What's Your Vibe? There is a perfect toy for everyone.

Every pleasure product and sex toy we offer is chosen with care based on quality and performance.  Whether you are a novice or an experienced connoisseur, shopping for yourself or for a gift, it is important to understand the features of each toy to make the best choice. This Sex Toys 101 Guide provides the essential basics help you understand sex toy styles, features, and materials.

To further your knowledge we also offer a variety of instructional books on the subject of sex toys and elevating your sexual skill-set.

Sex Toy Quality
There are thousands of sex toys and intimacy devices on the market with different styles, materials and price points. What does the term “premium” or “high quality” actually mean?

We curate our extensive catalog pleasure products based on criteria that we know delivers the best quality and user satisfaction. The high-quality vibrators and devices we carry have most, if not all of the following characteristics:

• Better performing motors
• Quieter motors
• More features
• Body-safe materials
• The lowest defective rates
• Often carry a warranty, or stand behind their product
• Whenever applicable or possible, we choose products made with natural materials/ingredients

 

SEX TOY “ADDICTION” AND OTHER MYTHS & MISCONCEPTIONS

Can people become addicted to vibrators?

In a word – no.  Vibrator addiction is not possible. The concern people typically express is that if they or their partner regularly uses a vibrator, they might never be satisfied with sex or other stimulation with their partner. The best way to explain why vibrator addiction is impossible is that with frequent exposure or activity, we teach our bodies to respond sexually to certain types of stimulation. If you do only one thing over and over, your body will learn to respond to that method – but not necessarily to the exclusion of other sensations and techniques.

As long as you vary the types of stimulation (penetration, oral sex, manual stimulation, other toys, etc,) you will not become “addicted” or conditioned to a specific type of sensation.
More good news is that by maintaining diversity in stimuli, not only can you train your body to respond sexually to different sensations; you will expand your ‘sexual vocabulary’ and have more fun.

Can toys replace a partner?

This all depends on your preference and needs. Sex toys are not intended as replacements for human interaction - they’re fun accessories to elevate and enhance your experience -- with or without a partner! Toys are inanimate objects that people cannot create relationships with, or create intimacy with.  However, they can help create and enhance intimacy between couples when they are used during lovemaking. Trying new things – including introducing sex toys and other pleasure products – can keep a relationship fresh and exciting. Sexual experimentation opens the door to intimacy by supporting discoveries about ourselves and our partners.

Product Reviews: A customer tried it once and commented they didn’t like it

Every body/individual is different. What one person finds pleasurable, someone else might not respond to. The key to determining which products are right for you is to try everything three times before deciding. Hormonal changes throughout the month change a woman’s sensitivity, so the experience could differ with each use. Also, be careful of personal recommendations because what is great for one person, may be very different for another person. It is best to keep experimenting and trying other styles!i

 

WHAT MAKES A GOOD FIRST TIME VIBRATOR?

Not every toy makes a good first vibrator for everyone. Customers have the best luck in choosing their first vibration by following these simple guidelines. In the case of purchasing a vibrator as a gift, consider these questions.

• Average size – Mini, Medium or Large
• Less or more texture
• Full range of vibrations (from very low to very high)
• A device that can be used for internal penetration as well as clitoral stimulation

Nothing beats an open conversation about sexual preferences. If you are purchasing a vibrator for your female partner start by asking if she climaxes more easily from clitoral stimulation or penetration? The answer to this question is the basis for your choice of intimacy devices.

 

Clitoral Stimulation

The answer will most likely be “clitoral stimulation” because around 75% of women orgasm exclusively from clitoral stimulation.

Any vibrator or sex toy that can be used externally on or near the clitoris is an excellent choice. Your best bet is to choose a vibrator that has a full range of vibration and sensation modes, so she can choose the level of intensity that works best for her.

Penetration

Around 25% of women are able to orgasm exclusively from penetration, but some of that might also be due to the clitoris being stimulated indirectly during penetration in certain positions.

Choose a toy with average girth and little or no texture for penetration initially. Because orgasm through clitoral stimulation is so popular (and effective), it is good to get a toy that is good for BOTH penetration and clitoral stimulation. There are a variety of G-spot vibrators from which to choose – and all can be used internally and externally.

 

Challenges with Reaching Orgasm

If she hasn’t had an orgasm or doesn’t orgasm frequently (maybe she is pre-orgasmic), something with a LOT of power might be most helpful; like an electrical massager.  Strong motors are great for helping women push past where they normally stop themselves from orgasming. We recommend The Magic Wand - the top selling personal massager made for all over body massage or use as a vibrator.

Power / Vibration Levels

We suggest choosing a vibrator that has a continuous range – starting at a low powered vibration, to a very high-powered vibration. This will allow her to explore a range of stimulation and determine which level of intensity is right for her. Every woman is different, and her sensitivity may also change throughout the month.

 

SEX TOY MATERIALS

Hard Plastic, Lucite and Acrylic Vibrators, Dildos and Plugs

• There are a variety of hard plastics used to make sex toys and they do not contain phthalates.
• Non-porous (it is recommended to use a condom if you plan to share or use vaginally and anally)
• Hard, shiny and transmits vibration very well
• Usually safe for people concerned with sensitivity issues
• Clean with mild soap and water or your favorite toy cleaner
• Safe with any lubricant

100% Silicone Dildos and Devices

• Made from the highest specialty grade of polymers, and it is medical-grade
  Pliable, durable material that does not contain phthalates
• It is non-porous and hypoallergenic
• Retains heat for a more realistic feeling
• Clean with mild soap and water or your favorite toy cleaner; can be sterilized
• Water-based lubricants only
• *A toy only has to be 10% silicone to say silicone on the label; be sure it is 100% silicone

Glass Wands, Dildos and Plugs

• Non-porous and hypoallergenic
• Great for temperature play and G-Spot or P-Spot stimulation
• Clean with mild soap and water or your favorite toy cleaner; can be sterilized
• Safe with any lubricant
• Elastomers
• Very porous phthalates-free and hypoallergenic (use a condom if sharing or using vaginally and anally)
• Soft and flexible like rubber toys and very durable
• Elastomers are usually suitable for people concerned with allergic reactions or chemical sensitivities
• Clean with mild soap and water or your favorite toy cleaner
• Water-based lubricants only

Jelly Sex Toys

• Jelly toys are made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), often contain phthalates and usually have a plastic smell associated with them
• Very porous (not safe to share or use vaginally and anally without a condom)
• Jelly toys are inexpensive, soft, and flexible
• Clean with mild soap and water or your favorite toy cleaner
• Water-based lubricants only
• Stainless Steel
• Composed of steel and chromium and will not rust
• Non-porous and phthalate-free
• Clean with mild soap and water or your favorite toy cleaner; can be sterilized
• Great for temperature play and G-spot or P-spot stimulation
• Safe with any lubricant

NobEssence Organic Wood and Stone Dildos and Balls

• Carved from exotic woods and basic woods
• Waterproof, hypoallergenic, and phthalate-free
• Splinter free-super smooth finish
• Suitable for people who experience reactions to other materials or sensitivities to odors
• Clean with mild soap and water or your favorite toy cleaner
• Safe with any lubricant
• Natural Stone
• Usually polished semi-precious stone like quartz, marble, and granite
• Great for temperature play
• Somewhat porous and phthalate-free (use a condom if sharing or using vaginally and anally)
• Clean with soap and water or your favorite toy cleaner
• Safe with any lubricant

 

TPR and TPE

• Heat molded plastic that can resemble jelly, silicone or plastic
• Porous (use a condom if sharing or using vaginally and anally)
• Flexible, elastic and durable
• Often phthalate-free, but not always
• Clean with soap and water or your favorite toy cleaner
• Safe with water-based lubricants only

 

What are phthalates?

Phthalates have been used for almost 100 years in every type of product imaginable. They are a group of chemicals added to hard plastics to soften the material and make them more flexible. Used in a wide range of sex toys, phthalates offer an inexpensive way to give toys a soft cushy feel to them. However, some studies have shown phthalates to potentially cause health risks and, unfortunately, there is not enough data to show exactly how harmful they can be because so few studies exist using sex toys. To be on safe side, you may want to avoid toys with them until further studies can be done. All of the products we carry do NOT include them.

 

CLASSIC SEX TOY STYLES EVERYONE SHOULD OWN

Vibrating Bullet (or “EGG”)

Vibrating bullets are great for both men and women, and can be used for massage and stimulation anywhere outside the body.

Rabbit Vibrator (or newer “DUO STYLE” vibrators)

One of the most popular styles for people who love penetration, clitoral stimulation and sensation in the first one-third of the vagina.

G-Spot Vibrators and Toys

Firm, curved toys are great for massaging the G-Spot and P-Spot.

Anal Vibrators and Toys

A good beginner anal toy with a tapered tip, defined neck and wide base.

Penis and Cock Rings

Adjustable and textured penis rings provide stimulation for both partners.

Electric and Rechargeable Wands

Discrete and super powerful. Perfect for use as a body massager or a vibrator.

Personal Lubricant

Using toys dries people out more than usual because some can absorb their natural moisture. Choose a good water-based lube that works with any type of toy material.

Toy Cleaners

Keep toys clean, dust and bacteria-free. Clean them with a toy cleaner before and after each use.

Batteries

There is nothing worse than running out! Fresh batteries make a big difference in toy performance.

**A heartfelt thanks to our friends at Entrenue for contributing their insights on the endless possibilities of pleasure.