Going into a sex shop or browsing online can introduce you to a steady stream of vibrators, dildos, clitoral suckers and more products designed to make you orgasm. With so many types of toys, determining which toy is right for you can be daunting-especially if you have never bought it before.

What should I pay attention to when buying sex toys? We contacted experts to ask for their insights on what to add to the shopping cart next.

If you are a novice, don't worry, says Dr. Nikki Coleman, a licensed psychologist and human relations expert. It may take a while to find a toy that suits you. 

In terms of your search, both face-to-face stores and online stores have advantages. One benefit of the former is to get personalized advice from the salesperson. 

On the other hand, the Internet provides easy access to a large number of comments and lists. For example, if you want to research cheap sex toy options, or just find the best option, you can find the option through a Google search. However, if you find yourself overwhelmed by this wealth of knowledge, then accepting IRL (COVID-19 Allowed) may be your best choice.

Not all stores are created equal. Purchasing from third-party stores such as Amazon does not guarantee that the product is authentic. Considering that the toy will be in or around your genitals, it must be ensured that it is legal. 

“You want to buy vibrators made of the right materials from people who know these products well,” said Gigi Engle of ACS, a sex expert at Feeld and the author of "All Fuck Mistakes: A Guide." Sex, love and life.

Buy directly from a trusted retailer or sex toy manufacturer. Engle recommends to check out Babeland, Please, Good Vibrations, and Unbound and other female-run sex-active boutiques, all of which have online stores. These sellers are not just founded by women; their employees are also friendly and knowledgeable about sex education.

Once you figure out what toy you want—such as Maude vibe, a $45 fashion toy, or LELO’s Sona 2 Cruise, an elegant suction vibrator—you can also buy it directly from the company’s website.

Figure out your budget, but don't let the price tag stop you, Coleman said. There are high-quality toys at reasonable prices. Jess Joho of Mashable listed her favorite budget options, including Plus One's $10 vibrating bullet and the aforementioned Maude vibe, all priced under $50. 

Material is another important factor to consider. For vibrators, look for medical grade silicone and/or ABS plastic, which are non-porous and therefore easy to sterilize. The internal toys can also be made of these materials, or made of other materials that are safe for the human body, such as glass or stainless steel.

What a toy is made of also determines how to maintain it. For example, silicone lubricants can degrade silicone toys, so water-based or oil-based lubricants must be used. Product manuals or online listings will usually let you know which type is best. 

Ask yourself some questions to gain insight into the type of toy you are after:

Is this for single-player, co-op, or both? Some toys advertise whether they can be enjoyed by two people at the same time. 

Do you plan to use it in the bath or shower? Look for diving toys, not just waterproof. Search for phrases such as "underwater submersible", "fully waterproof" or "bathtub safety".

Will you travel with this toy? Find a mobile phone with a travel lock function to avoid accidentally turning it on during airport security checks. 

Do you want USB rechargeable or battery-powered toys? Corded or cordless? Think about which is most convenient for you. I recommend USB because there is nothing worse than a dead vibrator and no batteries around. 

Perhaps the most important thing is to determine what kind of feeling you want to get from the toy. "Vibrators are complex devices," Engel said. Not all vibrators are created equal. you want:

Precise clitoral stimulation? You might want a smaller vibrator (or something like a floss-like Zumio, which is not my personal favorite, but you can’t beat it with targeted stimulation). 

Less targeted clitoral stimulation? A wand vibrator may be perfect for you.

Suck the rumble? Try to suck the clitoris.

Double stimulation inside and outside? A "rabbit" vibrator/dildo combination like LELO's Soraya Wave can solve this problem. 

Or, you may not need vibration at all. There are many toys, such as dildos or anal beads, which prioritize internal pleasure without a motor. For these toys, consider the perimeter, Coleman said. Check the size of the toy before buying to make sure you feel comfortable to use. If you want a refund or exchange, or return a toy, please check the store or website policy.

Coleman advises not to feel pressure to find the "perfect" toy. Instead, think of it as starting your collection. With every purchase, you will learn some information about your preferences. By asking yourself a few questions and paying attention to where you shop, you can pick out toys you will like in a crowded market. 

Related video: Debunking the 5 biggest sex toy myths