Walking into a brick-and-mortar sex shop and staring down the wall-to-wall selection of erotic items isn’t the most straightforward shopping experience, especially if you don’t have a specific adult toy in mind. You might find the dozens of shelves lined with feathers, whips, and Clone-a-Willies overwhelming — and you wouldn’t be alone.

But don’t let the number of options scare you off. This primer will teach you how to use sex toys and which products best suit your needs.

Quinn’s guide to buying (and playing) with sex toys

Not sure how to use a vibrator, dildo, masturbator sleeve, or anal beads? Never fear — Quinn is here with a guide to choosing and using the best toy for your unique preferences and situation.

Classic vibrators

One of the least intimidating options for female sex toy newbies is the classic vibrator. Designed for everything from vaginal massage to clitoral stimulation, vibes come in the form of bullets, wand massagers, and just about every other shape and size imaginable. 

Our advice? Build up your vibrator collection over time to give yourself choices so you can stimulate your vulva, clitoris, G-spot, or whatever other body part tickles your fancy on any given night.

How to use a vibrator:

1. Use a good lube for a smoother experience.

2. Start with a lower vibration and build up as you adjust to different vibration patterns.

3. Target every erogenous zone, from your clit to your vaginal walls. You can even use a vibrator to tickle testicles — the options are endless.

Clitoral suction vibrators

The clitoris has more than 10,000 nerve endings, more than any other part of the human body. Clitoral stimulation is the only path to orgasm for more than a third of women, so why not beef up your sex toy arsenal with a vibrator designed to simulate a sucking sensation on this uber-sensitive genital area?

How to use a clitoral stimulator:

1. Use a small amount of water-based lubricant around the suction area to enhance the sensation and create a better seal.

2. Start with a lower vibration and build up as you adjust to different vibration patterns.

3. Tilt and reposition your body and the vibrator as needed to find the perfect angle.

Rabbit vibrators

The rabbit is a dual-action toy designed to simulate both the vagina and clitoris — a win-win.

How to use a rabbit vibrator:

1. Insert the phallic end vaginally.

2. Let the “rabbit” ears tickle your clitoris.

3. Adjust the speed to find an intensity level that works for you.

Hands-free vibrators

Want to multitask? A hands-free or “panty” vibrator is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to pleasure their vulva or clitoris while moving around. 

How to use a hands-free vibrator:

• Choose the right style for you — some fit inside your underwear, while others are more like a stuffed toy designed to rest against the body.

• Panty vibes don’t actually require panties. Use your hands-free vibe during intercourse for added stimulation.

Classic dildos

Dildos may take inspiration from erections, but they offer much more functionality than penises. And while dildos are one of our favorite vaginal toys, they’re not only suitable for simulating penetrative sex — you can use your new phallic toy for both internal and external stimulation.

How to use a dildo:

• Have we mentioned the importance of choosing a good lube? You’ll definitely want one here.

• Play around with depths and angles to see what feels best.

• Use it on your own or with a partner. Strap your dildo into a harness for pegging or same-sex play.

Double-ended dildos

When both partners enjoy penetration, this toy is a wonderful tool. A double-ended dildo is exactly what it sounds like — a two-headed toy designed to penetrate two people simultaneously.

How to use a double-ended dildo:

• Apply lube to limit the possibility of painful penetration. 

• Use a harness to turn the dildo into a strap-on and decide which partner will wear it (or take turns).

• Use your double-ended dildo to stimulate you and your partner’s vagina, anus, or whichever orifice you’ve both agreed to enjoy.

Anal toys

Anal beads, plugs, and vibrators are all great options for butt play and anal sex prep for people of every gender and sexuality.

How to use anal toys:

• Vaginas self-lubricate, but your anus won’t. Even if you forego lube with all your other sex toys, be sure to use it here.

• Start small and work your way up. Graduated butt plugs are a great way to train your anus to receive something with a little more girth.

• When using anal beads, try pulling them out during climax for an off-the-charts orgasm.

Cock rings

For the penis-wielding sex partner, cock rings are a great way to enhance an erection by restricting blood flow.

How to use a cock ring:

1. Slide the ring to the base of the penis when semi-erect.

2. Abort the mission if the ring is too tight. It should fit snugly without being uncomfortable.

3. Add vibration for extra pleasure for both partners.

Male masturbators

Designed to mimic the sensation of a mouth or vagina, masturbation sleeves and other male masturbators amplify both sex and male self-pleasure.

How to use a male masturbator:

• As always, lube it up.

• Wear a half-sized sleeve during oral sex for an extra stimulating experience.

• Try a stroker designed for stamina training to extend the time it takes you to climax.

Nipple clamps

If you’re looking to move beyond standard sex, sensation play makes for a great introduction to kink. The nipples are a highly sensitive body part, so putting a little pressure on them can feel surprisingly good.

How to use nipple clamps:

• Do a trial run on a finger, earlobe, or other body part that’s not as sensitive.

• Opt for adjustable clamps so you can change the intensity level.

• Wear your clamps during foreplay or intercourse to get the benefits of nipple play while keeping your partner’s hands open for other things.

Kegel and Ben Wa balls

You’ve probably heard of Kegel exercises, which strengthen the pelvic floor. Ben Wa or Kegel balls are small, weighted balls you can insert into the vagina to help — and some studies suggest the benefits may go beyond sexual pleasure.

How to use Kegel balls:

1. Insert the ball into the vagina.

2. Squeeze your vaginal muscles to keep the ball from falling out.

3. Wear the ball throughout the day to maximize the benefits — no one has to know.

Sex furniture

Ready to really commit to a better sex life? Put on your interior decorator hat and invest in some sex furniture. From ramps to swinging chairs, revamping the items in your living space can make certain sex positions (like doggy style) and acts (like oral) more accessible.

How to use sex furniture:

• If you’re just getting started, try sex positioning pillows designed to provide a firm base for missionary, doggy, and side-by-side sex.

• Trying to learn how to squirt but worried about the mess? A sex blanket is the perfect solution to keep your space clean.

• When you’re ready to level up, consider installing a sex swing, which keeps one partner suspended in the air while the other moves about freely.

Stimulate your ears with Quinn

We often neglect a particular body part in conversations about sex — the ear. But aural stimulation can be just as powerful as what you see or feel. 

That’s why we made Quinn, the audio erotica app created by women for the world. If you’re interested in stimulating your mind with sound, the wide range of erotic content on Quinn is a great place to start.

To access thousands of audio stories and guided masturbation sessions, download the Quinn app for iOS or Android.