Curious about anal play but not sure where to start? That is completely normal, and the right first toy makes a big difference. This guide to anal toys for beginners explains the main types, how to choose a first toy and what to look for on the product page. It also covers lube, hygiene and how to take things slowly. It is written for adults exploring solo or with a partner, with no assumptions about experience.
The Short Answer
The best anal toys for beginners are small, smooth and made from body-safe silicone, with a flared base that stops the toy slipping inside. A slim butt plug or a set of graduated anal beads is the usual first choice. Use plenty of lube, go slowly, stop if anything hurts and clean the toy after every use.
Types of Anal Toys for Beginners
There are four main types of anal toys for beginners. Each one offers a slightly different feel, so it helps to know what they do before you buy.
Butt Plugs
A butt plug has a tapered tip, a wider middle, a narrow neck and a flared base. Once it is in place, the neck rests comfortably and the base sits outside the body. For a first toy, look at beginner butt plugs. They are slimmer and shorter than standard plugs, so they are easier to relax around.
Anal Beads
Anal beads are a row of rounded beads joined by a flexible stem or cord, with a ring or handle at the end. Many sets start with a very small bead and increase in size along the length. As a result, you can stop at whatever point feels comfortable. Browse our anal beads to compare silicone stems and cord styles.
Prostate Toys
Prostate toys are curved to reach the prostate, a small gland a few centimetres inside the body of people who have one. Some people find this area very sensitive. Beginner prostate massagers are slimmer, with a gentle curve and a flared or looped base. However, most people find it easier to get used to a small plug first.
Anal Trainer Kits
An anal trainer kit is a set of two or three plugs in graduated sizes. You start with the smallest and only move up when it feels easy. In other words, a kit lets you go at your own pace without buying each size separately. Many sex toy kits include a trainer set alongside other items.
How to Choose Anal Toys for Beginners
When you compare anal toys for beginners, a few features matter far more than the brand or the price. Check each of these on the product page before you buy.
- Flared base: This is the most important safety feature. The anus can draw objects inward, so only use a toy with a wide base, ring or handle designed for anal use.
- Size: Start smaller than you think you need. A slim toy is easier to relax around, and you can always size up later.
- Material: Body-safe silicone is soft, flexible and non-porous. Glass and stainless steel are also non-porous, but they feel firmer.
- Shape: A smooth, tapered tip helps with comfortable insertion. Leave heavy texture and ridges until you know what you like.
- Vibration: A vibrating plug adds sensation. However, a simple plug is easier to learn with at first.
Silicone, Glass or Metal?
| Material | Feel | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Body-safe silicone | Soft and slightly flexible | Use water-based lube; silicone lube can damage some silicone toys |
| Glass | Smooth, firm and weighty | Check it for chips or cracks before each use |
| Stainless steel | Firm, smooth and heavier | Works with most lubes; can be warmed or cooled in water |
What a Beginner Anal Starter Kit Includes
An anal starter kit can be a simple way to try anal toys for beginners without guessing at size. Contents vary by brand, so always read the product listing. Common items include:
- two or three butt plugs in small, medium and slightly larger sizes
- smooth, tapered tips designed for comfortable insertion
- soft silicone or another body-safe material
- sometimes a small vibrating plug or a set of beads for variety
- occasionally a sample of lube, though many kits do not include one
A kit can also cost less than buying each piece on its own. Even so, only use the larger sizes once the smaller ones feel completely easy. There is no target size, and many people never move past the first plug.
Using Anal Toys for Beginners Safely
Comfort comes from patience. So set aside time when you will not be interrupted, and treat the first few sessions as a chance to learn how your body responds.
- Relax first: A warm bath or some time spent on other kinds of touch can help your muscles loosen.
- Start with a finger: A clean, lubed finger with short nails is a gentle way to get used to the sensation.
- Breathe out slowly: Press the tip of the toy gently against the opening and let it ease in as you exhale.
- Pause often: Stop and rest whenever you feel tight. Then continue only if it feels good.
- Remove it gently: Hold the base and draw the toy out slowly, using more lube if needed.
Lube for Anal Toys
The anus does not make its own lubrication, so lube is essential for every kind of anal play. Use more than you think you need, and add more whenever things start to feel dry. Apply it to the toy and to the outside of the body.
Water-based lube is usually the safest starting point for anal toys for beginners. That is because silicone-based lube can damage some silicone toys, so check the product guidance. Thicker formulas tend to stay in place longer. You can compare thicker gels in our anal lubricants range.
Avoid numbing creams and desensitising lubes. Pain is a useful signal that you need to slow down or stop, so you should always be able to feel it.
When to Stop
Anal play should never be painful. Stop straight away if you feel sharp pain, and do not push through discomfort. If you notice bleeding, ongoing pain or anything that worries you, speak to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic.
Playing With a Partner
If you are exploring with a partner, talk before you start about what you would both like to try. Agree on a simple word or signal for "stop", and check in with each other as you go. Either of you can change your mind at any time. That way, anal toys for beginners stay fun and pressure-free for both of you.
Cleaning and Caring for Anal Toys
Hygiene matters with any anal toy. First, wash the toy before its first use and after every session. Use warm water with a mild, unscented soap or a dedicated toy cleaner, then let it dry fully before you store it.
Next, never move a toy from the anus to the vagina or mouth without washing it, or putting on a new condom. The sexual health charity Brook's guide to sex toys and aids also advises not sharing toys. It recommends a new condom each time a toy moves to a different person or part of the body.
Finally, check toys regularly for scratches, tears or cracks. Damaged surfaces are harder to clean, so replace the toy if you find any. Silicone anal toys for beginners also last longer when you store them in a clean pouch, away from toys made of other materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size butt plug should a beginner start with?
A beginner should start with the smallest, slimmest butt plug they can find, usually one labelled "small" or "beginner". Compare the length and widest diameter on the product page. A slim plug is easier to relax around and is less likely to feel uncomfortable. You can always move up a size later, but there is no need to.
Do anal toys hurt the first time?
Anal toys should not hurt. A feeling of fullness or pressure is common, but sharp pain is a sign to stop. Using plenty of lube, choosing a small toy, relaxing and going very slowly all help. If you feel pain that does not ease, or notice bleeding, stop and speak to a GP or sexual health clinic.
Can women use anal toys?
Yes. Anyone can use anal toys, whatever their gender or anatomy. The anus has many nerve endings, so many people enjoy gentle anal stimulation. Butt plugs and anal beads are designed for all bodies. Prostate massagers are shaped for people who have a prostate, but most other anal toys are not anatomy-specific.
Do I need to douche before using anal toys?
Douching is not required before using anal toys. Many people simply have a bath or shower and use the toilet beforehand. Some people choose to use a small anal douche for extra peace of mind. If you do, use plain lukewarm water, be gentle and avoid doing it too often.
Start Small and Take Your Time
In short, the best anal toys for beginners are small, smooth, made from body-safe material and have a flared base. Add plenty of water-based lube, go slowly and stop if anything hurts. Then build up only when you feel ready. Ready to choose your first toy? Browse our full range of anal sex toys and start exploring at your own pace.
