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<h1> Sex toys can be a wonderful enhancement to lovemaking and a source of truly
spectacular pleasure. In this guide we identify and review what we feel are
the best toys in each category, and link to pages where you can learn more
about or purchase them. In each case, these links are to "clean, well-lit"
places with long-standing reputations for good customer service.</h1>
<p>Vibrators<br>
Plug-In Vibrators and Accessories<br>
Hitachi Magic Wand<br>
This plug-in vibrator is probably the best place to start. It has a soft,
round head that feels just lovely on your clit (or your feet, for that matter...).
It's far and away the most popular choice.<br>
G-Spotter<br>
This attachment for the Hitachi Magic Wand (which also fits the Rechargeable
Wand) curves upward slightly so that it can be used for penetration as well
as G-Spot stimulation. Note: Another way to accomplish the same thing is to
use your vibrator without any attachments but purchase the Wavy G dildo or
a Crystal Wand.</p>
<p>Coil Vibrator<br>
If you want a plug-in vibrator like the Hitachi Magic Wand but need it to
run almost completely silently, then this would be a good choice. It comes
with several attachments.</p>
<p><br>
Battery-Powered and Rechargeable Vibrators<br>
Rechargeable Wand<br>
This is far and away the best of the rechargeable vibrators. It carries a
45 minute charge and can also be used while it is recharging. It has the same
basic shape as the Hitachi Magic Wand.<br>
eVibe<br>
This vibrator's claims to fame are that it's small, portable, and waterproof
(i.e. so you can use it in a hot tub, bath, or shower).</p>
<p>Rabbit Pearl<br>
This Japanese vibrator has a somewhat complicated but effective design: a
rotating shaft vibrates and turns (the shaft has rolling, textured "pearls"
inside of it that feel just lovely at the entrance of your vagina) while another
part vibrates against your clit.</p>
<p>Mini Dolphin Vibe<br>
This is a vibrator and harness combination that keeps a small dolphin-shaped
vibrator nestled against your clit while leaving both your hands free. By
moving one of its straps out of the way, you can enjoy it at the same time
you're enjoying intercourse with a partner (you could also use one hand to
press against the dolphin part and control the intensity/focus of the sensations
you're receiving).</p>
<p>The Fukuoko 9000<br>
This is a tiny clitoral vibrator that fits over your finger. It's a perfect
way to unobtrusively work in a little clitoral stimulation during intercourse
with a partner (note: this works particularly well if you're on all fours
or in any other position where one of your hands has a little extra freedom
to move against your clit).</p>
<p><br>
Vibrator Tips<br>
Vibrators are fun for almost everyone, but are especially popular amongst
women: using a vibrator clitorally is the easiest way for most women to reach
orgasm. Here are some basic tips for getting the most out of your vibrator:</p>
<p>If you feel comfortable making a little noise, then you'll probably find
that letting yourself moan or sigh on your exhalations will improve the whole
experience. Moving or rocking your hips rhythmically, in time with your breathing,
can also make a big difference. <br>
If the vibrations are the right speed for you but seem too intense, then you
might try either draping a thin cloth between your clit and the vibrator or
else leaving a light article of clothing on. You can also try moving the vibrator
to the side of your clitoris rather than keeping your vibrator directly on
it. <br>
Just to see whether you prefer this sensation, try using lighter pressure
but moving the head of the vibrator on your clit, rather than keeping it stationary
and using heavy pressure. <br>
For those who want to take things to the next level, here are some advanced
vibrator tips:</p>
<p>If you're already comfortable moving your hips in time with your breathing,
then try squeezing and relaxing your "PC" muscle (the same muscle
you squeeze to stop the flow of urine when you're urinating) in time with
your pelvic movements. <br>
Many women find that clitoral orgasms (e.g. from a plug-in vibrator such as
the Hitachi) feel especially good when accompanied by a little penetration.
The Wavy G Dildo, the Crystal Wand, and the Kegelcisor are all popular choices.
<br>
Some women find they can have multiple clitoral orgasms with their vibrator.
The secret is to back off on the pressure, keep the vibrator moving, and avoiding
direct contact with your clit until the energy builds up again. <br>
Men can enjoy vibrators too. For men with female partners, one obvious approach
is for his partner to use a vibrator on her clit during intercourse with him;
the vibrations will also diffuse into his penis, a sensation which some men
really like. Men can also enjoy vibrators without a partner: this is a fundamentally
different experience than masturbating with your hand, as (chances are) your
penis will be semi-hard through much or all of the experience rather than
fully erect. However, especially if you do the rhythmic breathing and pelvis
rocking and PC muscle contractions, you may find that you like the sensation
a LOT. Some men find they can reach pleasurable orgasms with a vibrator without
ever having a full erection.<br>
If you would like to learn more about vibrators but prefer to learn visually,
then you might enjoy watching the educational videotape Great Vibrations by
Carol Queen.</p>
<p>If you would like to learn more about sex toys in general, then we recommend
reading a copy of The New Good Vibrations Guide to Sex.</p>
<p><br>
Dildos<br>
Wavy G Dildo<br>
This dildo has a very comfortable shape, including a graceful curve that gives
you a good angle to exert pressure on your G-spot if you wish. It's made of
silicone, a substance which is considered far superior to rubber when it comes
to sex toys; silicone dildos are simple to clean, feel better, and retain
body heat much better (note: just don't use them with silicone-based lubes,
like I-D Millenium or Wet Platinum or Eros).<br>
Crystal Wand<br>
Many women find this beautiful, S-shaped, clear lucite dildo to be perfect
for G-spot stimulation. It can also be used for prostate stimulation, and
comes with an instruction manual.</p>
<p>Kegelcisor<br>
This cool steel dildo was designed to make it easier for women to find and
exercise their PC (pubococcygeal) muscles. The main feature of this toy is
its weight; because it's heavier and made of smooth steel, you can firmly
press against it with your vaginal muscles without pushing it out. It's featured
in Betty Dodson's videotape Celebrating Orgasm, in case you want to see how
it's used. By the way, this item is more expensive than most sex toys because
of its construction as well as because it's also sold to doctors as a medical
device.</p>
<p>Bobbi Sue<br>
This versatile dildo has a hollowed-out area at its base into which one can
insert the (included) egg-shaped vibrator. This dildo can also be used in
a harness, and is made of silicone for extra comfort.</p>
<p><br>
Anal Toys<br>
Buddy<br>
Our culture tends to put a lot of emphasis on intercourse, but the best way
to get started with anal play is with either fingers or an anal toy such as
this. Unlike dildos meant for vaginal use, anal toys like this have a flanged
base so they can't accidentally slip all the way inside you. If you want a
vibrating sensation you can press the head of a plug-in vibrator against this
toy's base. Men can tilt it forward (i.e. towards the front of their body)
if they want it to stimulate the prostate gland.</p>
<p>Harnesses<br>
These are toys that allow women and men to wear a dildo on their hips or thighs
to penetrate their lovers with, while leaving their hands free.<br>
Terra Firma<br>
This is an excellent two-strap harness, notable for comfortably fitting people
with a wide variety of hip sizes. You'll probably want to purchase a matching
dildo to go along with it.</p>
<p>Thigh One On<br>
This harness straps onto your thigh rather than around your hips. Two partners
could each wear one and slide between each others' legs for simultaneous penetration
(note: this would almost certainly work better than trying to use "double
dildos," which nobody I've ever met seems to have had any luck with...).</p>
<p><br>
Lubricants<br>
Astroglide<br>
This is a water-based lube without Nonoxynol-9. Using lube can help make vaginal
or anal penetration of any kind feel much better.<br>
Liquid Silk<br>
This is another water-based lube without Nonoxynol-9. Liquid Silk has a slightly
different feel that some people prefer.</p>
<p><br>
Toys for Men<br>
Cock Ring<br>
Cock rings cause a feeling of extra pressure in the penis when they're put
on at the base of the penis (the testicles go through them, so the ring is
between the testicles and the body). This model is adjustable and flexible.</p>
<p>Safer Sex Supplies<br>
Kimono Microthin Condoms<br>
Many men who have tried them all think these latex condoms (without Nonoxynol-9)
are the best. Two newer condoms that have also been gathering great reviews
are Pleasure Plus and InSpiral. Condoms should be used with used with water-based
lube, such as Astroglide or Liquid Silk.<br>
Reality Condoms<br>
These "female" condoms are an alternative to male condoms for vaginal
intercourse, and some people also prefer them to male condoms for anal intercourse.</p>
<p>Glyde Dams<br>
If you want to use a latex barrier for cunnilingus or analingus, this is your
best choice.</p>
<p><br>
Miscellaneous Toys<br>
Blindfold<br>
A fun toy for sensation or BDSM play.<br>
Wrist Cuffs<br>
Using wrist cuffs to restrain someone (i.e. in the context of consensual BDSM
play) is much easier than learning to tie knots, and is safer than using metal
handcuffs.</p>
<p><br>
Cleaning Your Sex Toys<br>
Here's what the folks at Toys in Babeland have to say about cleaning your
toys: <br>
"Keep your toys clean with a little soap and warm water. If you want,
break out the hydrogen peroxide for that super clean feeling. Don't submerge
the part of a battery vibe that holds the batteries. Do not submerge electric
vibes at all.<br>
Leather harnesses can be cleaned with a damp rag, and nylon webbing harnesses
can go in the wash with the rest of your laundry.</p>
<p>Silicone dils and plugs can be boiled up to 3 minutes, cleaned with a bleach
solution, or run through your dishwasher. For more delicate polymers stick
to warm water and soap, and replace them every so often, as they are impossible
to keep perfectly clean.</p>
<p>Oil products destroy latex! That means oil-based lubricants, massage oils,
butter, olive oil...anything containing oil. Use only water-based lubricant
with latex."</p>
<p><br>
The folks at Libida.com have the following advice, based on the type of material
the toy is made out of:</p>
<p>Silicone: Vastly superior to rubber or vinyl dildos, silicone warms up quickly,
retains body heat, is non-porous and easy-to-clean. Cleaning: Run it through
the dishwasher or boil it on the stove (3-5 minutes) and viola! -- your toy
is sterilized.<br>
Jellies: These dildos are made of a translucent, soft, and flexible substance
that looks like it contains air bubbles. Cleaning: This material is a non-porous
form of rubber that can be cleaned with mild soap and hot water.</p>
<p>Rubber: Firm, flexible, and often heavy, rubber dildos are porous and often
need more care to clean than the average toy. Cleaning: Rubber dildos should
always be used with condoms, but can be cleaned with mild soap and water.</p>
<p>Cyberskin: This material is soft and supple, and looks and feels remarkably
like skin. Cleaning: Rinse with hot water, or disinfect by putting alcohol
onto a cloth and lightly rubbing (avoid soap or harsh detergents); to keep
the silky feel, sprinkle with cornstarch or talc.</p>
<p>Latex: Use only water-based lubes on latex, as oil-based substances will
break it down. Cleaning: Latex is non-porous and easy to clean.</p>
<p>Vinyl: Vinyl toys are light in weight, easy to clean, and come in many different
forms and colors. Cleaning: Vinyl products are non-porous, and can be washed
with mild soap and hot water.</p>
<p><br>
If cleaning seems like too much of a pain and you still want to use your toy
with more than one person, you could always just put a latex condom (or latex
glove, in the case of some larger vibrators) over your toy and discard the
glove or condom when you're done. Rubber dildos are porous and it isn't really
practical to completely sterilize them, so you should either put condoms on
them if you're going to use them with multiple people or switch to silicone
dildos (which can be boiled to disinfect them, as mentioned above).</p>
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