If it’s your first toy, the sheer wall of options is enough to put anyone off. It needn’t be. The best beginner toys are simple, forgiving and do most of the work — no bells, whistles or instruction manual required.

These are the ones we’d actually recommend to a friend buying their first: chosen for ease, body-safe materials and a price that won’t make you wince while you’re still finding your feet.

What makes a good first toy?

Simplicity, mostly. Look for one or two straightforward controls, a body-safe silicone finish, and external (clitoral) stimulation to begin with — it’s the easiest, most reliable kind of pleasure to explore. You can always branch out once you know what you like.

How much should you spend?

Not much. There are genuinely lovely beginner toys under £30, and spending more won’t make your first one “better” — it just adds features you may not want yet. Start small, learn what you enjoy, then invest.