The Q Toys Sex Toy Guide

An essential pillar of the Q Toys brand is our commitment to educating our customers. Whether you’re super experienced when it comes to sex toys, or this is your first time considering a toy, one of our top priorities is to ensure that you’re informed so you can make the best decision for your needs.
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We put together this Sex Toy Guide to help you navigate the wonderful world of sex toys and bedroom gear. As always, if you have any questions, you can give us a call or visit us at the shop!

Dildos

Dildos are toys without motors that are used for penetrative play. They can be used vaginally, anally, orally, attached to a harness, and come in all sorts of shapes and sizes! Some are realistic, like the VixSkin line from Vixen Creations, while others are non-representational, like the Fun Factory Bouncer.

Strap-ons are a harness and dildo combo that allows a vagina-having partner to penetrate for a change of pace! Not all pieces are created equal - some are more like leather gear, and some, like the SpareParts Tomboi, are designed to be more like underwear. 

Glass and Metal Toys

Glass and Metal Toys come in a variety of shapes, and cover a lot of different needs, from G-area stimulation to wearable plugs. These firm toys make for a very unique feel and stimulation during play - something not possible to achieve with rubber or silicone toys. Many glass toys (made from borosilicate glass), like Spartacus Blown toys, are shatter-resistant. Metal toys like the nJoy Pure Wand can be chilled or warmed, adding even more versatility to play. ​

Types of Vibrators

“Vibrator” is a catch-all term for sex toys with motors. These make the toys “shake” or “vibrate” at a frequency geared for physical pleasure. Vibrators can be used to stimulate the clitoris, G-area, prostate, or anus. ​

Clitoral vibrators, or external vibrators, are meant to be used externally for clitoral stimulation. They can be in the form of a bullet like from Screaming O or VeDo, a focused-tip vibrator like the Crave Flex, or a wide surface area vibrator like the We-Vibe Wish or the Je Joue Mio Soft.

G-area vibrators, or internal vibrators, are meant to be inserted into the vagina during play. They’re typically shaped to stimulate the “G-Spot” or “G-Area”, which is a bundle of sensitive pleasure nerves usually located behind the clitoral area inside the vagina. Examples include the JeJoue Uma, the Fun Factory Big Boss, and the We-Vibe Rave.

Dual stimulation vibrators stimulate the clitoris and the G-Area at the same time! Shorter “rabbit ears” (or variations) stimulate the clitoris while an insertable portion of the vibrator stimulates the G-area. Dual stimulation vibrators are double the pleasure for some people, but can be a bit too intense for some - every body is different! Popular renditions of this style of vibrator are the We-Vibe Nova, the Je Joue Fifi, and the VeDO Rockie.

Pulsators are “thrusting” toys that utilize electromagnets in their motors, allowing them to thrust in and out during use. Many of these toys, from Fun Factory, like the Stronic G, are heavy enough to be left in during use, freeing up your hands during stimulation. WARNING - Do not use these toys if you have a pacemaker!

Wands are broad-surface area external stimulators that are known to pack a lot of power. The original Magic Wand started as a back massager that was then re-marketed and redesigned for sexual use. Because of the size of the head and their reputable power, wands are great for people who need really strong vibrations across a wide area of the vulva, rather than in a focused tip. The Magic Wand Rechargeable is one of the most recognized wands out there, but others like the Cheeky and the Doxy are coming up in the market, too!

Oscillators are vibrators with a very specific function - their motors use a weight that swings back and forth at hyper-speed, creating a more rhythmic vibration than a typical buzz. This kind of vibration is known to be extra stimulating, so these toys are great for people who need some focused pleasure. The Eroscillator is one of the most reputable oscillating sex toys on the market. Hot Octopuss also produces the Queen Bee, which transfers that oscillating technology into a wider surface area using an “oscillating plate”.

Wearable Vibrators or Couple’s Vibrators are meant to be “worn” hands free during use, and often come with a remote or the ability to connect to a smartphone app. Our most popular options are the Jive, Match, and Sync from We-Vibe.

Types of Butt Toys

Like with vibrators, not all butt toys were designed to do the same thing! The butt has different kinds of pleasure receptors, and depending on your anatomy, different focused areas for extra pleasure. Some toys are meant to stimulate the anus itself, whereas others are meant to stimulate the prostate gland for folks who have one. Many vibrators and dildos can also be used for anal play. ​

Plugs are toys that are meant to be left inserted during play. Many plugs have bases at the end that A) ensure your safety and B) are curved to be flush with your body, providing maximum comfort during use. Additionally, these toys come in all sorts of forms - some vibrate, some are made out of glass, and some are made out of plush soft silicone. Examples of different kind of butt plugs are the Fun Factory Bootie, and the We-Vibe Ditto. Some plugs offer a lot of bling and whimsy, like the Crystal Delights series.

Prostate stimulators are specifically designed to massage the prostate gland for folks who have them. The prostate gland is an area located on the front wall of the rectum that can be accessed through butt play. Massaging this area regularly not only feels great, but can possibly help fight off prostate problems as you get older. Aneros has a whole line of excellent prostate massagers, and nJoy has a metal one called the Pfun Plug.

Dilators are graduated insertable toys that help you work up towards receiving a certain width and length of penetration. Whether you are brand new to penetration and want to “work your way up”, you have had some hormonal changes that make penetration difficult, or you are post-operative, dilators can be a great way to get more comfortable! Most dilators can be used vaginally or anally.

Anal beads are a popular toy with a very specific function. These beads on a string are all inserted into the anus, then slowly pulled out one at a time. Vixen’s Gemstone series are all made of a single piece of poured silicone, making them super easy to clean and safer to use.

Types of Penis Toys

There’s a wide range of gear and toys for people with penises. There are accessories that can make your erection easier to maintain, sleeves to masturbate with, and even vibrating rings to provide extra stimulation to you and your partner. ​

Cock rings, or c-rings, are rings worn around the penis in order to gently constrict the blood vessels. You put on the ring while you are flaccid (some rings are designed to be worn at the base of the shaft, and others are designed to go around the whole package), then once you get an erection, the ring is tight enough to put pressure pressure the blood vessels in the penis. This allows blood to enter the penis, but prevents it from leaving - making an erection easier to maintain. Some cock rings, like the We-Vibe Pivot, vibrate for clitoral stimulation. Cock rings also come in multiple shapes - some, like the English Cage, are more for show than function.

Penis stimulators usually take the form of sleeves that you use to stroke the penis - some have plastic cases like Fleshlight and the Tenga Flip Zero, whereas others may be softer, like the Tenga Flex or the Tenga Egg. Some, like the Satisfyer Men, have vibrators in them, too!

Oscillators are also found in sex toys for penises. Hot Octopuss has the Duo and Solo stimulators, which have an oscillating plate to position underneath the head of the penis. One of the main reasons oscillators are excellent for penis stimulation is that their specific kind of stimulation allows someone to orgasm and ejaculate without an erection - making it an awesome accessibility option for anyone who needs some extra help in that department. ​

BDSM Toys and Gear

Paddles are for spanking! Some offer a lot of “sting”, and other a lot of “thud”. The fun part is finding out which sensations you prefer and finding the right toy to accommodate. Some paddles, like the Tantus Plunge, have insertable handles.

Floggers Like paddles, floggers can offer different sensations depending on the materials, the size and shape of the falls (the long, whip part of the flogger), and any number of factors. For instance, a heavy, elk hide flogger is going to give you a ton of “thud”, whereas a rubber flogger, or even a braided leather one is going to sting like hell!

Whips are exactly as the name implies - they’re for whipping! These toys are dangerous in the hands of inexperienced users, so make sure you have someone with experience to play with before you invest in one of these. Additionally, we recommend that you work your way up to this level of play - starting with floggers, then paddles, and so on and so forth.

Restraints are to tie up your partner(s) during play. There are multiple kinds of restraints: cuffs for your ankles and wrists, collars for your neck, rope, restraint kits, and more!

Nipple clamps are a popular accessory for those who mix pain with pleasure. These clamps grip onto your nipples tight, pinching for the ultimate intersection of pain and pleasure. Some clamps are more beginner friendly with broader tips and adjustable pressure, whereas more advanced users might invest in toothed clamps with extremely tight springs.

Gags are wrapped around the head and placed in the mouth to prevent you from talking. Some have balls, others are a simple strap, and others yet are meant for biting down on (like bones or bits).

Crops are like riding crops - they feature a handle, a long neck, and a small pad at the end. They’re most commonly used to spank for a bit of sting, as well as a way to physically guide and prompt a submissive partner.

​When engaging in BDSM play (or any play), it is of the utmost importance that everyone stay safe and play within their limits. We recommend using a “safe word” (or safe signal if one party is unable to verbally communicate), discussing limits before play even starts, and having any safety equipment in reach at all times (for instance, curb scissors for rope play). As with anything, ongoing, and enthusiastic CONSENT is mandatory. 
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Pegging Stuff

Pegging is the act of a vagina-having a partner penetrating a penis-having partner with a strap-on and a dildo (or vibrator, in some cases).

Strap-ons are a harness and dildo combo that allows a vagina-having partner to penetrate for a change of pace! Not all pieces are created equal - some are more like leather gear, and some, like the SpareParts Tomboi, are designed to be more like underwear. ​

Sexual Wellness Products

Dilators are graduated, insertable toys that can help you work up towards receiving a certain width and length of penetration. If you’re new to penetration, are experiencing difficulty in penetration due to hormonal shifts, or have had surgery, dilators can help you “practice” at your own pace to receive a penis or a bigger toy! Most can be used vaginally or anally.

Kegel weights (AKA Ben Wa balls)are weighted balls that are held inside the vagina in order to develop your pelvic floor  muscles. As you work out (Kegel exercises) and the pelvic floor muscles get stronger, you can move upwards in weight. Some companies, like Je Joue, offer graduated weight sets. Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles can help to tone muscles after childbirth or through the natural aging process, and possibly help to prevent things like prolapse or urinary incontinence. Kegel exercises can also make it easier for some people to achieve orgasm.

Menstrual cups are a body-safe, eco-friendly solution to menstruation. These reusable cups hug your body while staying in place to collect fluid. The blood is removed from the cup, then washed, and re-inserted.

Lubricant is a viscous, slippery substance that helps reduce friction during play. Check out this article for more information on lube.