Is It Weird to Buy a Sex Toy?

Last Updated on April 15, 2025 by Nikita

If you’ve ever stood in front of your screen with a vibrating “add to cart” button hovering over a sex toy, your heart pounding like you’re defusing a bomb—you’re not alone. The idea of buying a sex toy, especially for the first time, can feel weird. But should it? And more importantly, why does it feel weird?

A Story That Might Sound Familiar

One of our user recently shared a deeply personal story about the first time he bought a sex toy—a pocket pussy, to be specific. He was 26, shy, socially anxious, and had never had a girlfriend. Just walking into a sex shop took everything he had.

His anxiety started long before he even entered the store. He worried about being seen, about someone recognizing his car, about saying the wrong thing to the clerk. Once inside, he found himself face-to-face with the shop owner, a kind woman who offered to help. Step by step, she guided him through the options. He asked about male masturbators, picked a discreet silicone toy, and nervously added lube.

Sounds simple, right? But to him, it felt like a major failure. Why? Because he admitted to feeling embarrassed. That one moment of vulnerability—saying out loud, “This is just super embarrassing for me”—left him spiraling. He felt judged, even though no one was judging him. In fact, the store owner seemed more empathetic than anything.

What hit hardest was what came after: the realization that his shame wasn’t about the sex toy. It was about how he saw himself.

Is Buying a Sex Toy Weird?

No. Not even a little. But let’s unpack why so many people feel like it is.

1. Society Is Still Weird About Pleasure

Despite how far we’ve come, there’s still a lingering cultural stigma around self-pleasure—especially for men who aren’t sexually active or women who take ownership of their own pleasure. For many, there’s a quiet voice in the back of their head saying, “If you need a toy, you must be desperate.”

But that’s completely false. Sex toys aren’t a replacement for human connection—they’re tools for exploring your body, reducing stress, and understanding what brings you pleasure. That’s healthy, not shameful.

2. First-Time Buyers Feel Alone

Most people don’t talk about the first time they bought a vibrator or a stroker. So if you’ve never had a conversation about sex toys with your friends (and let’s face it—most people haven’t), it’s easy to feel like you’re the only one doing something “weird.”

But the numbers tell a different story. Sex toys are a multi-billion-dollar industry. Millions of people—single, partnered, old, young—use them regularly. You’re not weird. You’re part of a very large, very curious club.

3. Shame Feeds Itself

As our user shared, sometimes we create our own shame by expecting judgment that never comes. In his story, the shop owner was professional, helpful, and totally unbothered. She’d probably helped dozens of shy, first-time buyers before. But when you’re in your own head, it’s easy to think you’re the exception.

Being vulnerable can feel like a mistake when you’re not used to it. But the truth is, vulnerability is how we grow. Owning your embarrassment, asking questions, and seeking help are all signs that you’re trying—and that’s something to be proud of.

What Happens After You Buy a Sex Toy?

Here’s the funny part: once you actually make the purchase, that overwhelming fear usually fades fast. When you’re alone with your toy, trying it out, and realizing, “Oh hey… this feels great,” the nerves melt away.

Over time, that moment can even turn into something bigger. You start to build confidence. You learn what you like. And maybe—just maybe—you get more comfortable with yourself in ways that extend far beyond the bedroom.

That Reddit user ended his story with a simple hope: to stop getting in his own way. That’s what sex toys can help with. Not just orgasms (though those are nice), but self-acceptance. Permission to feel good. Courage to step outside the comfort zone.

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So… Is It Weird?

Let’s flip the script. Would it be weird to buy:

• A yoga mat for stretching?
• A foam roller for sore muscles?
• A white noise machine to sleep better?

Of course not. Because all of those are self-care tools. And guess what? Sex toys are self-care too.

They’re not just about sex—they’re about relaxation, stress relief, sleep, confidence, curiosity, and exploration. If anything, not considering them as part of your well-being is the outdated idea.

Final Thoughts: Be Kind to Yourself

Whether you’re shy like the Reddit user or bold and adventurous, buying a sex toy is a completely normal, human thing to do. If you feel awkward, that’s okay—everyone starts somewhere. But don’t let embarrassment stop you from experiencing something that could bring real joy into your life.

So the next time you find yourself staring at a checkout screen or the front door of a shop, wondering “Is it weird to buy a sex toy?”—remember this:

No. It’s not weird. It’s brave. It’s healthy. And it’s 100% okay.