The box contains six toys, two mysterious accessories and something you can't identify without tilting your phone. Very generous. You only wanted a vibrator.
A good beginner sex toy kit starts with one thing you're keen to use, then adds whatever makes using it easier. That might be lube and a storage pouch. It doesn't need to look like you panic-bought the entire shop before someone caught you browsing.
Choose the toy before choosing the extras
Picture the first thing you'd like to try. If you enjoy touching your clit, an external vibrator may make more sense than an enormous insertable toy. If you want something different around your cock, a soft masturbation sleeve is a more relevant starting point.
Curious about a dildo? Choose a size and firmness you want inside you. Curious about being restrained? Start with the restraint you actually fancy. “Beginner” doesn't mean everyone has to buy the same little purple bullet and progress through an official sequence.
Our first vibrator guide can help if vibration is what you're after. Make the main toy the purchase you're excited about, rather than the cheapest item in a very full box.
Add lube for the toy you're using
You unpack the toy, get comfortable and realise the only slippery thing nearby is your hand cream. Save yourself that particular bit of improvisation and buy suitable lube at the same time.
Water-based lube is a straightforward choice with silicone toys and most masturbation sleeves. It washes away easily, though it can need topping up during use. A small bottle lets you find out whether you like the feel before committing to enough for several anniversaries.
Plain water-based lubricants also let you learn how the toy feels without adding warming, cooling or tingling to the first attempt. You can try those separately later if they interest you. More sensations aren't automatically more enjoyable.
Work out who wants each item
A couples kit can look terribly romantic until one person points out that none of the toys interest them. Choosing together can be flirty in itself. Send the link, say what caught your eye, and let your partner have an actual opinion.
A toy doesn't need to touch both people at once to be fun together. Taking turns holding a vibrator or using a sleeve with your partner can make a simple purchase shared. Our couples toy guide covers those possibilities.
If you both like one item and feel lukewarm about the other seven, believe yourselves. A discount won't make unwanted nipple clamps more appealing when they're staring up at you from the drawer.
Keep the useful extras simple
Batteries belong on the shopping list if the toy needs them and they aren't included. A rechargeable toy needs its matching cable kept somewhere you can find it. These aren't the exciting purchases, but a working vibrator is considerably sexier than an unplanned dash to the shops.
A clean pouch or separate storage space is useful. A cleaner may suit the toy, but it doesn't replace proper washing and drying. You don't need an elaborate display case for a toy you're still getting to know.
Count the things you'll use, not the things in the box
Look through the sex toy kits and name what appeals about each included item. If you can only describe half the contents as “I suppose we could try it”, the bundle may not be doing you a favour.
Our kits versus buying separately comparison helps with the value question. For a first kit, the more useful test is simpler: are you already thinking about using the toy, or are you trying to talk yourself into the bargain?
One toy you can't wait to unpack is a bloody good start. The drawer can fill up when you've got more interesting reasons to fill it.