Another hot tip? Watch out for the materials that your toy is made from. To avoid infections, Eleanor advises steering clear of toys made from plastic, jelly, rubber, PVC, vinyl or anything with phthalates and instead opting silicone, borosilicate glass or stainless steel only.
So, you’ve bought your toy of choice, you’ve locked your bedroom door, you’ve set the mood and are ready to go. Now what?
Eleanor warns against rushing straight in when it comes to playing with your new toy. When it comes to pleasuring yourself taking it slow can be a godsend.
“The key to experiencing deep pleasure is to take your time,” she advises.
“While it may be tempting to go straight for the goods and place a sex toy on or in your body straight away, it’s always going to feel better after you’ve warmed yourself up.”
But most of all, have fun exploring your body and figuring out what turns you on. After all, there’s a reason “learning by doing” is a mantra many people swear by.
“It’s hard to know if you like things you haven’t tried though, so if there’s a toy that intrigues you, it’s always worth giving something new a try,” Eleanor adds.
“You might be pleasantly - and pleasurably – surprised.”
You don’t have to tell us twice! Scroll on for WHO’s picks of the best vibrators for beginners.
Womanizer Premium Eco, $299.95 from Lovehoney
Since its release the Womanizer has racked up hundreds of thousands of fans – including the one and only Lily Allen – thanks to its innovative use of Pleasure Air Technology to mimic the feeling of oral sex.
As well as 12 insensitivity levels and the Smart Silence function which turns itself off when in contact with the skin, this eco-friendly version is 100% recyclable and features an exchangeable battery that’s vegan so you can do your bit for the environment.
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Double Entendre, $90 from Frenchie
Eleanor’s pick is the versatile and inclusive Double Entendre. “It offers a multitude of options for people of all genders, with all types of pleasure preferences,” she explains. Among the options is using the toy externally, internally or both at the same time for double the pleasure. Sign. Us. Up.
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Fifty Shades Greedy Girl Mini Vibrator, $89.99 from Wild Secrets
Just over a decade ago, the Fifty Shades of Grey books and films were released, ushering in a new era where bondage and S&M became mainstream. Products playing into this interest were released bearing the juggernaut franchise’s name and flew off the shelves. The beginner-friendly Greedy Girl mini-rabbit is the perfect entry into this racy world.
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Tenga Iroha Yuki white massager, $149.99 from Jou Jou
A vibrator shaped like a snowman may not sound sexy but trust us, the strategic two-ball shaped device is designed for maximum pleasure. Fitting easily within your palm and made from soft-to-touch silicone, the vibrator’s larger body stimulates the vulva while the smaller ball provides targeted stimulation.
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Vush Look At Me Gift set, $98 from The Iconic
Sometimes there’s no greater gift than the gift you give yourself. Just call it self-care! And this gift pack is too cute to walk past (if you’re feeling extra generous, you can even gift one to your friends or lovers). Included in the aesthetically pleasing pack is the small and discreet Shine vibrator that is designed for G-spot pleasure as well as a compact mirror and silk-touch, water-based lube.
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LELO Pretty in Pink bundle, $189 from The Iconic
Try two completely different sensations when you buy the Pretty in Pink bundle. As well as both toys (Lelo’s Mia 2 and Sona) being chic AF, they use different technology to get you off. Sona uses sonic wave technology to recreate the sensation of oral sex while the super discreet Mia 2 is designed to look like a lipstick and has six vibration speeds that your clitoris will love.
The bundle itself is a cost-savvy way to get more bang for your buck (in more ways than one), with the Mia 2 retailing at $119 on its own and Sona normally costing $99. Not great at maths? That’s a saving of $29 by buying them in a bundle.
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Satisfyer Pro, $54.99 from Wild Secrets
Now available in black, the incredibly popular Satisfyer Pro 2 is designed to feel like oral sex and has sold more than five million devices worldwide. An absolute dream for those who are after the ultimate in clitoral stimulation. Currently on sale for $54.99 - a whopping $45 off its usual price!
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Love Not War bullet, $129.95 from Lovehoney
If you want pocket-sized pleasure, a bullet vibrator will be right up your alley. Try the rechargeable and eco-friendly Love Not War bullet, which measures 5.5 inches and has four speeds and seven vibration patterns.
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Je Joue Mimi Soft, $164.95 from The Iconic
For those who are after something that’s not intimidating but still powerful enough to help you hit the big O, Je Joue’s Mimi is the answer you’re searching for. It’s quiet, waterproof, simple to use and has five speeds and seven pulse patterns for customising the way it touches your body.
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We-Vibe Chorus, $269.99 from Wild Secrets
Wanting to incorporate sex toys into your partner play for the first time? The We-Vibe Chorus is an incredibly popular addition for couples wanting to up the ante between the sheets. One end sits inside you (with room for another person’s member or finger to enter) while the other massages the clitoris. The device and its 10 vibration modes can be controlled via remote or via an app for ultimate interactive experience.
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Want more sexual wellness content? Check out the links below!
Pleasure guaranteed! The cult sex toys Aussie women can’t get enough of
There’s an app for that! The best long-distance sex toys
The important lesson fans can learn from Sex Education Season Three
An expert’s guide to buying your first sex toy
Turn up the heat between the sheets with these sex toys designed for couples
Want better sex? This modern masterclass is for you
Consider it self-care! The best clitoral stimulation vibrators for solo play
