Want a sex toy? Don't know where to start?
You've come to the right place.
Does size matter? In this case, yes. Will this product make you or your partner uncomfortable? Is it so large and vein-y that your partner is going to pale in comparison? Is it small enough that you can carry it in a purse for those spontaneous moments? Is it small enough that you can use it comfortably during sex?
In the bedroom, there are few things worse than having your favorite vibrator or other enhancement die mid-act. In the best case, you can reach over an grab a couple of AA batteries to get that baby up and running again. But what happens if your favorite product takes watch batteries? Well, that sucks, because those aren't likely to be purchased in bulk during your Costco runs. And if they use Cs or Ds, do you have them handy? Do they make your vibe super-heavy and hard to hold? This is important. Check out how the product operates and see if it's convenient for you
Volume
Feel it. Does it rattle? Does it look and feel so cheap that you think it will only work for about ten minutes before it falls apart or stops working? If so, don't buy it.
Material
Is this product a piece of crap? Seriously. There are lots of crappy products on the market. Some of them contain chemicals that you wouldn't want to put inside your body. Make sure that the product doesn't contain phthalates. Phthalates are chemicals used to soften PVCs. They are found in many novelty products but there are health hazards associated with usage. Some stores like Good Vibrations and Babeland won't even sell products with these chemicals in them. Check out the "ingredient list." It is important.
You need to know what the product is made out of (i.e. latex, silicone, jelly rubber) because it will give you some insight as to what products you can (or cannot) use with them. Consider the following questions: Can this be used with condoms? Do you need to use a particular type of lube? For example, oils should never be used with latex condoms and silicone or cyberskin "toys" cannot be used with silicone lubes; they can damage the product and erode the surface. But you'd never know if you don't do your research. (And while we're on the subject of lubes, think about the following: Are you using the lube with condoms? Are you using it with a particular toy? Do you want a thick lube or a thinner one? Does the lube have a particular odor or flavor? Is it sticky or silky? What kind of sex will you be having? Seriously, if you're talking about having anal sex you're going to want a lube that doesn't dry out too quickly. These things do matter.)
Good Vibrations Sex Ed Series: How to Choose a Vibrator.
Good Vibrations Sex Ed Series: How to Choose a Dildo.
Everybody is different and everybody's body is different. So it's important to consider:
Aesthetics
Is the product attractive? Why is this important? Well, if you think that something is visually unappealing, why would you want to put it anywhere near your genitals? We should get turned on with our eyes and our bodies.
Size
Does size matter? In this case, yes. Will this product make you or your partner uncomfortable? Is it so large and vein-y that your partner is going to pale in comparison? Is it small enough that you can carry it in a purse for those spontaneous moments? Is it small enough that you can use it comfortably during sex?
Power
Don't kid yourself. Power is important. Is this strong enough for you and your partner? Does it have a range of settings and speeds? Is there enough variety in power?
Battery
In the bedroom, there are few things worse than having your favorite vibrator or other enhancement die mid-act. In the best case, you can reach over an grab a couple of AA batteries to get that baby up and running again. But what happens if your favorite product takes watch batteries? Well, that sucks, because those aren't likely to be purchased in bulk during your Costco runs. And if they use Cs or Ds, do you have them handy? Do they make your vibe super-heavy and hard to hold? This is important. Check out how the product operates and see if it's convenient for you
Volume
Does this product sound like a jackhammer? Will your roommates wake up? Will your children come barging into your bedroom in fear that construction workers have camped out in your bed during the night? Check out the buzz - is it quiet, loud, do you care? Is the sound going to be so distracting to you that you can't fully enjoy the sensation?
Durability
Feel it. Does it rattle? Does it look and feel so cheap that you think it will only work for about ten minutes before it falls apart or stops working? If so, don't buy it.
Is this product a piece of crap? Seriously. There are lots of crappy products on the market. Some of them contain chemicals that you wouldn't want to put inside your body. Make sure that the product doesn't contain phthalates. Phthalates are chemicals used to soften PVCs. They are found in many novelty products but there are health hazards associated with usage. Some stores like Good Vibrations and Babeland won't even sell products with these chemicals in them. Check out the "ingredient list." It is important.
There is so much variety out there and it can be very overwhelming. My biggest recommendation is get something that is hygienic and easy to clean. Silicone and glass are good material choices for vibrators and dildos but there are a multitude of different materials that you can try.
You need to know what the product is made out of (i.e. latex, silicone, jelly rubber) because it will give you some insight as to what products you can (or cannot) use with them. Consider the following questions: Can this be used with condoms? Do you need to use a particular type of lube? For example, oils should never be used with latex condoms and silicone or cyberskin "toys" cannot be used with silicone lubes; they can damage the product and erode the surface. But you'd never know if you don't do your research. (And while we're on the subject of lubes, think about the following: Are you using the lube with condoms? Are you using it with a particular toy? Do you want a thick lube or a thinner one? Does the lube have a particular odor or flavor? Is it sticky or silky? What kind of sex will you be having? Seriously, if you're talking about having anal sex you're going to want a lube that doesn't dry out too quickly. These things do matter.)
Price
Whether you call them sex toys or instruments of pleasure, all of them can be found in a range of price points. Chances are, if a product is super-inexpensive, it's not going to have great longevity. That being said, there's no guarantee that you'll fall madly in love with a $250 product. Price doesn't ensure a fabulous experience. There are great products that you don't have to spend an arm and a leg for. But if you (and/or your partner) are shopping for the first time, less expensive is a good entry point. Pardon the pun, but ease into the experience. Just keep in mind that "less expensive" and "cheap" are not synonymous.
Cleaning
Is this product easy to clean? Is this product easy to store? These may seem like silly questions, but you want your sexual accessories to be pleasurable and convenient to use (before, during, and after).
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