Time for a quick biology lesson: the bum has one of the highest concentrations of nerve endings on the entire body. No, really, it does – for both men and women. Whether you're a couple looking to mix it up in the bedroom, or you're just curious about exploring solo, we’ve got the goods and the know on how to get fruity with your booty.

The first golden rule: lube up. We can't stress this enough, people. It'll make things much more comfortable, pleasurable, and will avoid the discomfort that most people fear when considering back door play. For a unique blend of minty, cooling and relaxing ingredients, specifically developed for anal sex, try our Booty Relax Anal Lube.

Gentle Introductions

If you're curious about anal play but aren't sure whether it's for you – let alone which anal toys to start with – then our advice is to start small and start slow, with a beginner’s anal toy. Lube up our Anal Intro Finger and gently insert as far as you feel comfortable with. Try this when you're fully relaxed and aroused or, if you’re with a partner, during foreplay. This butt plug is super-small making it perfect for anal sex beginners, and the stretchy finger loop means you're in complete control - perfect for easing into things.

The best toys for anal

Butt plugs

Butt plugs can be used to relax your muscles before anal sex, but that's not all they're good for. Oh no. Butt plugs also create pressure on the back of the vagina for women, or on the prostate for men, making everything feel just that little more intense. Pulled out at the point of climax, these can be a real game changer. And let’s not forget that the male G-spot is up there too.

The plugs themselves are tapered for easier insertion, with a thinner end that allows them to sit comfortably, and a flared base to stop them getting stuck. Plugs are available in a whole load of sizes from the small to the large, and you can also find butt plug sets and anal training toys to help you work your way up. And if you’re looking for a vibrating anal toy, vibrating plugs are available too – that buzz will send you wild. Promise.

Anal beads

Another amazing anal toy for beginners, these. Anal beads, sometimes called love beads, start out small and go up in size really gradually – but the gaps between the beads will give you a totally different sensation to the more solid butt plug. Much more flexible, too.

Anal beads, like butt plugs, make everything feel extra-intense – but the trick with these babies is in pulling them out. Trust us, time it right and pull them out just as you come. You will not believe how good it feels.

Anal Dildos

Plugs and beads are made to stay in place, but anal dildos are all about the thrusting. They're better for more experienced anal addicts, but there are plenty of beginner options too.

Pretty much any dildo can be used for anal play, but our anal dildo category has our picks for beginners. Our Beginners Pegging Dildo is a perfect first choice – it looks gorgeous and sleek in luxuriously soft silicone, and it's curved nice and gently to hit the prostate. Speaking of which…

Prostate Massagers

Prostate Massagers are the ideal anal toys for men, shaped perfectly to stimulate the prostate for the most incredible orgasms of your life. They're just a little more targeted than butt plugs – it's more about the shape than the size.

Strap-ons

Okay, so they're not just an anal toy. But using a strap-on for anal play is such a popular pastime that it has its own name – pegging . The more you know.

Strap-ons are a much-loved part of BDSM play, for the gender-swapping role-switching they can provide, but they can also have far more intimate applications for both straight and queer couples. Whatever way you want to play.

There's loads to choose from, and our pick for beginners this time is the aptly-named Beginner's Strap-On Dildo. It comes with a basic harness and a dildo that's small enough to ease you in, but big enough to hit all the right spots thanks to its prostate-targeting curve.

Double Penetration

Double the fun. Double the pleasure. There are a few ways you can achieve double penetration, perfect for some mixed doubles in the bedroom.

Your simplest option is the straightforward Double Penetrator Dildo.

If dual shaft toys don’t fulfil your dreams of doing the double, just allow your partner to use a butt plug or dildo on you during doggy style. They'll get an incredible visual and enjoy the naughty factor of the anal toy extras, while you experience twice the pleasure and the turn on of breaking some taboos. Discover new sensations and find out what works for you. It’s all about trust. And lube.

Douches

So now you know the difference between a plug and pegging, head over to our anal toys section and start exploring. You can filter by the type of toy, the diameter, and the price to help you find the perfect choice. Lube up and try something new. YOLO.