Where to Get a Dildo: Online or IRL?

Common Roadblocks You’ll Run Into When Dildo Shopping

Dildos might not be the most expensive sex toys out there, but they’re still an investment (especially if you’re buying a real feel dildo). While you want the shopping process to be easy, you also want to get a quality toy! There are three common roadblocks that will get in your way while shopping:

• Privacy
• Sizing
• Pricing

Keeping Your Purchase(s) Private

This is the most common issue. Most people don’t want to share the fact that they are buying sex toys with the world. As such, the idea of being spotted leaving a sex shop might make you shudder! Fortunately, buying sex toys in person isn’t always necessary, thanks to the internet. However, if you prefer to shop in person, you can always travel out of town to make the purchase. That way, no one there will recognize you, providing much-needed peace of mind.

Finding the Right Size/Material for Your New Toy

Fewer people will run into this issue. Unless you’re looking for a particularly small or large dildo, chances are, a suitable toy will be in stock at your local sex shop. Any reputable shop will have high-quality dildos available, so you shouldn’t need to sort through as many subpar, non-body-safe dildos. You can find an even wider selection of sizes available online. However, the materials used aren’t always body-safe. This applies to both online and offline shopping. Online shopping just requires a bit more selectivity!

Staying Within Your Budget

If you’re just looking for a dildo in general, pricing won’t likely be an issue. Premium toys can be quite expensive, but dildos as a whole are fairly affordable.

Local prices may be higher than online ones since the shops have to account for shipping costs. However, most online stores require you to pay for discreet shipping anyway (unless you meet their minimum purchase requirements for free shipping). That said, many online shops allow you to finance purchases, which is something your local shop is unlikely to offer.

Where to Get a Dildo Locally

If you decide to buy a dildo locally then you’ll first need to select a shop. We recommend trying to find a larger shop with good ratings. This will likely give you the best shopping experience with the most product options. Determine their hours, make sure you have enough money, then make the trip over there!

You might be shy walking into a sex shop. This is understandable, but remember: you’re just a random customer! The employees work here, so no matter how odd the situation feels for you, this is just routine for them. Chances are, they won’t even remember you after you leave! As such, you shouldn’t feel too embarrassed. Take some time to look around the store and see what they offer.

Where to Get a Dildo Online

Buying a dildo online is the superior option for most people. Online shopping offers convenience and high levels of privacy, as well as a larger selection of products. The main downside is that you can’t see the toy in person before purchasing it. You have to rely on the listing to provide accurate photos and information.

While there are literally hundreds of sex shops online, that doesn’t mean they’re all golden. In fact, you should stick to well-known sex shops such as Lovehoney or Spectrum Boutique! Reputable shops will generally offer discreet shipping, a larger selection of body-safe toys, and fair pricing. See our guide to

Discreet packaging? Won’t My Neighbors Know What I Ordered?

Thanks to something called “Discreet Packaging”, they won’t have a clue! Most major online sex shops will offer this service to help protect your privacy. See the results of when we tested it on Lovehoney, AdamEve, TooTimid and Shevibe. Specifics will vary from company to company, but most conceal your purchase from beginning to end. The charge on your card will likely show up as a charge from a nondescript vendor, rather than the sex shop itself. 

Once your package arrives, it will generally be in a plain box. The return address will match the name of the nondescript vendor, which means even the postman won’t know what you’ve bought! “Discreet Packaging” makes the idea of purchasing a dildo online much more approachable since there aren’t any privacy concerns.

What Is It Made From?

As mentioned above, you want to avoid phthalate-ridden toys. Instead, only purchase dildos that are labeled as “body-safe”! Non-porous dildos made from silicone, glass, or metal are perfect. “Jelly”, PVC, and rubber toys might be cheaper, but they’re generally not body-safe. For better or for worse, the sex toy industry is unregulated. This means that a toy labeled “phthalate-free” could still contain phthalates! It’s best to avoid them, but if you decide to purchase one anyway, use a condom for maximum safety.

Is the Sizing Correct?

You’ll have plenty of differently-sized toys to choose from when shopping online. However, that doesn’t mean your preferred toy will be offered in your ideal size. Make sure to check both the length and the width of a dildo before clicking “Add to Cart”. There’s no point in accidentally purchasing a dildo that can’t satisfy you (just because you forgot to read the description!).

Will It Meet Your Needs?

Most people purchase dildos simply to enjoy the penetrative pleasures they offer. However, if you’re planning on using your dildo to “train” towards larger insertables then you might want something different. Generally speaking, curved dildos are best for G-spot and P-spot targeting, whereas straight dildos are ideal for size training.

Which types of lubricant is it compatible with?

All dildos are compatible with water-based lubricant, but that’s not the case for oil-based or silicone lubes. Remember, silicone lube and silicone dildos don’t mix! The product description should tell you the type(s) of lube you can use. If not, make sure to stock up on water-based lubricant!