101 Advice on Sex Toys

Bodyjoys’ beginner’s guide to sex toys

Are you new to sex toys and excited to go on an enchanting journey? If so, you’re in luck, as there is plenty to enjoy!

…or perhaps you find sex toys rather daunting and intimidating? No need to worry. First of all, remember that there is nothing to be ashamed of. Secondly, you are about to learn and experience, very quickly, the pleasure that sex toys can offer your mind and body!

Many enjoy sex toys most with their partner. However, there are many things sex toys can do that humans simply can’t. First and foremost: they are always there for you, which is a massive virtue for those of us with an untameable sex drive.

Beyond that, whether in solo or partnered play, sex toys provide sensations that you can’t experience by any other means.

What are the pleasures of using sex toys on your own?

Everybody has the right to experience sensual and sexual pleasure, and sex toys help you with exactly that. What is right for one person may not appeal to another, but we can all agree on the basics. Sex toys offer everyone the opportunity:

  • To feel joy and have fun
  • To explore your body and tune into erogenous sweet spots you might not have discovered yet
  • To experience new sensations
  • To enhance orgasms
  • To relax
  • To boost sexual well-being and self-esteem

Sex toys can maximise your masturbation enjoyment. Masturbation is good for you and there is no reason to feel ashamed or apologetic about it! Read more about the pros of masturbation in our blog.

The joys of introducing sex toys into your relationship

Sharing is caring – don’t hide your toys! There are plenty of good reasons for using sex toys in a relationship, irrespective of sexual orientation:

  • To share the fun and happiness
  • To discover your partners’ sweet spots
  • To change your bedroom routine and experience new sensations
  • To enhance your relationship and deepen the bond with your partner

Tell each other about your desires, talk about what you’re curious to explore and experiment with. Pamper yourself and your partner with new sensual experiences.

Using sex toys together helps you both to communicate more openly what each of you likes. This can provide a basis for enhanced communication that extends into other aspects of your relationship, too.

Get sex toy educated!

We’re often surprised by how little people know about sex toys in general. We believe that the main reason for this is stigma, and that people are naturally shy and maybe even ashamed of talking about sex toys.

As part of our mission to change that, we provide you with all the information you need in order to get maximum benefit from the many different types of toys available.

Trust us, there are sex toys out there for everyone, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, body shape, budget or kink. Are you looking for a sex toy to use for masturbation on your own or with your partner, or for a toy to use during intercourse? Are you interested in internal or external stimulation, and do you fancy a remote-controlled toy?

First and foremost, choose a toy you feel comfortable with and excited to try – it shouldn’t feel daunting! Bear in mind the type of stimulation you or your partner’s body best responds to. For example, you may find it easier to climax from clitoral rather than from G-spot stimulation. That being said, if you’ve never experienced a vaginal orgasm, a toy designed especially to stimulate the G-spot could be something to explore.

Sex toys come in a variety of materials, which all have their own feel, characteristics, benefits and limitations. Make sure you choose a sex toy that is made of body-safe materials and feels right for you. You find more info in our sex toy material guide.

In this guide, we introduce you to the major sex toy categories: vibrators, dildos, anal toys, cock rings, and more. Once you know the categories you’re interested in, you can hone in on what you want to buy, or find further, more detailed advice on a specific category in our comprehensive guide section. We have also put together collections of gay men and lesbian sex toys.

Some tips before getting started with sex toys

You will figure out what works best for you and master your toy cabinet very quickly. Here are a few suggestions for making your first experience as pleasant (and memorable) as possible:

  • Get yourself into the right mood – the more relaxed you (both) are, the more you will enjoy
  • Start slow and with low power, increasing the sensations gradually
  • Start with smaller-sized toys, especially for first-time anal play, and work your way up (check size chart)
  • Explore different positions – maybe there is a hands-free option?
  • Use plenty of lube for maximum sensation
  • When experimenting and using toys with your partner, take one step at a time and always make sure your partner is ok with what you are doing – consensus is key!
  • For extra fun, combine your play with sexy lingerie or bondage accessories

We cannot mention this enough – we consider lube to be the cherry on top of any great sex play. Use plenty with sex toys, plenty when playing with your partner, and plenty when playing on your own. Browse our better sex essentials and lube offering or read about its magical properties in our lube guides – the most versatile all-rounder is water-based lube.

Many couples that are introducing toys to their bedroom play like to opt for our sex toy kits. These offer a great way to familiarise yourself with a variety of toys and allow you to get experimental with new sensations and possibilities. You will quickly find out what you both like most and can take it from there.

The most popular types of sex toys – overview

Most popular sex toys – Vibrators

You can enjoy the sensation of a vibrator at different speeds and in different modes. Most vibrators offer a choice between internal stimulation that focus on vaginal orgasms by stimulating the G-spot, or external stimulation to pleasure your clit for clitoral orgasms. Vibrators are the most popular sex toys and a must-have in anyone’s bedside drawer – they are great to use not only for self-care ‘me-time’ but also together with your partner.

Internal vibrators feature a phallic, cylindrical shaft like a penis, generally with a slightly curved head to delight your G-spot area. It is up to you to explore whether you prefer the feel of the vibrations on your G-spot or whether you get more pleasure from rubbing the vibrator back and forth at a curved angle.

External vibrators are great for pinpointed stimulation of the clitoris. Bullet vibrators are small, cylindrical devices that fit in the palm of your hand and, despite their discreet size, offer powerful stimulation. Finger vibrators are a similar size and convert your finger into a vibrating toy. Clitoral suction stimulators replicate the divine sensation of oral sex by using air, pulsation or pressure waves. Powerful magic wand vibrators are very versatile toys for broad stimulation and deep vibrations, suitable for anyone who prefers indirect clitoral stimulation and for couples that relish erogenous massage play.

Dual stimulation vibrators, such as the rabbit, are designed for blended orgasms via a combination of internal and external stimulation. The rampant rabbit is one of the most popular vibes as it offers serious satisfaction via simultaneous clitoral and G-spot stimulation. Rabbits have a vibrating, cylindrical shaft, often with rotating beads inside which stimulate the opening of the vagina, and a pair of bunny ears attached to stimulate the clitoris from either side.

Whether you like more pinpointed stimulation or more powerful vibrations, more thrust or more throb, our range covers all your moods and desires. Shop our vibrator range and enjoy truly orgasmic results. You’ll find more information about different types of vibrators in our vibrator guides.

Take a look at the Amour Rabbit Duo Vibrator Camille for a guaranteed fun time (see picture).

Most popular sex toys – Dildos

The trusty dildo is a classic sex toy. If you fancy deep penetration without vibration, the dildo is your best bet. A dildo is a long, cylindrical toy that is generally formed like a penis, however dildos come pretty much in all shapes and sizes imaginable. Some dildos look and feel like real dick, while others are less phallic in look and texture and come in a variety of rainbow colours, with plenty of options to choose from.

Most dildos can be used for vaginal masturbation but you will find that some are especially designed for different kinds of sex play. Some dildos have a flared base for pegging and anal play, some have a vibrator embedded, others have suction bases for you to enjoy hands-free play, and dildos made of glass or metal are great for super sensual temperature play.

We recommend using ample lube in your – shared or solo – dildo play for an even more sensational feel. Delve into our dildo range or find a playmate that is just perfect for you – we are sure you’ll be intrigued by the variety of options. For more advice on dildos, check out our dildo guides.

Not sure which dildo to buy? We recommend the transparent RealRock 6-Inch Realistic Crystal Clear Dildo (pictured).

Most popular sex toys – Love Eggs and Kegel Balls

Love eggs and kegel balls are designed to help you exercise your pelvic floor muscles. These weighted balls are inserted into the vagina and then held in place or squeezed by your internal muscles, thereby strengthening the whole muscle group. The benefits of strengthened vaginal muscles include more intense sensations during sex, and stronger orgasms...intrigued?

Exercising your pelvic muscles is not the whole story – kegels also feel wonderful when inserted and can be used for additional pleasure during sex! Kegels can be used singly or in pairs, and have a retrieval cord for easy removal. You can also choose remote controlled vibrating love eggs for extra sensation in the bedroom or on-the-go, wherever you fancy.

Kegels are available in numerous shapes and sizes, weights and materials…check out our full love eggs and kegel balls offering. Use water-based lube for insertion, and for more advice, see our love eggs and kegel balls guides.

If you want to go for an easy option that’s guaranteed to please, opt for Elva Remote-Controlled Wearable Bullet Vibrator from Svakom (pictured).

Most popular sex toys – Cock Rings

Cock rings, or penis rings, are the most popular sex toy for couples as they enhance pleasure for both of you. The rings can be used effortlessly – they go around the base of your shaft when erect, and then restrict blood flow away from the penis. As a result, you enjoy a harder and fuller erection and can last longer before climax, bringing extra delights for your partner.

Cock rings are available in an array of materials and textures, from soft and stretchy for novices to rigid rings for the more experienced enthusiasts. Make sure your ring fits tight, irrespective of its design and extra features (some combo toys even come with prostate massagers). The stretchy rings are a safe choice, as are adjustable rings if you want to experiment; both are worn around your penis and underneath your scrotum.

Vibrating cock rings feature a small motor to generate a buzz. For men, the vibrations on their shaft or testicles during sex can be very pleasurable. Vibrating cock rings can also stimulate your partner’s clitoris, which may help her to orgasm more easily.

Check out our comprehensive offering of cock rings – you’ll be spoilt for choice. To learn more about these amazing pleasure toys, see our cock ring guides.

Fancy trying a stretchy vibrating cock ring? We suggest trying the B Swish Bcharmed Basic Plus Massaging Dual Cock Ring (pictured).

Most popular sex toys – Penis Masturbators

Penis masturbators and strokers have become increasingly popular over the last few years, with more and more men-friendly options hitting the market. Male masturbators allow you to hit new heights of sensation and experience more intense orgasms than ever before. You can use these toys for masturbation on your own but they are great fun to use together with your partner, too.

Male masturbators add heightened sensation to solo play, pleasuring the head or shaft of your penis in unique and often mind-altering ways. Masturbators range from basic strokers to blow job simulators, ribbed and textured vibrating sleeves, ‘pocket pussies’, Fleshlights and more.

Realistic masturbators are inspired by nature’s own impeccable design, and besides the lifelike look they are made from soft, natural-feel materials, designed to simulate the feeling of sexual intercourse.

The expertly crafted and designed Fleshlight is the world’s most popular male masturbator and is designed to replicate the feel of real penetrative sex. The Fleshlight inserts come either with neutral or lifelike openings, with intense internal canals that heighten pleasure and enhance your masturbation experience. The torch-like casing makes it look totally discreet when stored away.

Male vibrators are designed to deliver deeply satisfying vibrations during penis play. The penis vibes create a sensation that is different to normal stroking, which many find excitingly pleasurable and fun! The powerful motors and a variety of sensational settings promise toe-curling stimulation.

Shop our full range of sex toys for men and Fleshlights and enjoy exciting new carnal pleasures. For maximum delight, we recommend using plenty of lube with your stroker. Need some more tips and advice? Check out our male masturbator guides and our Fleshlight guide.

If you want to buy a trusted customer favourite, consider the Deep Throat Sucking Machine from Dream Toys’ Blowtech series (pictured).

Most popular sex toys – Butt Plugs and Anal Beads

While for some, anal sex is synonymous with excitement and fun, for others, the thought is a little daunting, perhaps even unpleasant. There are valid concerns, but it is also possible to overcome these apprehensions and discover the mind-blowing new sensations of backdoor play. As the anus is full of sensitive nerve endings, anal play can be enormously pleasurable.

Butt plugs and anal beads are fantastic toys for exploring anal stimulation and enjoying heightened sensations, sure to lead to more intense orgasms. These anal toys are for everybody and will add an extra thrill to foreplay, intercourse or solo play. This journey is a sensual, pleasurable and fun one, and with these toys added into the mix, we’re sure you’ll make anal play part of your sexual repertoire in no time.

Butt plugs and anal beads are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, materials and features that you can play with. Some come with a buzzing vibrator, giving you an intense pulsating and rippling feel. A popular technique with anal beads is to slowly remove the inserted beads when you hit climax to take your orgasm to a whole new level. With a string of smooth beads, their size generally increases from top to bottom, so you can insert as many or as few beads as feels comfortable.

If you are new to anal play, please make sure you go slow, and for the best experience, listen to your body. Choose a larger size only when you feel ready for the next step, and only have anal sex if YOU want it, too. Remember, the rectum does not self-lubricate, so please be generous with anal lube, which is thicker and longer lasting than normal lube.

Anal toys feature strong and flared bases (also called stoppers, or handles) to keep them comfortably in place and make for easy retrieval.

To find the right plug or beads for you, browse our tantalising range of anal sex toys, and remember to shop for anal lube together with your new toy. If you want to learn more about the realm of anal stimulation, check out our anal sex and anal sex toys guides and our butt plug guides.

Fancy some buzz when experimenting with anal play? We recommend the purple Pearls Petite Sensations Anal Beads by Rocks-Off (pictured).

Most popular sex toys – Strap-Ons

Strap-on dildos or vibrators, also just simply referred to as strap-ons, are designed to be worn during either vaginal or anal sexual activity where one partner is penetrating the other. Strap-ons meet many needs and desires and can used by same-sex or opposite sex couples, or by those with erectile dysfunction – you make the rules!

While strap-ons already have a big following in the lesbian community, they are now becoming increasingly popular among straight couples, too! If you and your partner are into control or pegging play, then a strap-on is a must-have in your toy treasure chest. Pegging is an exciting sexual act in which one (usually female) partner anally penetrates their (usually male) partner with a strap-on dildo. So why not surprise your partner one evening with something new? (…Or maybe better discuss first?!)

Strap-on dildos and strap-on vibrators come in all forms and colours imaginable and feature flared bases to be harness-compatible. You can combine the toys with your own favourite harness but if you are new to this type of sex play, it may be best to opt for a strap-on set. A tip – if you choose a dildo with a curved shape, you may find it easier to hit your partner’s G-spot or prostate.

Strapless strap-on dildos or vibrators are double-ended. They are held in place at one end by the wearer’s kegel muscles, while the other end is used to pleasure the receiving partner. Hence they offer double the pleasure, and don’t require a harness. Use plenty of lube to ease insertion with these.

Check out our full range of strap-ons and enjoy the ride to wonderland. Still not sure what is the best for you, or curious to learn more about pegging? Take a look at our strap-on guides.

In a rush but don’t want to miss out? Head straight for the Beginners Strap-On For Him Dildo from the Fetish Fantasy Series (pictured).