A Guide to Basic Sex Toys

Does the term "sex toy" conjure up images of the flesh-colored plastic dongs? If it does, it's because these were the standard issue sex toys for decades. But within the last twenty years, changes in toy material, technology, and consumer's tastes have resulted in a dazzling array of toys. You can buy a dildo that looks like it's made of marble, a vibrator shaped like a bunny, a harness that could double as sexy thong underwear, or a butt plugg that looks like a tear drop. True to the adage, "find a need and fill it, " the adult industry has come up with a device that'll stimulate, prod, soothe or tingle any sexual itch you might have.

Berman Center Venus Silicone G-Spot Stimulator

Vibrators

Vibrators come in all shapes and sizes -- some look like massagers, some like fake penises, some like eggs, and some like cosmetics. Some are waterproof, some glow in the dark, some talk back. They are powered either by batteries or electricity, and deliver more intense stimulation to the genital area than a hand, a penis or a mouth.

Basic Vibrator Styles

Clitoral Vibrators
Any vibrator can stimulate the clitoris, but some accomplish this much better than others. Perhaps the most well-known is the Hitachi Magic Wand, a massager with a phenomenal word-of-mouth reputation. It packs a very powerful vibration and is often recommended to pre-orgasmic women, but it's loud and large, which intimidates some first-timers. (However, it's not intended for insertion, so don't let the tennis-ball sized head scare you off). Battery-powered clit vibrators come in all shapes and styles, but some of the more popular models are the Bullet, the Pocket Rocket , and the Natural Contours.

Rechargeable Jack Rabbit Vibrator

Vaginal (Insertable) and G Spot Vibrators
These are the most traditional-looking dildo-type vibrators; they appeal to women who want a vibrator that can be used both vaginally and clitorally. Some resemble a penis while others are smooth, but you'll find many variations in texture, color (including glow-in-the-dark), and subtle features (nubs or ridges). Vibrators with a bend toward the tip are designed specifically for G spot stimulation.

Japanese Style Vibrators
The Japanese improved on the dildo-type vibrator by inventing an insertable toy that also sports a clitoral branch, so you can enjoy both vaginal and clitoral (or vaginal and anal) stimulation at the same time. Since realistic sex toys are banned in Japan, these toys are crafted in the likeness of animals and sea creatures, with the Rabbit being the most famous.

Hands-Free Vibrators
Imagine vibrating underwear and you get the basic concept behind hands-free vibrators. A clitoral vibrator is attached to a G string or thong style panty, with the vibrator positioned right over the clitoris. The vibrator is often shaped like a butterfly, sea creature, or some other tiny critter. This is also a great toy when you want a little extra clitoral stimulation during intercourse. Remote-controlled versions make this toy especially fun for adventurous partner sex.

Discreet Vibrators
These are vibrators that masquerade as something else -- a lipstick case or rubber duckie, for example. They're popular as novelties, traveling vibes, or as gifts for the sex toy novice.

Techno

Dildos and Harnesses
A dildo, typically thought of as a penis substitute, is designed for vaginal or anal insertion. In general, dildos don't vibrate, although many penis-shaped vibrators can be used as dildos. Some dildos have suction-cup bases, some are double-ended, and some curve toward the top to provide G spot stimulation. Glass and acrylic dildos are curvaceous, sensuous works of art, that also make great G Spot toys, while silicone dildos are generally considered superior toys.

A dildo can be used by itself or in a harness to enable hands-free penetration of a partner. The latter is often referred to as "strap-on" and is a common practice among straight and gay alike because it feels great to be anally penetrated by a lover wearing a dildo. Many men also don strap-ons to experiment with double penetration on their lovers, or to prolong intercourse after an erection has subsided.

Anal Toys
Anal toys are designed for insertion into the anus, and have a flared base to prevent them from slipping into the rectum. Some anal toys vibrate. The anus is an erogenous zone for both men and women, and anal toys take pleasurable advantage of that. Anal toys are particularly effective at stimulating the prostate in men.

Basic Anal Toys

Butt plugs
Designed to be inserted and left in place, these are short, stout toys with a bulge in the middle and a narrow neck toward the base. After insertion, your sphincter muscle contracts around the neck of the toy so that it stays firmly in place.

Inflatable Vibrating Pleasure Master

Anal beads
A series of marble-sized beads strung together on a cord with a loop at one end, anal beads feel good when inserted into the anus one at a time. The beads are available in different sizes, and sometimes they are mounted on a thin dildo rather than on a string.

Anal vibes
Anal toys that vibrate.

Penis Sleeves
A great masturbation toy, penis sleeves are intended to replicate the feeling of penis-in- vagina, which they do with varying degrees of success. Some look like tubes, while others take the form of blow up dolls . The sleeve's texture has a lot to do with how well it gets the job done, something many guys learn the hard way thanks to plastic Sally's scratchy seams. Fortunately, a new material called Cyberskin or Softtouch, which looks and feels a lot like real skin, has revolutionized men's sleeves.

Cock Rings (Penis Rings)
These are rings designed to fit around the base of the penis and the scrotum, restricting blood flow out of the penis. Some men find that wearing cock rings prolongs the erection or even makes the erection firmer, a side effect that can enhance intercourse for both parties. Vibrating cock rings are great for partner sex -- a small vibrator attached to the cock ring is positioned so that it will rub up against the woman's clitoris during intercourse (while also vibrating his penis).

Penis Pumps
Penis pumps temporarily enlarge the penis by drawing blood to the surface. The cylinder slips over the length of the penis and creates a seal against the skin, while the pump (usually hand-operated) creates a vacuum inside the cylinder. Many men enjoy the feeling of pressure on the penis while pumping.

Restraints
Bonds for your wrists and/or ankles appeal to those who like to be tied up.

Blindfolds
Sight deprivation is a time-honored way of increasing your enjoyment of your other senses.

Whips, Paddles, Floggers
Sexual excitement increases one's tolerance for pain, often transforming it into something erotic, which is why spanking, slapping or whipping can feel especially good during the heat of passion.

Kama Sutra Lovers Paint Box - Chocolate Body Paint

Clamps
Clamps are designed to simulate pinching, and many people like to experiment with them on nipples and genitals.

Sensual Toys
A lot has been written about the importance of expanding our definition of sex beyond intercourse. After all, one's sexuality encompasses so much more than just this particular act. What we see, feel, hear, taste and touch can all be part of our sexual experience. Toys designed to take erotic advantage of our five senses, things like massage oil , feathers, edible gels, and food, all fall into this category.