Sex toys are for anyone and everyone. At Sinsin’s we’ve seen customers aged from 18 – 90 purchase toys! If you’ve never tried one before, now’s the time.
Sex toys come in all shapes, sizes, colours and price ranges. They are made from various materials. Some vibrate, some don’t. Some rotate, some glow in the dark and some are waterproof. Help! Wherever do you begin?? It’s all about experimentation and having fun exploring what feels good is the name of the game. We’re always here to help guide you towards what would suit your needs best. There are hundreds of types of toys but we’ve simplified things with the following general categories:
Vibrators
If it vibrates, it’s a vibrator. Anyone can use them (male or female) on any part of the body that feels good, especially on or near the erogenous zones. Try experimenting with different types as different ones do different jobs! Some vibrators are small – ideal for external clitoral stimulation, whilst others are larger; some have a bent tip which is excellent for internal g-spot or prostate stimulation, whilst others are ridged; some are shaped like animals or vegetables whilst others are penis shaped. You can get specific vibrators for anal play which are either flared at the base, or have a long handle (which stops them disappearing up your bum) and you can get vibrating butt plugs, cock rings and boys toys.
Multifunctioning Toys
These toys do more than one thing at a time. They are usually vibrators of some sort. There are some that have a rotating main shaft for internal stimulation and a vibrating side stem which is attached at the base for simultaneous clitoral or anal stimulation. Some even have both a clitoral and anal stem.
Dildos
In short, a non-vibrating toy used for penetration either anally or vaginally. They differ in appearance and are usually made from either jelly or silicone. They can be used instead of or as well as a penis, as well as another toy or (if they have a flat base) in a harness for female to male/female to female penetration. There are also double ended versions for two people to use at once or for one person to use in two orifices at once.
Internal Stimulators
These are designed for full insertion into the vagina for (hidden) stimulation. They are either vibrators or hollow balls with ball bearings inside which move around when you do. Each give different sensations. Both are great for warming yourself up for sex, for toning the vaginal muscles (the PC muscles) and for increasing the blood-flow to the sex organs, thus helping you to have better orgasms.
Butt Plugs
Plugs are inserted in the rectum for internal stimulation for both men and women. They can be worn either during sex/masturbation or simply during the day for a bit of added excitement! Lube must be used with any anal toy to facilitate entry as the anus doesn’t produce any lubricant and you must ensure the plug has a flared base to prevent it disappearing. Most plugs are diamond shaped with a thinner neck and the best quality ones are silicone. Start with the smallest size and work your way up.
Anal Beads
These vary in size and length. They are simply spheres on a string (sometimes flexible, sometimes rigid) which are gently inserted into the rectum one by one and either left for a while to stimulate internally or else pulled out instantly. Some people like them to be pulled out at point of orgasm to heighten sensations, whilst others find this too intense. The best ones are made from jelly or silicone – we recommend staying away from plastic ones as they are prone to sharp edges and unhygienic nylon cords.
Cock Rings
Basically, a ring which is worn around the shaft of the penis and the base of the scrotum during sex/masturbation. The resulting pressure from the tightness of the ring keeps the blood inside the erect penis for longer, so that the erection is stronger and harder both before and after ejaculation and the sensations from the orgasm are intensified. There are many different types of ring available - we suggest starting with a stretchy silicone ring as this allows for a quick release if you find the build up of pressure uncomfortable .
Male Masturbators
These are toys for boys! They come in all shapes and sizes including realistic vaginas and anuses, as well as simple tube designs. Some vibrate, some move up and down, some have pump actions, some are squeezy, some are battery operated and some are manual. They are great for a bit of a change and it is fun to incorporate them into your sex routine with (or without) a partner. Try using lube, it lessons any friction.
Male Pumps
Excellent for masturbation and also to help increase blood-flow around the penis. If you plan to try it for yourself please take it slowly; a little and often (5 mins twice a day) is the safest route to start with, as too much in one go could burst the blood vessels. Often a pump is a great way of gaining an erection in the first place if you have difficulty in doing so for whatever reason. We recommend that a cock ring is then used to help maintain the erection for the duration required.
Materials
To make life easier - and to help you understand without too much fuss - we divide the types of materials the toys are made of into four different categories. Hopefully you can then get a good idea of what to expect from the products. Do bear in mind, however, that this is a rough guide only and there are always exceptions to the rule.
Jelly - These are generally soft, flexible toys – they are either very squidgy and bendable or slightly firmer yet still flexible. Although fairly smooth to the touch some have an initial sticky feel to them. Jelly is porous, so the toys will tend to wear less well. Many people like this type of toy because it is flexible, often pretty in appearance and the vibrating versions generally have soft, quiet vibrations. They are a good choice for sensitive people, although if you have a latex allergy we recommend you stick to either hard plastic or silicone toys.
Vinyl -Vinyl toys are generally flexible, yet have a firm capability. They are non-porous, which means they don’t soak up your juices and so are easier to clean. Vibrations in this category are generally stronger and louder than in jelly toys but not as strong or loud as hard plastic ones. They are therefore a great middle ground and often a good beginners toy.
Silicone - A wonderful material! It is colourful, durable, flexible, silky smooth, hygienic and non-porous, nontoxic, hypo-allergenic, heat retaining and tear resistant. What more could you want!!? The density of silicone can vary, so some toys are fairly firm whilst others are very soft and squishy. Silicone toys are far superior to other toys – they cost more but their price reflects their superb quality and durability.
Hard Plastic - These are your basic, standard, rigid, firm, plain toys. They are generally vibrators. Due to them being inflexible they have the hardest, strongest and loudest vibrations of the lot - this sends vibrations throughout the whole toy and not just around the motor, which is a good thing. We recommend trying a different sort of vibrator before hard plastic ones as they are intense and rigid, which can take some getting used to. They are, however, excellent for clitoral stimulation as they give the most direct vibes.
This guide is for general information only. We are not health professionals, but we do care. Always consult a professional!