admin Trying something new together generally—whether it be vacationing in a faraway place, checking out a new restaurant, or (yes!) using new sex toys—has been shown to activate reward centers in the brain, too, prompting a release of dopamine and norepinephrine, the same chemicals that flood your system when you first fall in love.
What should beginners look for in a sex toy?
“Sex toys are personal decisions, so choose toys that speak to the sex life you have, or would like to have,” clinical sexologist and sex educator Linnea Marie says. For instance, if you tend to have a lot of sex in the missionary position—and want to continue to do so—then maybe you’d like a vibrator small enough to fit neatly between bodies, so you won’t have to change up your current bedroom habits to accommodate your new toy.
Material is a major consideration when choosing a new toy. “Not all sex toys are created equal, so make sure they are made from body-safe materials such as silicone, glass, or metal,” Marie suggests. Some other safe choices include properly sealed ceramic or wood, and hard plastic. “Stay away from sex toys made from toxic, porous materials like jelly,” which can cause hormonal imbalances, chemical burns, and other effects you definitely don’t want.
Simplicity and ease of use are also important factors, especially if you’re shopping for a gadget like a vibrator. “It can be tempting to look for a sex toy with a lot of features, (but) many people can find them overwhelming when first learning how to use a sex toy,” Cooper says, so aim for one with simpler controls.
Different vibrators can produce varied sensations, depending on their motor, so you’ll have to get a feel for what your preferences are. “There are ‘rumbly’ vibrations that are nice and deep, and there are ‘buzzy’ vibrations that are surface-level and can sometimes tickle,” Marie explains. Just be sure to check the product description before purchasing to double-check what types of sensations it offers.
Ready to leap headfirst into the world of sex toys? Here are some highly approachable picks for newbies.
The Best Cheap Beginner Vibrator: Trojan Divine Contoured Vibrator
Materials: Silicone
How to Use: Apply some water-based lube if desired. Use the toy’s one button to turn it on or off and to cycle through its three speeds.
Yep, the company best known for its condoms has also branched out into sex toys—who knew? Laino describes the Divine as “a non-intimidating vibrator that is great to use internally and externally,” whether you’re with a partner or flying solo. It’s certainly not the strongest or fanciest vibe out there, but it’s super affordable and available at many drugstores, making it a convenient pick for someone who’s curious about vibration.
Pros: Affordable; versatile shape for internal or external use; textured ridges for internal stimulation; three vibration speeds
Cons: Uses disposable batteries (included); not as powerful as rechargeable/electric vibrators; not anal-safe (doesn’t have a flared base)
The Best Beginner Bullet Vibrator: We-Vibe Tango
Materials: Plastic
How to Use: Hold down the toy’s button to turn it on or off, and use the same button to cycle through its speeds and patterns.
