Both the LELO Lily and JeJoue Mimi are pretty straightforward

A beginners guide to sex toys

Or put a towel or blanket between you and your toy, or keep your underwear on. (This is why I like the Limon so much; you simply squeeze harder for more speed, instead of having to fiddle with any buttons.) You’re looking for a setting that feels nice and moderate, not like it’s power-waxing your clitoris. I like it because it’s simple and intuitive to use, fits in the hand nicely, and packs a punch despite looking cutesy. It might look a little intimidating for a first-time toy, but many women will love the clitoris-cradling sensation it creates. Both the LELO Lily and JeJoue Mimi are pretty straightforward and uncomplicated, while still being high-quality. I suggest reading reviews online to get more perspectives about your potential purchase.

There can be all sorts of loaded feelings about a toy that has been used before, especially with other partners. Hot Octopuss is known for making toys with mega-strong motors, and this bullet vibrator is no different. It’s also got a unique shape that allows you to focus its intensity into a small, pointed tip, or spread it out more along its broader side.

After a few glasses of wine, I worked up the courage to do the asking. Of these three wands, the Doxy is the one that’s corded (though both Hitachi and Le Wand have corded options vibrators, too). While it almost seems archaic to have a wired toy, I see the appeal of using the Doxy. Hitachi’s vibration patterns range from a consistent vibration to a quick pulse to a rev-up-to-slow-down and repeat. The Doxy is the least expensive toy as it starts at just under $120, $15 less than Hitachi. One benefit of the Doxy, however, is that it’s highly customizable from the head to the collar to the buttons to the color of the wand itself.

Add this little gem to your toy collection and let the good times roll. With 12 intense power and vibration settings, there’s sure to be a setting that gets you off. And if that’s not enough, the vibrator is also waterproof for shower play alone or with a partner. Some of the household sex toys we recommend here aren’t specifically designed for skin contact (think candles, vegetables, and ice).

The Lelo Hugo remote control vibrator promises to give you longer, more intense climaxes. If you’re feeling frisky, you can even hand over control to your partner—thanks to the Ferri’s wireless range, they can make you quiver from up to 30 feet away. The SenseMotion™ technology responds to movements of the remote, so you can get your groove on without having to worry about fumbling with buttons. And if that wasn’t enough, the LYLA 2 has almost silent vibrations, so you can enjoy yourself without worrying about the neighbors.

It’s both a clitoral and internal stimulator and is a source of “pleasure for both partners,” according to one tester. Grinding mimics the “humping” motion that many people learn to masturbate with (say, against a pillow), as well as the thrusting motions that people with penises do during penetrative sex. Toys elevate the sensation of grinding by adding vibration, texture , or other stimulating features. The noisy, room-shaking sex toys of years past have graduated to sleek, high-quality, and near-silent designs that don’t sacrifice power for discretion. From suction vibrators that are all about the clit, to precise G-spot vibrators, to backdoor action anal vibrators, there are a ton of whisper-quiet vibrators that get you there without waking up the whole house. Cue the Greek chorus, this is the ultimate trifecta of suction sex toys.