Your First Sex Toy: What to Know Before You Buy

Curious about sex toys and want to explore pleasure on your own terms? Maybe you have heard friends talking about sex toys, or have seen them more and more in mainstream media? Either way, it’s completely normal to be interested in sex toys.

At Moments, we keep things straightforward. No hype, no shame, no judgement, just useful information that can help you feel more in control and more in-the-know about sexual pleasure and sexual wellness. 

So today, we’re going to tell you what actually matters when it comes to shopping for your first sex toy.

First… 

Why Do People Use Sex Toys?

Many of us have moments where solo pleasure feels routine. A sex toy can take the guesswork out of what feels good. It gives you time, privacy, and the freedom to experiment at your own pace.

Using sex toys also has the ability to increase pleasure and to give you stronger orgasms. With so many choices available, you can enjoy consistent, targeted stimulation that’s hard to replicate with your hands or with a partner.

And then, there’s the aspect of spicing up your sex life! Couples can use sex toys to add novelty, to enhance foreplay, and to feel different kinds of sensations during sex (for example, many women require clitoral stimulation during penetration, a sex toy can help). They can also be used as a way to experiment, curb curiosity, to try new roleplay ideas, and to fulfill fantasies. 

On the more serious side, sex toys can help those with sexual challenges. Vibrators are sometimes clinically recommended for conditions like anorgasmia or delayed orgasms in women. And for men experiencing erectile dysfunction or low arousal, a penis pump or a cock ring could help.

Feeling apprehensive? It’s important to note that sexual wellness items aren’t a human replacement. They’re simply a helping hand when it comes to feeling new sensations and finding new realms of sexual bliss. So to use one doesn’t mean there’s something wrong, it merely means that you’re open to exploring your sexual power.

The good news is that with the vast amount of versatility, many modern vibrators are designed to be gentle, body safe, and easy to start with. 

In other words, if you’re a beginner to sex toys, you’re not committing to anything dramatic, you’re just adding a tool that may work (magically) for you.

What to Look For in a Beginner Sex Toy

The key is to keep it simple at first. Here is a short list of things to look for as a beginner to sex toys:

• Material: go for soft, medical-grade silicone which feels nice against the skin, doesn’t harbour bacteria, and is easy to clean. Avoid anything made of jelly-like material or that smells strongly of rubber (they’re harder to clean and can cause irritation).
• Waterproof: a waterproof toy can add an extra splash of fun in water, perfect for joining you in the shower.
• Power source: a rechargeable sex toy with a USB is a great way to go (no hunting for batteries mid-session).
• Vibrational settings: ten modes is plenty, you don’t need to buy a state-of-the-art vibrator (at first), so look for options without a confusing control panel.
• Size & shape: a palm-shaped or compact vibrator works best for beginners (it’s not too intimidating). 
• Noise level: most decent vibrators are quiet enough for shared living situations.

Our Top Picks for First-Timers

We stock a small range of pleasure toys that are made with beginners in mind. 

All of our sexual wellness items are body-safe, soft, made of latex-free silicone, have different waterproof variations, are rechargeable, and have ten vibrational patterns. These are seen as the best sex toys for those starting out with vibrators for the first time.

Let’s get acquainted… 

CEO

The CEO is a solid starting point. Its tongue-shaped tip is gentle yet precise, great for external stimulation on the clitoris, nipples, or other erogenous zones. It sits nicely in your hand and mimics the kind of sensation a lot of women already enjoy. If you like the idea of something that feels familiar but takes it up a notch, this one is brimming with potential and made to hit your sweet spots.

Vibin’

If you’re interested in involving a partner and spicing up your sex life, Vibin’ has a curved shape that sits comfortably against the body. It comes with a remote, which makes it a super fun yet relaxed sex toy for couples to play with without anyone having to fumble with buttons. It works just as well solo though, making it a winner beginner vibrator for women.

Mood

Mood has not one but two vibrating ends in one easy-to-hold toy. You can start with one end for external play, and explore the other arm when you feel ready for an internal sensation. You can use this beginner-friendly sex toy solo, or with a partner. If the latter, why not hand the remote to them for gentle surprises during foreplay? Mood is a sex toy for women that gives you options without any steep learning curve, making it genuinely versatile for beginners.

Baddie

A beginner-friendly male sex toy that has two tips that deliver focused and flirty vibrations. You can use it solo for strong external stimulation or slip it on as a cock ring during partnered play. Baddie is one of those toys that feel approachable from day one, while still offering new ways to play as you gain confidence and sexual power.

Side note? All of our sex toys at Moments pair effortlessly with our premium natural rubber latex condoms. You can use the above-mentioned toys alongside our Moments condoms without material worries, as long as you stick to a water-based lubricant (silicone and oil-based lube can damage latex). 

 

How to Use a Sex Toy for the First Time

The main thing is to approach your first sex toy with curiosity instead of pressure. Most people may feel nervous or excited, or both. This is normal. Here is a relaxed way to get started:

 

Set the scene

Choose a time and place where you will not be interrupted. Dim the lights if you like, put on music if that helps you unwind, and get comfortable in bed or wherever feels private.

Charge and prepare your sex toy 

Make sure your sex toy is fully charged before you use it for the first time. Then, wash it with warm water and mild soap beforehand, even if it is new, and allow it to dry. Have your water-based lube close by.

Start slow and external

Apply a small amount of lube to the toy and to your body. Then grab your toy, turn it on the lowest setting, and hold it against your external areas first, such as your clit, vulva, nipples, or inner thighs. Allow yourself to get used to the sensation slowly, there is no rush.

Explore at your own pace

Move your beginner sex toy gently and try different vibration modes when you feel more comfortable. You could try gentle internal use with toys that are designed for it. Whichever you choose, always remember to listen to your body. If anything feels uncomfortable, stop and try again another time.

Enjoy the journey

You don’t have to orgasm. The goal is simply to learn about what your body enjoys. Some sessions may end with a big finish. Others are just pleasurable exploration. Both are useful.

Afterwards

Give yourself some time to ‘come down’ and enjoy the afterglow. Shortly after, you should clean your toy, air dry it or pat it dry with a lint-free towel, and store it in its bag. A quick clean makes the next time even easier.

Tip? The more you use your sex toy, the more natural it becomes. You will quickly figure out your favourite settings and spots.

Sex Toy Beginners: Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions surrounding sex toys for beginners:

Are sex toys for women only?

Not at all. There are many male sex toys available. At Moments we have male sex toys, and external pleasure products that can be used on him to stimulate erogenous zones such as the balls, perineum, and penis. We also have couples sex toys for both men and women, and then of course, sex toys for women.

Can I use a sex toy with a partner?

Yes. Plenty of people start solo and then introduce their sex toy during partnered play. But of course you could try using a sex toy for the first time with a partner that you feel comfortable with, with consent. 

What if I don’t orgasm right away?

This is normal. The goal is exploration, not to attain a specific goal (aka orgasm). Some sessions are just about learning, while others might surprise you.

How do I know which sex toy is the best for me?

Start with something simple and external, like the CEO or Vibin’. You can always add more later once you know your preferences.

Is it normal to feel nervous about buying a sex toy for the first time?

Completely. These nerves usually fade once you realise that a sex toy is simply a sexual wellness pleasure tool, not a test or a replacement. 

Essentially, your first sex toy doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs to feel good in your hand, and work for your body. 
At Moments, we keep our range small, focused, and actually useful, so you are not wading through endless options that all look the same.

If you’re ready to take the next step, have a look at our Pleasure Toys collection. Choose one that feels right, non-intimidating, and fun. There’s no rush, and no perfect answer. It’s all about you figuring out your most pleasurable spots and embracing your sexual power.