Life

12 Best Sex Toys For First-Time Buyers

by Emma McGowan

June 22, 2016

The first time I bought a vibrator I was in a sketchy sex shop across the street from City Hall in my hometown. In addition to being terrified that the mayor — who also happened to be my friend’s dad — might see me coming in and out of the shop, I was also struggling with the fact that I had no idea what to buy. That one looked to small; this one looked way too big; did I want one that moved? What were those nubs for? Was I supposed to put it inside my body or did it only stay outside? How does a beginner pick out a vibrator, anyway?

I didn't want to ask the creepy dude behind the counter for advice, so I ended up grabbing a blue nubbly one that had sufficient vibe (maybe?), stuffing it deeeeeeep into my backpack, and hustling out, red faced.

So yeah, my first vibrator buying experience was not awesome. However, for my second one, I went into Babeland in New York City’s SoHo and discovered that sex toy shopping doesn’t have to be creepy and embarrassing. In direct contrast to my experience back home, Babeland was staffed with the kind of cool people that 19-year-old me simultaneously wanted to be friends with and also be. The walls were pink; the toys were set up so you can touch them with your hands; and the staff was friendly and helpful without hovering. My second vibrator was a much more satisfying purchase all around and I’ve been back to Babeland many times since, both with partners and looking for solo toys.

I don’t want anyone else’s first time vibrator experience to be like mine but I do know that not everyone can make it to New York to visit the sex toy mecca that is Babeland IRL, so I asked Claire Cavanah, Babeland co-founder and the co-author of Moregasm: Babeland’s Guide to Mind-Blowing Sex, for some advice. What are the best vibrators for first-time vibrator buyers? Here are her recommendations for clitoral, internal, and dual-action vibes.

Clitoral Stimulation

“If you are interested in clitoral stimulation only, then a bullet, pebble, or wand shape are good choices,” she tells Bustle.

1. Babeland Buzz Vibe

Babeland Buzz Vibe , $12

“The Babeland Buzz is small and discreet, battery-powered and affordable," Cavanah says. "It’s great for focused external stimulation and easy to use during intercourse, too.”

2. Fun Factory Rechargeable Bullet

Fun Factory Rechargeable Bullet, $12

“This is a rechargeable and waterproof bullet-style vibe that has more power and intensity than the Babeland Buzz,” she says.

3. Jimmyjane Form 2

Jimmyjane Form 2 , $145

“The Form 2 has even more settings and power for a clitoral stimulator,” Cavanah says.

4. Ooh Vibrating Pebble

Ooh Vibrating Pebble , $25

“The Ooh by Je Joue collection has a pebble shape that attaches to a separate motor which can be used with several other shapes," Cavanah says.

5. Magic Wand Rechargeable

Magic Want Rechargeable , $125

“The Magic Wand Rechargeable is the most powerful external vibrator for clitoral stimulation. In general, wand style vibrators have a large surface area to transmit vibration and a handle that makes them easy to hold and maneuver,” she says.

6. Mystic Wand Vibrator

Mystic Wand Vibrator , $69

“This is a more affordable wand vibrator that’s also very powerful,” she says.

Internal Stimulation

“For internal stimulation, there are so many choices," Cavanah says. "If you want something thick and rumbly, slender and buzzy, curved for the G-spot, ridged, textured- Babeland has a vibrator for you! So much of the choice involves what you feel attracted to aesthetically. That said, here are a few bestsellers that someone who’s trying a vibrator for the first time would enjoy.”

1. Lovelife Discover Mini Vibe

Lovelife Discover Mini Vibe , $59

“I like the Lovelife Discover Mini Vibe because it’s rechargeable and offers a lot of features for an affordable price.” she says.

2. Intro 6 G-Spot Vibe

Intro 6 G-Spot Vibe , $49

“This is a new line from luxury vibe designer Jimmyjane and it’s a great option for an internal vibe that has a nice curve for G-spot stimulation,” she says.

Dual-Action Vibes

“Then there are dual-action vibes," she says. "These are also called rabbit-style vibes in honor of the Rabbit Habit which was made famous on Sex and the City. These vibes do it all. You can get internal and external stimulation at the same time and that feels really good to a lot of women.”