Everyone once was a sex-toy novice.  Back in the day when folks walked five miles uphill both ways in the snow to school, even I was a novice.  And you know what I did when the time came to buy my first toy?  I picked out the most ridiculously inappropriate vibrator ever, which not only was a piece of junk but was also way too big for my tender young flesh. 

Years have passed since then, and we've become (I hope) more open about adult products.  We can talk about toys with our pals now, and even go online for advice in picking the best possible sex toys for beginners.  In this article we'll walk through some of the very best choices for those looking to dip their innocent little toes into the pleasant waters of provocative purchases.

Let's start with some general advice for those making their first purchases:

*Select an affordable toy.  Higher quality toys generally will give the best results, but you should feel secure in your choice before you drop big bucks for something fabulous.  Better to go with a lower-priced option until you are sure about the size, shape and functions you like best.

*Choose a smaller rather than a larger product.  Used correctly, a smaller toy will feel great even if it doesn't give the maximum degree of fullness; a too-large toy that just won't fit will do nothing but collect dust.  You can make a smaller toy work, but you can never shrink a mammoth toy. 

*Leave room in the budget for quality lube.  Lubes commonly available at the drugstore are not the best ones on the market.  Trust me on this.  Your toy will be ever so much more enjoyable if you've got the proper lube to ease its entrance into the body. 

*Shop with your partner if you plan on using the toy with him or her.  You might think a night spent molding a rubber dildo is the best date ever, but if your partner's not on board, your choice will go unused.  Make a date to shop together so that you get items which will satisfy both partners.

Putting a Buzz in Your Fun:  Clitoral/Vaginal Vibrators

These buzzy delights are available in a huge range of sizes, colors, shapes and functions.  You could go with something petite enough to fit in a pocket, discreet enough to leave on the nightstand or cute enough that no one would ever suspect it's a sex toy. 

For a beginner though, it's best to go simple and smallish: 

*The Slimline G-Spot functions both as a lovely g-spot stimulator and a powerful clitoral vibe. 

*Misty is a classic torpedo design which offers powerful vibrations and a pleasantly smooth surface. 

*The Impulse Silver Egg combines enormous power with multiple speeds and patterns of vibration. 

Any of these would be functional and reliable first choices, kind both to the budget and the body.  Keep in mind, however, that the vibes mentioned above are meant for use on the clit, in the vagina and on the outside of the anus.  We'll talk later about vibes meant for anal penetration.

A Dong a Day Keeps the Doctor Away:  Dildos

It's easy to sucked into (heh, little joke there) purchasing a dildo that's too large.  It's best to start smaller than you think you'll need, keeping in mind that dildos are typically firmer than an actual penis and therefore may feel larger than a man who's packing the same size.  These toys are available in realistic styles as well as non-realistic; if you plan on using a dildo with a partner, you'll want to make sure to suss out his or her preference before you buy. 

*The Crystal Wand's thin girth and super-smooth surface are perfect for the newbie dildo user.

*The Ladies Man features a suction cup so that this average sized dong can be positioned on any flat surface.

*Soju Sugar is a non-realistic (and quite beautiful) dildo crafted from easy-to-clean silicone. 

Remember:  Larger isn't necessarily better. Start small so that you don't end up with an expensive, penis-shaped paper weight.

Put it Where the Sun Doesn't Shine:  Anal Toys

If you're after a toy to use anally, it MUST have a flared base so that it cannot pass completely into the ass.  These would be safe, pleasurable choices for those new to the exquisite joys of anal play:

*Felix Flexi offers five smooth silicone bloops styled to look like an adorable caterpillar. 

*Pandora's design is meant to stimulate the prostate with both pressure and vibration.

*The Small Iridescent Plug 's diminutive girth makes it an excellent choice for a novice.

You can find much more information on anal sex for beginners in our anal sex guide, or in these excellent books.

Wrap It Up, Wrap It Up Good:  Cockrings

A cockring would be wonderful choice for a couple looking to add some extra zing to penetration.  Male/female couples can experiment with rings that wrap around the penis and testicles.  Female/female couples can use a ring on a dildo to increase clitoral stimulation either during strap-on or hand-driven penetration.  Everybody wins!

*Two mini-vibes give the Double Dolphin extra-intense buzziness.

*The Leather Cockring with Stimulator snaps on to put pleasure right where it needs to be.

*Cute red hearts hold the Love Ring around the penis or a dildo.

Some men find that the snugness of a cockring helps them delay orgasm; the ring can be removed when orgasm is imminent, or after twenty minutes at most.

Get Your Stroke On:  Male Masturbators

Male masturbators are not just for single guys.  Lots of women love to incorporate a masturbator into oral play, or watch a male partner use one by himself.  These products are typically very stretchy so they will fit nearly any size penis. 

*Head Honcho, recommended by sex educator Sue Johansen, is clear to allow the user a view of the action.

*If you're into glow-in-the-dark fun, Glo Lips will light your way through the darkest night. 

*The gold standard male masturbator, Fleshlight, is available in either mouth or vagina shapes.  You cannot go wrong with this product.

Any male masturbator will be exponentially more pleasurable with a dollop of quality lube.  A nice masturbator and a bottle of lube for your favorite guy's birthday present?  Best gift ever. 

Now that you've got some general guidelines for finding the best beginners' toys, head on out and find something that makes your naughty bits sing with excitement.  Enjoy!