How to Masturbate: A Beginner’s Guide to Solo Pleasure & Sex Toys
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Masturbation is one of the simplest ways to learn more about your own body, discover the sensations you enjoy and spend some time focusing entirely on yourself.
There’s also no single “correct” way to masturbate.
Whether you’re completely new to masturbation, looking for your first sex toy or simply want to introduce something different to your solo routine, this Scandals guide will help you explore your options.
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Why Masturbate?
Masturbation can be about far more than reaching orgasm. Solo pleasure gives you an opportunity to explore your body without worrying about anyone else's preferences or expectations.
It can help you understand what kinds of touch and stimulation you enjoy, which can also make communicating your preferences to a partner easier.
Most importantly, there's no need to rush. Experiment with different sensations, pressure and toys and find what works for you.
Start by Making Yourself Comfortable
Privacy and relaxation can make a big difference.
Choose somewhere you feel comfortable and give yourself enough time that you aren't watching the clock. Some people prefer complete privacy and quiet, while others enjoy music, a bath or simply getting comfortable in bed.
There's no required routine. The idea is simply to create an environment where you can concentrate on what feels good to you.
Adding Lubricant
One of the easiest ways to change the sensation of masturbation is to introduce a good personal lubricant.
Lube reduces friction and can make both manual stimulation and sex toys more comfortable.
Water-based lubricant is an especially useful all-rounder because it's generally compatible with most sex toy materials. Always check the instructions for your particular toy and lubricant.
Choosing a Sex Toy for Solo Play
Toys allow you to experiment with different types of stimulation.
The Scandals Sex Toys & Adult Toys collection includes hundreds of products covering external, internal, penile, prostate and anal stimulation, with manual, battery-powered, rechargeable and app-controlled options available.
Here's where to start.
Bullet Vibrators: Simple and Beginner Friendly
If you're buying your first vibrator, a bullet is one of the easiest options to understand.
They're compact and designed to provide precise external vibration. Their small size also means you can easily experiment with positioning and pressure to discover what feels best.
Best for: beginners, external stimulation, travel and anyone wanting a small first toy.
Wand Vibrators: For Broader, Powerful Vibration
If a small bullet isn't quite enough, consider a wand.
Wand massagers have larger heads that distribute vibration across a broader area. They range from compact rechargeable designs to extremely powerful full-sized plug-in models.
The Le Wand Mini Micro Rechargeable Massage Wand is a more compact option, while the Le Wand Classic 10-Speed Plug-In Full-Body Massager offers a larger design with ten speeds.
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Best for: powerful external stimulation and people who prefer broader vibrations rather than pinpoint stimulation.
Clitoral Suction Toys: An Alternative to Traditional Vibration
Clitoral suction toys provide a different sensation from conventional vibrators.
Often described as air-pulse, pressure-wave or suction stimulation, these toys use changing air pressure around the clitoral area rather than relying exclusively on direct vibration.
They're particularly worth considering if you've tried conventional vibrators and want to explore something different.
Best for: focused external stimulation and anyone wanting an alternative to traditional vibration.
Rabbit Vibrators: Internal and External Stimulation
If you want a toy capable of stimulating more than one area, rabbit vibrators are one of the most popular options.
Their dual-stimulation design combines an insertable shaft with an external arm.
The current Scandals range includes the GAIA Rabbit 10-Function Silicone Rabbit Vibrator, alongside premium app-controlled options from brands such as Lovense and Svakom.
Best for: people who enjoy combined internal and external stimulation.
Dildos: Simple, Manual and Versatile
Not every sex toy needs a motor.
Dildos allow you to control movement manually and are available in an enormous variety of sizes, shapes, textures and materials.
If you're buying your first dildo, don't automatically assume bigger is better. A smaller or medium-sized design can be easier to experiment with, particularly if you're new to insertable toys.
Materials can also completely change the experience. Silicone provides a softer feel, while glass and metal toys are much firmer.
Scandals currently stocks options including the Glas 6.5 Inch Mr Swirly G-Spot Glass Dildo, alongside silicone, realistic and other styles.
Best for: manual internal stimulation and anyone who doesn't necessarily want vibration.
Male Masturbators & Strokers
If you're looking for penile stimulation, masturbators and strokers provide another alternative to using your hand.
The category ranges from straightforward handheld strokers to sophisticated automatic masturbators offering powered movement, vibration, suction-style sensations or warming functions.
For something straightforward and affordable, Scandals currently carries products such as the Tug Life Night Call Male Masturbator.
For a more feature-rich option, the Sky Blowjob Automatic Masturbator currently offers 12 vibration patterns and four suction modes.
Scandals also stocks realistic masturbators including the Crazy Bull Michelle Firm Vagina Vibrating Realistic Stroker.
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Best for: penile stimulation, people wanting an alternative to manual masturbation and anyone interested in powered masturbators.
Prostate Massagers
If you're interested in prostate stimulation, use a toy specifically designed for the purpose.
Prostate toys generally feature an angled shape designed to make positioning easier and, crucially, a suitable base or external section for safer anal use.
Some are completely manual while others add vibration, remote controls or app connectivity.
For a premium technology-focused option, the current Scandals collection includes the Lovense Edge 2 Prostate Massager, featuring dual stimulation, app control and a waterproof design.
Best for: people specifically interested in exploring prostate stimulation.
Butt Plugs & Anal Toys
Anal toys can also be incorporated into solo exploration.
If you're new to them, start with something small that's specifically designed for anal use and always choose a product with a proper flared base or retrieval design.
Scandals currently offers the Toosh Silicone Butt Plug with Clear Gem Base in three sizes, making a graduated approach easier.
Use plenty of appropriate lubricant and never rush anal play.
Best for: anyone curious about anal stimulation, with smaller designs generally being the more approachable starting point.
Remote & App-Controlled Toys for Solo Play
Remote and app-controlled toys aren't only for couples.
Being able to control a toy through an app can give you access to customised patterns and different ways of controlling intensity.
Scandals currently carries app-enabled toys from brands including Lovense and Svakom, with options covering rabbit vibrators, prostate massagers and other designs.
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How to Choose Your First Solo Sex Toy
Don't choose a toy simply because it's the biggest, most expensive or most complicated.
Think about the sensation you're actually interested in.
If you want simple external stimulation, start with a bullet vibrator.
If you want powerful, broad vibration, try a wand.
If you want air-pulse stimulation, explore clitoral suction toys.
If you want internal and external stimulation together, consider a rabbit vibrator.
If you want manual internal stimulation, look at dildos.
If you want penile stimulation, explore masturbators and strokers.
If you want prostate stimulation, choose a dedicated prostate massager.
If you're new to anal toys, start with a small, flared-base beginner toy.
Don't Chase the Finish Line
Solo pleasure doesn't need to be a race.
Changing speed, intensity, position or toy can be part of discovering what you enjoy. You might find that lower vibration settings feel better than maximum power, or that you prefer external stimulation to internal stimulation.
That's one of the advantages of masturbation: you have complete freedom to experiment at your own pace.
Cleaning Your Sex Toys
Clean reusable toys before and after use according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Waterproof toys can generally be cleaned more thoroughly with warm water and suitable toy cleaner, while toys containing motors, charging ports or battery compartments shouldn't be submerged unless they're specifically rated as fully waterproof.
Also allow toys to dry thoroughly before storing them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best first sex toy for solo use?
For external stimulation, a compact bullet vibrator is an easy starting point. For penile stimulation, a simple handheld stroker is similarly straightforward. Choose according to the sensation you're interested in rather than what is most popular.
Should I use lubricant with sex toys?
Lubricant can improve comfort with many toys. Water-based lube is generally the most versatile option, but always check compatibility with your particular toy.
Are expensive sex toys better?
Not necessarily. Premium toys may offer better materials, quieter motors, app controls, longer battery life or more sophisticated movement, but an inexpensive simple toy may still be exactly what you want.
Can I use a couples' toy by myself?
Many products marketed for couples can also be used solo. Check the individual product's intended use and instructions.
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Solo pleasure is personal. There isn't one technique, one toy or one type of stimulation that works for everybody.
That's why experimenting is part of the experience.
Whether you're looking for a discreet first vibrator, a powerful wand, a realistic masturbator, a dildo, an anal toy or one of the latest app-controlled designs, the Scandals collection gives you hundreds of options to explore.
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