If you're one of the many people who looks at bondage category of Lovehoney as if it's written in an alien language, you're not alone. There are so many tools and terms to get to grips with that even understanding the purpose of some of the equipment can take considerable effort, let alone using it. Here are the definitions of our bondage categories to provide you with an insight into what the tools we sell are used for.

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Lovehoney has over 600 different types of vibrator, so finding the best vibrator for you can seem a bit daunting. The best way to start on your quest to choose the right vibrator is to check out the Vibrator Size Guide which gives you a life-size view of the size and shape of our most popular vibrators.

Once you've settled on roughly how big you want it to be, think about about how you're going to use your vibe. For example, if you want something for internal stimulation pay close attention to shape and movement of the toy. If you're looking for external clitoral stimulation, consider whether you might prefer a vibe made from squishy or hard material. If you want a really powerful vibrator, then you might like a plug-in or rechargeable vibrator that provides stronger power for longer. However, if noise levels are more important to you than power, look for something that's labelled as extra quiet.

When you've got an idea of how you'd like to use your vibrator, we'll show you how to choose a vibrator that's going to tick all your boxes.

Many of our first-time anal sex experiences are accidental or ill prepared for at best, giving a poor first-time impression of all things anally sexual. Many couples don’t tend to talk about anal play and as individuals, we’re often quick to write it off, especially if we’ve had a bad experience in the past.

These self-imposed taboos mean that scores of us are missing out on the joy of anal sex and the pleasure that both men and women experience through anal penetration.

This first-time anal sex guide will talk you through anal experimentation and anal penetration, helping you to progressively experiment both alone, with a partner or with anal sex toys to achieve a satisfying anal sex life.

If the idea of mixing a little pain with your pleasure appeals, make sure you have the right tools to make the most of your fantasy.

If you want to increase the sensitivity of your partner’s skin, a spanking paddle or flogger will help set their senses alight. If you want to accessorise a dominant persona or make their skin sting, try a riding crop or a traditional cane.

This guide has some fabulous advice that will have you whipping your partner into a frenzy in no time.

Above: Discover the proper way to spank for pleasure with Jess Wilde in our how-to video.

So you're looking for a vibrator but not sure where to start in our vibrators category? With a vast array of shapes, sizes, designs and functions, our vibrators section can be confusing for those looking to buy their first vibe.

This guide will teach you how to tell a bullet from a butterfly vibe and help you choose the vibrators that will best enhance masturbation and sex with your partner.

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If you’ve ever seen a sex machine in action, then I think it’s safe to say that you’ve also had a strong desire to try one out.

Whereas the idea of a ‘mechanical sex simulator’ doesn’t sound very sexy, the reality is so sexy that you may just need a lie down after reading this guide!

From the budget to the luxury, Lovehoney has a sex machine to suit you…

Your nipples are two of the most sensitive and reactive parts of your body and it's well worth lavishing some extra attention on them during foreplay and sex.

Above: If you're thinking "forget how to use nipple clamps, why would I want to?!" just watch this video. Our resident bondage expert, Jess Wilde, gives you the low-down on all things nippy, including the lesser-known nipplegasm!

Above: If you're thinking "forget how to use nipple clamps, why would I want to?!" just watch this video. Our resident bondage expert, Jess Wilde, gives you the low-down on all things nippy, including the lesser-known nipplegasm!

A recent study used an MRI scanner to show that stimulation of the nipples arouses the sensory cortex in a woman’s brain and in turn, arouses the genitals. Pretty cool. It’s also thought that approximately 1% of women can achieve an orgasm through nipple stimulation alone.

If your nipples aren’t receiving the attention they deserve, then investing in a sex toy designed for use on the nipples will help you experiment with different sensations. From gentle nipple suckers to sturdy nipple clamps which give you a firm but pleasant pinch, there are an enormous amount of nipple toys on the market and we’re here to guide you through all the options available

For most people the words "electricity" and "genitalia" should never be combined. We have all been told since a very young age that electricity is dangerous and that if we come into contact with it, it will kill us. Whilst we don't advise that you climb into a power station for sexual thrills, it is possible to safely and harmlessly enjoy electro sex.

Electro sex is a way of stimulating the genitals and erogenous zones with a safe amount of electrical energy. The human body is mostly made of water so is an excellent conductor of this electricity.

By applying a sex toy or conductive pad to the body, electricity can pass through the nerve cells creating pulsing, almost vibrating kinds of sensations.

Nearly every games console now comes with wireless controllers so you can enjoy the fun without the limitations of wires! Similarly, sex toys have been following suit with the release of numerous new wireless remote control vibrators.

So exercise that trigger finger on something more rewarding and find out why everyone should have a remote control vibe in their bedside drawer.

If you live with others or have thin walls, then a near-silent vibrator is probably the only way to let go, relax and enjoy yourself.

Above: Tilly puts our best-selling whisper-quiet vibrators to the test in this video guide to find out which ones really are super-duper quiet. Which one will come out on top? Click on the screen above to find out!

However, don’t think that you need to sacrifice power for the sake of sound. Lovehoney has tried and tested a range of toys, and carefully selected the quietest to go in our Extra Quiet Vibrators section.