Sex Toy 101

Okay pleasure seekers, listen up. We know very well that the huge range of toys, tools and accessories available can be pretty overwhelming to say the very least. While trial and error works great for some things, you probably don’t want to take a gamble on a vibe, dildo or buttplug being right for you. So, we’ve broken down some of the basics below. Get comfy because here we go!

Vibrators

From Wiki: A vibrator is a sex toy that is used on the body to produce pleasurable erotic stimulation. Yep. Boring but true. Pleasurable erotic stimulation is indeed the goal.

Vibrators have probably been a thing for longer than recorded history, although not necessarily the electric, battery operated and rechargeable type we have today. We know that water or steam might have been the original power source, and some wild rumours are floating around that Cleopatra herself ‘invented’ the vibrator. How? Angry bees in a box. We don’t want to think too hard about the unlucky servant who had to acquire said bees and get them into a box, but suffice it to say that it probably wasn’t easy and we hope it was worth it.

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Bees and water aside, the first legitimately recorded evidence of the humble vibe pops up around the late 19th century. English physician and inventor Joseph Mortimer Granville developed an early electromechanical vibrator, patenting it as a ‘nerve vibration and excitation’ device used to treat a variety of ailments. A few years later, genital massage with Joe’s invention started being used to treat ‘female hysteria’- a condition now widely dismissed as a medical condition and known to be plain old sexual frustration. 'Hysterical Paroxysm' seemed to be the cure, and no wonder, as Hysterical Paroxysm translates to orgasm. Since women were heavily discouraged from touching or even thinking about their vaginas, the magical orgasm was something that had to be obtained by a doctor. Awkward.

Very luckily, we’re way past all that now. Vibrators are some of the best known sex toys around, and for good reason. Many are extremely versatile- for example, the go-to classic Massager and bullet vibe. Some like the g-spot vibe are intended for more specific internal stimulation, and others, like the massively famous (thanks Sex & The City!) Rabbit targets inside and out at the same time. Clitoral vibes are, as the name suggests, designed to stimulate the clitoris, and they can feature suction instead of or as well as vibration, like the Womanizer. Technically, there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy a vibe. Many can be used on multiple body areas. Making things even more complex, some anal tools feature vibration, too, and quite a few of these are designed to please the prostate. That’s a lot of info, we know. And that’s why we’re here! Keep reading, we’ll organize it all.

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Wand Vibrators/Massagers

The original Magic Wand began as a body massager, intended for muscle massage. We’re pretty sure it took someone about three seconds to see (and feel) the potential for sexual pleasure, however. Wands have been historically electric, but more and more we’re seeing rechargeable versions.

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There are even some mini versions that take batteries. Most wands are built along the same lines- a soft rounded head sits above a firmer handle. The head will flex on a bendable neck, all the better for easy positioning and sweet spot targeting. Beloved for their clitoral-stimulating magic, many women who have trouble climaxing (or just really love a quickie) adore the power of a wand. After our best seller? Here you go, enjoy!

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Rabbit Vibes

All hail the queen! The almighty Rabbit has been around for longer than Sex And The City, but Charlotte’s addiction to her vibrating buddy definitely helped buzz the bunny into the sexy spotlight. Developed around the beginning of the ‘90’s, the rabbit vibrator came into existence thanks to a growing demand for more female-friendly sex toys.

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Rabbit style vibes are designed to penetrate internally while stimulating externally- a full-coverage effect that many vagina-owners absolutely adore. Early Rabbits were fairly phallic, with an insertable shaft shaped like a penis and a clitorial stimulator shaped like a (wait for it…) rabbit!

Nowadays, there are a ton of options to choose from, some rabbit vibes are still pretty penis-y in appearance, while others are smooth and non-detailed, angled toward the g-spot, rotating, thrusting or a combination of everything above. Many also feature spinning pleasure beads in the shaft and a clitoral stimulator that could be a dolphin, butterfly or something non animal-shaped. Usually the shaft and clitoral stimulator have a dedicated motor or vibrator and can be controlled separately, because choice is good. Always! Here’s our best seller

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Bullet & Egg Vibes

Packing lots and lots of pleasure into a (usually) tiny shape, Bullet and Egg Vibes are shaped like their namesake, curvy and streamlined. The most traditional of bullets powers on with a button at the base and can be easily secreted away in pants pocket, purse, kitchen drawer etc.

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A favorite bullet works very well during sex and foreplay, since the petite shape won’t get in the way of bodies, tongues, fingers and otherwise. This should go without saying, but a bullet is perfect for self-pleasure- plus, the tiny size might just inspire some sneaky fun.

Other bullets come covered in silky silicone or soft jelly, some are enlarged, and others are powered by remote!

Basically, there’s a bullet for just about any situation. Generally speaking, bullets are better for external play- clitoris, nipples, head of penis, outer anal areas etc. A small wireless bullet should never be inserted anally (and probably not anywhere else, either), since it could potentially slip too far and become very hard to remove. We’ve all heard the stories about embarrassing trips to the ER, so just don’t, please!

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Clitoral Suction/Stimulation

Packed with ultra sensitive nerve endings and pleasure sensors, the clitoris is thought to be the only human body part that exists purely for pleasure. Yay! Despite popular belief, the clitoris isn’t just the little triangle of tissue toward the top of the vulva, it’s actually a complex structure with vascular tissue and a matrix of fibers channeling through the entire pelvic region.

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Most people know that stimulating the clitoris brings on intense pleasure and usually leads to orgasm, and what better way to stimulate than with a vibe specifically designed for just that!?

Now technically speaking, most vibrators could be used on the clitoris, but there are definitely benefits to a dedicated clitoral vibe. Shaped to target smaller body areas and often featuring a scoop, slant or tickler, clitoral vibes usually feature several modes or rythyms of vibration- defintely a good thing, since all bodies respond to different stimuli.

Maybe you’re feeling a bit ‘meh’ about clitoral vibration in general. Some people find that the buzz can be annoying and anything but pleasurable. In that case, we HIGHLY recommend something like the Womanizer or Satisfyer. Instead of vibration, these pleasure tools use a unique ‘air pulse’ or ‘pleasure air’ technology. Much more subtle than vibration and requiring only the lightest touch (or none at all, for some), the gentle sucks and pulses are extremely enjoyable and, if zillions of giddy reviews are any confirmation, practically guarantee an orgasm.

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G-Spot Vibes

Sometime in the 50’s, a German doctor and scientist named Ernst Grafenberg ‘discovered’ the G-Spot while studying the role of the urethra in female orgasm. Now, we’re preeetttty sure that this highly sensitive area on the upper vaginal wall had been ‘discovered’ by lovers, women and otherwise vagina-owners long before that, but thanks, Ernie.

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Countless studies have been carried out since, and while there’s still ongoing debate about its existence, the fact remains that for many, the pinnacle of internal pleasure centers around a rough-textured patch of tissue a few inches into the vagina. G-spot vibrators, as you might expect, are designed to target the G. Most feature a dramatic angle and/or a swollen tip that extends the reach through to the upper wall.

Usually, firmer is better when it comes to G-Spot vibes. Direct and steady massage combined with a curvy shape is the best recipe for G-spot orgasm, so look for a vibe in plastic or a harder silicone material. Don’t worry, we’ll get to toy materials later.

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Pocket Vibes

Is that a rocket in your pocket? Har har har. Boooooo, hisssss! Well here’s the thing, it could be, if we’re talking about a rocket of the vibrator variety. Pocket Vibes are pretty self-explanatory for the most part, these little vibes are designed to fit in a pocket, purse, glove box, etc, ready to be pulled out whenever the mood hits.

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Most follow a simple formula- firm plastic handle, circular tip and steady no-nonsense vibration. Pocket vibes are perfect for pinpointing sweet spots externally- they’re not designed for penetration. Here’s one of the originals. To this day it’s a top seller, and we always recommend it to viberator newcomers.

If you’re into a little more variety when it comes to sensation (never a bad thing!), this one with four interchangeable tips will NOT disappoint!

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Finger Vibes

Craving lots of versatility and a design that absolutely won't get in the way of most sexy scenarios? The Finger Vibe is your go-to. Sliding over a finger (or thumb), these vibes can go (almost) anywhere their host finger can.

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Some are designed for penetration and g-spot/prostate targeting, but most are better for clitoris/anal/nipple etc. pleasing during sex and foreplay.

The original is still going strong and there are lots of creative variations.

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Traditional Vibes

Sometimes, things don’t have to be mind-blowing esthetically or functionally to blow you away in other ways, right?

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Traditional vibes may lack some of the bells and whistles (so to speak) of fancier varieties, but they can definitely pack a pleasure punch, and are always a good call for beginners.

Usually tapered and smooth, although there are certainly textured models, these vibes can be enjoyed inside or out.

Like their smaller bullet vibe cousins, they’re discreet in hand and slip and slide easily into most sexy scenarios.

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Realistic

Here’s another vibe style that speaks for itself. Realistic vibes, or vibrating dildos, as they’re sometimes called, are shaped phallically (or penis-ly, if you prefer).

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Some people love their toys to be as close to the real thing as possible, and these vibes deliver.

For over-the-top realism, try out a clone kit - these let you make a mold of a favorite penis and turn it into a vibrator! Rainy day activity?

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Vibes for Couples

Most, if not all vibes can be used by couples, it’s true. A few however, were specifically made to share. The best known has been magically reviving sex lives left and right, and the most-heard reason is ‘we can use it together!’

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Some other (smart!) manufacturers have picked up and run with the sharing trend, and we’re anticipating more to come.

Of course, there’s also pegging to take into consideraton, not to mention strap-on and harness fun - these are definintely of the sharing-is-caring variety.

Usually done with a dildo, vibes can also be easily incorporated.

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Anal Vibes

We’ll be stepping on another toy category’s toes here a little, but Anal Vibes definitely deserve a mention.

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Now theoretically, many traditional, g-spot and realistic vibrators could be used in the butt (carefully), but we’re specifically talking about toys like this. Tailored to anal play, these vibes can take the shape of a classic plug or beads.

A good anal vibe will usually feature a big base or large handle, keeping its user safe from too-deep penetration. And as we’re on the topic, let's not forget about double penetration!

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