What did one butt plug say to the other butt plug? Nothing- they were both uptight assholes!
Butt plugs are sex toys designed to penetrate your anus. If you’re new to the world of anal play, the concept may seem a little off-putting or even taboo. Rest assured, the vast market of butt plugs and other anal play toys means that there are more than a handful of people have found the right way to make anal play a pleasurable experience.
If you plan on engaging in anal play with a partner, it’s necessary to have those open conversations. If you want to try this in a couple’s situation, begin an honest dialogue. Remember: consent without pressure is hot. If you’re on the other end of the conversation with a partner that wants to introduce anal play with butt plugs, be open minded. Do your research and express any concerns or hesitations.
What, What in the Butt
First things first: anal play is not for everyone. If it’s your thing, that’s awesome. If it’s not- that’s ok too. SpicyGear is all about exploring yourself in all areas, in fact we have a departments that is only Anal Sex Toys. I’ve heard horror stories from friends about starting their anal play experiences with butt plugs they simply weren’t ready for. If that happens, you’re completely- and understandably- turned off to the entire idea. If that happened to you, I’m sorry. And if you’re open to beginning or restarting your anal play journey, keep reading!
Scientifically, your sphincter (butthole) is lined with SUPER sensitive nerve endings. If you can stimulate that in the right way, you can open yourself up to a whole new world of pleasure. For women in particular, adding an anal plug to penetrative sex can increase pressure in your vaginal wall, which increases overall pleasure and can intensity orgasms. For men, butt plugs stimulate your prostate. Basically, butt plugs are for everyone!
My best advice for anal play is: start small, like really small. Try starting out using a finger with plenty of lube. Explore, understand, and (hopefully) appreciate the new sensations. If you like it, then it may be time to invest in a small butt plug AND a very good lube. Unlike vaginas, your anus does not self lubricate and it’s important to maintain a good level of lubrication while engaging in anal play to increase satisfaction and protect yourself from discomfort. For our Buying Guide for Lubricants, click here!
You Wanna Put What in My Butt?
Whatever you do- don’t go for the first one you come across with the pretty jewel or the tail. That can be a rookie mistake, ruining your idea of anal play and flat out being uncomfortable. Here’s my attempt at a sports analogy: you’re gonna start in the Pee-Wee league. But don’t worry! You can move up to the pro league all in good time.
Many manufacturers produce anal training kits. They’re usually all the same material and shape. Typically, the anal training kit will include 3-5 butt plugs which increase in size to help you move from the Pee-Wee league to the pro league. Personally, I would still recommend buying a small starter butt plug. If you enjoy it, then consider an anal training kit that’s the same shape and uses the same material as your starter.
While you’re still getting used to anal play with butt plugs, I advise “priming” yourself with a well-lubed finger first- yours or your partner’s! This may be something you can work away from or you can embrace it, enjoy it, and make it a permanent part of your anal play experience. Complete relaxation might not come easy at first so be sure to take a few deep breaths and try not to tense up your body. Instruct your partner to be gentle and take it slow.
Cleaning and Maintenance
One of the most important aspects of anal play and butt plugs in cleanliness. Anything that goes in or near your butt must be clean to protect against infection. Fingers and toys alike should be washed before and after anal play. A good antibacterial toy cleaner is an absolute must and fingers need to be washed with an antibacterial soap. Be careful with soaps that are overly scented, especially if you have sensitive skin. For our Buyer’s Guide for Toy Cleaners, click (here).
Anal Plugs – Staff Picks (Our Favorites)
Keep in mind, these are our picks for beginners. This list includes a few of our best starter butt plugs as well as anal training kits. We have a list of our Staff Picks for medium and large butt plugs, anal beads, and other assorted anal play sex toys here
Finding Your First Plug
If this is your very first, start here. Both of these are small, body-safe, and easy to clean – pick whichever appeals and go slow with plenty of lube.
Ready to Explore: Anal Trainer Kits
Once a single plug feels easy, a graduated kit lets you build at your own pace – each size a little more than the last. These are the sets we point beginners to.
Anal Plug FAQ
Are anal plugs safe for beginners?
Yes – as long as you start small, go slow, and use plenty of lube. Always choose a plug with a flared base so it stays safely in place, and pick a body-safe, nonporous material like glass or metal.
What size should a beginner start with?
Smaller than you think – something around an inch or less at the widest. You can always work up once your body is comfortable; there’s no prize for rushing.
What lube should I use for anal play?
Plenty of it. A water-based lube works with every material and reapplies easily. The body doesn’t self-lubricate back there, so generous lube is essential, not optional.
How do I clean an anal plug?
Wash it with warm soapy water or a toy cleaner before and after every use, and let it dry fully. Nonporous glass and metal are easiest and won’t harbor bacteria.
What material is best for a beginner?
Glass and body-safe metal are excellent first choices – nonporous, easy to clean, smooth for comfortable insertion, and they hold temperature. A flared base is a must whatever you pick.

