First time tips
- 3 min read
SO YOU WANT TO BUY A SEX TOY?
Shadeen Francis: LFMT, CST
First time shopping for sex toys? It is normal to be unsure of where to look or overwhelmed by all the options, but we are here to help you find the right places to to purchase safe sexual toys. In this article, also learn about the type of toy material that are safe to use and how to make sex-positive choices while buys such toys.
1. Where to get your first sex toys from?
While you can always do a general online shop, here are a few tips to help ensure you get what you are looking for:
2. Adult stores or sex shops
You might try shopping at an “adult store” or a sex shop. These environments are typically sex-positive, non-judgmental, and emphasize on education, accessibility, and inclusivity. Going in person is great if you are looking for support, have questions about toys and tools, or are unsure of what you are looking for. Not everyone feels comfortable visiting a sex shop, especially if you’ll be going alone or if you’re worried about being outed or embarrassed. If that’s you, try calling ahead. This can help you get a sense of the environment to help you decide if you’d like to go in person. Seeing the products and sometimes even getting to see demonstrations (non-sexually, of course) can be a great way to better understand your options and find the toy that’s right for you.
3. Retailers
Maybe you don’t want to go in person, or there isn’t a sex shop location close enough to you. That’s okay! There are many other retailers that carry sex toys, however, please be aware that the products in many stores are sold as “novelty items” which are unregulated and are commonly made of toxic materials that are not body safe. Look for products made of non-porous materials like silicone, glass, stainless steel, or ABS plastic.
What to buy:
Look for products made of non-porous materials like:
- Silicone
- Glass
- Stainless steel
- or ABS plastic
4. Online stores
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, online retailers may be more accessible. You can shop from most sex shops online, and you can also look at the websites for the sexual health and wellness brands that you already use or recognize, as many also sell sexual toys like Durex intense vibrators and Durex pleasure ring*.
Looking online allows you to read reviews, browse on your own time, and research what the toys are made of to make sure they do not contain materials that are harmful to your body.
Important tip: Clean your sex toys regularly to ensure safe and healthy use for pleasurable experiences. Here’s an article on how you can clean your sexual toys.
All people deserve to be equipped with sex-positive, medically accurate, shame-free sexuality education and relationship information. With this as a foundation, your self-exploration, with or without toys, can be rooted in a focus on wellness and pleasure.
If you want to use sex toys with your partner or generally want to spice things up, here’s an article on mixing it up in the bedroom.
*Ensure this product is right for you. Always read and follow the label before use.
