Sex Toys 101: Essential Considerations in Acquiring a Sex Toy

by Dingfoo Sex Toys Factory DINGFOO

Well done on deciding to acquire your inaugural sex toy! Prior to navigating the vast landscape of online stores or strolling into your local boutique, it's crucial to have a thoughtful plan. This might come across as overly cautious, but just as you wouldn’t purchase a vehicle without understanding the specifications, it's unwise to invest in a personal accessory without knowing its properties. Both men and women benefit from understanding the product at hand—comprehension and informed decision-making are universally appealing.

The following represents our personal checklist when we're considering an addition to our assortment. While the importance of these factors may vary between individuals, we strongly advise against compromising on body-safe materials and purchasing from reputable, well-established brands.

1.Who’s Using it?

At first glance, the answer seems obvious—"Me!" However, paralleling our vehicle analogy, it's crucial to identify who is in the driver's seat. Broadly speaking, sex toys can be used for solo play or couple play. Yet, certain pleasure enhancers are more tailored for use during couple play or by a partner. We also consider men's toys, and, in an effort to be more gender inclusive, we'll occasionally reference individuals as vagina-owners or penis-owners. Thus, the initial query is: Will this toy be used individually, shared with my partner, or intended solely for their pleasure? Remember, sexual satisfaction hinges on reciprocal exchange, so there's no need for awkwardness when discussing these matters with your partner.

2.The Type of Pleasure You Seek

This may resemble the initiation of a quest, and that’s not entirely inaccurate. We firmly believe that sex becomes more enjoyable when approached with an adventurous spirit, inviting exploration and discovery about the body's preferences. Our tastes and preferences in life are shaped by our experiences—this applies equally to our sexual lives, so there's no need for guilt in seeking knowledge.

While some vagina-owners prefer penetrative stimulation, it's crucial to note that many women achieve orgasm primarily through clitoral (external) stimulation. Once you’ve identified your preferred sensations and stimuli, you can explore the following types of toys:

Internal: These sex toys are designed for vaginal and/or anal penetration, such as dildos, rabbit vibrators, G-spot vibrators, anal beads, plugs, and more.
External: These devices are primarily used for clitoral stimulation, including vibrators and clitoral stimulators. They also encompass toys for penis-owners, such as fleshlights, texture strokers, and cock rings.

Have you ever read or seen 50 Shades of Grey? Despite its flawed portrayal of sexual relationships, it has introduced many to the world of Bondage & Discipline, Domination & Submission, Sadism & Masochism (BDSM). We suggest considering the following categories of toys as they can introduce varied sensations and potential role play:

Impact Play: If you appreciate the sensation of a slap on the buttocks, an impact play toy might appeal to you. These include tools like floggers, whips, and paddles. Despite their intimidating appearance, beginner-friendly versions are available. Always ensure a trustworthy partner and clearly discuss soft and hard boundaries before exploration, ideally before any sexual activity begins to prevent getting overly excited.
Sensory Play: Essentially, our bodies are intricate networks of nerves tied to points of pain and pleasure. Thus, sensual enjoyment isn't confined to the genitals. Sex toys such as nipple clamps target explicit erogenous zones, but there are also devices like metal pinwheels and feather ticklers for those with sensitive skin. You may not need a specific trip to the toy store for sensory play—safe household items can also create pleasurable sensations.
Restraints: Media frequently portrays erotic encounters involving handcuffs and silk blindfolds. However, other forms of restraints, including ball gags, bed restraints, and rope play, also exist. The appeal of restraints is granting total power to your partner—or vice versa—to control the pleasure received, often with an element of surprise. Always remember the two C's: Consent & Communication, and progress at a comfortable pace.

While this guide isn't exhaustive (there are many categories of sex toys not mentioned, such as sex dolls and chastity cages), we hope it offers a starting point in determining what you might want to explore. It’s likely that once you acquire your first toy, it will not be your last. Expanding your collection is completely normal. The realm of pleasure offers countless variations and sensations, so don’t hesitate to explore different categories according to your mood.

3.Materials & Durability

In purchasing sex toys, the consideration of materials and durability can appear mundane yet proves vital. The global sex toy industry, valued at US$28.64 billion in 2019, is projected to surge to US$52.7 billion by 2026. Unfortunately, due to a significant lack of regulation in the industry, manufacturers frequently label their products as "novelty items", thereby evading costly testing and using substandard, toxic materials.

For a safe, pleasurable experience, refrain from buying unbranded toys from marketplaces offering scanty manufacturing and origin information. Instead, opt for toys fabricated from body-friendly, non-porous, or medical-grade materials, thereby ensuring thorough sanitization. Porous materials, despite regular cleaning and sterilization, may harbor bacteria and mold.

A reliable guide by Dingfoo suggests the use of:

Silicone
ABS Plastic (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
Glass
Metal

Some also propose natural materials like varnished wood and crystals. Regardless, consultation with brands about maintenance and durability is crucial, as unseen micro cracks may develop after usage, complicating the cleaning process.

Conversely, the following materials should be avoided due to their porosity or toxic chemical usage during manufacturing:

Thermoplastic rubber (TPR) & thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)
Jelly rubber
Polyvinylchloride (PVC)
Rubber, PVC, TPR, and other porous material combinations marketed as "Real Feel"
Phthalates

Reminder: If using silicone toys, ensure they are not mixed with other silicone toys or silicone-based lubricants, as a chemical reaction causing degradation could occur.

4. Noise Level

Especially for those living in densely populated areas or shared spaces, the noise level of sex toys is a critical consideration. The perceived quiet hum of some could, to others, evoke a buzz chainsaw. Consequently, visiting local stores or watching online video reviews that touch on noise levels is recommended. Though some toys, like clit stimulators, are quieter than others, technological advancements have substantially subdued the once conspicuous buzzing sounds.

Why the concern about neighborly overhearing? Especially for first-time users feeling somewhat reserved, an overt rhythmic buzz could amplify self-consciousness and impede full enjoyment of the experience.

5. Size and Aesthetics

Following the acquisition of my small keychain bullet vibrator, a substantially larger rabbit vibrator was the next addition to my collection. The sizable rabbit, despite its fascinating fluttering sensation provided by the external "ears," was unwieldy for penetrative use and excessively noisy. In retrospect, a smaller G-spot vibrator, providing controlled external and internal pleasure, would have been a wiser choice.

This experience demonstrates that we should resist the instinct to pursue maximum returns on investment. Rather, we should consider sex toys as pleasure aids, not commodities, and thus, begin with a modest, reasonable choice.

If you're confident in your preferences, explore the endless possibilities offered by specialty brands such as Bad Dragon and Dingfoo.

6.Special Features

Sex technology persistently evolves, inviting continuous vigilance for the latest advancements. As Pea, a sex toy consultant, elaborates in an imminent interview, sex toys perpetually upgrade both their hardware and software akin to mobile phones. Hence, when surveying options, a user might prioritize essential features like water resistance for in-shower use or heat resistance for enhancing sensual play. Furthermore, an examination of power sources – rechargeable via USB or regular batteries – could ascertain the convenience of integration into current routines.

For couples interested in invigorating their relationship, experimentation with couple toys featuring remote controls or Bluetooth-connected apps could prove exciting. Far advanced from vibrating panties, these sophisticated tools prove invaluable for managing long-distance relationships.

Personal favorites also include wearable sex toys. As the name suggests, these pleasure aids, wearable as jewelry, merge discreetly with the outfit, thus creating a tantalizing secret shared only among the privy few.

7. Budgetary Concerns

The price range for sex toys can greatly differ, depending on type and purchase location. Hence, establishing a price range in advance and having a general comprehension of the desired toy's average cost could ensure acquisition of optimal quality within budget constraints.

For instance, vibrator costs can extend from a meager ten dollars to several hundreds. Cheaper vibrators, however, often incorporate substandard materials and exhibit a higher propensity to malfunction or disintegrate.

Nevertheless, the value is not solely defined by price. Prioritization of personal needs and preferences is key. For instance, if remote use connectivity doesn't appeal to you, steer clear of such products, which are likely pricier.

8. Lubrication: An Essential Component

As an ardent lubrication advocate, I affirm its substantial enhancement of sexual comfort, whether during penetrative or non-penetrative interactions. Importantly, lubrication use carries no stigma. Contrary to prevalent misconceptions, people with vaginas can greatly benefit from lube, as it mitigates pain from dryness.

However, appropriate lubrication type consideration is essential for sex toy safety. An earlier article discussed compatible lube types for different sex toy materials. Generally, water-based lube, less likely to erode toy materials, is deemed safest. Utmost caution should accompany the usage of silicone or oil-based lubes, always verifying their compatibility with your toys' materials.

9. Cleanliness: An Imperative for Toy Longevity

Prior to each toy usage, ensure thorough washing, and separate porous toy storage (e.g., latex or TPE). After usage, meticulous cleaning is necessary. Options range from simple soap and water washing to spray-on or wipe-saturated toy cleaners, particularly convenient for travel or shared living spaces. However, in the availability of a sink and soap, toy cleaners are typically redundant. Another consideration could be a UV toy cleaner. Always remember to clean your toys prior to storage and to wipe them before subsequent use.

10. The Journey towards Embracing Adult Toys

Ultimately, the discovery of the ideal adult toys may demand some trial and error. However, by giving careful consideration to the discussed factors, the quest to curate a perfect collection of sex toys for personal pleasure will soon be within reach.