With a dildo, you can pick the style, size, shape, length, width, texture and color that appeals to your particular sense of whimsy. You can select a long, short, nubby, smooth, realistic, modern, black, white or purple dildo, a dildo with testicles attached, one with suction cups that allow the dildo to adhere to the surface of your choice, or a futuristic dildo with assorted bells, whistles and gewgaws.

Vibrators vibrate; dildos fill space, whether it be vaginal or anal. While lots of people enjoy the stimuli vibrators produce, many others enjoy the feeling of fullness a dildo provides, as well as the level of thrusting control they can experience with this stationary device.

A traditional dildo is shaped like a phallus, which means it vaguely resembles a penis. Some can be quite realistic, especially if they're made from silicone. Others look nothing like the male member. They come in all sizes, shapes, textures and colors, from the smallest insertable to the (laughably) huge twelve-inch dildo. However, they all have one thing in common: they were made for thrusting.

When considering a traditional dildo, think about what you want. Some people prefer the simple sleekness of a smooth jelly dong. Others enjoy a more realistic shape and texture. Some people like small traditional dildos and others like obscenely large ones. It's really up to you. You might try experimenting with different vegetables to determine what size works best for you. When you find a veggie that fits just right, hunt for a traditional dildo of approximate size and shape. If you're not comfortable with the vegetarian approach, you may have to let trial and error determine your acceptable girth. As for texture, stroke a few floor models if you're shopping live. Pick the material that appeals to you most. If you don't find it potentially erotic, it's a colossal waste of time.

Traditional dildos are available in a variety of different styles, most of which can be categorized into the following groups:

• Realistic dildo look just like the real thing -- in fact, they're often cast from molds created from real penises. Like all sex toys, realistic dildos come in a variety of sizes, shapes, textures and skin tones, ranging from a healthy six inches to a whopping foot and a half. Most realistic dildos are made from silicone, jelly or rubber-- textures that closely resemble human skin. Many realistic dildos have testicles, veins and other natural anomalies. Increasingly popular are those cast from famous penises -- those belonging to popular adult film stars! Some people really enjoy the heft and natural look of these toys; others are a bit intimidated by these members.
• Smooth Dildos: Similar to slimline vibrators, these dildos are smooth, sleek and seamless, usually constructed of silicone, jelly or translucent rubber. These toys are relatively uncommon; the lack of friction makes them undesirable for many people. However, like all sex toys, they have their devotees: some people swear the smooth ride is delectable.
• G-Spot dildos come in two basic shapes: long, smooth shafts with a tilted tip, and stubby, knobby thick shafts with wide midsections. Whichever your preference, both function in relatively the same way -- they're designed to hit a woman's G-Spot, that elusive area about three inches into the vaginal canal. Women point the knobby or tilted end upward, toward the magical spot, and apply pressure. This type of dildo isn't particularly appealing to women who don't enjoy G-Spot stimulation, but those who do say G-Spot dildos are incredible. If you aren't sure about your tastes, try one out. You might really like it. If you're interested in finding out if G-Spot stimulation is for you, these dildos are a good way to begin play. Use lots of lube and remember that most women respond to firm G-Spot pressure, not gentle stroking. These types of dildos are also great for stimulating the prostate.
• "Other" Dildos For whatever reason, some people prefer that their sex toys resemble anything but a penis. We've seen silicone, jelly and rubber vegetables, dolphins, mysterious wand-like creations, space-age designs with little dangly things hanging off the end -- we don't question anything! If a particular dildo exists, as weird as it may look, it must have a market. Keep an open mind and give it a try.

Some women prefer traditional dildos because using them seems more like traditional intercourse, but offer more control. In fact, some men have been known to become jealous of their partner's buddy -- why would any woman with an always-erect penis at her disposal want a big, messy man around the house? Never fear, guys. A traditional dildo can provide crashing orgasms, but it can't provide the intimacy and touch that you can..

Although some people aren't comfortable with the idea of anal play or penetration, an increasingly large number of people enjoy the intense stimulation afforded by the sensitive nerve endings found in the anus. Whether you enjoy light or deep penetration, slim or thick girth, smooth entry or lots of friction, remember to select a smooth, seamless toy for anal play, one with a flared or larger base. You don't want your toy to get lost in your rectum!

Three additional things are critical for safe anal play: communication, relaxation, and lots and lots of lubrication. Unlike a woman's vagina, the anal canal doesn't produce any sort of lubrication. The last thing you want to experience during anal play is the sharp, shooting pains that can accompany the insertion of a dry dildo. Take it slow, be gentle, and respect your partner's boundaries.

While many kinds of dildos can be used for anal play, you should always select one with a flared base so it doesn't slip in farther than you intend. The last thing you want to become is an emergency-room anecdote! For safest play, select a dildo that has been specifically designed for anal play.

Available in all sizes and shapes, anal dildos have a wide, flared base attached to a tapering shaft, which can vary in size and shape from a long, twisted phallus-shaped rod, to a short, stocky model that can be worn without restraint. Many people enjoy the sensation of fullness, similar to the sensation women experience during vaginal penetration. Other people employ a thrusting motion with their anal dildos. Whatever works. Just be gentle -- otherwise you risk anal fissures and a host of other complications.

These party toys are meant for two; a double dildo is nothing more than two realistic dildos joined at the base -- with a little extra wiggle room. Any hetero- or homosexual combination can make good use of a double dildo (or "double dong," as they're sometimes called): man and man, man and woman, and woman and woman. Usually not a great choice for newbies (these dildos can appear alarmingly large), double dildos can make a tasteful addition to the true connoisseur's treasure chest.

Non-vibrating beads and balls provide gentle, erotic stimulation vaginally or anally. Joined balls, often classified as "anal balls" (although you can use them vaginally, also), are inserted then slowly withdrawn for a delicious sensation. Loose balls, often called "Ben Wa Balls," are inserted into the vagina and then rolled around internally for a subtle sensation.

Some people really enjoy the subtle sensations produced by these types of toys. Others say that beads and balls don't do much for them. Either way, you'll experience a totally different sensation than you would with a vibrator or regular dildo, so be patient and keep an open mind. You might find a new favorite!