Here's my situation: no OH, not all that experienced (actuallly nothing since I lost the V-plates and that was almost 4 years ago) and no experience with any sort of toys... after a couple of disasterous events in my quest for pleasure with, dare I say, household items... I've decided it's time I invest in something more purpose built  though whatever I get needs to be as silent as possible (shared house).
I've looked around the forum and watched/read the buyers guides, but I have absolutely NO idea what questions I'm supposed to be asking myself pre-purchase, as I don't even know what I like  I guess length is negotiable (maybe?), girth... nuh-uh...
When I first turned up at the site I thought "well, I'll either get a dildo or a vibrator", I had no idea there would be 300 of EACH to choose from with all these different materials, shapes and sizes and all this talk about lube, as far as I was concerned it was only for anal!! 
So being a complete novice, and on a tight budget... I'm really looking for some advice. Please help! Haha xx
I really couldn't recomned this vibrator highly enough http://www.lovehoney.co.uk/product.cfm?p=16603 it was my very first Vib and still is one of my very favourites! Not only is it really powder and waterproof its also very silent. :)
Id suggest you take a look at the basics range, as quite cheap, just take the plunge and buy something, when it comes, relax have fun, once you've used whatever it is a few times, you can work out what you like/dislike about it, and use this knowledge to upgrade to something more suitable for you.
Main thing is relax, experiment, and above all have fun.
Boop. There you go.
Vibe and dildo in one. Petite, body safe, super fun.
Works great if you flip it over to just target your clit.
Well worth the investment *cough25%offcodeatmcough*
Best thing I own, and I own a fair bit, including luxury items.
Im still classing myself as a newbie although I am branching out a bit now. I personally get more out of clitoral vibrators. I have recently purchased the Lovehoney Flash USB clitoral vibrator and was really impressed with it until I put it in the bath (despite it being waterproof it stopped working but I've got in the customer services and they are sending a replacement) but getting back on track before it stopped working it was looking really positive. It was pretty powerful yet didn't seem too loud at all. It was small so you could get right where you wanted to. And it was rechargeable!
lovehoney have a quiet vibrators section, check that out maybe as well as beginners.
Live found it useful to start with the 3 for £10 offer as there's lots there to try and if you don't like it, it's only £10!
Thanks Lollipop, although I'm not entirely sure if I'm ready for that, almost 5in in cirumference seems rather on the large side, is it not? However it looks really good, esp. the adjustable speed
Hey J&L I've had a nosy at them, the collection does look good, especially for the price, I shall give it some more though
Hi Capricon - I'll clarify, the err, less girthy the better haha, I'm not made that way XD tho I will look at the bullet
Hello and welcome! Although I don't have much to offer in terms of toy advice, I'll just let you know that Lovehoney have a 365 day no quibble returns policy, even if the toy has been used! If it doesn't work out for you, just send it back! Happy hunting 😊
If your looking for something on the slim side then I'd go for this then http://www.lovehoney.co.uk/product.cfm?p=29338 honestly it's an amazing vibrator and more then worth spending a bit extrat on.
Ps Capricorn13 the batteries aren't expensive, you can get the sony ones in the poundshop and they last for ages! :)
Wow, both the Tracy Cox and FSOG vibrators look amazing... I have the horrible feeling I may have started something my bank balance won't be all that fond of  tho I don't think I'm quite ready for a rabbit yet, looks a bit too much to handle? 
I had no idea you could return them... how interesting XD I can't say I envy the person opening those envelopes haha
I think I may start off with something simpler, and actually the 3 for £10, or maybe 3 for £25 looks really good, nice way to sample some bits.. I'm very intruiged by the Ben Wa balls to be honest... (I blame E. L. James)...
Quick question, how important is lube in 'this'? I've never heard of it being used by oneself before... clearly this is a very new world to me... 
I would recommend the FSOG wickedly tempting vibe if you want to try a bullet. It's brilliant and it's rechargeable, quiet and not intimidating so perfect for a newbie! If you'd rather try a rabbit I second the recommendation of the Tracey Cox one. It was the first rabbit I tried because other ones I'd seen looked terrifying but this one was brilliant and it's also rechargeable and very quiet.
And don't forget that LH have a brilliant returns policy so don't feel limited to the super cheap toys because you can always return it if you don't like it.
I would never, ever buy a rubber toy. And I would definitely buy a toy cleaner.
When it comes to lube, a good quality (paraben and glycerine free if you have sensitive skin) water-based one can be used with any material.
I second this. I only buy things made from materials that I'm sure are body safe so all of my toys are made from 100% silicone or glass (for internal toys) and I'll also use ABS plastic for things like bullets. I would be happy to use stainless steel as well if it wasn't so hideously expensive!
I was the same, I had 0 experience when I met my OH and he introduced everything I now know, I started with this as I was worried a rabbit/dildo/vibrator would be too big and uncomfortable:
As for lubricant, I cannot recommend this enough, although it's an anal lube, I use it for everything as it never dries up and lasts such a long time with such a small amount:
I agree with j&lxxxx too, if you're really unsure, go for the LH basics range, their stuff is really good to get yourself into, I found it gave me confidence to move onto more advanced things.
Good Luck, hope you find something that suits you! ^_^ Xx
I'd also recommend the 3 for £10 deal. It's a great way of trying a few different things and finding out what works for you before forking out on something more expensive.
Another thing to consider is what you enjoy most when you masturbate. Do you like the feeling of fullness, pressure on certain areas, do you focus on the clit etc? That might help you decide what to go for. Alternatively you might be looking for new experiences. Jiggle balls, g spot vibrators, anal toys...the list is endless!
Once you have a vague idea of what you want, read the specifications carefully to find out things like size and material. The reviews are also really helpful, of course.
I think your best buying from the 3 for £10 or the 3 for £25.
That way you can get lubes toys etc and not spend huge amounts but you can find out what you like and then go on to buy the more expensive ones once you found what makes you tick.
Sometimes there are also offers on toys or the deal of the day to get toys lubes at a cheaper price.