Sex toys can be a fun, low-risk way to figure out what feels good for you. You can use them by yourself or with your partners! There are lots to chose from, so you can explore what works for you. Every person’s body is different, so different people can like different toys!
Anyone with a credit card can buy sex toys online. You can also buy them in sex shops if you’re over 18!
What material should my sex toy be?
Part of choosing the right sex toy is choosing the right material. Sex toys can be made from any body-safe and durable material, including medical-grade silicone, glass, metal, or hard plastic. These materials are either porous or non-porous.
Porous means the material is filled with tiny holes that can trap dirt and bacteria. This can make them hard to keep clean. Non-porous toys don’t have these tiny holes, so they’re easier to clean, and may last longer. Porous toys are usually cheaper than non-porous ones. You can make toys safer by using a condom with them!
Non-porous toys
- Made from things like 100% medical-grade silicone, hard plastic, metal, or glass
- More expensive
- Can be sterilized in a boiling pot or a dishwasher
- Easier to clean
- Tested to make sure they’re safe for your body
- Usually last longer
Porous sex toys
- Made from things like jelly, vinyl, PVC, sili-gel, cyberskin and other soft materials
- Clear or a bit see-through
- Smell a lot like chemicals
- Hard to clean
- Can release dangerous chemicals into the body
- Stop working faster than other sex toys
- Might say “Novelty use only” on the package. This means they don’t know if it’s safe for your body
- Might say they’re made of silicone or don’t have harmful chemicals, even if they do
If you choose a silicone sex toy, using silicone-based lube can be risky. When you mix them there’s a risk of ruining your toy.
What kinds of sex toys are there? What do they do?
As well as being made of different materials, sex toys can come in all kinds of different shapes and sizes! Some are best when used for certain kinds of sex and not others. Some common types of sex toys are:
Penetrative sex toys
These are toys that are made with anal or vaginal (front hole) penetration in mind. There are lot of different companies making these kinds of toys, so they can be easy to find!
A good way to tell if a sex toy is designed for anal or vaginal penetration is to look at the shape. Toys made for anal play should have a flared base. That helps prevent the toy from getting stuck inside. Because sex toys can’t get past the cervix, this is less of a concern with toys meant for vaginal penetration!
Beyond that, these toys come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and textures. You can use them any way you want, but certain shapes may suit some kinds of sex more than others. For example, some people prefer curved dildos for g-spot stimulation!
Toys for clitoral stimulation
These are toys that stimulate the clitoris. Usually, these toys have a motor inside them, making them vibrate. But there are penetrative toys that vibrate, too!
Toys designed for clitoral stimulation may be small and battery-powered. There are other toys for clitoral stimulation that are larger, and have a different power source, like a plug for an outlet. Some might vibrate more strongly than others. Some people prefer a very strong vibration, while others like something more gentle!
Other kinds of sex toys
Sex toys go way beyond penetration and clit stimulation! There are as many different kinds of toys as there are ways to have sex. Chances are, if you’ve ever wished for a specific kind of toy, you can get it somewhere!
Some common types of toys that don’t fit into the categories above include:
- masturbation sleeves and other masturbation aids
- cock rings
- BDSM and fetish gear
- DIY sex toys made from objects around the house
How do I chose a sex toy?
If you’re new to sex toys, it can be hard to know what to look for. There’s a lot of options! With some exploring, people can find the toys that feel good to them.
It can help to start small. Some people might want big toys, but they can be hard to use if you don’t know how it works and what you like.
Before you buy a sex toy, it can help to know what turns you on. There are sex toys for lots of body parts, so knowing what feels good in your body can help you find the right toy.
Lots of people like toys that vibrate. These can feel great on or in private parts! Some people like more intense vibrations while other people like softer ones. If it’s your first sex toy, starting with a soft vibration or one you can adjust can help you learn what vibrations you like.
Some stores let you do a nose test for vibration. Holding a vibrating toy to your nose can give you a good idea of how strong it vibrates.
Where can I buy sex toys?
You can buy a lot of good sex toys in stores, at events, or online!
In Montreal, the McGill Shag Shop sells sex toys, alternative menstrual products, and safer sex supplies if you’re a McGill student or you live in the area. Oui Boutique Sensuelle also holds events and pop-ups where you can find discounts on toys and talk to sex toy experts!
Going to a sex toy shop is a great way to find a sex toy. There are lots of them in Montreal! The people who work there know a lot about sex toys, so they can help you find what you’re looking for. They’re there to help, and won’t judge you for looking!
Can I buy a sex toy if I’m under 18?
Yes, you can buy a sex toy if you’re under 18. Canada doesn’t have any laws about what age you need to be to buy sex toys. You can buy a sex toy online at any age. You can also buy a sex toy at a pharmacy, or at any store that allows people under 18 inside. But, many sex shops won’t let people under 18 into their stores. That’s because a lot of sex shops sell porn, which people under 18 can’t buy or watch legally.
No matter how old someone is, they can buy sex toys and other things for safer sex with a credit card. A lot of online shops have discrete shipping. That means they won’t put the store’s name on the packaging or on credit card statements. If you’re not sure a store has discrete shipping, you can always call or email them!
