Want to know which sex toys to choose for a happier, more fulfilling sex life? Or maybe you’re curious about expanding your toy horizons but aren’t always sure about what goes where.
If you’re confused about cock rings, vexed by vibrators, or maybe baffled by butt plugs, then read on to discover the ins and outs of the wonderful world of sex toys just waiting to be discovered.
Sex toys can add a whole new dimension of excitement and pleasure to both solo and couple’s play, no matter your gender or sexual orientation. Many people use sex toys to:
Vibrators are, as you might have guessed, sex toys that vibrate. They come in a huge array of shapes and sizes - from classic realistic, phallic shapes to curved stimulators, rabbits, bullets, wands, and more – to offer sweet rumbly stimulation to just about any erogenous zone imaginable. Whether you’re eager to please the clitoris, G-spot, P-spot, vagina, rectum, testicles, vulva, or a combination of hot spots, there’s a vibrator style out there that can suit your fancy.
And just as diverse as their forms are their functions, with most models offering a wide range of vibration intensities and patterns for customisable thrills. There are even myriad ways to control these settings, from high-tech app-compatible models you can operate via your phone, to vibes that come with separate remotes, to more traditional models that feature intuitive button control panels on the toys’ bases.
Dildos are insertable sex toys that provide straightforward satisfaction and are ideal for those looking for a toy that delivers internal stimulation. Available in countless different shapes, sizes, and aesthetics, they provide penetrable pleasure in a wide variety of options. From long and girthy to petite and beginner-friendly, you can find just about any width or length you desire in the diverse world of dildos.
Dildos come in both realistic and non-anatomical forms. Realistic dildos expertly mimic the look and feel of human body parts with lifelike details like veins, ridges, and flesh-coloured hues. Non-representational dildos, on the other hand, run the gamut from simple and understated to artfully sculptural to vibrantly coloured and fantastical. Many dildos, like the pictured fan favourite Lifelike Lover Classic Realistic Dildo 6 Inch, feature a suction cup or flared base that makes them harness-compatible for those interested in strap-on or pegging play and safe for anal use. 
Discreet and sexy, Ben Wa balls are small, round balls that sit inside your vagina to give your pelvic floor a workout. They can be used solo, during foreplay, or out and about. Also known as ‘Kegel balls,’ Ben Wa balls are a fantastic workout tool for vaginas; they strengthen your vaginal muscles, which can lead to stronger orgasms, improved bladder control, and can help you squeeze tighter during penetrative sex.
Love eggs are egg-shaped vibrating toys that offer G-spot and vaginal stimulation. Also known as ‘egg vibrators’ and ‘vibrating eggs,’ these sex toys often come with a remote control for easy hands-free operation. The app-compatible or remote-controlled nature of many styles makes them ideal for couples’ play, whether that be in the bedroom, out on the town, or long distance. 
When you think of anal toys, a butt plug is usually the first thing to come to mind. Generally speaking, butt plugs (which come in stationary, vibrating, and inflatable varieties, to name just a few) are conical-shaped, starting off small at the tip and gently graduating in size as the bulb gets closer to the toy’s neck. All anal plugs have flared bases which prevent them from getting irretrievably sucked up inside the rectum. They tend to feature slim necks for comfort while wearing them.
Butt plugs can be used to gently stretch the anus before enjoying something bigger, like an anal dildo or a penis, or as an erotic experience in themselves. They create a sensation of fullness and pressure while stimulating the sensitive internal and external nerve endings of the anus.
When the pelvic muscles contract during an orgasm, a butt plug can intensify the sensation as you're squeezing against something. Using a butt plug as part of your sexual repertoire can lead to intense anal fulfillment and amazing orgasms.
A cock ring (also known as a ‘stamina ring,' 'love ring,' ‘c-ring,’ or ‘penis ring') is a ring that prevents blood from flowing back down the penis. They can provide penis owners with longer-lasting, harder erections and can also help increase mutual pleasure for couples during penetrative sex. They’re typically made from stretchy materials and come in myriad styles, such as single or double-ring designs, to appease different stimulation desires.
Cock rings are easy to wear and should be applied with lube. You’ll want to put them on while you're flaccid; as you grow harder, the ring begins to feel tighter and should offer a snug fit, but not to the point of discomfort. You'll likely notice the benefits of your cock ring almost immediately.
Vibrating cock rings are a popular c-ring variation that features a vibrating unit that heightens stimulation for the wearer and their partner. Most have a textured, forward-facing vibrating protrusion that stimulates the clitoris during partnered sex, while others focus stimulation on the balls, anus, or perineum to thrill the wearer.
Male masturbators like strokers and sleeves are go-to sex toys for penis owners, and with good reason - they're easy to use and provide out-of-this-world stimulation along the length of the penis. They come in a bevy of different shapes, sizes, and colours and can offer amazing textures that simulate or surpass the feeling of the ‘real thing.’
Though strokers have a reputation as being solo sex toys, they can also make a great addition to partnered play by spicing up any type of hand or mouth action. Many couples enjoy using sleeves and strokers (especially open-ended varieties) together as they’re non-intimidating and brilliant for revolutionising foreplay.
