toys after each use, it's probably also a good idea to consider care and maintenance a factor in choosing a sex toy.
The first thing is to make sure you remove the batteries before you clean your toy, and when you store it. Removing the batteries will help prevent corrosion if water does happen to get inside. Batteries have been known to leak and thus ruin the internal workings of a vibrator. If you see any corrosion, clean it with a small brush (like a toothbrush or a cotton swab) and a little baking soda. A VERY small amount of silicone dielectric grease, or Vaseline applied to a slightly corroded part will help prevent further damage.
The outside of a vibrator can be cleaned with a damp, soapy washcloth. You don't have to worry about getting a waterproof vibrator wet, but be sure to take care with the non-waterproof models. Water can quickly corrode the inside of a vibrator, so it's a good idea to use a SLIGHTLY damp wash cloth, or even to wrap a towel around the base of the vibrator when cleaning. This will help prevent water from entering the internal compartment. If you think water has entered the internal compartment, it's a good idea to remove the batteries (if you haven't already), and wipe out what you can with a dry cloth. Keep the base off the vibrator until it has a chance to air dry.
Some materials have specific cleaning requirements. For more on how to clean each type of material, see our Material section above.
In Conclusion...
We hope this information has helped you get an idea about what you want or need from a sex toy. Are you hungry for more information? Did the primer leave you with more questions? Our Vibrators 101 and Dildo Guide both contain more specific, in-depth information about toys in each category. If you have a question about vibrators please visit our Vibrators Q&A page.
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