Anal Toys Shopping Advice
There are many different kinds of toys for pleasurable ass play. The few hard and fast rules follow: never insert anything in your anus that does not have a flared base or ring to keep it from sliding all the way inside. Don't insert inflexible straight objects into your butt because the rectum has a curved shape, so toys that are hard and straight can be painful if pushed too far inside. We suggest using shorter toys — if you're using a longer butt toy, make sure it's pliable. And don't forget the lube!
Plugs
Butt plugs are charming toys that have a recessed neck and a flare at the base, so that the sphincter muscles will tighten around the neck, and the plug will stay inside the rectum. Some plugs are better at staying inside than others, and some people prefer toys that they can slide in and out easily. Plugs that are more diamond-shaped (Pop Plugs, Ryder Plug), are better for staying in, while those with ripples/beads and other textures can be fun to slide slowly in and out during play (Protouch, Ripple).
Dildos
For that unmatched in-and-out sensation, you can use dildos by hand, or strap them into a harness for thrusting thrills. The Silk dildos and Vibrating Mistress are good beginner anal dildos and the Bend Over Beginner Kit is a great all-in-one butt package.
Anal Beads
The repeated opening and closing of the anal sphincters from inserting and removing anal beads is a sensation that, in and of itself, can put many people over the orgasmic edge. Beads are designed along a stem of plastic or silicone (we don't carry the knotted-string version, for hygiene and cleaning reasons). We recommend Babeland Anal Beads, Flexi Felix, and Ripple (the latter two are silicone, and can be boiled for disinfection).
Anal Vibes
The outer portion of the anus — the "pucker," if you will — is highly sensitive and rich in nerve endings. Vibration is an exquisite addition to the feeling of fullness and internal pressure created by a plug. Some of our favorites vibrating plugs include the Pandora Plug and the silicone Protouch.
P-spot Toys
The prostate gland is a sensitive spot in men that is about two inches inside the rectum, pointing towards the belly. To learn more about the physiology of the prostate, read our male anatomy article. The P-spot is found similarly to how the G-spot is found in women, though the P-spot is found anally instead of vaginally. (In fact, 
Size: How do I know what size toy is right for my butt?
The finger test is the best way to figure this out. Do you know off-hand how many fingers feel good in your butt? You can do this alone or with a partner: when you're feeling relaxed and turned on, lube up a finger and slide it inside. If you want to, slowly add another. When you feel satisfied, take a look at the circumference of the fingers you used — this shows the diameter of the anal toys that will feel good for you. Anal toy size may be the only area where we preach conservatism — it's better to start smaller and work your way up.
Materials
The materials used in anal toys are similar to those used in vibrators and dildos. Be sure that any toy you insert anally not only has a base or ring to ensure easy removal, but also a smooth surface.
SiliconeSilicone is a pliable, long-lasting, and easy-to-clean material. Silicone butt toys are among our most popular and include the Little Flirt and the Ripple. Silicone also carries vibration remarkably well: try a Protouchwith removable battery vibe.
- Silicone is non-porous.
- These toys can be disinfected by boiling them for 5-10 minutes; clean them first by running them through your dishwasher or washing with antibacterial soap and water. Be sure to remove any vibrating components first.
- Silicone toys are long-lasting.
- This material carries vibration extremely well.
- Do not use silicone toys with silicone lubes unless the toy is sheathed with a condom (silicone lubes will melt the toy).
Metal, Lucite & Glass
These firm, smooth materials feel sleek and great as anal toys. The Pfun Plug is a great example, and stays in particularly well.
- These are all non-porous materials.
- Most metal, Lucite and glass can be boiled for disinfection, or use anti-bacterial soap and water to clean.
- If sharing, disinfect between uses, or use condoms.
Lubes
Any water-based lube is fine for anal play. But lots of people prefer thicker lubes that provide more cushion and stay wet longer. Maximus is a favorite for anal use, as is Sliquid Sassy Booty Lube.
Safe and Clean
Sheath your anal toys in a condom if you are going to share them, or make sure you boil them (if they are silicone or metal) in between uses. It's possible to transmit bacteria and infections through shared anal toys. When putting a condom on a butt plug, we recommend tying it in a knot at the base of the plug to prevent the condom from slipping off in your butt. Shit happens, as they say. But for those of you who wither at the thought of a small bit of fecal matter making an unwelcome appearance, check out the easy-to-use Deluxe Anal Douche. Latex gloves and condoms are of course essential for clean safer sex, and dental dams prevent oral-anal bacterial or viral transmission during rimming.
