Dildos

Silicone is the most popular and versatile - body-safe, soft, easy to clean, and warms to body temperature. Glass and stainless steel are also excellent choices, particularly if you enjoy temperature play. Avoid anything labelled jelly or made from porous materials, which are not body-safe.

Warm water and mild soap before and after every use. Silicone is non-porous, so cleaning is straightforward. For a deeper clean, you can boil 100 percent silicone (not motorised) for 5-10 minutes, or run it through the top rack of the dishwasher without detergent.

Most beginners do well with something around 5-6 inches in length and 1.25 inches in width. Smooth and silicone is the easiest combination to start with. You can always work up if you want more, but going too big at the start often means a toy that does not get used.

Only those with a flared base wider than the shaft will fit standard strap-on harnesses (with a 1.5 inch O-ring opening). Each product page lists harness compatibility. Suction-cup dildos work with most harnesses too.

Water-based lube is the safest default - works with all materials. Silicone-based lube is silkier and lasts longer but cannot be used with silicone toys (it degrades them). For glass or steel dildos, any lube works.