For anyone who hasn't yet made the leap into the world of sex toys, shopping for a vibrator can be a seemingly daunting task. With so many shapes, sizes, and functions on the market, it's hard to know where to even begin. But do not fear, we're here to help!
This guide will teach you everything you need to know about how to find your first vibrator, from what features to look for to where to shop. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all, so you may need to experiment before finding your perfect match. Let's get you started.
Start with some hands-on learning
First things first, before looking for a vibrator, start with some manual stimulation aka fingering. Getting to know your body is the first step in knowing what kind of vibrator might work for you.
If you're a vagina-owner and don’t know where to start, try rubbing your clitoris in a circular motion or tracing your fingers up and down over your clitoral hood (the skin designed to protect this sensitive spot in the same way a foreskin does an uncircumcised penis). If you want more stimulation, you can try pulling back the hood and directly, very gently touching your clitoris. This can be a lot, so don’t worry if it’s not your thing. (Or if anything sexual isn’t your thing, really.)
You can also try inserting a finger or two into your vagina and curving up towards your belly button to press your G-spot. Do you like the mix of stimulation? Or are you more of an external or internal play person only?
If you have a partner and want them to be involved in your pre-vibrator exploration, go for it. Do you enjoy their tongue alone? Does it feel good when they stimulate your G-spot in tandem with your clitoris? Do you like one and then the other? Ask yourself these questions before you shop. Source: SELF
Types of Vibrators & Their Features
- Internal Vibrators - meant for penetration and some are designed to stimulate your g-spot. they can often be used externally as well.
- External Vibrators - designed to focus on the labia and clitoris
- Anal Vibrators - these have a flared base to prevent them from getting stuck inside.
- Suction Vibrators - uses air to suck and pulse like a miniature vacuum. they are very popular right now and can stimulate the clitoris without direct touch. the air surrounds and pulls the clitoris toward an open mouth, evoking the sensation of being sucked.
- Penis Vibrators - these are designed for those with a phallus and include cock rings, strokers, and other vibrating masturbators.
Check out our recommendations for beginner vibrators. It's also a great idea to try a couple of these out with your choice of lube.
There are a few key features that you'll want to keep in mind when choosing the type of vibrator you'd like. First, think about what kind of stimulation you want. Do you prefer clitoral stimulation? G-spot stimulation? Both? There are vibrators on the market that specialize in each of these kinds of stimulation, so it's important to know what you're looking for before you start shopping. Do you you like a higher frequency buzzing, or a slow and low vibration? Vibration settings vary in frequency and intensity. Most toys have at least a few settings as many as 10 or more!
Consider the size of the vibrator. Do you want something small and discreet, or are you looking for something bigger and with more girth? Again, there are options available at both ends of the spectrum, so it's important to decide what size will work best for you. Something that is plenty big for one person, might be hardly satiable for someone else, and something that is plenty powerful for one person, might be too weak for another. Different strokes for different folks.
Finally, the material of the vibrator. Unless you are allergic to silicone, we strongly recommend it over plastic. It is durable, non-porous, and hypoallergenic and safe for bodily insertion. Silicone is soft and gentle on the skin, and comes in a variety of textures, for example, it can be sturdy, squishy, or bendable. Silicone is easy to clean with warm water and soap, as long as your toy is water-resistant, and will last a long time. Just be sure to only use water-based lubricants with silicone toys--a silicone-based lubricant will degrade the material over time. Note, glass and stainless steel are other body-safe options in dildos too, but are not common for vibrating toys.
Where to Shop for a Vibrator
Now that you know what to expect from your future vibrator, it's time to start shopping! There are a handful of different places that sell sex toys, including local brick-and-mortar stores and online retailers. Online retail is a great option for the most discreet shopping experience. However, if you want to see and touch the vibrators before making a purchase, in-person shopping is probably your best bet. Here are some of our favorites:
- Emojibator (duh!) - one of the best places to shop for your first vibrator. we offer toys with a wide variety of features that are all body-safe and discreetly shipped. our non-phallic, colorful, and budget-friendly toys are fun for anyone, regardless of gender! free shipping on order over $50 too!
- Babeland - a great place to shop online or in-person for a variety of high-quality products, accessories, and gifts, including Emojibator toys. They have three locations in NYC and one in Seattle for a hands-on shopping experience and often throw in-store events. You can feel comfortable asking one of their knowledgable staff for help.
- Good Vibrations - founded in 1977 by a sex educator, Good Vibes has continued to serve a pleasure-focused audience, regardless of gender. They offer a wide range of high-quality products, accessories, and gifts, including Emojibator toys. Shop one of their many locations in California, or one of two locations in Massachusetts.
- Spectrum Boutique - Spectrum Boutique is a sex-positive toy store that has a no-nonsense approach to sexuality and sexual education. Spectrum is geared towards all identities and encourages sex-positive exploration. Their collection is curated by the amazing sex educator, Zoë Ligon. Yes, they carry Emojibator products.
- Museum of Sex - One of the most popular NYC experiences, MoSex is more than just a store (which happens to carry Emojibator). It's an interactive, ever-changing exhibit created to preserve and present the history, evolution and cultural significance of human sexuality. They have a unique selection of pleasure products that are always evolving. They also just opened a Miami location.
See, there is no need to be intimidated by shopping for your first vibrator! Keep function, material, and size in mind and your experience doesn't have to be overwhelming. Go forth. Make us proud. Take your time experimenting and don't worry, this doesn’t have to be the only vibrator you use for the rest of your life. It can just be the first one. You can always expand your collection. Remember, this is about your pleasure--there's nothing wrong with a little self-love.
