by Javay da BAE aka the Millennial Sexpert
Do you love a good holiday? We sure do, and sex toy day is definitely one of our favorites (obviously, we are all about pleasure here at As You Like It). If you are new to celebrating this amazing holiday or just new to sex toys in general, we are here to help. Here is a little crash course on sex toys. We‘re going to give you a quick introduction to some of the most popular toy categories: air pleasure/suction toys, butt plugs, dildos and insertables, strokers, and of course, vibrators. So take a seat; class is in session.
Air Pleasure/Suction
Air pleasure toys, also referred to as suction toys, are ones that use air to create pleasurable sensations on and around the clitoris. Air pleasure toys can be an excellent option for people who get overstimulated or find vibration to be too much. My personal favorite air pleasure toy is the Womanizer Premium 2, which is the company that invented the air pleasure technology. Over the years, many companies have created their versions of air pleasure toys, making it so that there is a wide variety of shapes and sizes to choose from, which is excellent for all the variety in terms of clitorises – you’ll be sure to find one that is just right for your body.
Butt Plugs
Butt plugs are toys designed for anal pleasure. You can choose from vibrating or non-vibrating options, silicone, glass, or metal, and various sizes. There is one main thing to know when it comes to butt plugs, and that is that if it does not have a flared base, it does not go up the butt. Flared bases keep toys from getting lost or going too far into the body. If you’re starting out with butt plugs, silicone is a great material to start with because it is softer and more flexible than glass or metal. Butt plugs can be a solo experience or enhance partnered activity. Butt plugs have a typical shape and design to them, and there are ones that are specifically designed for people that have prostates.
Dildos & Insertables
Dildos and insertables are toys specifically designed to be inserted into the vagina or the anus. As with most other toys, they come in a variety of materials, such as silicone, glass, and stainless steel. The different materials make it so that you can experience many different sensations with just one toy. A popular option is the stainless steel nJoy Pure Wand, which is also staff member Jeanne’s favorite toy. Stainless steel is great because it can be used for temperature play and has designs that allow for more pinpointed stimulation – this is why the nJoy wand is regularly recommended for people who want to squirt. Dildos are great if you enjoy penetration, and you can explore so many options and environments with them. Ones with suction cup bases can be used in the shower; they are also designed to fit into harnesses for strap-on play, and there are even mystical/magical-themed ones like the ones created by Squidly.
Strokers
Strokers, also known as masturbation sleeves, are toys designed to stimulate the penis and the enlarged clitoris. Different styles of strokers include full-encompassing ones that fully envelope the penis, egg strokers that are designed for travel or on-the-go use, strokers that vibrate, strokers that are designed for an enlarged clitoris, and strokers that have textures for added sensations. Strokers are great options to add more sensation during oral sex, change up masturbation, or spice up partnered sex.
Vibrators
Vibrators are what people most often think of when they hear sex toys. They come in a wide variety, from hand-held small-size toys to dual stimulators to couples toys and wands. When it comes to vibrators, you have options. Besides the different shapes and sizes of vibrators, you also have different types of vibration. You can choose from buzzy or rumbly vibration sensations. Buzzy is a more surface-level sensation, whereas rumbly is a deeper, penetrating vibration that can be felt throughout the body. If you are just getting started with vibrators, bullets are a good choice because they are small and can be used all over the body. G-spot toys are designed for penetration, and dual-stimulation toys provide the best of both worlds. Wands are a great option if you enjoy power and exploring the whole body. If you want something more exciting, you could explore toys with c-shaped vibes or wearable panty vibes.
When it comes to sex toys, there are thousands of options to learn about and try. If you ever want to learn more about all the different kinds of toys, we are always here to help. We’re your tour guides of pleasure through the expansive world of sex toys. We hope that you get to celebrate this Sex Toy Day by treating yourself to a new toy or just having some quiet time to enjoy a toy by yourself or with a partner.
About the Author
Javay da BAE (aka The Millennial Sexpert) is a sex educator, content creator, pleasure professional, spicy accountant, and academic. She is currently working on her PhD in Human Sexuality and PhD in communication & media studies and has a Masters in Sex Education from Widener University. Javay began working in the pleasure industry in 2018 and instantly fell in love with all things sex, pleasure, and sex education. Her academic areas of study are sex work, kink/BDSM, and the media’s impact on sexuality.