Sex toy shopping has moved a long way from windowless storefronts. This is our list of 10 US stores and online shops people ask about most, what each is known for, and how to buy body-safe toys without fuss. We run a creator site, not a store, and nobody paid to be listed.
Brick-and-mortar shops and online stores, in no particular order of merit
A lot has changed since the days of adult shops tucked away in industrial parks. Big chains like Target now sell vibrators next to the electric toothbrushes, Wirecutter reviews toys like any other gadget, and specialist shops have turned into bright stores with trained staff.
We put this list together based on reputation, how each store handles privacy and product safety, and what kind of shopper it suits. It isn't a lab test, and we haven't given scores. Store locations, prices and policies change, so check each store's site before you go.
1. Adam & Eve: One of the oldest names in American adult retail, based in North Carolina and selling by mail since the early 1970s. The catalog is huge, from beginner vibrators to kink gear, and it runs frequent sales. A good pick if you already know what you want and care about price.
2. Babeland: Started in Seattle in 1993 to give women a comfortable place to shop for toys. Its reputation rests on education: plain-language product guides and staff who explain materials instead of pushing a sale. Check its site for current store locations.
3. The Pleasure Chest: Open since 1971 and known for careful buying. The focus is body-safe materials and well-designed toys over cheap stock, and its stores have hosted classes for beginners and the kink-curious.
4. Hustler Hollywood: Larry Flynt's retail chain. The stores are bright and mall-like, and the lingerie section is as much of a draw as the toys. Handy if you want to see things in person in a relaxed setting.
5. Lover's Lane: A Midwest chain aimed at couples shopping together, with roomy stores and staff used to helping 2 people pick something for the first time. Couples' games and gifts are a big part of the mix.
6. Good Vibrations: Founded in San Francisco in 1977 by Joani Blank as a women-focused, education-first shop, and a big influence on most of the stores on this list. It's also known for its antique vibrator collection and detailed customer reviews.
7. Fantasy Gifts: A regional chain with a wide spread of price points, so it suits people who want to try something inexpensive before spending more. Stock runs from massage oils to toys and kink gear.
8. Spencer's: Yes, the mall store. Its adult section is small next to a specialist shop, but for a lot of people it's the first place they see toys on a shelf, and it's easy to find.
9. Romantix: A chain with stores in the western and central US. Many locations separate mainstream products from more adventurous ones, so shoppers can stay in their comfort zone.
10. Lovehoney (online): A UK-based online retailer that also ships across the US. Its site is easy to filter, it publishes customer reviews including negative ones, and its own-brand toys sit at mid-range prices.
If it's your first toy, an education-focused shop like Good Vibrations, Babeland or The Pleasure Chest is a good start. You'll get answers before you spend anything. If you know what you want, big online stores like Adam & Eve and Lovehoney have more choice and regular sales. Shopping as a couple? Lover's Lane and Hustler Hollywood are set up for it.
Look for medical-grade silicone, stainless steel, borosilicate glass or ABS plastic. Be careful with "jelly rubber," PVC and other porous materials, especially for anything insertable, because they can't be fully cleaned. Well-known brands such as LELO, We-Vibe, Dame, Fun Factory and njoy publish what their toys are made of. If a listing doesn't say, skip it.
Online gives you privacy, more choice and time to read reviews. Most big retailers ship in plain boxes, but check what name appears on your card statement.
In a shop, you can feel the material, try display models and ask staff questions on the spot. Some couples enjoy choosing together. And you leave with it the same day.
Where SexySelfies comes in: We don't sell toys. SexySelfies is a site where 21+ ID-verified creators post photos and videos, and members pay per post with no subscription.
Each post is either free or priced by the creator. Posts range from lingerie and boudoir to full nudity; hardcore material isn't allowed.
Each has trade-offs
If you'd like something to look at, not something to buy and ship
Member accounts are free. Confirm you're 21 or older; no card needed to browse.
Every creator has passed an ID check. Look through profiles and free posts.
Paid posts are priced by the creator. No subscription.
Message creators for free. Content is sold through posts, never in DMs.
Toys, materials, privacy and returns
Clear material information on every product, staff or guides that explain rather than push, discreet shipping and billing, and honest descriptions that include drawbacks. A high price doesn't guarantee quality.
Porous materials like jelly rubber and PVC, and anything that doesn't list its material at all. They can't be fully cleaned and some may contain phthalates. Silicone, stainless steel, borosilicate glass and ABS plastic are the safer choices.
Most big online stores ship in plain boxes. Before you order, check what name will appear on your statement and whether guest checkout is available.
For solo use, a small bullet vibrator or a wand massager is easy to start with. For couples, a small couples' vibrator or a vibrating ring keeps things simple. Education-focused shops like Babeland and Good Vibrations can help you choose.
Very. Shopping together takes the guessing out of it and gets you talking about what you both like. Some stores, like Lover's Lane, are set up with couples in mind.
Wash non-porous toys (silicone, steel, glass) with warm water and mild soap or a toy cleaner. Follow the maker's instructions for anything with a motor. Store toys in a breathable bag, and replace any that crack or turn sticky.
Usually not once it's opened, for hygiene reasons. Defects are normally covered by the manufacturer's warranty, so check the warranty before you buy, especially for rechargeable toys.
No. SexySelfies is a creator site. Verified creators post photos and videos, and members pay per post. We put this guide together for members who asked about toy shopping.
Other pages you might like
Members join free and pay only for the posts they choose. Every creator is 21+ and ID-verified.
Keep exploring SexySelfies