The Beginner's Guide to Sex Toys

Navigating the vast world of sex toys can feel like trying to find your way through a maze—exciting, but a little overwhelming. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone special, it’s time to become a sex toy pro. Let’s dive in and demystify the fun!

Want to know which sex toys can take your love life from “meh” to “wow”? Or maybe you’re ready to expand your toy collection but aren’t quite sure what goes where (and does what).

If you’re scratching your head over cock rings, puzzled by vibrators, or utterly baffled by butt plugs, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Read on to uncover the ins and outs of the amazing world of sex toys, just waiting for you to dive in and explore.

Top 10 iDear Toys

Why do people use sex toys?

Sex toys can take solo sessions or couple’s play to a whole new level of fun—no matter your gender or sexual orientation. Think of them as the ultimate sidekick for your pleasure journey. Many people turn to sex toys to:

  • Experiment with new types of play and sensations (because variety is the spice of life).
  • Discover, explore, and expand their sexual preferences (like a treasure hunt for your desires).
  • Achieve stronger, more intense, or even blended orgasms (because who doesn’t love an upgrade?).
  • Help with medical issues like erectile dysfunction (practical and pleasurable).
  • Revolutionize and optimize their sexual happiness (because life’s too short for mediocre fun).

Different types of sex toys

Welcome to the world of sex toys—where pleasure meets creativity. Here’s a quick rundown of the main types, broken down for your convenience (and curiosity).

Vibrators

Vibrators, as you might have guessed, are sex toys that vibrate. But don’t let their simplicity fool you—they come in a dizzying array of shapes and sizes, from classic phallic designs to curved stimulators, rabbitsbullets, wands, and more. Whether you’re targeting the clitoris, G-spot, P-spot, vagina, rectum, testicles, vulva, or any combination of hot spots, there’s a vibrator out there ready to hit the spot.

And just like their forms, their functions are equally diverse. Most models offer a range of vibration intensities and patterns, letting you customize your experience to suit your mood. Want to get fancy? Some high-tech vibes can be controlled via apps on your phone, while others come with separate remotes for long-distance fun. Prefer something straightforward? Traditional models often feature easy-to-use button controls right on the base.

If you’re hunting for a fantastic first-time vibe, we highly recommend wand massagers. These powerhouses are perfect for delivering gender-neutral external pleasure and are beginner-friendly to boot. Need a recommendation? Check out the customer-favorite iDear Deluxe Rechargeable Mini Metallic Massage Wand Vibrator—pictured and ready to impress!

For more details, dive into our Beginner’s Guide to Vibrators.

Best Vibrators for Beginners

Dildos

Dildos are insertable sex toys that deliver straightforward satisfaction and are perfect for anyone seeking internal stimulation. With countless shapes, sizes, and aesthetics to choose from, they offer a wide range of options for penetrative pleasure. Whether you’re into long and girthy or petite and beginner-friendly, there’s a dildo out there to match your preferences—no matter how specific they might be.

Dildos come in two main styles: realistic and non-anatomical. Realistic dildos are designed to mimic the look and feel of human anatomy, complete with veins, ridges, and skin-toned hues for an authentic experience. Non-representational dildos, on the other hand, span the spectrum from sleek and minimalist to boldly sculptural and vibrantly colored—perfect for those who want something a little more artistic or fantastical.

Many dildos, like the fan-favorite Lifelike Lover Classic Realistic Dildo 6 Inch (pictured), feature a suction cup or flared base. These bases make them harness-compatible for strap-on or pegging play and ensure they’re safe for anal use.

Want to dive deeper? Check out our Beginner’s Guide to Dildos for all the details.

Top 10 Dildos

Love Eggs & Ben Wa Balls

Discreet, sexy, and surprisingly functional, Ben Wa balls are small, round weights that sit inside your vagina to give your pelvic floor a workout. They’re perfect for solo use, foreplay, or even wearing while you go about your day. Also known as “Kegel balls,” these little wonders are like a gym session for your vagina—they strengthen your pelvic muscles, which can lead to stronger orgasms, better bladder control, and an extra squeeze during penetrative sex. Want to get started? Check out our guide on How to Use Kegel Balls for some expert tips!

 

Love eggs, on the other hand, are egg-shaped vibrating toys designed to stimulate the G-spot and provide vaginal pleasure. Often referred to as “egg vibrators” or “vibrating eggs,” these toys frequently come with remote controls for effortless hands-free fun. Many modern styles are app-compatible or remote-controlled, making them perfect for couples’ play—whether you’re in the bedroom, out on the town, or miles apart. Take the highly-rated We-Vibe X Lovehoney Jive App Controlled Rechargeable Vibrating G-Spot Love Egg (pictured), for example. It lets you and your partner enjoy some long-distance thrills from just about anywhere in the world. For more details, check out our guide on How to Use a Love Egg.

Best Vibrating Eggs & Kegel Exercisers

Butt Plugs

When you think of anal toys, a butt plug is probably the first thing that pops into your head. And for good reason! Butt plugs come in all sorts of varieties—stationary, vibrating, inflatable, and more—but most share a similar conical shape. They start small at the tip and gradually widen toward the base, making them easy to insert. Every anal plug has a flared base (a must for safety) to prevent it from getting lost inside the rectum, and many feature slim necks for added comfort during wear.

Butt plugs can serve as a warm-up tool, gently stretching the anus before moving on to something bigger, like an anal dildo or penetration with a partner. Or, they can be an erotic experience all on their own. Either way, they create a satisfying sensation of fullness and pressure while stimulating both the internal and external nerve endings of the anus.

Here’s the kicker: when pelvic muscles contract during orgasm, squeezing against a butt plug can amplify the sensation, turning up the intensity of your climax. Adding a butt plug to your sexual repertoire can lead to mind-blowing anal satisfaction and unforgettable orgasms.

These days, butt plugs aren’t just functional—they’re also visually stunning. Take the iDear Jeweled Heart Metal Butt Plug 2.5 Inch (pictured), for example. It’s as much a piece of art as it is a pleasure tool.

Want to know more? Dive into our guide on How to Use Butt Plugs for all the tips and tricks.

Anal Beads

Anal beads are a string of smooth plastic, metal, or glass spheres connected by flexible material. The beads typically start small and gradually increase in size, letting you ease into the experience as you work your way toward the base. It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure for your backdoor!

These toys can be used solo for unique anal stimulation or to spice up masturbation or intercourse. They create a delicious “filled-up” sensation that many find incredibly pleasurable—and can turn an ordinary orgasm into something truly unforgettable. For maximum intensity, try pulling them out just before climax. Trust us, it’s an experience like no other!

Anal beads are perfect for exploring anal play, allowing your body to adjust gently to their incremental sizing at your own pace. With their graduated design, smooth surfaces, and ergonomic shapes, they’re easy to use and insert—making them a great choice for beginners and pros alike. If you’re new to anal beads, we recommend starting with the beginner-friendly BASICS Anal Beads 6 Inch (pictured).

Want to dive deeper? Check out our Beginner’s Guide to Anal Beads for all the details!

Strap-Ons

Strap-ons are versatile sex toys that work for all types of couples, no matter their anatomy, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Their main purpose? Interactive penetration—whether it’s anal, vaginal, or even oral. From hollow strap-ons to vibrating strap-ons, double-penetration strap-ons, Vac-U-Loc options, and even strapless strap-ons, there’s something for every type of play. And let’s not forget the harnesses! They come in a variety of styles, sizes, and feature adjustable O-rings or openings to fit your needs perfectly.

For those curious about strap-on play, strap-on and pegging kits are a great starting point. These kits typically include a harness and one or more compatible dildos, giving you everything you need to dive right in. Take the beginner-friendly Tracey Cox Supersex Strap-On Pegging Kit (pictured), for example. It lets newcomers experiment with two dildo styles (solid and hollow) and even adds a buzz-worthy twist—insert the included bullet vibe into the harness’s mini vibrator pocket or the hollow dildo for extra stimulation.

Want to explore further? Check out our Beginner’s Guide to Strap-Ons to learn more about the different types and how to use them like a pro!

Beginner's Anal Toys

Cock Rings

A cock ring (also known as a ‘stamina ring,’ ‘love ring,’ ‘c-ring,’ or ‘penis ring’) is a simple yet powerful tool that helps prevent blood from flowing back out of the penis. For penis owners, this means longer-lasting, harder erections—and for couples, it can mean increased pleasure during penetrative sex. Typically made from stretchy materials, cock rings come in a wide variety of styles, including single-ring or double-ring designs, to suit different stimulation preferences.

Cock rings are easy to use but should always be applied with lube. The best time to put one on is when you’re flaccid. As you grow harder, the ring will feel snug—tight enough to do its job, but not so tight that it causes discomfort. You’ll likely notice the benefits almost immediately: stronger erections and heightened sensations.

Vibrating cock rings are a popular twist on the classic design. These feature a vibrating unit that amps up stimulation for both the wearer and their partner. Most have a textured, forward-facing protrusion that stimulates the clitoris during partnered sex, while others focus on the balls, anus, or perineum for extra thrills.

A cock and ball ring (like the beloved iDear Bed Ringer Rechargeable Double Cock Ring, pictured here) takes things up a notch. This style features one ring around the shaft and another around the balls. Also known as ‘double cock rings,’ this design offers all-over constriction that many find even more stimulating and pleasurable than traditional cock rings.

Like standard cock rings, cock and ball rings should be applied while you’re flaccid. Start by slipping one ring around your balls, then add the second ring around your penis. Be sure to apply plenty of lube to the rings and your member to make the process smoother. Slide one ball through the loop of the first ring, followed by the second, and once both balls are in place, guide the head of your penis through the other ring so that the rings surround your entire package.

Want to learn more? Check out our how-to guide for all the details!

Male Masturbators

Male masturbators, like strokers and sleeves, are must-have sex toys for penis owners, and for good reason—they’re incredibly easy to use and deliver mind-blowing stimulation along the entire length of the penis. Available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, these toys often feature amazing textures that simulate—or even surpass—the feeling of the “real thing.”

Perhaps the most iconic of all strokers is the Fleshlight, famous for its discreet design and the hyper-realistic sensations provided by its textured sleeves. 

In recent years, the male masturbator category has gotten a serious upgrade. High-tech options now offer elevated experiences, like the iDear Blowmotion Warming Vibrating Male Masturbator (pictured), which—true to its name—combines vibration with a warming feature for an extra-luxurious experience.

Though strokers are often thought of as solo toys, they can also be a fantastic addition to partnered play. They’re perfect for spicing up hand or oral action, and many couples love using open-ended sleeves and strokers together. Not only are they non-intimidating, but they’re also brilliant for revolutionizing foreplay and adding a new level of excitement.

Want to dive deeper? Check out our guide on Guide to Using Male Masturbators for all the tips and tricks!

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