Hitachi Magic Wand
This plug-in vibrator is probably the best place to start. It has a soft, round head that feels just lovely on your clit (or your feet, for that matter...). It's far and away the most popular choice.

G-Spotter
This attachment for the Hitachi Magic Wand (which also fits the Rechargeable Wand) curves upward slightly so that it can be used for penetration as well as G-Spot stimulation. Note: Another way to accomplish the same thing is to use your vibrator without any attachments but purchase the Wavy G dildo or a Crystal Wand.

Coil Vibrator
If you want a plug-in vibrator like the Hitachi Magic Wand but need it to run almost completely silently, then this would be a good choice. It comes with several attachments.

Battery-Powered and Rechargeable Vibrators
Rechargeable Wand
This is far and away the best of the rechargeable vibrators. It carries a 45 minute charge and can also be used while it is recharging. It has the same basic shape as the Hitachi Magic Wand.

eVibe
This vibrator's claims to fame are that it's small, portable, and waterproof (i.e. so you can use it in a hot tub, bath, or shower).

Rabbit Pearl
This Japanese vibrator has a somewhat complicated but effective design: a rotating shaft vibrates and turns (the shaft has rolling, textured "pearls" inside of it that feel just lovely at the entrance of your vagina) while another part vibrates against your clit.

Mini Dolphin Vibe
This is a vibrator and harness combination that keeps a small dolphin-shaped vibrator nestled against your clit while leaving both your hands free. By moving one of its straps out of the way, you can enjoy it at the same time you're enjoying intercourse with a partner (you could also use one hand to press against the dolphin part and control the intensity/focus of the sensations you're receiving).

The Fukuoko 9000
This is a tiny clitoral vibrator that fits over your finger. It's a perfect way to unobtrusively work in a little clitoral stimulation during intercourse with a partner (note: this works particularly well if you're on all fours or in any other position where one of your hands has a little extra freedom to move against your clit).

Vibrator Tips
Vibrators are fun for almost everyone, but are especially popular amongst women: using a vibrator clitorally is the easiest way for most women to reach orgasm. Here are some basic tips for getting the most out of your vibrator:

If you feel comfortable making a little noise, then you'll probably find that letting yourself moan or sigh on your exhalations will improve the whole experience. Moving or rocking your hips rhythmically, in time with your breathing, can also make a big difference.

If the vibrations are the right speed for you but seem too intense, then you might try either draping a thin cloth between your clit and the vibrator or else leaving a light article of clothing on. You can also try moving the vibrator to the side of your clitoris rather than keeping your vibrator directly on it.

Just to see whether you prefer this sensation, try using lighter pressure but moving the head of the vibrator on your clit, rather than keeping it stationary and using heavy pressure.
For those who want to take things to the next level, here are some advanced vibrator tips:
If you're already comfortable moving your hips in time with your breathing, then try squeezing and relaxing your "PC" muscle (the same muscle you squeeze to stop the flow of urine when you're urinating) in time with your pelvic movements.

Many women find that clitoral orgasms (e.g. from a plug-in vibrator such as the Hitachi) feel especially good when accompanied by a little penetration. The Wavy G Dildo, the Crystal Wand, and the Kegelcisor are all popular choices.

Some women find they can have multiple clitoral orgasms with their vibrator. The secret is to back off on the pressure, keep the vibrator moving, and avoiding direct contact with your clit until the energy builds up again.

Men can enjoy vibrators too. For men with female partners, one obvious approach is for his partner to use a vibrator on her clit during intercourse with him; the vibrations will also diffuse into his penis, a sensation which some men really like. Men can also enjoy vibrators without a partner: this is a fundamentally different experience than masturbating with your hand, as (chances are) your penis will be semi-hard through much or all of the experience rather than fully erect. However, especially if you do the rhythmic breathing and pelvis rocking and PC muscle contractions, you may find that you like the sensation a LOT. Some men find they can reach pleasurable orgasms with a vibrator without ever having a full erection.

If you would like to learn more about vibrators but prefer to learn visually, then you might enjoy watching the educational videotape Great Vibrations by Carol Queen.

If you would like to learn more about sex toys in general, then we recommend reading a copy of The New Good Vibrations Guide to Sex.

Cock Ring
Cock rings cause a feeling of extra pressure in the penis when they're put on at the base of the penis (the testicles go through them, so the ring is between the testicles and the body). This model is adjustable and flexible.

Kimono Microthin Condoms
Many men who have tried them all think these latex condoms (without Nonoxynol-9) are the best. Two newer condoms that have also been gathering great reviews are Pleasure Plus and InSpiral. Condoms should be used with used with water-based lube, such as Astroglide or Liquid Silk.

Reality Condoms
These "female" condoms are an alternative to male condoms for vaginal intercourse, and some people also prefer them to male condoms for anal intercourse.

Glyde Dams
If you want to use a latex barrier for cunnilingus or analingus, this is your best choice.

Blindfold
A fun toy for sensation or BDSM play.

Wrist Cuffs
Using wrist cuffs to restrain someone (i.e. in the context of consensual BDSM play) is much easier than learning to tie knots, and is safer than using metal handcuffs.

"Keep your toys clean with a little soap and warm water. If you want, break out the hydrogen peroxide for that super clean feeling. Don't submerge the part of a battery vibe that holds the batteries. Do not submerge electric vibes at all.

Leather harnesses can be cleaned with a damp rag, and nylon webbing harnesses can go in the wash with the rest of your laundry.

Silicone dils and plugs can be boiled up to 3 minutes, cleaned with a bleach solution, or run through your dishwasher. For more delicate polymers stick to warm water and soap, and replace them every so often, as they are impossible to keep perfectly clean.

Oil products destroy latex! That means oil-based lubricants, massage oils, butter, olive oil...anything containing oil. Use only water-based lubricant with latex."

The folks at Libida.com have the following advice, based on the type of material the toy is made out of:

Silicone: Vastly superior to rubber or vinyl dildos, silicone warms up quickly, retains body heat, is non-porous and easy-to-clean. Cleaning: Run it through the dishwasher or boil it on the stove (3-5 minutes) and viola! -- your toy is sterilized.

Jellies: These dildos are made of a translucent, soft, and flexible substance that looks like it contains air bubbles. Cleaning: This material is a non-porous form of rubber that can be cleaned with mild soap and hot water.

Rubber: Firm, flexible, and often heavy, rubber dildos are porous and often need more care to clean than the average toy. Cleaning: Rubber dildos should always be used with condoms, but can be cleaned with mild soap and water.

Cyberskin: This material is soft and supple, and looks and feels remarkably like skin. Cleaning: Rinse with hot water, or disinfect by putting alcohol onto a cloth and lightly rubbing (avoid soap or harsh detergents); to keep the silky feel, sprinkle with cornstarch or talc.

Latex: Use only water-based lubes on latex, as oil-based substances will break it down. Cleaning: Latex is non-porous and easy to clean.

Vinyl: Vinyl toys are light in weight, easy to clean, and come in many different forms and colors. Cleaning: Vinyl products are non-porous, and can be washed with mild soap and hot water.