Need a little variety in your sex life? Are you single with no one to mingle? Either way, investing in a few sex toys can spice things up. But if you're a novice, then it can be really intimidating and weird to walk into a sex shop to examine their wares, not to mention a potential waste of time and money. The first thing you should do before investing in a toy that may or may not be effective for you -- and your partner, if you have one -- is figure out what kind of accessory might stimulate you the best. Are you looking for a mutual experience with the toy? If so, then a double-ended one might be a smart choice. For solo play, it's important to know if you prefer clitoral or vaginal stimulation -- or both. A small bullet might do the trick if all you're looking for is clitoral stimulation; however, you might prefer being penetrated. There are also toys that do both jobs for maximum pleasure.
Consider how discreet you want the toy to be and how quiet you'd prefer it to be. Some toys don't look anything like a toy, and some are exact replicas of the human anatomy. Some are large, and some are small but pack a big punch. Regardless, there are a whole world of options on women-friendly sites like Babeland.com, which has an extensive how-to section, packed with all the information you'd need about choosing the right stimulator for you (and your partner). Two things that every toy user needs are lubrication and a special toy cleanser. And not every lube is created equally when it comes to toys; some toys are porous, and some are nonporous, and the way they are lubricated and cleaned makes a difference. Selecting a toy - or a few toys to fill up your drawer! - can be a lot of fun. Just remember to keep in mind the job you want it to do, the material it's made of and how to clean it.