Why More Men Are Using Sex Toys. It’s fun, you’ll come, and it’s not all up the bum
More men are buying and enjoying sex toys than ever, and the reasons are refreshingly simple: they feel good, they add variety, and they take the pressure off. What was once a quiet, slightly awkward corner of the shop is now a mainstream part of how plenty of Kiwi men look after their pleasure and wellbeing. If you have been curious but were not sure where to start, this guide walks through why the shift is happening, the main types of toys for men, what each one does and how to choose your first, with honest NZ prices along the way.
This is the overview page for the men's range. Once you know the direction you want to go, the deeper guides pick up the detail: our Playmate guide to male sex toys maps the whole category, the guide to choosing a male masturbator covers strokers, and our penis pump guide answers the firmness questions.
Why more men are using toys
The honest answer is that toys make a good thing better. A stroker or a vibrating toy offers sensations that a hand alone cannot, which makes solo time more interesting and more satisfying. Toys also help with real goals, from lasting longer and building stamina to supporting firmer erections and exploring prostate pleasure. For couples they add a playful new dimension and take performance pressure off both partners. And for many men they are simply a healthy, normal part of looking after their own pleasure, the same way toys have long been normal for women.
The stigma is fading
A big part of the change is that the old embarrassment is disappearing. Men are realising that using a toy says nothing about their relationship, their masculinity or their ability, and everything about being open to feeling good. Discreet online shopping has helped, since you can browse and buy in private and have your order arrive in plain packaging. As more men talk openly and more brands design toys specifically for them, the whole category has shed its awkwardness. Buying a toy is now no more loaded than buying any other product for your own enjoyment.
Main types of male sex toys
There is a lot more choice than most people expect. Here are the main categories and what each is for.
| Type | What it does | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Strokers and cups | A soft sleeve for a fuller, more realistic solo feel | Passion Cup Masturbator ($29.99) |
| Masturbator eggs | A cheap, discreet, pocket sized first toy | Share Satisfaction Masturbator Egg ($24.99) |
| Cock rings | Helps maintain firmness and can add vibration | Rock Man Vibrating Cock Ring ($39.99) |
| Prostate massagers | Targets the prostate for a deeper internal orgasm | Prostate Massager Vibrator ($79.99) |
| Penis pumps | Suction for a temporary firmer, fuller erection | Power Up Long-Lasting Pump ($45.99) |
| Remote and hands free toys | Vibration and stroking without the manual work | VibeNest Remote Control Vibrator for Men ($149.99) |
Browse them together in the sex toys for men collection, or narrow down to the masturbators collection and the penis rings collection if you already have a type in mind.
The benefits
Beyond feeling good, toys deliver some genuinely useful benefits. A stroker or ring can help you practise lasting longer and build stamina over time. A cock ring supports firmer, longer erections. A prostate massager opens up a whole type of orgasm many men never experience otherwise. Pumps give a temporary firmness boost on the day. And across the board, using toys can take performance anxiety out of the picture, since the focus shifts to sensation and enjoyment rather than pressure. For couples, bringing a toy into the bedroom is a low key way to try something new together and keep things exciting.
How to choose your first toy
The best first toy is the one that matches what you are curious about, and you do not need to spend much to find out.
| If you want | Start with | Typical NZ price |
|---|---|---|
| The cheapest, most discreet try | A masturbator egg | $24.99 |
| A fuller, more realistic feel | A stroker or cup | $29.99 |
| Firmer, longer erections | A cock ring | $39.99 |
| To explore prostate pleasure | A prostate massager | $79.99 |
| Hands free vibration | A remote control toy | $149.99 |
A masturbator egg or a cup is the easiest, lowest cost way to dip a toe in, and many men move on to a cock ring or a prostate massager once they know what they enjoy. There is no wrong order to explore in.
Using toys solo and with a partner
Male toys are just as good on your own as they are shared. Solo, a stroker or a pump lets you vary the sensation and take your time, and it is the easiest way to learn what you like. With a partner, a vibrating cock ring adds buzz for both of you, a remote toy lets your partner take control, and a prostate massager can be part of foreplay. Introducing a toy is often easiest framed as trying something fun together rather than fixing anything, and most couples find it opens up rather than replaces the connection between them.
What to look for when buying
A few simple things separate a toy you love from one that ends up in a drawer. Material matters most: soft, body safe TPE, TPR or silicone feel good and are easy to keep clean, so it is worth checking what a toy is made from. Think about whether you want a discreet, pocket sized option or something more substantial, since size and storage are real considerations if privacy is a concern. Decide how much upkeep you are happy with, as a simple egg is almost no effort while a textured stroker rewards a proper clean. And match the price to how curious you are: there is no need to spend big to find out what you like, so an affordable first toy is often the smartest buy. Reading the product description and picking from a trusted range takes the guesswork out of it.
Keeping toys clean
Whatever you choose, a quick clean before and after use keeps a toy hygienic and makes it last. Warm water and a dedicated toy cleaner are all most toys need, and a water based lube rinses away easily. Drying a toy fully before you put it away is the step that matters most for longevity, since a sleeve stored damp can develop a smell over time. For the full routine, especially for strokers and cups, see our guide to cleaning and storing a male masturbator, which walks through it step by step.
Where to buy in NZ
Playmate Adult Store ships discreetly across New Zealand in plain packaging. Start in the sex toys for men collection for the full range, or go straight to the masturbators collection and the penis rings collection if you already know where to begin.
Frequently asked questions
Why are more men using sex toys?
Because they feel good, add variety and help with real goals like lasting longer and firmer erections. The old stigma has faded, and discreet online shopping makes it easy to explore in private.
What is the best sex toy for a man to start with?
A masturbator egg or a cup is the cheapest and most discreet first toy. Many men then try a cock ring or a prostate massager once they know what they enjoy.
Are male sex toys only for single men?
No. Toys are just as popular with men in relationships, both for solo use and shared play. A vibrating cock ring or a remote toy can add a new dimension for couples.
How much do male sex toys cost in NZ?
At Playmate an egg is around $24.99, a stroker about $29.99, a cock ring roughly $39.99, a prostate massager around $79.99, and remote toys from $149.99.
Is it discreet to buy online in NZ?
Yes. Playmate ships in plain packaging with no product detail on the outside, so your order stays private.