IF you're keen to take your first steps into the world of sex toys but not sure where to start, then look no further, because we've rounded up our favourite easy-to-use offerings from bullet vibrators to bondage companions.
A quick head's up before getting started; sex toys are best paired with some lubricant so it might be time to start getting acquainted with the different types that are available if you haven't already.
Find what's right for your body and for a pleasure boost for both you and your partner. Cleaning products are also crucial to keeping everything hygienic. Some might come with the toy, but if it doesn't then make sure you're investing in the right one because different materials have different requirements.
Once that's all in place, you're ready to spice up your sex life in 2023.
Best sex toys for beginners at a glance
- Best for nipple play: Lovehoney Perfect Pair Silicone Nipple Suckers
- Best strap on: Lovehoney Beginner's Unisex Strap-On Harness Kit
- Best for total beginners: G-Spot Ripple Rampant Rabbit
- Best for men: Desire Luxury Rechargeable Male Vibrator
- Best for intensity: Oliver James Wand Massager
- Best for anal play: Get Started Beginner's Anal Kit
- Most long-lasting: Rampant Rabbit The Slim Rechargeable One
- Best to use as a couple: Bondage Boutique Seduce Me Lover's Bed Bondage Kit
Lovehoney Magic Bullet 10 Function Bullet Vibrator
- Lovehoney Magic Bullet Vibrator 10 Function Bullet Vibrator, £12.99 from Lovehoney - buy here
A bullet vibrator should be on any beginner's sex toy list. Small and discreet it slips easily in to a bedside drawer or, if you're feeling adventurous, in to your handbag.
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A bullet is incredibly straightforward to use. It uses vibrations to externally - key word, this is not meant to be used internally - stimulate your erogenous zones. This particular offering from Lovehoney has three speeds and seven patterns to click between giving you the opportunity to find your perfect combination.
It may be small at 4 inches, but size isn't everything and this little pocket rocket is packed full of power without being noisy.
As with most bullets, it is battery operated but it does only need one AAA battery to get going. Lovehoney has aptly described this toy as a 'climax machine' and whether you use it alone or with a partner, we're inclined to agree.
We tested: Ann Summers G-Spot Ripple Rampant Rabbit
- G-Spot Ripple Rampant Rabbit, £35 from Ann Summers - buy here
This is a great multi-function rabbit vibrator that isn't too daunting for those who want to give sex toys a go for the first time.
It isn't super big or girthy, meaning that if you're already in the mood you won't need lube — although it is recommended for the most comfortable experience.
As a rabbit vibrator, it targets multiple erogenous zones, helping you to get a feel for what you like: the two soft rabbit ears give you external stimulation while the ribbed shaft takes care of internal affairs.
Once you insert three AA batteries (which are not included), you can choose from 10 settings, which offer a range of rhythms, intensities and pulsing motions.
However, you have to click through all of the settings to get back to the first, which we thought was slightly annoying.
You can also use it to mimic the in/out motion of sex, but that is at the sacrifice of clitoral stimulation.
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We tested: Oliver James Wand Massager
- Oliver James Wand Massager, £18.99 from eBay - buy here
This massager strikes the perfect balance between power and intensity. The large, round silicon head distributes vibrations softly throughout your erogenous zones without too much intensity which can be an issue with other external stimulators.
It turns on easily with a power button that sits on the front of the toy, then defaults to its continuous vibrator setting at the lowest strength level.
However, it still packs a punch — worth considering if your prefer a delicate touch. Click through the 20 — yes, 20 — different patterns using the middle button and then adjust the speed of the vibrations with the top button.
There are eight speeds, but note that it doesn't have a plus or minus button so if you want to go back to a lower speed you'll need to click through until the cycle restarts. The same goes for the patterns.
It's rechargeable and comes with a USB charger that plugs securely into the end of the toy, so there's no need to worry about the charger dropping off like magnetic ones tend to.
It takes two hours to reach max capacity but don't feel you need to wait that long if you're running short on time.
The massager is travel size but that doesn't mean it's mini; it's actually a pretty normal size for a portable vibrator.
It's easy to clean with a wipe or under running water, although it is only water-resistant so make sure not to submerge the massager fully.
Plus, this doesn't just have to be used as a stimulator; it can also work to massage your neck, shoulders, thighs or any other muscle that needs a bit of loosening.
The Petit Eiffel - Frenchie
- The Petit Eiffel 7 mode mini vibrator, £51 from Frenchie - buy here
Australian brand Frenchie has created a stylish range of fun, simple and safe sex toys for Francophiles - all with a certain 'je ne said quoi'!
With chic packaging and a simple design - available in rose or bleu (pink or blue) - the Petit Eiffel mini vibrator is not at all intimidating and ideal for a sex toy novice.
It's made from super soft silicone with a pin point flutter tip for targeted clitoral stimulation - and it's waterproof so you can use it wherever you like.
It's super easy to use with just one button - and a USB port to charge it up - plus, there are seven speeds and modes that you can adjust to find the perfect setting for you.
Powerful Pocket Clitoral Vibrator from Lovehoney
- BASICS Powerful Pocket Clitoral Vibrator, £9.99 from Lovehoney - buy here
Lovehoney's Pocket Clitoral Vibrator may not look like it, but it packs a punch without being complicated to use or looking intimidating.
It comes with four interchangeable heads that offer different textures, including spiky and smooth, which is where you can get variety with this toy rather than through the vibrations themselves which are at a single speed.
A step up from a tiny bullet vibrator, which can be a bit of a one trick pony, this clitoral vibrator is easy to use and powerful without being indiscreet and loud.
It takes one AA battery, and you'll want to use a water-based lube with this one for the best results.
Normal Billie Palm Vibrator
- Billie palm vibrator, £95 from Normal - buy here
Normal, Australia's hottest and most sustainble sex toy brand, isn't just for pros - but ideal for beginners who are looking to dip their toes into the wonderful world of battery-operated pleasure.
Ideal for solo use, or in couple's play, Normal's own Billie palm vibrator takes it nice and slow - helping you get all hot and heavy in a solo session, or in the run up to sex, with gentle, stroking motions.
It fits into your palm, is soft and flexible, and ideal for use on the clitoris, anus, nipples or perineum - or, you could get your partner to run it over your body, or clitoris, during intercourse to take bedroom fun to the next level.
The brand sends its products in unmarked, discreet packaging, which is fully compostable, and gives you 100 nights to test it out yourself for ultimate satisfaction, or your money back.
Not sure it's right for you? No sweat, take Normal's three-minute sex toy quiz to check out the best toy for your needs.
Suction Cup Dildo 6 Inch from Lovehoney
- BASICS Suction Cup Dildo 6 Inch, £14.99 from Lovehoney - buy here
Sometimes basic is best, and there's nowhere to go wrong a good old dildo. It's the original sex toy, so if you're after a simple penis replica without all of the bells and whistles like vibrations then you've come to the right place.
This BASICS dildo from Lovehoney is a bargain at only £12.99 and, aside from being purple, is pretty realistic. It also comes with a very handy suction cup at the base, so you can use it hands-free in in the bath and shower which is a definite bonus.
Anything internal can be a little intimidating, but this one is six inches in length and five inches in girth meaning it's the perfect dildo to get started on.
The Slim Rechargeable One from Ann Summers
- Rampant Rabbit The Slim Rechargeable One, £46.40 from Ann Summers - buy here
Rampant Rabbits are perfect for stimulating multiple internal and external erogenous zones at the same time. This one from Ann Summers offers everything you'd expect from a Rabbit, like vibrations internally and externally but it's slimmer than your standard toy making it the perfect go-to for beginners.
It's also completely waterproof and rechargeable so no need to stock up on batteries. If that's not enough to sell you on it, then maybe this fact will - Ann Summers sells more of these toys a year than there are actual rabbits in the UK. Sounds good to us.
Get Started Beginner's Anal Kit from Lovehoney
- Get Started Beginner's Anal Kit, £34.99 from Lovehoney - buy here
The Beginner's Anal Kit from Lovehoney is first and foremost great value for money. It comes with four toys so you've got plenty of options to get started with, including both a vibrating and non-vibrating butt plug, vibrating anal beads and a probe.
The butt plugs are both manageable in size, with the regular one being 4 inches long and 3 inches wide and the vibrating one coming in a little smaller at 3.5 inches long and 3.75 inches around.
The graduating anal beads, also vibrate and can be controlled by you or your partner using a wired controller for some extra oomph. The toys that need it are battery operated but the kit comes with everything you need. And for extra comfort and ease of use, all of the toy's tips are slender and flared, allowing for safe insertion at your own pace.
Bondage Starter Set from Bondara
- Introduction to Bondage Starter Set, £12.99 from Bondara - buy here
If you've never tried bondage before, then look no further than this affordable starter set from Bondara. The devil-red set includes a mask to heighten your senses, silk ties to hold you in place, and a feather tickle 'n' tease to do exactly that - tickle and tease.
It's perfect for building up confidence in what can be an intimidating area and eases you in gently by allowing you to explore the softer side of bondage with your partner.
To take the experience to the next level, bring some massage oil in to the equation.
Bondage requires complete trust between you and your partner, so make sure you've got a 'safe word' in place so you can communicate quickly and easily if things get too much.
Bondage Boutique Seduce Me Lover's Bed Bondage Kit from Lovehoney
- Bondage Boutique Seduce Me Lover's Bed Bondage Kit, £48.99 from Lovehoney - buy here
If you're ready to take things to the next level but are still a newbie when it comes to bondage, then this kit from Lovehoney has got everything you need.
This set is metallic pink, and includes all of your bondage basics from a flogger to bed restraints, cuffs and even a ball gag. It's super soft because it's been lined with faux fur so no need to worry about discomfort.
Great news if graduating to something a little more intense feels a bit daunting. Make sure to communicate with your partner so everyone feels safe and comfortable and decide on a safe word before getting started.
Best beginner sex toy for couples: TOR 2 from LELO
- TOR 2, £101 from LELO - buy here
LELO's TOR 2 USB-rechargeable ring takes couple's play to the next level. The silicone ring is flexible and smooth so it can fit comfortably around the shaft whatever the size.
It may look a little innocuous but when you wear the TOR 2 during intercourse it vibrates against either your partner's G-spot or clitoris meaning you both explore a deeper, more intense orgasm.
Waterproof and fully flexible, take this ring of pleasure with you in to the shower for an extra spicy element.
ENIGMA from LELO
- ENIGMA, £151 from LELO - buy here
Vulva-owners: rejoice! This hands-free vibrator is perfect for lesbians as it can be worn by one partner during foreplay to leave you both writhing in pleasure.
The ENIGMA by LELO works by using dual vibrations through its suction clitoral vibrator and G-spot vibrator all at once.
Once you've tried its patented sonic waves technology, you'll never go back. Take it in turns to feel the sonic waves massage and stimulate you to orgasm during foreplay.
Desire Luxury Rechargeable Male Vibrator from Lovehoney
- Desire Luxury Rechargeable Male Vibrator, £47.99 from Lovehoney - buy here
Together or solo, this 'stroking' style vibrator is a great option for gay couple play. It boasts 12 speeds and eight vibration patterns, and the silicone angled loop is flexible so it fits comfortably over a range of shaft thicknesses and sizes.
Get your partner to slowly move the silicone loop up and down, with a touch of water-based lubricant, for maximum fun.
Lovehoney Beginner's Unisex Strap-On Harness Kit
Lovehoney Beginner's Unisex Strap-On Harness Kit, £29.99 - buy here
Thinking about giving pegging a go? Then this simple-to-use, budget-friendly harness kit from Lovehoney needs to be added to your basket pronto.
The dildo is five inches and silicone, so no need to be intimidated. The harness is also adjustable for added comfort and ease of use.
The dildo is curved for G-spot or anal play, and the harness (which is also machine-washable) comes with a handy pocket insert.
Slip in a vibrator to get pleasure yourself when wearing the harness - and, when you're feeling more confident, explore the three interchangeable O-rings which cater for bigger dildos.
Womanizer Classic
- Womanizer Classic, £119 - buy here
Womanizer has scores of celeb users, including Lily Allen who even joined forces with the sex-toy giant to create her own line of clitoral suction toys.
For beginners though, we recommend opting for the Womanizer Classic - especially if you're new to clitoral play. The Womanizer uses the brand's patented Pleasure Air Technology to replicate the feeling of the clitoris being 'sucked'.
There are eight different modes offering a variety of speeds and patterns so you can change it up depending on your mood. It's rechargeable via USB and lasts for three hours, and feel free to take it with you to the bath because it's fully waterproof.
And as an added cherry on top, this toy is super silent so if discreet is top of your sex toy must-haves list, you can tick that off no problem.
Lovehoney Perfect Pair Silicone Nipple Suckers
Tracey Cox EDGE Performance Enhancer Double Stamina Ring
- Tracey Cox EDGE Performance Enhancer Double Stamina Ring, £9.99 at Love honey - buy here
Another low-cost way to dabble in sex toys, cock rings can help enhance erection size and strength - and prolong pleasure.
The Satisfyer Pro G-Spot Rabbit
- Womanizer Premium Eco, £169.99 from LoveHoney - buy here
The Womanizer Premium Eco is a step up from the Womanizer, both in terms of pleasure and environmental credentials: it's the world’s first plastic-free, a fully-biodegradable and recyclable sex toy.
