How to choose the right sex toy for you

After centuries of unfair stigma around sexuality, it seems the world is finally accepting the idea that it’s okay to chase pleasure. While there can still be an inherent hesitation when it comes to talking about orgasms and eroticism, the sex toy world is booming with fresh innovation, modern technology, and new-found popularity. Since 2016, the global sex toy market has almost quadrupled, and is now worth nearly forty billion dollars!

This is fantastic news for anyone who’s looking to take control of their own sexual experience and prioritise pleasure, but with an ever-growing array of sex toys to choose from, it can feel like a mammoth task to narrow down the possibilities. Everyone’s definition of mind-blowing, sheet-grabbing pleasure is different, and what might make one person see stars might leave another frustrated and orgasmless.

So how do you tackle finding out what’s right for you in a world full of steamy possibilities?

The best and most foolproof way to get an understanding of what gets you going is to, well, get yourself going. Light some candles, dim the lights, take a long bath - do whatever you need to do to feel relaxed, and settle in for a self-love session. Let yourself explore your body without the pressure of an orgasm, and you’ll soon be able to whittle down what gets you turned on. If you do get to the point where you’re reaching the big O, pay attention to how you get yourself over the edge - this is a good indicator of what kind of stimulation you’ll benefit from in a sex toy.

Studies on masturbation show that it’s a fantastic stress reliever, produces oxytocin (aka the happy hormone!), and helps to improve sleep. The benefits of understanding your own body and what gets you going can lead to way better sex, whether it’s on your own or with partners. And isn’t that what we all want?

It’s always worth doing some window shopping before making a purchase, so get searching! You may have an idea of what’s available in the wide world of sex toys, but until you see for yourself what’s out there, you won’t know what you’re missing. Long gone are the days when the only sex toy options were hyper-realistic dildos and tiny bullet vibrators (though, both do exist and may be perfect for you!), and now sex toys come in a variety of shapes and sizes for all genders, preferences, and routes to leg-quivering pleasure. So get specific, and let your imagination run wild!

All orgasms are not created equal - there’s a varying range of factors that might have an impact on how you get off, with or without sex toys. Certain medications (SSRIs are notorious for it), stress, and your menstrual cycle can all affect your ability to get off. The key here is to find a toy that ticks all your boxes, and knowing what kind of stimulation helps to switch your brain off is a surefire way to get you to that much-needed climax.

It’s also worth bearing in mind your masturbation habits. Are you an every-night-without-fail person, a once-in-a-blue-moon solo player, or someone that loves incorporating sex toys into sex with partners? Whichever category you fall into (and these are by no means exhaustive), there’s a sex toy out there that’ll bring you to that heavenly climax without fail.

Finding the right sex toy might seem like an intimidating task, but tuning into your body and your needs can be a fun and empowering experience that’ll help you get some serious pleasure. Whether you’ve already got an enviable wardrobe of vibrators or you’re a first-time sex toy trier, here’s a roundup of our recs for the perfect new addition to your bedside table.

If a true all-rounder is what you’re after, Kit is a flawless sex toy partner for solo or couples play. Made of silky-smooth silicone that’ll feel oh-so-soft wherever you use it, its flexible head means it can be used for clitoral, external, and penetrative stimulation. This sex toy is also waterproof, so it’s the perfect sex toy to bring into play in the shower or bath, and its eight tantalising vibration settings mean you’ll never get bored of this versatile powerhouse. Kit’s USB charger provides up to 150 minutes of sensual bliss, so keep it charged up for whenever you’re in the mood!

Penetration not your thing? Pixie is your new best friend! Waterproof, body-safe, and super-light, this teeny-tiny toy packs a hell of a punch. With three intensity speeds and six vibration settings, this mini marvel is a supercharged staple whether you’re a sex toy aficionado or a total beginner. Pixie can see you through plenty of solo sessions, or bring it into couples play for some extra stimulation that’ll have you drowning in pleasure before you know it. Nominated for Cosmopolitan’s Gen Now Awards, it’s a trophy-worthy addition to your self-pleasure routine.

Bring some extra spice to partnered play with the Dream Team set! This sex toys set contains a cock ring, a butt plug, a vibrator, and a remote control, the possibilities are endless to drive each other wild. Eight vibration settings and a remote control mean you can hand over the decision-making to your partner, or show them who’s boss by keeping the remote firmly in your hands. Can't decide what to use first? Let the spinning wheel decide what’s going to take you to dizzying heights tonight, and leave your pleasure to fate!

A little extra slip and slide in the bedroom never hurt anyone, and with Motion Lotion, you’ll always have that gorgeously smooth glide at hand! Made from natural ingredients and free from hormones, phthalates, and sugars, it’ll bring sex toy play to the next level. Safe for condoms or sex toys, it’s non-sticky, easy to wash off, and seriously versatile - you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.