Hiya.
We are wanting to explore more anal play and wondered if any people had some advice.
My OH wants to be prepared for me to enjoy her derriere and so wants to do some training but we are confused. Should we get a buttplug shaped toy to help expand so it’s not too painful or should it be more a straight shaped toy?
Thank you
I would get a butt plug. Check the girth at the widest point, on a tape measure so she knows what she’s getting. There are some sets with varying sizes. Get one with a flared base or a T bar, for safety. I like the bulb shaped ones but any butt plug of the right size would be great.
Hey @Ronnie,
Great to see you have come back to the forum! From experience i would start small and gently work up the toy size.
Starting with anal beads then butt plug and on to slim toys before working up the girth. And no matter what make sure to use plenty lube. I use an anal lube which stays slippy for longer allowing longer play before using more. Don’t be shy with it as the ass doesn’t lube itself. Once she is comfortable with a toy similar girth and length (possibly better slightly bigger) than yourself let her be on top and in control of how fast and deep she takes you. Once you are both more comfortable the world is your oyster and don’t stop trying new things like double penetration, pegging to name a few.
Have fun and don’t rush it, it will happen when she is ready!!
Time and patience seems most obvious as I have tried solo
Plug and seems so right and no pressure
@Ronnie welcome back
Personally I would get a thin butt plug - do not start with anything too big possibly try https://www.lovehoney.co.uk/sex-toys/butt-plugs/jewelled-butt-plugs/p/rear-assets-small-jewelled-rainbow-heart-aluminium-butt-plug-2-inch/a45250g81577.html
@batjamboree totally agree great suggestion
I would agree with everyone’s suggestions so far. Butt plugs or similar toy would be the best to warm up for anal, as you can leave them in for a bit to allow the butt to stretch out and relax slowly at each size. Depending on the person and how relaxed you may only need one butt plug size for warmup, or may need to start at a very small size and increase to the next size over the course of a warmup session. Something like these sets would work for that purpose if you know for sure you want to explore anal. If uncertain, could always start cheaper with a single, small butt plug.
One thing to keep in mind is the final butt plug used during warmup should be slightly larger than what will be doing the penetrating (penis or dildo size), as the butt needs to be warmed up at a larger size for the ‘static’ butt plug compared to the size of the constant in-and-out thrusting!
https://www.lovehoney.com/sex-toys/butt-plugs/butt-plug-sets/p/lovehoney-booty-bound-anal-training-silicone-butt-plug-set-3-piece/a47078g84478.html
https://www.lovehoney.com/sex-toys/butt-plugs/butt-plug-sets/p/rainbow-tapered-silicone-butt-plug-set-3-piece/a47556g85132.html
I know this is the place for toys
But personally, if it where my first time again I’d always recommend YOU explore what you like and feel with a finger and lube before going onto any toys
Buttplugs tend to be great for training and can get starter kits what include 3 sizes to work with, but alternatively you can get an inflatable one what allows you to expand at your own pace and comfort 
Thanks for the advice all. Going to go for a 3 piece training set but the UK site is being a bit silly at the moment so can’t show you! It’s a buttplug one with the thought that she could wear them around the house to get used to them
Personally I think fingers and plenty of lube is far better than a solid butt plug…fingers are more gentle and skin on skin is more pleasurable…get used to that increasing the depth and amount of fingers…you may not need to use a butt plug before you try anal sex.
At least fingers can’t get sucked up and lost inside…
Good Luck
Agree with @CurvyJilly that fingers are the best thing to start with and lots of lube. We love liquid silk. We started with spooning and gentle nudging of my bum with his cock which in itself can make me orgasm. Sometimes we just go in a little, get used to how this feels and then go deeper if you wish. Enjoy 
OH writing this. Your advice is soooo good! You or someone who knows about this really helped us not all that long ago. I wanted anal, but was afraid his penis would hurt. A plug was what we used with lots of lube, to try it out.
I think @CurvyJilly and @having-fun have made some excellent suggestions. The key is being gentle and taking at a pace that you’re both happy with - and yes, plenty of lube 
OH writing this.We started looking at anal porn - that was the wrong thing to do - too rough. So we tried his finger with lube and went from there. It took some just to get the head of his penis in. But once I got used to that he pushed in gently and SLOWLY. Now I really anal