Breaking Taboos: A Real Guide to Adult Product Shopping

Look, we’re all adults here. You want to buy sex toys, lingerie, or whatever else gets you going, but you’re nervous about it. That’s totally normal. Society has made this way more complicated than it needs to be. Here’s how to actually navigate this stuff without the corporate wellness speak.

• Sex toys: Vibrators, dildos, cock rings, anal toys, couples’ toys

• Kinky stuff: Restraints, paddles, role-play gear, fetish items

• Enhancement products: Lubes, arousal gels, delay sprays, supplements

• Lingerie and clothing: From sexy basics to full fetish wear

• Books and media: Erotica, instructional content, porn

Your First Time Will Be Awkward

And that’s fine. Everyone’s first time walking into an adult store or browsing online feels weird. Your heart might race, you might feel embarrassed, and you’ll probably overthink everything. This is normal human behavior, not a character flaw.

Online Shopping Reality:

• You can browse for hours without judgment

• Way more selection than physical stores

• Reviews tell you what actually works

• Discreet shipping (though your delivery person might guess)

• You can’t touch anything before buying

• Returns are awkward but usually possible

Physical Store Reality:

• Staff have literally seen it all and don’t care what you buy

• You can actually examine products

• Better for getting real advice

• Some people find it empowering to shop in person

• Limited selection compared to online

• You might run into someone you know (rare, but it happens)

Material Safety (This Actually Matters)

• Body-safe materials: Medical-grade silicone, glass, quality metals

• Avoid: Jelly, PVC, anything that smells strongly of chemicals

• Why it matters: Cheap materials can cause infections, allergic reactions, or chemical burns

• Real talk: That $15 vibrator from a sketchy site might end up costing you a doctor’s visit

• Start smaller than you think you need

• “Beginner” doesn’t mean “tiny” - it means thoughtfully sized

• Length matters less than girth for most people

• When in doubt, go with average dimensions

• Rechargeable beats battery-powered for anything you’ll use regularly

• More speeds/patterns doesn’t always mean better

• Waterproof is worth paying for

• Noise level matters if you have roommates/thin walls

Society’s weird about sex. You’re not broken for wanting pleasure or trying to spice things up. Literally billions of people use these products. The shame is learned, not natural.

If You’re Shopping as a Couple

• Talk about boundaries before you shop

• Don’t surprise your partner with extreme stuff

• It’s okay if one person is more enthusiastic than the other

• Shopping together can be fun once you get past the initial awkwardness

If You’re Single

• You’re not pathetic for buying sex toys

• Self-pleasure is healthy and normal

• You deserve good orgasms regardless of your relationship status

• Taking care of your needs shows self-respect

• You don’t need to spend $200 on your first toy

• $30-60 gets you something decent to start

• Luxury items ($100+) are nice but not necessary

• Factor in lube, cleaning supplies, storage

When to Splurge

• If you know exactly what you want

• Replacing something you loved that broke

• Items you’ll use frequently

• Safety-critical items (anything going inside you)

• First-time purchases when you’re not sure what you like

• Accessories and extras

• Items for occasional use

• Clothing (unless fit is crucial)

• Use a credit card, not debit (better fraud protection)

• Check what name appears on your statement

• Consider having packages delivered to your work if that’s less awkward

• Incognito/private browsing is your friend

• Most people don’t need Fort Knox security

• A simple box or bag in your closet works fine

• If you live with judgmental people, get creative

• Remember: you’re an adult and don’t owe anyone explanations

Sketchy retailers

• If the website looks like it was made in 1999, shop elsewhere

• No customer service contact info

• Prices that seem too good to be true

• Pushy upselling tactics

• Spam emails after one purchase

• No material information

• Claims about penis enlargement or “permanent” anything

• Products that look identical to name brands but much cheaper

• No cleaning or care instructions

• Overwhelmingly negative reviews

You’ll probably overthink your first order for days. You might change your cart 15 times. This is normal. Just pick something with good reviews in your budget and order it.

When it arrives

• Packaging is usually discreet (plain brown box)

• Read the instructions (seriously)

• Clean it before first use

• Don’t expect fireworks immediately - there’s often a learning curve

If something goes wrong

• Reputable stores have return policies, even for intimate items

• Don’t suffer through a product that doesn’t work for you

• Customer service has heard every problem before

Sex toys and adult products are normal consumer goods that happen to be for adults only. You’re not weird for wanting them, you’re not broken for needing help with pleasure, and you don’t need to feel guilty about spending money on your sexual satisfaction.

The taboo is stupid and outdated. You’re just shopping for things that make you feel good. That’s not something to be ashamed of - it’s something to celebrate.

Now stop overthinking it and go get what you want.