B. Types of Toys, Explained.

Beginner-Friendly Tips:

Not all toys are created equal for a first experience. Look for:

• • Simple controls — one or two buttons, adjustable intensity, nothing that requires a manual
    
    
  • Manageable size — start smaller than you think you need; you can always explore more later
    
    
  • Low to adjustable intensity — begin at the lowest setting and work up
    
    
  • One function done well — a toy that does one thing really well teaches you more than a complicated device trying to do everything
    
    
  • Body-safe materials — the material your toy is made from affects both your safety and your experience. Not all toys on the market are body-safe — some cheaper options contain phthalates and other chemicals, or are made from porous materials that harbour bacteria no matter how well you clean them. 
    
    At Midnight Atelier, everything we carry is made from body-safe non-porous materials such as premium silicone, glass, ABS plastic, or metal. We do our best to vet everything in our store — but if you ever find something that doesn't meet the mark, it's a mistake. So, please let us know. 
    
    

*There are no rules: Almost all sexual wellness toys can be used solo or for partnered/lovers play. Even though some toys are designed for use between people, they can still be enjoyed solo. Or toys designed for a certain stimulation, might possibly feel delicious somewhere else. Toys are simply extra tools to help access, enhance, and build a pleasure practice that feels good for you.

The Collections:

Vibrators + Massagers

One of the most popular categories for a reason. Vibrators deliver oscillating sensation — anything from a gentle buzz to a deep, rumbly rumble — and come in more shapes, sizes, and colors than you can imagine. 

Type	The Look	The Vibe
Bullet vibrator		Small, discreet, targeted. Great first toy for external stimulation. Simple to use, easy to control, and usually more affordable. Battery powered or rechargeable.
Wand massager		Larger, more powerful, broader external stimulation. Beloved by people who want intensity and strong sensations without precision. Comes corded or rechargeable.
Suction / air-pulse toy		A newer category that uses suction and air pulses rather than vibration. On the smaller side. External stimulation, especially for the clitoris. Comes rechargeable.
G-spot vibrator		Medium sized. G-spot targeting, curved for internal stimulation but can be used externally too. Comes rechargeable.
Rabbit vibrator		Medium sized. Dual internal + external stimulation simultaneously with it's internal shaft targeting the G-spot and the external arm focuses on the clit. Great for blended orgasms (G-spot +/ clitoral +/ vaginal). Comes rechargeable.
Wearable vibrator		Hands-free* internal or external wear. Some are app-controlled making them great for long-distance play. Some are good for discreet fun and pleasure in public or private. Comes rechargeable. *Except for the finger wearable vibrators.

Dildos + Dongs

Dildos are designed for penetrative play. They come in various combinations of shapes, sizes, and materials. Some come with a variety of features such as vibration, suction cup base (for hands-free fun), remote-controlled, etc. Dildos are great for those who enjoy internal fullness vaginally/anally and/or G-spot/P-spot pressure.

Type	The Look	The Vibe
Realistic Dildo		Lifelike shape and texture. For those who prefer a natural feel. Great for a first dildo. Curved dildos are designed for G-spot or P-spot stimulation.
Glass / Metal Dildo		Firm, smoother, weightier, and temperature-play capable. More precise pressure. Warm it up or cool it down for extra sensations.
Dildos for partnered play		Designed for use with harnesses, strap-ons, or doubled penetration (internal stimulation of each partner).

Anal Play

The anal canal is rich in nerve endings. Toys in this category come in a variety shapes, sizes, colors, materials, and features such as vibration and remote/app control. For safety, only use toys that have a flared base or retrieval cord/handle. Enjoy feeling full, not stuck. Whether you're just curious, actively exploring, or a connoisseur, the key principles are the same: start small, go slow, and always use lube.

Type	The Look	The Vibe
Butt Plug		The sensation is gradual and full rather than from an active thrusting — your body adjusts to the stretch and the feeling of being held open. Perfect for titrated exploration or wearing during other play.
Anal Beads		Butt plug with each bead is slightly larger than the last, letting you control exactly how much fullness you experience for layered sensations.
Prostate Massager		Curved toy for internal stimulation targeting the P-spot.

Masturbators + Machines

Strokers, sleeves, and machines designed for penile stimulation and/or hands-free anal + vaginal penetration. They come in various shapes, sizes, textures, and features such as automation, device syncing, app-control, and more. 

Type	The Look	The Vibe
Stroker / Sleeve Masturbator		Amplifies what you already know feels good. Adjustable tightness, varied textures, and sensations that hands alone can't replicate. For penile stimulation.
Automated Masturbator		Motorized stroking or vibration, hands-free so just sit back and enjoy the building sensations. Adjustable pressure and rhythm.
Sex Machine		Automated thrusting at adjustable speed and depth. For those who want to add internal stimulation with or without a partner.

Enhancements + Exercises

Toys and tools that add to what you're already doing — whether that's enhancing sensation, extending play, or building pelvic floor strength over time. A quieter category that can be a great addition to your pleasure building. 

Type	The Look	The Vibe
Cock / Penis Ring		Worn at the base of the penis keeping blood flow where you want it, maintaining firmness and intensity; enhancing sensation and prolonging play. They can come with a variety of features that offer internal or external stimulation of your partner.
Kegel Exerciser		Worn vaginally to train pelvic floor muscles. Come in various forms. Not about immediate pleasure — about building it over time. Stronger pelvic floor muscles can lead to more intense orgasms, better control (of your bladder, too), and improved sensation.
Pumps		Pumps work by drawing blood into the tissue, temporarily enhancing size, sensitivity, and engorgement. Penis pumps are also used for erectile support. Vaginal pumps heighten clitoral and vulval sensitivity before play. Start with low suction and short sessions.

Kinky Realms

Kink is a broad term — it refers to finding arousal or excitement in something that dominant culture considers taboo or unconventional. Many factors such as cultural upbringing and contexts, religious beliefs, political ideologies, and overall environment impacts what kink is and is not for each person. What counts as kinky is deeply personal and entirely subjective: one person's kink is another person's norm or limit, and neither is more valid than the other. What kink always requires, regardless of what it looks like, is clear communication and enthusiastic consent from everyone involved. Some commonly known kinks are: impact play, bondage, dominance and submission, voyeurism, and role-play. 

Kink deserves its own deep dive. But, in the meantime, browse Kinky Realms and let your curiosity lead.

Lubricant + Protection:

The right lube makes everything more comfortable, more pleasurable, and safer for both your body and your toys. The wrong one can irritate tissue, disrupt your body's natural balance, or silently damage a condom. Lubricants are varied in features and can come in flavors, warming/cooling aspects, pH balances, and more. When in doubt: water-based, always.

Condoms come in a variety of sizes, textures, thicknesses, flavors, and more. Using condoms on toys is worth considering — especially when sharing between partners, or using the same toy anally and vaginally. They simplify cleanup too.

Type	The Look	Safe With	The Vibe
Water-based		✓ All toys ✓ All condoms	The universal starting point. Easy to clean, compatible with everything, feels closest to natural lubrication. May need reapplying during longer sessions.
Silicone-based		✗ Not with silicone toys ✓ All condoms	Longer-lasting and more luxurious. Great for anal play, shower play, or anyone dealing with dryness. Doesn't wash away easily — which is the point.
Oil-based		✓ Glass + metal toys only ✗ Never with latex or polyisoprene condoms	Deeply moisturising, but degrades latex within seconds — creating invisible holes that render condoms ineffective. Fine with polyurethane condoms only.
Hybrid (water + silicone)		? Check label for toys ✓ All condoms	Longer-lasting than water-based, easier to clean than silicone. A good middle ground. Check whether it's safe with silicone toys before use.

A Note on Lube Ingredients:

Not all lubes are created equal — some contain ingredients that can irritate tissue or disrupt your body's natural pH and bacterial balance, particularly for vaginal use. A few things worth avoiding:

• Glycerin + propylene glycol — increase osmolality, which can actually dry out vaginal tissue over time
• Nonoxynol-9 + chlorhexidine — antimicrobials that kill beneficial bacteria
• Parabens — preservatives with potential hormonal effects
• Benzocaine / numbing agents — mask pain signals that matter; can irritate tissue
• Petroleum-based oils — linked to increased infection risk

Look for lubes that list their pH and osmolality. For vaginal use, pH between 3–5 is ideal. For anal use, closer to neutral (6–7). The WHO recommends osmolality under 1,200 mOsm/kg. 

Sources: 1, 2

You Don't Have to Know Everything to Start

Pleasure is something you learn about over time — and that changes over time. Your first toy doesn't have to be (and often isn't) your forever toy. It just has to be the right starting point.

Start with what genuinely interests you. Choose quality materials. Keep it simple. Toys are simply extra tools to help access, enhance, and build a pleasure practice that feels good for you. Have fun perusing!