Did you know that 71 percent of adults over 40 years old in the United States of America own at least one dildo? Sex toys have a long history dating back to Cleopatra and her box full of bees. Shopping for different options for sex toys should be a fun experience for both partners rather than something that feels awkward or taboo, but there are some serious sex toy buying mistakes to avoid.

Using safe sex toys is a big component in improving your sex life and making yourself or your partner feel better than either of you could possibly imagine. The trickiest part is figuring out what you’re doing when you start looking for your first safe sex toys.

The good news is that you’ve discovered the perfect guide to finding the right sex toys for all of your pleasure needs. Keep reading this article for six helpful tips today!

1. Make Sure They’re Body-Safe Sex Toys

Many novices in the sex toy industry look for something inexpensive for their first toy since they don’t want to risk spending more on something that they don’t like. The drawback of this approach is that it opens the door to making some serious sex toy buying mistakes that could have a negative impact on your health.

You will encounter a lot of sex toys that are made from materials that are not safe for human contact. Add in the fact that your sexual organs are more sensitive than most other parts of your body and you can see how this might pose a problem. Always check to see if the sex toys that you’re considering are made from materials that are not harmful to humans.

Just because a sex toy is manufactured in the United States does not mean that it’s made from safe sex toy material. Stainless steel and silicone are the two best materials to go with when you start exploring your sex toy options. Don’t hesitate to check out your favorite options at an adult store near me.

2. Not Cleaning Sex Toys

It’s also imperative that you take the time to clean your sex toys after you finish using them. You need to prioritize proper hygiene if you’re committed to using sex toys in the bedroom. Proper storage is also key if you want your sex toys to stand the test of time.

You’re putting yourself in harm’s way if you use sex toys that haven’t been cleaned. Don’t be surprised if you develop a urinary tract infection as a result of not cleaning sex toys after using them. 

It’s best to think about the sex toy material when you’re looking at cleaning methods that are effective. Most of the time, warm water and unscented soap will be enough to get the job done. A great idea is to consider getting toy cleaner wipes that you can store near your bed so that they’re easily accessible when you need them most.

3. Going for the Popular Sex Toys

Logic says that the most popular sex toys are popular for a reason. That said, they might not be right for you, especially if you don’t know your preferences yet. You need to avoid looking at sex toys as the latest and greatest smartphone that has all of the best features. You’re better off finding something that suits your needs and that makes you happy (in more ways than one!).

It’s a great idea to visit a sex toy shop near you to get advice on the best options for sex toys that you and your partner will enjoy. Some people enjoy clit stimulation while others enjoy sex toys that are geared toward penetration. Getting help from an expert is a great way of avoiding sex toy buying mistakes in the future.

4. Not Reading the Instructions

Each sex toy comes with a set of instructions for a reason. It’s irresponsible to spend your hard-earned money on sex toys only to fail to read the instructions. These instructions will likely give you some pointers on how to use the toy as well as how to clean it.

This is especially true if you’re using a battery-powered sex toy since odds are that you’ll need to charge the battery to full capacity before using it. Failure to do this could result in premature failure (not that kind!) as a result of battery issues. It’s also smart to take a picture of your receipt in case you end up needing to return the sex toy.

5. Not Reading Online Reviews

The internet is a wonderful resource that is full of reviews on places like Google, Reddit, and beyond. You’re letting yourself down if you choose not to take some extra time to read online reviews about your options for sex toys before making a purchase. This is especially true if you have a strong idea of what you like.

You will have a much easier and more enjoyable shopping experience if you have an idea of what you’re looking for ahead of time. Communicate the research that you’ve done to the sex shop expert and they’ll find the perfect toy for you.

6. Not Comparing Sex Toy Prices

You should also take some time to compare the sex toy prices before you make a purchase to ensure that you’re getting a great deal. Shopping around can make it easier for you to find promotions that will allow you to get more bang for your buck. Check out different sex toy stores and start comparing sex toy prices in order to find the right fit.

Avoid These Costly Sex Toy Buying Mistakes Today

You’ll never find a bad time to purchase (or use) a sex toy, but it’s important that you avoid making the sex toy buying mistakes that many novices make. Always take time to read online reviews about safe sex toys, and take steps toward comparing sex toy prices to get a good deal. You should also make sure that the sex toy material is safe to use on the more sensitive areas of your body.

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