09.28.2007  BY EM & LO
Dear Em & Lo,

I've never had, bought or owned a vibrator, or any other kind of sex toy for that matter. I'm just out of college, recently single, and think that it's about time. But I have no idea where to start (I've never been what you'd call an avid masturbator). Any suggestions?

Sincerely,
Luddite Lucy


Dear L.L.,

Keep walking toward the light! Welcome to the club! Come on in, the water's fine! We can't tell you how happy we are for you and proud of you that you've finally decided to take your sexuality into your own hands. It's an important step in every gal's life, one that will help you connect with your body, get to know your own sexual response, and be better equipped to communicate your sexual needs to any future partners. Plus, it's just a spankin' good time.

But procuring a sex toy, especially your first, can be a daunting task: visit any online retailer and the models are seemingly endless. And because the sex toy industry is unregulated, there's a lot of crap out there. But there are several manufacturers and retailers who we feel push products that respect women's bodies, minds and consumer savvy. Anything made by Fun Factory, Vibratex, Lelo, Tantus or Vixen Creations get two dildos up from us: they're all small, responsible companies that really focus on quality over quantity. Their products may be a little pricier than the knock-offs by their competitors, but it's well worth your satisfaction and safety to invest a little more. As far as where to get them, our favorite online retailers include GoodVibrations.com, Babeland.com and A-Womans-Touch.com.

As to what kind of toy you should get, it really depends on what kind of stimulation you enjoy: focused clitoral stimulation that won't wake your roommate (the Lily by Lelo or Vibratex's waterproof Water Dancer); incredibly intense clitoral stimulation (the Hitachi Magic Wand); vulval vibration (the Laya Spot); vaginal penetration (the Dinky Digger by Fun Factory); G-spot stroking (The G-Swirl by Fun Factory & GoodVibes); or a combination of some or all of the above (the Rock Chick). If you're not quite sure what you'd prefer, then investing in a model that provides several different sensations is probably a good place to start, like the phthalate-free (i.e. non-toxic) Elastomer Rabbit by Vibratex: you can vary its levels of vibrations and the speed of its rotation, as well as decide whether you'd like to insert it or just press it against any external happy place.

Any of the above are good places to start. For a crash course on the world of sex toys, which includes more info about all of the above models as well as issues of safety, care, cleaning and storage, then--shameless self-promotion alert!--check out our book, Sex Toy: An A-Z Guide to Bedside Accessories.

Plug in!
Em & Lo


1 Comments

Austin Moon said:

come on girls - why start out with any thing less than the best - go to www.elemetalpleasures.com and get a vibe that will last a lifetime
I strong advise the aluminum because of price and the 3 head kit as they give you time to work up to the strongest motor.

thanks for letting me comment - I am a firm believer in the fact that vibes keep a wife/girl friend at their happiest.

A.T.

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Em & Lo, more formally known as Emma Taylor and Lorelei Sharkey, are the self-proclaimed Emily Posts of the modern bedroom.

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