The sex toy industry is booming, with an estimated market size of more than $34 billion in 2021 that is only expected to grow. Although still taboo in some circles, sex toy ownership is at an all-time high, with more than half of American adults having at least one adult toy.
If you’ve never owned a sex toy before and are interested in trying one out, you’re not alone. About 20% of adults surveyed in 2019 reported wanting to start or expand their collection of intimacy devices. Still, we understand that hitting the shelves at your local sex shop for the first time can be a little overwhelming. That’s why we created this FunLove.com guide to the simplest (yet most pleasurable) sex toys for beginners.
Beginner Sex Toys for Women
Women’s sex toys are some of the most widely recognizable. While there are dozens of high-tech gadgets designed to tease and please every erogenous zone imaginable, there are three basic sex toys for women that everyone with a vagina should know about.
#1: Vibrators
The vibrator might just be the most iconic sex toy of all time, and it all started with the invention of the original Magic Wand. Initially marketed as a personal massager for aching muscles, this rumbly vibrator took the U.S. by storm in the early 1970s (Let’s just say it was a good decade for the clitoris). Of course, a lot has changed since then—these days, many vibrators are small and discreet enough to be carried in your purse or disguised as a tube of lipstick. Big or small, though, vibrators continue to be best sellers nearly 50 years later.
How It Works
Vibes come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and intensity levels. But using one is pretty easy. Basically, just turn it on, adjust the vibration level to your liking (if you’re a newb, stick to the lower settings for now), and apply as much or as little pressure to whatever body part feels good. Near or on the clitoris is its primary function, but you can also use a vibe on your nipples, inner thighs, and around the vulva or labia. Depending on the style, some vibrators may also be insertable, providing internal stimulation as well.
Top Picks for Beginners
If you’ve never used a vibrator before, FunLove.com recommends starting small with a bullet vibe. For no frills, budget-friendly self-exploration, The Charmer by Intrigue is a great starter vibrator. It’s discreet, silky smooth to the touch, offers seven vibration settings, is USB rechargeable, and is also fully waterproof and submersible.
If you want more options, go for the Flirty Five Bullet Kit by Intrigue. One 10-speed bullet transforms with 5 unique sleeves each offering their own kind of stimulation. Choose from a traditional bullet vibe for targeted clitoral stimulation, a rabbit vibe for internal stimulation, one that’s curved for access to the G-spot, or two bunny ears clitoral vibes. This is the ideal kit for beginners who want to try a little bit of everything.
#2: Dildos
Dildos have a very long history dating all the way back to the Stone Age. Back then, dildos were often made from siltstone, chalk, or antler bone. The Ancient Greeks were partial to fake phalluses, too—they often used olisbokollikes, a baguette-type bread. The Western Han dynasty (206 B.C. - 220 A.D.) really upped the ante with their intricate bronze dildos, which were apparently also used to balance the yin and the yang.
How It Works
Storied past aside, dildos remain extremely popular today and make a great beginner sex toy for women. Like vibes, dildos come in many different sizes, shapes, and materials. They can be used solo or with a partner. There are also tons of techniques for using a dildo. You or your partner can use your hand to thrust or you can also get on top and ride it (a suction cup dildo comes in handy for this). You can use short, shallow strokes, long, deep thrusts, or just enjoy the sensation of fullness while stimulating the clit or other erogenous zones.
Note: Dildos can be used people of any gender for anal stimulation, but you’re better off starting with a smaller anal sex toy such as a butt plug if you’re not used to penetrative anal sex.
Top Picks for Beginners
What kind of dildo is right for you will depend on your previous sexual experience. If you’ve never used a dildo but have had penetrative sex with a partner, you can probably start with a dildo around the size of your partner’s penis. If you’ve never had penetrative sex, you may want to start with a shorter, narrower dildo or even a set of dilators to slowly get accustomed to penetration. (You should also use plenty of lube!)
If you’re looking for a dildo that’s as close to the real thing as possible, opt for Adam's True Feel Cock by Adam & Eve. The dual density material is soft to the touch but hard where it matters, with veins and balls for lifelike texture and feel. It’s 1.5” wide and 7” long, with a suction cup for easy riding.
The Limba Flex Dildo by Fun Factory is another great choice for beginners. At just 1.1” wide and 4.7” long, it’s very approachable. It’s also made from velvety soft silicone and is totally flexible, meaning you can bend it into the perfect fit for your body, including awesome g-spot stimulation. We also love the tapered, slim shaft and suction base. (Bonus: the Limba Flex is compatible with many strap-on harnesses).
#3: Suction Vibes
Suction vibes are some of the newest sex toys on the block, only hitting the market in the mid 2010s. Suction vibes, also called clitoral suckers, are fitted with nozzles that use air pressure to generate suction force on the clitoris. In essence, these innovative little suckers mimic the sensations of oral sex.
How It Works
Suction vibes are some of the most effortless sex toys for beginners. The air pressure indirectly stimulates the clitoris via deep sonic pulses. Literally all you have to do is place the nozzle directly over the clit and voilà—you’re on your way to mind-blowing orgasms in no time. Some women even say that clit suckers are better than oral sex, since they stimulate the entire clitoral structure, not just the surface.
Top Picks for Beginners
At FunLove.com, we offer a wide variety of clit suckers ideal for beginners and sexperts alike. The Rose by Inya is a beautiful, discreet suction vibe, the likes of which went viral in TikTok just a few months ago. The rechargeable suction toy is actually shaped like a rose and uses innovative air technology to generate fluttering full body pleasure with pinpoint precision.
We also highly recommend the Womanizer Liberty, which boasts six intensity levels easily controlled by a + and - button. It’s also incredibly quiet and comes with a hygienic travel cover for discreet women on the go. Pleasure Air™ technology allows you to climax in record time without overstimulating the sensitive clitoris. It’s also USB rechargeable and fully waterproof—trust us, you’ll want to try it in the bath.
Beginner Sex Toys for Men
It should go without saying that sex toys don’t need to be gendered. For instance, men can self-pleasure with vibrators or dildos just as women can. But there are three simple sex toys for beginners that are especially great for people with a penis and/or prostate.
#4: Cock Rings
Cock rings can help boost erections and increase sensitivity during sex or masturbation. It’s believed that the first cock ring was fashioned around 1200 A.D. from the eyelid of a goat. Luckily for you, dear reader, modern cock rings are generally free of livestock eyelashes. When you wear a cock ring while penetrating your partner, they also can also reap the benefits of added vibrations and longer-lasting sex.
How It Works
Cock rings are worn around the shaft of the penis during sex or masturbation and may be made from stretchy silicone, leather, or steel. They may be of the vibrating or non-vibrating variety. Cock rings can be worn for 20 to 30 minutes at a time and work by causing blood vessels to constrict and allowing blood to leave the penis more slowly.
Top Picks for Beginners
Understandably, choosing the right cock ring can be a little intimidating. If the ring is too tight, you can end up in pain or discomfort rather than pleasure. For this reason, you may want to start with a ring that has plenty of give and is easy to put on and take off.
A vibrating cock ring may be a little too intense for beginners, so you might want to start with something like these Zolo Stretchy Silicone Cock Rings. They come in a pack of three and range in size from 1.6” to 2” so you can find the perfect fit, or use one on your shaft and one on your testicles for increased stimulation.
If you’re dead set on trying a vibrating cock ring, the We-Vibe Pivot offers total comfort and custom rumbly vibrations. This is a great cock ring for heterosexual couples, as the vibrations also provide hands-free clitoral stimulation. Pair with the We Connect app for complete remote control from anywhere in the world.
#5: Male Masturbators
While there are plenty of things you shouldn’t put your dick in, male masturbators aren’t one of them. There are lots of options here, from strokers to pocket pussies to sleeves that simulate blow jobs. You can even find exact replicas of your favorite adult film stars’ nether regions.
How It Works
Strokers and pocket pussies are a pretty good introduction to male masturbators, since they mimic the stroking action of a hand. Just lubricate the inside of the toy and your shaft, insert your penis into the opening, and use your hand to glide it up and down. Throw in a light squeeze for even more sensation. You can find male masturbators with textured insides, warming functions, and even hands-free options.
Top Picks for Beginners
If you’ve never used a male masturbator before and aren’t sure you want to invest in a high-tech gadget just yet, you should absolutely try a Tenga Hard Gel Egg. These disposable strokers come in a variety of textures and conform to your unique anatomy. You’ll lose yourself in the cushiony softness of their cloud-like walls. Plus, they require no cleanup and are easy on your wallet.
The Tenga 3D Spiral Stroker is another great option. It’s reusable but budget-friendly, and among the easiest masturbator sleeves to use on the market. What you see is exactly what you get—lightly ribbed texture on one side, smooth, vagina-like feel on the inside of this reversible toy. The closed-end design creates a scintillating suction grip that you can fine-tune to your liking just by squeezing to let some of the air out.
#6: Prostate Massagers
Prostate play might seem a little intimidating at first, but it’s easy if you choose a prostate massager that’s designed for beginners. The prostate is a gland located between the male bladder and penis that is roughly the size and shape of a walnut (although it does tend to grow over time). When the prostate is stimulated indirectly or directly, men can experience powerful so-called p-spot orgasms.
How It Works
To use a prostate massager, you’ll want to have experimented a little with anal penetration beforehand. You can use a finger or two at first when you’re turned on to get a feel for it. To use a prostate massager, be sure to use lube (like, a lot of lube) for the easiest insertion and get into a comfortable position that helps your muscles relax. Insert slowly and try stimulating different erogenous zones simultaneously to find out what works for you.
Top Picks for Beginners
Not all prostate massagers are created equal. You want to make sure you’re starting out with a toy that is the right size and doesn’t have any unnecessary bells and whistles. Prostate orgasms can be very intense, and you don’t want to be overstimulated. The Aneros Helix Syn Trident Prostate Massager is perfect for first-time users. Its slim profile is unintimidating (the tip is just a little over 1” wide), and the soft silicone coating makes it incredibly comfortable to use. The ergonomic handle makes for easy removal, and the premium tab provides additional perineum stimulation, too.
If you want to throw some good vibrations into the mix, don’t miss out on the Intrigue Discovery Vibrating Prostate Massager. It features 10 speeds and functions, a rechargeable USB bullet, and it’s ergonomically shaped to easily reach and stimulate the prostate. You will also love the textured pleasure nubs and easy grip handle for safe insertion and removal.
Shop the Entire FunLove.com Collection
With over 30 years of experience as a leading retailer of adult toys, lingerie, and sexual wellness, FunLove.com is your one-stop shop for online and in-store shopping across our 16 locations in Arizona and Colorado (with more on the way).
We’re proud to offer free shipping on all orders over $89 and will always ship your items discreetly. Learn more about shipping and returns.
Have questions? Need help finding the best sex toys for beginners? Stop by one of our stores, or contact our Customer Service department by calling 866-FUN-LOVE.
