Adult Toy Buying Guides
Shopping for adult toys is easier when the choices are organized by need, comfort level, and product type. This guide hub is designed for adults 18+ who want simple, useful answers before choosing a product from Vivid Novelties.
Guides are grouped by product type below. Each one has a short summary, a link to read the full guide, and a link to the matching collection. Every guide uses plain-language shopping advice instead of hype.
Jump to a topic
- Start here: beginner guides
- Vibrator guides
- Couples guides
- Anal-toy guides
- Dildo and strap-on guides
- Male-toy guides
- BDSM and bondage guides
- Lubricant and care guides
- Storage and travel guides
- Lingerie guides
Start here: beginner guides
Body-Safe Toys 101: Materials, Features, and Simple Shopping Tips
Learn what body-safe means, how common toy materials compare, and which design features matter most. Ends with a simple pre-purchase checklist and care and storage basics.
How to Choose Your First Vibrator: A Comfortable, Practical Guide
There is no single right first vibrator. This guide helps you match shape, materials and controls to your comfort level, routine and budget.
Kegel Balls for Beginners: How to Choose a Body-Safe Set
Explains terms like weighted, progressive and vibrating so you can compare kegel ball sets. Covers materials, weight progression, comfort and care.
Shop kegel balls and tightening products β
Vibrator guides
Best Vibrators Guide
An overview of the main vibrator types, the features worth comparing and example products from the vibrator collection.
How to Choose a Wand Massager: Power, Shape, and Features Explained
Compare wand massagers by sensation, power and controls, shape and reach, rechargeable or plug-in power, and materials and care.
How to Choose a Rechargeable Bullet Vibrator: A Practical Guide
Bullet vibrators are small and versatile. This guide covers material, size, controls, charging, noise and care before you buy.
Shop mini and bullet vibrators β
How to Choose a Waterproof Vibrator for Shower and Bath Play
Why to check the water rating instead of assuming from a photo, plus how to pick a format, materials, lube and cleanup routine for shower or bath play.
Discreet Vibrators: A Practical Guide to Quiet Power, Travel-Friendly Designs, and Confident Shopping
What makes a vibrator discreet: noise level, compact size, easy packing and simple storage, and how motor type and material affect each.
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Wearable & Remote-Controlled Toys: A Practical Guide to Comfort, Control, and Connection
Compare remote, app-controlled and wearable designs. Covers comfort, communication, charging, privacy and cleanup.
Shop Lovense app-controlled toys β
Couples guides
Couples Toys Guide
An overview of toys designed for shared play, with the features to compare and example products from the couples collection.
Couples Toys 101: A Comfortable, Fun Guide to Sharing Pleasure (Without Pressure)
What counts as a couples toy, a three-question comfort check, the main categories, and how to bring the subject up without pressure.
How to Introduce Sex Toys to Your Significant Other: A Guide to Enhancing Intimacy
Tips for raising the idea of toys with a partner at a relaxed time, and why open communication matters most.
How to Choose a Sex Game for Better Connection
Pick an intimate game by mood, player count and format. Look for flexible prompts and make consent part of the rules.
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Anal-toy guides
Butt Plugs and Anal Toys Guide
An overview of butt plugs and other anal toys, the safety features to look for and example products.
Body-Safe Butt Plugs & Anal Toys 101: Sizes, Materials, and Comfort Tips for Beginners
A beginner guide built on three basics: a body-safe material, a first-time-friendly size and plenty of the right lubricant.
Prostate Massagers: A Comfort-First Guide to Fit, Features, and First Steps
A comfort-first approach to choosing a prostate massager by shape and base, material, vibration and controls.
The Best Anal Toys and Dildos to Explore New Sensations
A quick overview of anal toy types and featured products, with tips for safe and comfortable play.
Dildo and strap-on guides
Dildos and Strap-Ons Guide
An overview of dildo and strap-on styles, sizing and materials, with example products.
Dildos and Strap-Ons: A Practical Shopping Guide
Compare shape, size, materials and finish, and learn why fit matters most when choosing a strap-on harness.
Male-toy guides
Male Toys and Masturbators Guide
An overview of strokers, sleeves and cock rings, with the features to compare and example products.
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Beginnerβs Guide to Fleshlights & Masturbators: Materials, Fit, and Easy Cleaning
Covers Fleshlight-style sleeves, materials, texture and tightness, manual or automatic options, and lube pairing.
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How to Choose a Pleasure Sleeve: Fit, Texture, Materials, and Care
Texture, material, opening size, cleanup and storage all affect how a sleeve feels. Includes a practical checklist.
How to Choose a Cock Ring: Comfort, Fit, and Feature Basics
How to choose a comfortable size and material, and whether you want vibration. Also covers cleaning and storage.
Penis Pump Buying Guide: How to Choose a Beginner-Friendly Pump for Pleasure
Start with simple questions: does the cylinder fit, are the controls clear, and can you clean and store it as directed.
Shop penis pumps and enhancement β
BDSM and bondage guides
BDSM and Bondage Beginner Guide
An overview of beginner restraints and sensation gear, with consent basics and example products.
Shop all bondage and BDSM gear β
BDSM Accessories for Beginners: Consent, Comfort, and Starter Gear That Feels Approachable
Start with consent and communication, then choose approachable starter gear. Includes a simple starter-kit shopping list.
Nipple Play 101: How to Choose Suction and Sensation Toys
Explains suction and vibrating nipple toys, materials and controls, with comfort as the measure of success.
Shop nipple clamps and clips β
Sex Furniture for Beginners: How to Choose a Positioning Pillow, Ramp, or Stool
Compares positioning pillows, wedges, ramps and stools, and how to choose one for your comfort and space.
Shop position aids and swings β
Lubricant and care guides
Lubricants and Massage Oils Guide
An overview of lube types and massage products, with compatibility tips and example products.
Lube 101: How to Choose the Right Personal Lubricant (Water-Based, Silicone, or Oil)
Water-based, silicone or oil: the three main lube types, condom and toy compatibility, ingredients and cleanup.
Water-Based Lubricant for Sex Toys: A Buying Guide
Why water-based lube is a flexible starting point for many toy materials, and what to compare on the label.
Massage Oils & Personal Lubricants: A Friendly Guide to Sensation, Safety, and Cleanup
The difference between massage oil and personal lubricant, ingredient tips, how much to use and sheet-friendly cleanup.
The Best Sex Toy Cleaners to Keep Your Pleasure Products Safe and Fresh
Toy cleaners Vivid Novelties stocks, with a reminder to match the cleaner to your toy material and follow both labels.
Storage and travel guides
Sex Toy Storage Guide: Choose a Discreet Bag or Case
Compare storage bags, lockable cases and boxes based on what you own, the space you have and the privacy you want.
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Discreet Adult Toys Online: A Practical Guide to Private Shipping, Storage, and Travel
What discreet shopping really means, plus tips for packing toys for travel and keeping them stored at home.
Shop storage cases and bags β
Lingerie guides
Lingerie for Date Night Guide
Styling ideas for date night, with fit, fabric and occasion tips and example pieces.
Lingerie Shopping Guide: How to Find Styles That Feel Comfortable and Confident
Start with how you want to feel, then choose styles, fit, fabric and care that suit your wardrobe.
How to choose with confidence
Look for clear product details, body-conscious materials, easy cleaning instructions, power or size information, and a design that fits your experience level. If you are new to a category, start with simple controls, moderate sizing, and products that are easy to clean and store.
Discreet shopping matters
Vivid Novelties focuses on discreet shopping, secure checkout, and helpful product discovery. Orders totaling $100 or more before taxes qualify for free shipping, excluding furniture and freight items.