Today, sex toys have become a hot topic as the world is slowly becoming a place that is more accepting of the different genders or sexual preferences people identify or experiment with.
It’s all thanks to the efforts of the thousands advocating for the rights of each and every individual to be who they want to be, to love whoever they want to love and however they want to love them without fear of discrimination or persecution.
At Olivia Gray, we also believe that everyone is entitled to enjoy themselves in whichever way they desire. It’s our mission to help start conversations that dispel some of the taboo around the “touchy” topic that is sex.
With this ultimate guide to sex toys, we hope to give everyone a resource that allows them to explore their sexuality in a safe and sexy way.
With that said, let’s get stuck in.
The Stigma Behind Sex Toys
For the longest time, adult toys have had this stigma and shame connected to them, it was never something most people could openly talk about, well because no one was talking about it.
Luckily, over the past few years there has been a massive shift in people’s thinking and the negative stigma surrounding these hot items is slowly fading — not to say it’s been completely eradicated, but this wave of expanded consciousness that the world is now experiencing has made having conversations about sex and sex products way less controversial.
People are finally starting to own their sexuality and have the conversations we thought for so long it was wrong to have. Social networks like Instagram are a perfect example of this — they have given people the platform and power to spread awareness and connect with like-minded individuals who want to have these conversations and be educated.
Regardless of what you may have heard about sex toys, the perception you may have of them or even if you are a big proponent of them, these playthings are here to help you explore your deepest sexual desires or most vivid fantasies by yourself, a partner or multiple people in a way that is both fun and safe.
These loving objects of our affection can often carry some shame and are quite often misunderstood and intimidating for those that don’t know anything about them or where to start.
Don’t let what society has dictated to us for so long, keep you from learning and discovering untapped sexual pleasures.
At the end of the day, we are sexual beings who deserve to experience our bodies in all its wonder.
9 Ways Sex Toys Can Be Beneficial
- Pleasure through play is powerful – why do you think they’re called sex “toys” and not sex tools or instruments. It’s meant to be playful and fun.
- No one can know your body like you – you can’t expect someone else to know what you like and want if you don’t know yourself.
- Playtime empowers you with the knowledge and confidence to ask for what you want – go forth and conquer!
- These powerful little gadgets can create enough arousal to help override any feelings of self-consciousness, allowing you to fully focus on the pleasure at play.
- Improve your sexual function, increase endorphins and relieve stress – Need I say more?
- Adult toys can encourage fantasy – let your imagination run wild and begin to explore the sexual being you are in a way that is conducive to you.
- Toys for the bedroom are empowering – whether you’re male, female or gender-neutral, they allow you to take control without needing anyone else.
- Experiment within your relationship and create sexual communication and closeness – there is nothing wrong with spicing up your sex life.
- Self-love through self-pleasure is the greatest act you can do for yourself.
Trying to find the right toy for you can be a rather daunting and overwhelming experience when you are new to the whole concept of adult playtime.
Sex Toys For Beginners
Knowing where to start, how to choose, or how to use sex toys can be like trying to select a movie off Netflix’s vast array of options — spending more time looking for the right movie than actually watching one!
You needn’t worry, as we’ve got you covered on the who’s who and the what’s what in the you know where.
Choosing Your Adult Toy
Choosing your first toy can be an intimidating experience when there are so many varied shapes, sizes, and colours. A great starting point would be to give some thought into what it is you think you might like and enjoy exploring, and what you may want to add to your sex life to make things more fun.
Start modest and make your way to the more advanced ones.
You can’t go from zero to hero right from the get-go! You’ll either end up hurting yourself or it’ll put you right off.
Rather take it slow and consider: Is external stimulation or penetration, or maybe both, something you want to try out?
A bullet vibrator/cock ring is the perfect toy for external stimulation — if that’s what does it for you.
Make sure that you start with a vibrator that has a variable vibration mode, which will allow you to customize how you use it and up the intensity as and when you need to.
If penetration is what you yearn for, then a regular vibrator is a good place to start as it’s super versatile and both vibrates and penetrates. However, if you’re not into the buzzing sensation then a straight-up dildo will do the trick.
It’s not advised to go for the largest size when you’re a beginner, however, size is a personal preference.
Other factors such as budget and the material of a toy may be a concern for you, but don’t worry as there is such a vast array of toys to choose from to suit your every need.
When choosing your first toy you should consider all of the elements below.
Best Materials For Safe Fun
It’s so easy to get focused on what experience you want out of a toy that the most important factor missed is making sure that you choose one that is made from non-harmful materials.
You’re going to be putting these objects into some pretty intimate places, so you want to make sure that it’s safe, avoiding any throbbing genitals (the bad kind of throbbing at least).
Materials for adult toys fall into two major categories: porous and non-porous.
Your porous products are generally soft and if a product doesn’t use ABS hard plastic then it’s porous.
Porous toys are best avoided as they can’t be easily cleaned trapping dirt and bacteria.
All materials that include phthalates fall under the porous category as well.
Phthalates are seriously toxic materials to avoid as they are chemicals used in plastics that help to soften and increase flexibility in them.
These chemicals are known to be endocrine disruptors, and could potentially cause cancer.
Buying cheap sex toys are buying expensive if you follow me!
The best sex toys are made from non-porous materials.
These materials are higher in quality, are usually more expensive in price, but they also don’t keep dirt and bacteria and are sterilizable.
