Beginner's Guide to Sex Toys in Canada

New to sex toys? Start with one simple toy made from a non-porous material such as 100% silicone, add a water-based lube, and wash the toy before and after every use. That covers most of what a beginner needs. This guide walks through toy types, materials, lube, cleaning, storage and partner play in plain English. It's general product information for adults, not medical advice. If you have a health concern, talk to your doctor.

Quick-start checklist

  • One beginner-friendly toy (a small external vibrator, a bullet, or a smaller dildo)
  • A material you can name on the listing (for example, "100% silicone", "glass", "ABS plastic")
  • A water-based lube
  • Mild, unscented soap or a toy cleaner
  • A clean pouch or box for storage

Shop while you read: vibrators · dildos · lubricants · toy cleaner

Why people use sex toys

People use sex toys to learn what they enjoy, to add something new to partnered sex, or simply for fun. Some people use them every week, some never do, and both are normal. There's no right or wrong answer about what you like.

What makes a toy beginner-friendly?

A good first toy is usually:

  • Simple to control: a few buttons, easy to use with one hand
  • Easy to clean: smooth surfaces, few seams or crevices
  • Made from a non-porous material: easier to keep clean
  • Modest in size: comfort first; you can always size up later
  • Clearly labelled: material, charging, water resistance and care instructions on the listing
  • Quiet enough for your space: helpful if you share walls

You don't need the most expensive option. You need one you'll actually use.

Types of sex toys for beginners

External vibrators and bullets

Small vibrators that you use on the outside of the body. They're the most common first toy because they're easy to learn and use with or without a partner. See how to choose a vibrator and vibrator patterns explained, or browse vibrators.

Dildos

No motor, so they're quiet, have fewer parts and are simple to clean. A smaller size and a gentle curve are good starting points. Read how to choose a dildo or browse dildos.

Anal toys

Anything used anally must have a flared or wide base so it can't slip all the way in. Start small and use plenty of lube. Read the first-time anal dildo guide before buying, then browse first-time anal dildos or all anal products.

Couples toys

Toys designed for partnered play, including wearable and remote-controlled vibrators. See how remote control vibrators work or browse couples vibrators.

Toy materials: start here

The material matters more than the brand or the price. For a full comparison, see the body-safe sex toy materials guide.

Non-porous materials (easier to clean)

  • 100% silicone (not "silicone blend")
  • Glass (for example, borosilicate)
  • Stainless steel and aluminum
  • Hard plastic such as ABS

Non-porous surfaces don't absorb fluids the way porous materials can, so they're easier to clean thoroughly.

Porous materials (harder to clean)

  • Jelly rubber, PVC, vinyl, TPE, TPR and other soft "rubbery" plastics

These can hold onto germs even after washing. If you use one, put a condom over it and replace the toy when it shows wear. Browse condoms.

What to check on any listing

  • A named material, not just "soft" or "jelly"
  • Water resistance (waterproof or splash-proof). For shower or bath use, see the waterproof vibrators guide
  • USB charging or batteries
  • A flared base on anything for anal use
  • Care instructions and the return policy

A note on phthalates in Canada

Phthalates are chemicals used to soften some plastics. Health Canada's general consumer advice is to read labels, choose products marked phthalate-free or PVC-free where you can, and contact the manufacturer if you're unsure. Choosing a non-porous material is the simplest way to avoid the question altogether.

Choosing your first vibrator

Most beginners do well with a small external vibrator or a bullet.

Look for:

  • Several intensity levels, not one strong setting
  • A shape that fits comfortably in your hand
  • Smooth, seamless surfaces
  • Rechargeable, if you'd rather not buy batteries

Nice extras: water resistance for the shower, a travel lock, or remote/app control for partner play.

Browse vibrators.

Choosing your first dildo

Beginner tips:

  • Start smaller than you think you need
  • Choose 100% silicone or glass for easy cleaning
  • A gentle curve can help with internal exploration
  • A suction cup or flared base adds options, and a flared base is required for anal use

Browse dildos and read how to choose a dildo.

Lube: which type goes with which toy?

Lube reduces friction and makes most toys more comfortable. Keep a bottle with your toy so you actually use it.

Lube type Works with Watch out for
Water-based Every toy material, including silicone; latex and polyurethane condoms May need reapplying; cleans up with water
Silicone-based Glass, steel, hard plastic; good in water Can damage silicone toys. Avoid with silicone toys unless the maker says it's fine
Oil-based Some external use Breaks down latex condoms; can damage some toy materials
Hybrid (water + silicone) Varies Check compatibility with your toy before use

Simple rule: if you're not sure, use a water-based lube with a silicone toy.

Water-based options on the hub include Swiss Navy Water Based Lube (4 oz) and Pjur Aqua water-based lubricant. See all lubricants, or go deeper with the lube compatibility guide and guide to water-based lubes.

How to clean and store your toys

Everyday cleaning

  1. Clean before and after every use. Wash with warm water and mild, unscented soap, or a toy cleaner.
  2. Rinse well. Leftover soap can irritate sensitive skin.
  3. Protect the electronics. If a toy isn't fully waterproof, wipe it with a damp, soapy cloth and keep water away from the charging port.
  4. Dry completely before storing.
  5. Follow the care card. The manufacturer's instructions come first, especially for deep-cleaning methods.

Sharing and switching

  • Wash a toy, or put on a fresh condom, before it's used on a different person.
  • Never move a toy from the anus to the vagina without washing it or changing the condom first.

Storage

  • Store each toy in its own clean pouch or box, away from dust.
  • Keep silicone toys from touching each other or other soft toys.
  • Remove batteries from toys you rarely use.
  • Replace any toy that becomes sticky, cracked, peeling or discoloured.

More detail: how to clean and store adult toys. Browse toy cleaner.

Comfort and safety basics

  • Go slowly and use plenty of lube, especially for anal play.
  • Pressure or a feeling of fullness can be part of the learning curve. Pain is a signal to stop.
  • Stop using a toy that causes burning, a rash or irritation that doesn't settle.
  • Don't use a toy that's damaged or still smells strongly of chemicals after washing.

When to talk to a doctor

Talk to your doctor or a sexual health clinic if:

  • you have pain, bleeding or irritation that doesn't go away
  • you're pregnant, recovering from surgery, or have a medical condition and aren't sure a toy is right for you
  • you have any other concern about your sexual health

This guide can't diagnose anything or replace medical advice.

Using toys with a partner

Toys work best alongside good communication.

  • Ask before using a toy on someone.
  • Talk about what you each want to try, and what's off the table.
  • Start with something you both feel comfortable with, such as an external vibrator.
  • Agree on a safeword before any restraint play, and never leave a restrained person alone.

Read how to use a vibrator with a partner. Curious about light restraint? Start with bondage tips for beginners, read the bed restraints guide and browse bondage.

A simple first-month plan

  • Week 1: One toy plus water-based lube. Learn the controls and the cleaning routine.
  • Week 2: Try different settings, pressures and positions. Notice what you like.
  • Week 3: Optional: try a waterproof toy for the shower, or a couples toy with a partner.
  • Week 4: Think about size, noise and charging. Use what you learned to choose your next toy.

FAQ

What's the best first sex toy for a beginner?
A small external vibrator or a bullet is a common first choice because it's easy to learn and use. A smaller silicone dildo is a good option if you'd rather have something simple with no motor.

What material should my first toy be made of?
Choose a non-porous material: 100% silicone, glass, stainless steel or hard ABS plastic. These are easier to clean than soft, porous plastics like jelly rubber or PVC.

What lube should I use with a silicone toy?
Water-based lube. Silicone-based lube can damage silicone toys, so avoid it unless the toy's maker says it's fine.

How do I clean a sex toy?
Wash it with warm water and mild, unscented soap (or a toy cleaner) before and after every use, rinse well and let it dry completely. Keep water away from the charging port on toys that aren't fully waterproof.

How should I store my toys?
Clean and dry them first, then store each one in its own pouch or box, away from dust. Keep silicone toys from touching each other.

Can I share a toy with a partner?
Yes. Wash it or put on a fresh condom before it's used on a different person. This matters most for porous toys, which are hard to clean fully.

Is it safe to use a toy for anal play?
Only use a toy with a flared or wide base, made for anal use. Start small, use plenty of lube and go slowly. Stop if it hurts.

When should I talk to a doctor?
If you have pain, bleeding or irritation that doesn't go away, or you're unsure whether a toy is right for you because of pregnancy, surgery or a medical condition. This guide is general information, not medical advice.

Keep learning

Sources

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