As ancient as man and woman, sex toys are objects dedicated to enhancing the erotic experience. They can be used solo, to make masturbation easier, more effective and exciting, or as a couple, to make the shared experience even better, strengthen intimacy, bring the timing of pleasure closer.

Just as there are infinite types of people and different ways for these people to enjoy their bodies, so there are different types of sex toys. There are sex toys for those who prefer internal stimulation and for those who prefer external stimulation, for those who love anal sex and for those who love oral sex, for those who seek caresses as sweet as silk and those who prefer a firm touch… in this vast sea of offers it is essential to make the right choice for your tastes and needs.

TYPES OF SEX TOYS

KATY THORN·MARCH 22, 2025

Last updated:September 2, 2025

11 MINS READ

Whether you are a curious passerby, or a seasoned consumer of cybernetic caresses, this guide is for you. It will help you navigate the complex and varied world of sex toys, learn the lingo, discover all the options available to your pleasure and, finally, make the right choice.

Understanding Sex Toy Categories

Sex toys are generally divided into sex toys for her, for him and couples’ toys, although more and more brands are presenting a more inclusive and gender-neutral selection. Sex toys for couples are often designed for heterosexual couples but, in many cases, can be enjoyed by queer couples as well. Within these three large sex toys categories, sex toys are divided based on the erogenous zone they are intended to excite: we have sex toys for the G-spot, clitoral stimulators, sex toys that are a mix of the two, anal toys and penis toys. But be mindful, within these subcategories, shapes and functions can change drastically.

For example, penis rings and masturbators are both penis toys but could not differ more in shape and function. And so, there are remote-controlled sex toys, rubber and glass sex toys, sex toys that move to the rhythm of music and sex toys that can be controlled even from afar. The choice, as we said, is virtually infinite.

Pleasures for adults, a whole new world to discover.

Vibrating toys transmit sensations to the body that are often orgasmic. Many forms exist: bullet vibrators for G-spot stimulation, wand vibrators for massage, rabbit vibrators for mixed orgasms, and clitoral vibrators.

These models cater to diverse preferences, offering internal and external stimulation, some designed for couples, others for solo enjoyment. The use of these can greatly enhance intimacy, whether used alone or together.

Dildos

These are erotic objects that date back to the dawn of time, with a name whose etymology some trace back to the Italian word ‘diletto’, dildos are… vibrators that do not vibrate, inanimate objects with a generally phallic shape, made of the most varied materials (and shapes) possible. At one end of the spectrum there are real rubber phalluses that reproduce with impressive accuracy the appearance and, in some cases, even the consistency of the human penis. At the other end, there are rarefied shapes that no longer have anything phallic, except the function. In between, a great sea of shapes, sizes, materials, colors that is a testament to human creativity.

The function of a dildo is generally clear: it serves to replace a penis and can be used by men and women. There are many models, some for different types of stimulation.

Anal Toys

Anal toys also come in all shapes (and sizes!). Among these we remember the anal plug, conic shaped objects that are inserted in the anus for a certain amount of time. With their presence, in addition to providing a satisfying, filling sensation, they stimulate the anus’ nerve endings for a subtle and continuous pleasure. Anal beads are spheres, generally, but not always, of variable size, increasing or decreasing that, these too, are intended to be inserted into the anus. In this case, much of the pleasure is obtained from the act of insertion and especially extraction of the spheres. Finally, prostate massagers are vibrators with a special shape, designed to stimulate the prostate in men, a powerfully erogenous zone, often neglected by heterosexual men.

For safe use, all sex toys must have a flared base or, in the case of anal beads, a retrieval cord. Otherwise, the object may be sucked into your body. Anal toys should also be used with a generous amount of lubricant.

The best sex toys for beginners are those of small dimensions and those that allow for very delicate stimulation modes. Anal sex can be infinitely pleasurable, but should be approached with caution to avoid any negative first experience.

Couples’ Toys

All sex toys can be used by couples, but among these there are some that are designed specifically for this purpose. Like wearable vibrators that allow you to put into action one of the most exciting foreplay of the 21st century: the one in which one of the two partners wears the toy, perhaps in public and, if the toy is also remote-controlled, the other regulates its functioning.

Couple games come in stages: one stage involves placing a sex toy between partners to stimulate them simultaneously, as seen with penis rings and TIANI Harmony. Another stage involves wearable toys where only the wearer is stimulated, yet the game excites the partner controlling the toy, mentally if not physically. The brain, as you know, is the most important erogenous zone.

BDSM and Sensory Toys

Known to all by the acronym BDSM (Bondage & Discipline, Dominance & Submission, Sadism & Masochism), this is an erotic game that explores the subtle difference between pleasure and pain and how to move from one to the other, often seamlessly. BDSM toys include erotic accessories such as handcuffs, blindfolds, whips, spankers, nipple clamps, all objects that do not provide immediate pleasure like, for example, a vibrator but that are nevertheless used with great enjoyment by both partners who, consensually, use them in a game that is as mental as it is physical.

Among these sex toys of sorts, we mention objects such as feather dusters and tools for playing with temperatures that give extreme or very light sensations to the body, often bringing to the person receiving the stimulation an exhausting pleasure. This category includes candles used to play with hot wax (which must be made specifically for this purpose, to avoid burns, especially in sensitive areas) and the very common ice cubes or any object, such as a steel dildo, that can be heated or refrigerated to add an extra level of sensations.

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Penis Toys and masturbators can be great for pleasure. They come in many shapes and sizes, and can be used alone or with a partner.

They include the so-called masturbators: cylinders containing a sleeve made of the most varied materials. Penis rings are mostly used by couples, but can also be used alone.

The use of sex toys such as masturbators and penis rings can have a beneficial effect on male pleasure. For example, there are masturbators that allow you to keep track of your performance and, therefore, improve it over time. While penis rings are very often used to overcome problems such as erectile dysfunction. That’s why they are also often used by couples with very satisfactory results.

Specialty and High-Tech Toys

Among the wide variety of sex toys available, some are more high-tech than others. For example, the masturbator we mentioned above that not only allows you to receive a series of enlightening statistics on your performance, but can also be controlled via a dedicated app.

A key concept of our times like sustainability could not fail to touch the world of sex toys. And in fact, there are more and more brands that present toys made with sustainable and reusable methods and materials, which are safe for the body and environmentally friendly. While a category of their own is represented by luxury sex toys, objects often custom made, in fine materials, in limited numbers. For extra special sensations.

Always start from the type of stimulation you prefer, observe what sets you off, is it oral stimulation, anal stimulation, clitoral stimulation? There is a sex toy to reproduce all these sensations.. Choose a sex toy that is always appropriate for your level of experience. If you are a beginner, choose sex toys with simple shapes and functions, which allow you to vary the intensity of stimulation, so that you can start with light sensations. Also consider any impediments you may have and choose toys that are easy to adjust, that come with a remote control or have a flexible shape.

Never skimp on the price when it comes to the basic quality. The materials must be safe for the body, and this cannot be ignored, because these objects are intended to come in contact with your most delicate areas. Sex toys must, if possible, also be easy to clean, because cleaning your toy is another thing that guarantees your health. For you and the people you use them with.

Choosing the Right Toy

Safety and Maintenance

The sex toys you use should be clean, should be made of body-safe materials, should, if you want to use them anally, have a flared base. If you decide to share a toy with a partner, be sure to sanitize it before passing it to the other. If this is not possible, cover it with a condom. Always consider the type of lubricant you use with your toy because some types of lubricants damage some types of coatings. Do not use a sex toy that has tears or malfunctions. Always use the charger that comes with your toy to charge it.

Most sex toys can be cleaned with a damp cloth, soaked in warm water and gentle antibacterial soap. They must be thoroughly dried, preferably air dried, before being stored. Each sex toy must have its own case that keeps it protected from light and dust. Do not store sex toys of similar material in contact because in some cases the material could be damaged. Periodically clean your sex toys more thoroughly, taking care to reach any joints, gaskets and, in general, all those parts that are more difficult to reach in a normal routine cleaning.

Conclusion

Whatever your gender, sexual orientation, physical shape, level of experience, taste…, there is one (or more) sex toy that is right for you. An object that can open up sources of enjoyment that you simply didn’t know existed. Don’t let yourself be discouraged by a first failed attempt, keep exploring, do some research, read online reviews and know that when you find it, you will find yourself at the beginning of one of the most exciting journeys of discovery ever.

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