Exploring Bedroom Essentials

Navigating through the vast array of products available can be quite overwhelming. The seemingly endless choices could leave you a bit unsure about where to begin. Hence, I've penned down a basic description of the products along with their varied uses. Let your imagination run wild beyond my suggestions!

We've organised our products into three categories: beginner, intermediate, and hardcore, based on your level of experience. It's your prerogative to identify which category suits you best. You may have landed on this site seeking something out of the ordinary, and rest assured, you're likely to find just what you're looking for here. If you're new to this world, fear not, as we have plenty to kick-start your journey. Remember, the categories are simply a rough guide, feel free to experiment according to your preference and comfort level. After all, diversity in opinions is what makes this all more exciting. Enjoy!

Batteries are undoubtedly essential for your new toys! Certain sites, including ours, offer complimentary batteries with each order. It saves you the disappointment of opening your eagerly-awaited delivery, only to find out you're out of batteries just when you're in the mood for some fun. Be sure to have the correct batteries at hand for your toy. If you're not planning to use it for a while, it's advised to remove the batteries, just like any other appliance.

Condoms are no longer the inconvenience they once were. Their evolution over the years has led to a vast range of varieties that can boggle the mind. Flavoured ones can add a twist to oral pleasure, ribbed ones can heighten sensations, and thicker ones can offer extra safety. The list just goes on. Browse through the options available on our site and pick what suits you best. Remember, they exist for your safety. Always protect yourself from unplanned pregnancies and STIs if you're unsure about your partner's sexual history.

Maintaining cleanliness of your toys is crucial, especially if they are used for both anal and vaginal play, or shared between partners. Cleaning products are available as convenient wipes or liquids. However, ensure that you're using the right kind of cleaner for your specific toy.

Vibrators make an excellent choice for beginners of both genders. For women, they're non-threatening and many are designed to be beginner-friendly, making them ideal for exploration beyond the usual spots. They can be used on the nipples, stomach or any other area you fancy.

For men, vibrators can be less intimidating. Their non-phallic appearance and manageable size won't leave men feeling inadequate or 'replaced', which makes these toys perfect for couples, especially those new to sex aids. They can be used on various body parts of both partners, on known erogenous zones or otherwise. You might even discover zones you never knew existed!

Don't be tricked into thinking lubricant is just for anal sex. It can be used in so many ways I'm sure I won't be able to list them all! Fun ways to use lubricant include; giving a tit wank; treating your man to a super sexy and slippery hand job; and, for the more adventurous of you, attempt a foot wank! There are many different varieties of lubricant. There are warming lubricants which when applied to the skin give a warming feeling. Flavoured lubricants are ideal for oral sex; ladies, you can even get chocolate! Look around and choose which you'd like to try. But please remember, if you're using condoms or sex toys, check that the lubricant is not going to rot them. There are different varieties, including water, oil and silicone based. So do your homework before buying. 

Ideal for a sensual night in. Oils come in different varieties, including scented and warming. Use massage oil as a prelude to sex. Massage each other, either in the conventional way, or by covering each other in oil and sliding up and down each other's bodies. This can be great fun, but a quick warning – don't put your best sheets on the bed!

For a more romantic use, treat your partner to a slow massage. If they've had a hard day, treat them. Even if they're tired, chances are after an erotic massage they'll be up for some fun before bedtime! The feet are a major erogenous zone; reports state that there are points in the feet which link directly to the genitals, so have a go and find out for yourself. You can also purchase books on reflexology which will tell you exactly where and how to massage for optimum results. 

For the couple comfortable with the idea of mild bondage, and trusting of each other. Removing one of your senses simply heightens the others. Not being able to see what your partner is doing, or about to do, can be incredibly sexy. Particularly if they're teasing you on purpose, you'll find your ears straining for sound to work out what they're going to do next. It's always advisable to set a “safe” word during any kind of bondage play in case the person wants to stop. Make it a totally random word, though, “no” or “stop” can be misconstrued in the heat of the moment. Teamed with handcuffs or similar restraints, blindfolds can be a very sexy introduction to the world of bondage. Some couples never want to take it any further than this, whereas for others this is just the start. 

These come in normal and vibrating varieties. Some just go round the base of the penis, and other go around the testicles too. They trap the blood flow inside the penis, creating a thicker and longer lasting erection. And if that wasn't good enough – the vibrating ones can be positioned so they stimulate a woman's clitoris, or reversed for the perineum. 

One of the world's most famous types of vibrator. Really brought into the spotlight by the TV show “Sex and the City” – rabbit vibrators now come in many shapes and sizes. The basic design is a penis shape, with a little “arm” sticking out which has bunny ears at the end, which vibrate when switched on. The arm is positioned so that when the shaft is inside the vagina, the bunny ears stimulate the clitoris. Varieties include extra large or extra small, some have two “arms” – one for the clitoris and one for the anus, some have a setting which rotates the shaft for extra stimulation. Look around – you can always start with the basic type and upgrade later.

Braver and more confident men may also like to play with a Rabbit, either using the bunny ears on themselves or their partner, or even just watch their partner masturbate. Again, the possibilities are endless! 

Restraints don't just have to be handcuffs. They can be silk ties, ropes and cuffs. To begin with, don't tie or fasten them too tight, and always have a sharp pair of scissors nearby to cut the restraints if things get out of hand, or the restrained partner needs to get out quickly. Decide again on a safe word to stop play. Some people get very turned on by the idea of being bound, whether it be because they like to surrender and let their partner take charge, or they like the idea of being “used” as a sex toy or slave. Whatever the reasoning, be safe, and above all, enjoy. Used in conjunction with blindfolds, restraints can make for explosive orgasms and great fun! 

Cat-o-nine-tails, spanking paddles, whips, whatever you go for, a large element of trust between a couple is required here. The impact of being spanked or whipped gives the pleasure/ pain feeling which many people enjoy, but to an extent. Some people have higher pain thresholds than others, so start off softly and build up as and when the “spankee” requires it. Remember the “safe word.”

Under this umbrella are butt plugs, which come in different shapes and sizes, but which all have a flared base to prevent it being pulled into the rectum. They also come in vibrating varieties for that extra ‘oooh.'

Anal beads are a series of beads attached together. Some are all the same size, and others start small and grow bigger. The idea is to pop them one by one (lube is advisable for beginners) inside the bottom (male or female) and remove either slowly, or quickly, dependant on preference at the point of orgasm, to heighten and lengthen it.

There are also double ended and standard dildos which are used for this purpose, but make sure if a toy has been inside the anus that it is thoroughly cleaned before using in the vagina again, as bacteria are transferred this way. 

These come in standard and vibrating types, and are pretty self explanatory. They are clamped onto a nipple to increase excitement and arousal in those that enjoy pain. Some can be altered dependent on the person's nipple shape and size. Some may find that they become extremely painful after climax. Also, women with larger breasts often have less sensitive nipples so they may be able to withstand more pain than others. 

Not just for lesbians! Another myth busted! They were, of course, originally designed with lesbian couples in mind. Now, however, they are also used by heterosexual couples; either by the man on the woman, enabling double penetration without a third party, or by women on more adventurous men that are into anal play.

Lubricant is usually needed here, and please take extra care with cleaning, particularly if these are being shared. 

There is a huge market for outfits just now. Nurses' and maids' outfits have been around for years, but now there are outfits available for every kink and preferences, for males and females.

You can choose from sexy underwear, crotchless, uniforms, latex, rubber, bodystockings, teddies (no, not the fluffy type!), babydolls, basques – there truly is something for everybody here. You can either surprise your partner by purchasing some and presenting it to them in an imaginative way, or click onto Black and Red Sex Shop together and choosing what you'd like to see each other wearing.

Role play can be fun and incredibly erotic, but set boundaries before it begins so there are no damaged feelings or egos. 

Games, chocolate body paint, edible underwear. Browse the website and you'll see there are pages and pages of things to choose from, all with one thing in mind – sexy fun! Sex vouchers/cheques are great, you can sign one and leave it for your partner, entitling them to a sexy surprise when they decide to cash it in! Dice are great too – most sets have two dice, one with body parts, and one with actions, i.e. roll the dice and you'll get “lick” and “penis.” Play the game until you can't take it any more and you have to pounce on each other!

I hope this article has been of use. This is but a summary of the sex toys and aids available on the Black and Red website. All I can recommend you do is browse the site and see what takes your fancy. If there is something you're unsure of, read the reviews to see other people's opinions, or ask the friendly and helpful staff. And remember, whatever you order will arrive at your delivery address in discreet packaging, so the only thing you need to worry about is how soon bedtime will come!