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Sex Toys for Beginners: Where to Start
Four simple, body-safe toys to begin with, and the ones to leave for later.
Sex toys for beginners should be small, simple and body-safe: a bullet vibrator, a bottle of water-based lube, a tapered butt plug or trainer kit, and a toy cleaner. This Badd Kitty guide explains where to start, what to skip for now, and what each one costs.
Updated October 2026
The best vibrator for beginners
The best first vibrator is a bullet. It is small, quiet, works on the clitoris, nipples or anywhere external, and starts at $17.95 (Me You Us Blossom Bullet). Rechargeable bullets with more speeds — Maia Vibe Lite Mini ($34.95), Femme Funn Solia ($69.95) — are the step up. If you already know you like broad, steady pressure, a clitoral suction toy such as the Romp Kiss ($59.95) is a strong second choice. Our guide to choosing your first vibrator goes deeper on shape, power and noise.
How to use a vibrator for the first time
- Charge it fully and wash it with toy cleaner or mild soap and warm water.
- Add a few drops of water-based lube to the tip — it changes everything.
- Start on the lowest setting, away from the most sensitive spot, and move closer slowly.
- Try it through underwear or a sheet if direct contact feels like too much.
- Stop when you want to stop. There is no "correct" amount of time.
More technique in how to use a vibrator.
Best butt plug for beginners
A beginner butt plug should be tapered, have a flared base, and be small — think the width of a finger. Anal training kits give you three sizes so you can work up at your own pace. The Curve Gossip Rump Bumpers set is $24.95, the NS Novelties Rear Assets tapered kit is $38.95, and B-Vibe's silicone training kit ($67.95) adds a vibrating plug. Use more lube than you think you need; a thicker anal lube like JO H2O Anal Thick ($19.95) stays put. See best butt plugs for a ranked list.
Beginner sex toys compared
| Toy | Best for | Beginner pick | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet vibrator | External stimulation, solo or with a partner | Me You Us Blossom Bullet | $17.95 |
| Rechargeable bullet | More speeds, no batteries | Maia Vibe Lite Mini | $34.95 |
| Clitoral suction toy | Pressure-wave sensation without direct contact | Romp Kiss | $59.95 |
| Anal training kit | Working up in size safely | Curve Gossip Rump Bumpers | $24.95 |
| Water-based lube | Every toy, every body, safe with silicone | Sliquid Sassy 2 oz | $14.95 |
| Toy cleaner | Keeping toys hygienic between uses | JO Foaming Toy Cleaner | $9.95 |
Skip for now: large or non-tapered plugs, anything without a flared base, and powerful wand massagers unless you already know you want intensity. Those can come later.
Lube and cleaning: the two things beginners skip
Water-based lube works with every toy material and washes off; brands we carry include Sliquid, System JO, Swiss Navy, Pjur and Wicked, from $5.95. A toy cleaner — JO, Swiss Navy, Sensuva Think Clean Thoughts, Pjur Toy Foam — rinses off and keeps silicone from picking up residue. Read how to use lube and best lube for sex before you buy.
Shop with a human
Prefer to see it first? Badd Kitty has nine boutiques across South Carolina and Michigan with staff who answer every question without judgment — find a boutique. Online, every order ships in a plain brown box with no logos, the card statement reads "BADD KITTY", and standard shipping is free on orders over $75 ($5.99 under $75). Express (2–3 business days) and overnight options are available at checkout.
Shop by collection
Shop the edit
MYU BLOSSOM BULLET
3 options
Jo Foaming Toy Cleaner
2 options
Sliquid Sassy 2Oz
Available
GOSSIP RUMP BUMPERS TRAINER SET
2 options
Maia Vibe Lite Mini
3 options
Romp Kiss
Available
Bvibe Silicone Anal Training Kit
Available
FEMME FUNN SOLIA BULLET
3 options
Frequently asked questions
What is the best vibrator for a beginner?
A bullet vibrator. It is small, quiet and external, so you control exactly how much sensation you get. Start at the lowest speed with a drop of water-based lube.
What is lube and do I really need it?
Lube is a slippery gel or liquid that reduces friction. Water-based lube is the beginner default: it works with every toy material, including silicone, and washes off with water. Most people find toys feel noticeably better with it.
What is a rose toy and how does it work?
A rose toy is a clitoral suction vibrator shaped like a rosebud. The opening pulses air against the clitoris instead of vibrating on it directly. We stock the Womanizer Rose, Romp Glow Rose and Evolved Wild Rose in our clitoral suction collection.
What is the best butt plug for a beginner?
A small, tapered silicone plug with a flared base, or a three-size training kit so you can work up gradually. The Curve Gossip Rump Bumpers set ($24.95) and B-Vibe silicone training kit ($67.95) are the two we recommend most.
How do I clean a sex toy?
Wash non-electric and waterproof toys with warm water and a toy cleaner or mild soap, then air-dry. For toys that are not waterproof, wipe with a damp cloth and cleaner, keeping water away from the charging port.