Choosing a sex toy for the first time is exciting! We do understand, however, that it can be overwhelming when there are thousands of different products on the market.

That's why our team of experts has put together this quick-start guide.

Your first sex toy should be something that definitely catches your eye and is comfortably sized.

The most popular beginner's sex toys are often vibrators and dildos. When purchasing your first insertable vibrator or dildo, it is a good idea to start smaller and work your way up to larger sizes, certainly no more than 6 inches (approximately 15 cm) in length & 1.5 inches (approximately 4 cm) in width.

Choosing a toy of these dimensions allows you to be comfortable with the product and to achieve the sensual stimulation desired.

The exception to this advice is when purchasing your first kegel, duo or ben wa balls. For these toys, we recommend starting larger (around 1.5 inches in width) and slowly decreasing the size of the balls. The larger balls are easier to hold inside your vagina as they stimulate and strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.

We strongly recommend that first-time users aim for a basic style sex toy. Keeping the shape simple will allow for greater comfort and control.

When buying insertable vibrators, we suggest that beginners choose from our Classic Vibrators category. Non-insertable vibrators are another good option that can be used to deliver external stimulation, especially to the clitoris. You can find these in our Clitoral Vibrators, Pocket Vibrators and Bullets categories.

Sex toys are available in a wide variety of materials and textures.

For beginners trying insertable toys, we recommend soft, pliable materials that will be easy and gentle to use such as flexible silicone, rubber or realistic feel.

As you become more comfortable and adventurous, you may want to try sex toys made from ABS plastic, glass or firmer silicone. These toys are generally harder and offer little to no flexibility.

For more information, view our Guide to Sex Toy Materials.

If anal penetration is new to you, it is best to explore and experience it first with your own or someone else's fingers.

Once you feel comfortable, try a butt plug of similar size, ensuring it has a flared base, secure handle or retrieval ring to prevent it from getting sucked inside you. From there you can experiment with a variety of sizes and shapes.

Insert your toy when your anal muscles are relaxed, using plenty of compatible lubricant. 

Simple introductory sex toy for lovers to share include couple's cock rings, couple's vibrators and couple's kits, which can include massage oils, games and other novelties. Beginner's bondage sex toys, such as blindfolds, hand cuffs, paddles are ticklers are also excellent options.

Incorporating toys for two into foreplay and sex can help both of you discover new levels of intimacy and pleasure.

We strongly recommend using a quality lubricant with your sex toy regardless of experience as this will assist in achieving and heightening sexual pleasure. A quality lubricant will help reduce friction as sex toys can absorb natural body fluids.

The two commonest types of lubricant are water-based and silicone-based.

Water-based lubricant is compatible with most sex toy materials, however, it tends to be more readily absorbed by the skin than silicone-based lubricant so may not be as long lasting. 

Generally, silicone-based lubricant should not be used with silicone toys because it can damage the material, however, it is ideal if you're using your sex toy in aquatic play.

There are also many flavoured lubricants available for oral play with or without sex toys.

For more information, view our Guide to Personal Lubricant.