Answer
Which anal toy should I start with?
A graduated silicone plug set is the usual starting point, because you move up in small steps rather than committing to one size — and every piece must have a flared base.
For: A first-time buyer who wants to get the size right.
Start with a set, not a single size
Sizing is the hard part, and buying one plug means guessing. A graduated set lets you start at the smallest and stop where it is comfortable, which is both safer and cheaper than buying twice.
The most common mistake is starting too large. There is no benefit to it.
The one non-negotiable
Every anal toy must have a flared base wider than the widest part of the insertable section. This is not a preference — a toy without one cannot be retrieved if it travels. Everything we stock in this category has one, and it is worth checking on anything you buy elsewhere.
Lubricant and cleaning
Use more lubricant than you think you need, and use water-based — it is safe with every material and washes off completely. Our [beginner guide to anal toys](/blog/a-beginners-guide-to-anal-toys/) covers the mechanics, and the [lubricant guide](/blog/how-to-choose-a-lubricant/) covers which kind to buy.
Anal Toys that answer this
All 6 in this category
Read further
- A beginner's guide to anal toysGraduated sets, the right lubricant and going slowly are the three things that turn a first experience into a comfortable one.
- Water-based, silicone or oil: how to choose a lubricantWater-based works with everything, silicone lasts longer but damages silicone toys, and oil has its own rules. Here is which one to use with what, and why most people should start with water-based.