Let me save you from the mistake almost everyone makes the first time. They walk into a shop or land on a website, get slightly overwhelmed, grab something cheap, and end up disappointed. Not because sex toys aren’t great, they absolutely are, but because buying blind rarely works out.
This guide is for people starting from zero. No jargon, no assumptions, just a practical walkthrough of what to consider before spending a single euro.
First Things First: Know What You’re Looking For
Before anything else, think about what kind of stimulation you’re interested in. External, internal, or both? Solo use, partnered, or both? These aren’t trick questions and there are no wrong answers, but having even a vague sense of direction saves you from buying something totally mismatched to what you actually want.
Most beginners do well starting with something external, a bullet vibrator or a small clitoral toy. They’re straightforward, require no real learning curve, and give you a good foundation for understanding what you enjoy before branching out.
Body-Safe Materials Are Non-Negotiable
This is the one area I’d never compromise on, especially early on when you don’t yet have a trusted brand or retailer. Some cheaper toys are made from porous materials like jelly rubber or unnamed “TPR blends” that can trap bacteria even after washing. Some off-brand products have been found to contain chemical additives you don’t want anywhere near sensitive skin.
Stick to silicone, glass, stainless steel, or hard ABS plastic. These are non-porous, easy to clean, and safe for regular use. If a product description is vague about materials, that’s a red flag. A decent retailer will always tell you exactly what a toy is made from.
When I first started buying, I found that shopping through a reputable sex toys site like Loveangels made this easier. Everything is listed clearly, so you’re not left guessing.
Budget: What You Actually Need to Spend
You don’t need to spend a fortune getting started, but buying the absolute cheapest option rarely pays off either.
Under €30: Workable for a first bullet vibrator. Expect fewer settings and a shorter lifespan, but perfectly fine for getting started and figuring out preferences.
€30 to €70: The sweet spot for most beginners. At this range you get decent motor quality, better build, and usually USB charging rather than batteries. A solid first vibrator or small dildo sits comfortably here.
€70 and above: Premium territory. Worth it if you’ve done some research and know what you want. A high-end rabbit vibrator or couples toy in this bracket will likely last years with proper care.
Start in the middle range if you can. It’s enough to give you a genuinely good experience without overcommitting before you know what you like.
The Starter Toolkit
If someone asked me to put together a beginner collection from scratch, here’s what I’d suggest:
One vibrator: External to start. A bullet or suction toy gives you immediate feedback on what settings and sensations you prefer. Once you know that, everything else becomes easier to choose.
A water-based lubricant: Genuinely the most overlooked purchase for beginners. Lube makes every toy more comfortable and more enjoyable. Water-based works with all toy materials and is easy to clean up. Don’t skip it.
A toy cleaner or mild soap: Cleaning after every single use is non-negotiable. A dedicated toy cleaner is convenient but basic soap and warm water works just as well for silicone and ABS plastic.
Those three things together cost well under €60 and give you everything you need to actually get started properly.
A Few Things Nobody Tells You
Cheap often means loud. Budget motors tend to be noisy. If discretion matters, it’s worth spending a little more on a toy with a quieter motor. Most product listings mention noise levels now.
More settings isn’t always better. Some beginners get overwhelmed by toys with 20 vibration patterns. A toy with 5 well-designed settings often beats one with 30 mediocre ones. Read reviews that mention settings specifically.
Storage matters from day one. Silicone toys stored touching each other can degrade over time. A small pouch or box per toy is worth sorting from the beginning. Most toys come with a storage bag, use it.
Your taste will change. Whatever you buy first probably won’t be your favourite thing six months in. That’s completely normal. Start simple, use it properly, then add something new once you have a clearer sense of what you’re chasing.
Where to Start Shopping
For anyone based in Ireland, finding a retailer with a proper range at every price point makes the whole process less stressful. You want somewhere that’s clear about materials, has honest product descriptions, and carries enough variety that you’re not stuck with two or three options per category.
Take your time, read a few reviews, and resist the urge to buy three things at once. One good purchase beats a drawer full of things you grabbed in a hurry and never reached for again.
