Boys, boys, boys! We get it. The perception is that almost all the toys in the store are aimed at the ladies. Well, gentlemen, we’re here to start your engines. This one is just for you.
And if the idea of buying a male pleasure toy still feels slightly awkward, well, you’re not alone. But the good news is that modern toys are not as intimidating or sleazy as they once were (unless you want them to be!) and are far more focused on comfort and control, leaving you to figure out what feels good.
Starting Simple Is Not Playing It Safe
A lot of hesitation around male pleasure toys comes from the idea that you have to “commit” to something extreme. You don’t. The smartest place to start is with toys that are easy to understand. That sense of control matters more than novelty.
The thinking out there is that you have to commit to something extreme and expensive if you want to make the move to toys. While the big and expensive stuff exists - and we have plenty of it – there’s a lot of room at the other end of the spectrum, and this is where we see a great rise in the sale and acceptance of male toys.
Men’s Health has pointed out that the rise in male sex toys has less to do with shock value and more to do with better design and a more relaxed attitude toward pleasure. Different toys exist because bodies respond differently, and curiosity is normal, not a sign that you’ve gone off-script. But, no judgment if you do!
The key idea for beginners is simple: start with toys that are intuitive, adjustable, and forgiving. You are not trying to impress anyone. At least, you shouldn’t be. At least, not yet. You are learning what works for you. Take it slow, we’ve got lots of time to finish up.
Cock Rings: A Confidence-First Entry Point
Cock rings are the unsung heroes of the male toy world. They don’t look fancy, don’t demand a learning curve and a degree in biology and/or computer science to figure out. Also, they don’t change your intimate experience; they enhance what’s already there. See, nothing to be scared of. And neither is the price. These are budget-friendly toys for those who want to start experimenting with more than vanilla biology.
At a basic level, cock rings are designed to help maintain firmness and sensitivity. Get hard, stay hard, feel great! And who does not want that? That alone makes them appealing to beginners who want a subtle boost rather than a full reinvention. Add some vibration into the mix, and they can bring shared stimulation into partnered sex without turning things into a whole production.
A good example of how far this category has evolved is the Lovense Diamo App-Controlled Vibrating Cock Ring. It keeps the familiar shape of a ring but adds adjustable vibration and app control. That means you can fine-tune the experience, hand control to a partner (ooh, kinky!), or keep things simple with preset patterns. It’s flexible and body-safe, and unintimidating despite its tech, which is exactly what a first step should be.
For many beginners, cock rings work because they’re easy to understand and get used to. You’re not learning a new sensation from scratch, just enhancing one you already understand. And then you’ll understand why people go nuts for them and come back for more.
Masturbators: Upgrading Solo Pleasure Without Pressure
Masturbators are for when you want to take matters into your own hand. Erm, hands. Designed specifically for solo pleasure – or for when a partner is willing to lend a hand – and offers sensation Mrs Palmer alone cannot quite provide. The trick here is choosing something that will spice up your solo time without taking you into overwhelm.
Modern masturbators focus on rhythm, texture, and control. You are not meant to wrestle with them or lose the feeling by spending half an hour figuring out complicated techniques or which end to use. The better designs do the work for you, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
The Eros Black Warrior Thrusting & Vibrating Male Masturbator is a clear example of what can be done. With multiple thrusting modes, vibration settings, and built-in warmth for those cold winter nights, it offers variety without demanding effort, and boy, who does not like that combination? You can start slow and experiment until you find your groove and settle into something that gets you to the finish.
The built-in drying function also removes one of the least glamorous parts of toy ownership, which is just about as close as we’re going to get to robots mowing the lawn. Bottom line, what matters here is not how advanced the toy looks, but how easy it is to make a few minutes of alone time feel good without matters getting out of hand.
Anal Play: Curiosity, Not Obligation
Anal play… no, no come back. You’re not scrolling past this time. We get it. This is intimidating as all hell, we get it, but hear us out. Prostate stimulation is amazing. It’s just biology, baby, and won’t affect your masculinity one little bit!
For beginners, anal toys should never feel asinine or challenging. They should be small enough to feel approachable, shaped for guidance and designed with safety in mind. Flared bases, soft silicone, and clear control all come… into play here. Because when you experiment here for the first time, you don’t want to get lost in the process when the aim is to produce pure prostate pleasure.
The Eros Nodding Remote-Controlled Prostate Vibrator fits that beginner mindset like a glove. Its curved shape helps target the prostate without guesswork, while the nodding motion adds rhythm instead of constant intensity. The remote control allows you to adjust or stop instantly, which removes a lot of anxiety from first-time exploration.
See it as an exploration. It’s not something you have to earn or graduate into from a selection of previous toys. It’s merely something that rewards the moment curiosity outweighs hesitation.
Building Confidence, One Choice at a Time
The common thread across all beginner-friendly male pleasure toys is control. You choose the pace. You choose the intensity. You choose whether something becomes a regular part of your routine or a once-off experiment.
Starting simple is not about limiting yourself. It’s about creating a positive first experience, one that feels comfortable rather than awkward. Good toys should reduce pressure, not add to it.
If there’s one takeaway here, it’s this: pleasure isn’t about proving anything. It’s about paying attention to what works and giving yourself permission to enjoy it. If the girls can do it, so can you.
Still confused or intimidated? Contact us or pop into the shop. We don’t bite ;)
Play With Me is a trusted South African adult store with over 8 years experience and discreet delivery nationwide. Visit us in-store at Play With Me, Shop C5, The Gantry, Cnr Witkoppen & Straight Ave, Lonehill, Sandton or enjoy 10% off your first online order.