Whether it vibrates, sucks, strokes, or spins like a fidget spinner, sex toys can do some incredible things. With so many options out there, it can almost become daunting looking through the seemingly endless stream of colorful pleasure products. How do you really tell them apart and better yet how do you pick the product that is right for you? As someone who has worked in this industry for 10 years now, I can tell you it isn’t always easy but here are some tips and tricks for navigating this seemingly endless carnival of sex toys!
Check your materials!
Before you even start questioning what a toy does it’s just as important to ask the question, what is it made of? Many people aren’t aware that there are a wide variety of materials used in the production of pleasure products. When picking a toy, it is important to know that the product you choose is made of a material that will be ideal for your intended uses. Some things to consider when picking a material are if you intend to use the toy internally, between different orifices, or with partners.
Porosity is something most people overlook when purchasing a toy, but sex toys that are porous are an ideal breeding ground for bacteria to grow since they cannot be properly sanitized. Porous toys can lead to infections and irritations in many people. 100% silicone, glass, steel or ABS plastic toys are non-porous options that can be sanitized. These materials are better options for any internal use, especially for toys you intend to share. While porosity is a big concern, there are other things to consider as well, such as allergies to the materials themselves or the chemical additives used in some lower-quality materials. Research is key.
Another important note is that while porosity is important, it’s also important to understand how these materials move or lack movement when in use. Harder materials such as ABS plastic, glass, or metal have great uses in some situations while leading to discomfort in others. Think about where you want these toys to go and just how flexible or firm you need them to be. That can also help you determine what type of material you may need when picking out your new toy.
Buy from reputable sources.
We’ve all heard the saying “you get what you pay for” and sex toys are no exception to that rule. Often, if something looks too good to be true, it usually is. Many people hope to find a deal on pleasure products by browsing and comparison shopping online. Unfortunately, not all online vendors are reputable. Knowing the reputation of the store or vendor is a good rule of thumb. If you are unfamiliar with the vendor, it is a good idea to verify that they are a reputable company, they don’t accept open returns, and that they are verified resellers of the product you are purchasing. These simple checks and balances could help keep you safe from fraudulent sellers, low-quality knock-offs, or problems when trying to process a warranty claim.
One of the easiest ways to find this out is by going to the company’s website directly. Many manufacturers will have an option on their website to search for through their catalog of retailers that they work with and trust to uphold the integrity of their product.
What type of stimulation are you looking for?
Getting away from the serious and into the fun, sex toys can do some incredible things! It’s important to try and think ahead of time about what you want out of your new toy. What do you want your toy to do? What body part do you want it to stimulate, or what purpose/need do you want it to fulfill? This is often where I feel people start to get overwhelmed as they may not have realized the options at their disposal. In the last ten years, especially the sex toy industry has gotten into some incredible technology, making some truly astounding leaps and bounds into pleasure technology. Taking the time to quiz yourself or your partner can be important! Do you want to use this alone or with a partner? What body part are you looking to stimulate? How often are you looking to use this product? Is there a certain situation that you want to use this toy? How quiet does it need to be? How long do you want to have it? Answering some of these questions ahead of time can save you so much frustration!
If at first, you don’t succeed, try again!
Maybe you’ve had a toy before, and it just didn’t work for you? That’s okay. I often compare buying a sex toy to going to a restaurant. Sometimes we buy a food dish that looks super tasty, but it wasn’t exactly what we wanted, or a friend recommends a pork dish to us, and we get it anyway even though we don’t like pork. Sex toys can kind of be like that. Sometimes you just get one that doesn’t work for you. That doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with the toy or yourself. It just didn’t work. Simple and easy. While I know this can be frustrating it’s important to just try again but use your experience to help narrow down the next toy you purchase. Ask yourself why you didn’t like your previous toy. Was it shaped wrong for your anatomy? Did it not hit a certain spot? Was it too strong/weak? Just like the previous questions mentioned these can be just as important to ask yourself!
There isn’t a toy for me.
While the toy industry on a whole is far from perfect, there is a reason that so many millions of different toys exist, and that is simply because there are millions of different types of people and preferences to accommodate. When someone decides to sell something, they do so with the intention that they are meeting a need, and sex toys are no different. While it may not be obvious at first glance what a sex toy is designed for, it is important to know that it was designed for someone.
One key benefit in shopping with certified retailers is that you gain the benefit of being able to ask specific questions about the toys you are interested in. Online shopping can leave many questions unanswered, but by simply going to your local brick and mortar store you will be able to not only see the toy in person but ask the associates their thoughts. Education is an invaluable tool and any good sex shop worth their weight will be proud to educate their staff so they can help answer all those questions! The main idea to have in mind when you enter one of these shops like Fairvilla is to keep an open mind, don’t be scared because this is the associate’s job, and be ready to have even more questions than when you walked in!
One thing Fairvilla prides itself on is helping facilitate new discoveries and encouraging sexual expression through exploration. There is a whole world of sex toys waiting to be discovered if you are willing to go out and explore. So what are you waiting for? =)