Shopping for sex toys can make anyone feel like Goldilocks—it can take a few tries to find the one that’s just right. For starters, you need to find a trustworthy place to shop. Sex therapist Veronica Chin Hing-Michaluk, LMHC, suggests finding a store “with vetted good vibes and an informative, affirming attitude.” One way to do that is checking out an online retailer’s website and social media to see if any of the topics they talk about pique your curiosity, which could be a good indicator that they’ll cater to your desires, they say.

It’s also important to shop at trusted online retailers (like the ones on this list!) because not all sex toys are made from body-safe materials. “Most reputable sex shops will only carry toys that are safe for their intended purpose, but shops that are more novelty-focused may carry toys that can absorb bacteria and cause some issues after a couple of uses,” says sex education coordinator Rachele Manett.

When shopping for a beginner sex toy, it’s also worth considering what’s in your budget. When you’re new to sex toys, you may not know exactly what kinds of stimulation you enjoy, and experimenting can get expensive. “Especially when you’re [first] exploring, you might want to get a more inexpensive [toy] to start with and learn from your response what you might like better next time you get a toy,” says Queen.