Free UK delivery over £40Sent in a plain boxYour statement says FTL GOODS

Help

5 min read · Strokers · Updated

Your first sex toy: what men should buy first (and what to skip)

Most men put off buying a first toy because they do not know what to get and do not want to look it up for long. Here is the short, honest version.

The short answer

For most men the best first toy is a simple manual stroker plus a bottle of water-based lube, around £20 to £40 in total. If you have a partner, a stretchy silicone cock ring is an even cheaper place to start.

Start with what you want from it

  • Better solo time: a manual stroker with a soft sleeve.
  • Firmer erections and lasting a bit longer, alone or with a partner: a stretchy silicone cock ring.
  • Curious about prostate play: a slim beginner massager with a flared base.
  • Not sure yet: start with a good water-based lube. It is the cheapest upgrade there is.

What to spend

You do not need to spend much. A good manual stroker or silicone ring costs £15 to £40. App-controlled gadgets are brilliant once you know what you like, but they are a lot to pay for a guess.

What to look for

  • Body-safe materials: silicone, TPE (for soft sleeves) or ABS plastic.
  • No strong chemical smell. Cheap jelly toys are the ones to avoid.
  • Easy to clean. An open-ended sleeve rinses and dries far more easily.
  • Rechargeable rather than battery-powered, if it has a motor.
  • A flared base on anything used for anal play. No exceptions.

What to skip for now

  • Solid metal or rigid rings. They cannot stretch, so they are harder to get off.
  • Big, heavy or complicated toys. Start simple and work up.
  • Silicone-based lube with silicone toys. It can damage the surface.

Keeping it private

Fettle orders arrive in a plain box with no logos or product names, and your bank statement says FTL GOODS. At home, a zip bag in a drawer keeps a toy clean and out of sight.

Looking after it

  • Clean it after every use with warm water and toy cleaner or mild, unscented soap.
  • Let it dry completely before you put it away.
  • Store toys separately so different materials do not react with each other.

Questions

What is the best sex toy for a beginner man?

A manual stroker with a soft sleeve and an open end. It is simple, cheap, easy to clean and needs no charging. Add water-based lube and you are set.

How much should I spend on my first toy?

Between £15 and £40 is plenty. Spend more once you know what you like.

Are sex toys for men safe?

Yes, when they are made from body-safe materials, used with the right lube and cleaned after use. Stop if anything hurts, and never use anything for anal play without a flared base.

Will anyone know what I ordered?

No. Orders arrive in a plain box with no logos and your bank statement says FTL GOODS.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. If something hurts or worries you, stop and speak to a GP or pharmacist.

Ready to choose?Shop strokersPlain box, and your statement shows FTL GOODS

Shop strokers

See all
All guides
6 min read · Strokers The best sex toys for men under £30 Twelve sex toys for men under £30, ranked: strokers, cock rings, prostate massagers and kits, each with who it suits, who should skip it and the lube to add. 5 min read · Strokers Svakom Sam Neo 2 vs Sam Neo 2 Pro: which should you buy? Svakom Sam Neo 2 or Sam Neo 2 Pro? The only listed difference is a heater that warms to 38°C. Specs side by side, and who should pay for it or skip both. 6 min read · Strokers How to use a stroker: a first-timer’s guide How to choose, use and clean your first stroker, from picking the right sleeve to looking after it so it lasts.