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Beginner Guide to Adult Toys: Choosing and Using Your First
Adult toys for beginners explained: types, materials to look for, how to use them safely, and how to care for and store them. Read the UK beginner guide.
Last Updated: November 1, 2026
Quick Summary
The best first adult toys are simple, non-porous options such as a bullet vibrator or a clitoral stimulator. Start with external stimulation, choose a material you can clean thoroughly, and use a water-based lubricant designed for sensitive skin. Begin on the lowest setting and increase gradually.
- A mini bullet vibrator with 10 modes is a sensible first purchase, priced at £17.99.
- Non-porous materials such as silicone, ABS plastic and glass are easier to clean than porous ones.
- Do a patch test on your wrist or elbow crease before first use of a toy or lubricant.
- Never submerge a toy unless the manufacturer states it is waterproof.
- Clean toys after every use, then dry them fully before storing.
Table of Contents
- Choosing Your First Adult Toy
- Best Adult Toys for Beginners
- Body-Safe Materials and Product Safety
- How to Use Adult Toys for the First Time
- Using Adult Toys Together as a Couple
- Cleaning and Storing Your Adult Toys
- Ordering Your First Toy and Getting Support
- Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing Your First Adult Toy
Picking your first adult toy is easier when you start with what you want from it, not with the most features. Endless Pleasure offers a range that suits solo exploration and partnered play, and the simplest route is to decide between external stimulation and internal use before you compare anything else.
Start by asking three questions: where do you want the sensation, how much intensity suits you, and how much do you want to carry or store? Those answers narrow the field quickly. Look for a range of modes you can step through gently, so you can start at a level that feels comfortable.
Best Adult Toys for Beginners
For most beginners, a bullet vibrator or a clitoral stimulator is the most approachable choice. Both are designed for external stimulation, and both give you adjustable settings to find what feels comfortable. Our recommendations below are the options we would point a first-time buyer towards.
Bullet vibrators and clitoral stimulators
The Mini Bullet Vibrator Pink is a good first purchase. It offers 10 vibration modes in a body measuring roughly 76 mm by 20 mm, and it is USB rechargeable with a single control button. You can buy a mini bullet vibrator in pink at £17.99, which keeps the cost of experimenting low.
If you prefer suction over vibration, the Rechargeable Clitoral Suction Stimulator – 5 Modes gives you five suction settings and a curved, handheld shape for focused external stimulation. Its front controls are easy to reach, and it is available in Purple or Rose for £21.99. Readers who want a clitoral option can explore the rechargeable clitoral suction stimulator before deciding.
Pocket and travel-sized vibrators
If you want something discreet to store or pack, a pocket-sized option makes sense. The Black Bullet Pocket Vibrator has 10 vibration modes, a silicone body and a rose-gold-tone base, and it measures 8.8 cm long. It is USB rechargeable and listed as waterproof, though you should always follow the supplied instructions for water use. If portability matters most, see the black bullet pocket vibrator and its specifications.
Body-Safe Materials and Product Safety
Body-safe materials matter because a toy sits against sensitive skin and mucous membranes. The practical question is whether the material named on the product is non-porous, free from irritating additives, and easy to clean thoroughly between uses.
Reading material claims properly
When you shop, look for the actual material named on the product page or packaging, not only the adjective in front of it. Silicone, rigid ABS plastic, glass and some metals are generally non-porous and therefore easier to clean.
A useful check is to look for a material breakdown in the specifications, a care section that tells you what the toy can be cleaned with, and whether the product carries CE or UKCA marking where applicable. The marking indicates the product meets the relevant conformity requirements for its category, where applicable (Placing UKCA or CE marked products on the market in Great Britain).
Porous versus non-porous: what it means in practice
| Material type | Examples | Cleaning implications |
|---|---|---|
| Non-porous | Silicone, ABS plastic, glass, stainless steel | Can generally be washed thoroughly; surface does not retain moisture |
| Porous | Jelly, soft gel, TPE/TPR blends, some realistic-skin materials | Harder to clean fully; may need a condom over the toy if shared |
| Mixed | Silicone-coated toys with plastic bases | Clean the coated surface; check the base separately |
If a toy is porous and you plan to share it, use a fresh condom over it each time. Non-porous toys are the simpler choice for a first purchase because cleaning is more forgiving.
Finishes, seams and irritants
Two toys in the same material can differ in how they feel against skin. Check for moulded seams, rough edges or a sticky surface finish, these can cause friction discomfort even on a body-safe material. Fragrance, colourants and flavourings are common sources of irritation, so a plain, unscented finish is often the safer first choice for sensitive skin.
Pro Tip
Do a patch test before first use: rub a small amount of the toy’s surface (or the lubricant you plan to use with it) against the inside of your wrist or elbow crease, wait a few hours, and check for redness or itching.
Do a patch test before first use: rub a small amount of the toy’s surface (or the lubricant you plan to use with it) against the inside of your wrist or elbow crease, wait a few hours, and check for redness or itching.
When to stop and seek advice
If you notice irritation, burning, numbness or a rash after using any product, stop using it and speak to a pharmacist or GP. Take the product or its packaging with you if you can, so the ingredients and materials can be checked.
How to Use Adult Toys for the First Time
Preparation makes a first experience more comfortable. Charge the toy fully before use, read the instructions, and set aside time when you will not be interrupted. Start on the lowest setting and increase gradually.
Lubrication can add comfort. You can browse a water-based lubricant designed for sensitive skin before your first use.
Watch out: the Mini Bullet Vibrator is not for use as an anal insertable, as its instructions specifically advise against it.
Using Adult Toys Together as a Couple
Using a toy with a partner works best when you talk first. Agree on what you both want, what is off limits, and how you will signal if something feels too much.
Communication also means checking in during use rather than assuming. Small, honest check-ins keep the experience enjoyable for both people and build confidence over time. Lubricant and a relaxed approach can make the experience more comfortable than rushing towards a particular outcome.
Cleaning and Storing Your Adult Toys
Cleaning after every use keeps toys hygienic and extends their working life. You can find a toy cleaner spray for adult toy surfaces to make this routine simple. The method depends on the material and on whether the toy has a motor, so it is worth matching your routine to the product rather than applying one rule to everything.
Cleaning by material and toy type
| Toy type | Routine clean | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Non-porous silicone, glass, metal | Warm water and a mild, unscented soap, or a dedicated toy cleaner | Rinse fully and dry before storage |
| Motorised vibrators (waterproof) | Toy cleaner or mild soap on the surface, rinse, dry the charging port | Check the manufacturer’s water-resistance rating first |
| Motorised vibrators (not waterproof) | Wipe with a damp cloth or toy cleaner on a cloth | Never submerge; keep the battery compartment and buttons dry |
| Porous materials (jelly, TPE) | Toy cleaner, wipe and dry thoroughly | Harder to clean fully; use a condom if sharing |
| Suction stimulators | Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the nozzle and body separately | Some nozzles detach for cleaning |
The Endless Pleasure Toy Cleaner Spray – 150 ml is designed for adult toy surfaces at £7.99. Spray it onto the surface, then rinse with water, and always follow your toy manufacturer’s cleaning instructions first. Where a toy cannot be rinsed or the instructions are unclear, apply the cleaner to a cloth and wipe rather than spraying directly.
A workable routine
- Switch the toy off and, if it is rechargeable, unplug it before cleaning.
- Clean the surface with the appropriate method for its material.
- Rinse where permitted and dry fully, moisture left in seams or charging ports is a common cause of faults.
- Store only once completely dry.
Watch Out
Never immerse a toy in water unless the manufacturer states it is waterproof. “Water-resistant” and “waterproof” are not the same, and a splash-proof toy can still be damaged by submersion.
Never immerse a toy in water unless the manufacturer states it is waterproof. “Water-resistant” and “waterproof” are not the same, and a splash-proof toy can still be damaged by submersion.
Storing toys safely
Store toys in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep toys separate from other items where possible, as contact between some materials can affect their surfaces. A fabric pouch or the original box is usually enough. Keep toys out of reach of children and pets, and check rechargeable toys periodically for cable damage or a swollen battery, stop using and replace any toy with a damaged casing or charging port.
When cleaning is not enough
If a toy develops a persistent odour, a sticky or cracked surface, or a damaged seam that cannot be cleaned properly, replace it. Surface damage on a porous toy is difficult to clean thoroughly, and continuing to use it is not worth the risk. If you are unsure whether a toy is still safe to use, err on the side of replacing it.
Ordering Your First Toy and Getting Support
Ordering a first toy should feel straightforward. Endless Pleasure offers free UK delivery on orders over £50, fast next-day delivery in the UK, and discreet, secure packaging.
If you have questions before you order, get in touch before you buy. Asking for help is a normal part of choosing a first product, and a short conversation can save you from buying something that does not suit your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a beginner look for in an adult toy?
Start with body-safe materials such as silicone, which is generally non-porous and easier to clean than jelly-style materials. Look for a simple control system with a few clearly labelled modes, a compact size you can hold comfortably, and a rechargeable battery so you are not buying replacements. Check the product listing for the dimensions and what it is made from. A toy you can use gently at low intensity is a better first choice than one with the most features. Product listings such as the Mini Bullet Vibrator Pink (£17.99) show the dimensions, ABS construction and control details you should compare.
Which adult toys are easiest for beginners to use?
Small external vibrators are generally the simplest starting point. A bullet vibrator has a single button and a compact body, so it is easy to hold and control. Clitoral suction stimulators offer a different sensation without needing to be inserted, and they are straightforward to operate with a few front-facing buttons. The Rechargeable Clitoral Suction Stimulator (£21.99) has five suction modes and power, plus and minus buttons on the front. Starting with external toys lets you learn what you enjoy before exploring anything more involved.
How do you use an adult toy for the first time?
Charge the toy fully before first use, following the supplied instructions. Wash it with a toy cleaner or mild soap where the manufacturer allows, and dry it thoroughly. Begin on the lowest setting and the external area, and move slowly through the modes so you can notice what feels comfortable. Use a water-based lubricant to add comfort. If anything causes pain, irritation or discomfort, stop, switch off and check the care guidance before trying again. Take your time and treat the first session as exploration rather than a goal.
Can couples use adult toys together?
Yes. Many couples use toys as part of foreplay, with one partner holding the toy while the other sets the pace. Talk before you start about what each of you is comfortable with, agree on a stop word, and check in during play. Start with external toys and a low setting, and check that any accessory fits the toy you are using. Do not force a toy into an opening, and never use a toy that has been shared without cleaning it first.
How do you clean and store adult toys?
Clean your toy before and after every use. Switch it off, then apply a dedicated toy cleaner such as the Endless Pleasure Toy Cleaner Spray (150 ml, £7.99), following the toy manufacturer’s instructions and checking whether it can be rinsed. Dry it fully before storing. Keep it in a clean, dry pouch or box away from direct heat and sunlight, and keep it separate from other items. Do not immerse a toy unless the manufacturer confirms it is waterproof. Check the product listing before using water.
Ready to begin? Shop the range at Endless Pleasure and choose the first toy that feels right for you.
