Butt plugs

Always a flared base. Anything that goes in the bum needs a base wider than the toy, because the body can draw objects inward. Every plug in this collection has one. Never use a toy without a base for anal play.

Start small, then size up. Width decides comfort far more than length. The Lovense Hush 2 comes in 1, 1.5, 1.75 and 2.25 inch widths, and the Lovense Lush Anal is narrower than all of them at 21.5 mm. Training sets give you more than one size in a box: the b-Vibe Jewel Heart set has two metal plugs and the Gender X Gold Digger set has three. Stay at each size until it feels easy before moving up.

Silicone or metal. Silicone is soft, warm and flexible, like the beaded b-Vibe Bounce. Metal is heavier and firmer and glides easily with lube. Metal can also be warmed or cooled in water first for temperature play, which the Gender X set is made for.

Vibrating or not. A plain plug gives steady fullness. A vibrating plug adds rumble you can change. The Hush 2 and Lush Anal pair with the Lovense app, so a partner can control them from across the room or across the country. The Hot Octopuss Plex has a remote and a base that bends, and is made with the prostate in mind.

Lube, always. The body makes no lubricant there. Use plenty of thick water-based lube, add more whenever anything drags, go slowly, and stop if anything hurts.

Cleaning. Wash before and after each use with warm water and mild unscented soap, or a toy cleaner, then dry fully. Check each product page before a vibrating plug goes under water.