Sex toys seem to be everywhere these days, from movies to drugstores to bridal showers (not to mention porn!). With much of the stigma surrounding sex toys now firmly in the past, it makes sense that younger people would want to try them, too, right?

So, why do most sex toy stores require shoppers to be 18 or older? Are there really laws against buying sex toys if you're younger than 18? Let's find out.

Is There an Age Minimum to Buy Sex Toys?

Technically, no. There is no federal minimum age to buy sex toys. So why do so many sex toy stores refuse to sell to teenagers under 18? Here are a few of the most common reasons:

Payment

Most people under 18 don't have their own credit card. This is because if you're in this age group, you aren't allowed to enter into legally binding contracts. This includes contracts for:

• Credit cards
• Bank accounts
• Student loans
• Bank loans
• Car loans

If you're under 18 and don't have a credit card, it can be difficult or impossible to shop for sex toys online. It can also be a challenge to shop at brick-and-mortar sex toy stores unless you have cash on hand.

What if you have your parents' credit card and you're an authorized user? That's an option, unless of course you want to keep your sex toy purchases private.

Even the most discreet sex toy store will have a nondescript business name that appears on a credit card statement. This business name could trigger questions when the bill arrives. Unless you have an understanding with your parent about sex toy purchases, you may want to avoid a credit card charge that requires an explanation.  

Pornographic material 

Many sex toy stores sell books or other materials that could be considered erotic. This is the reason why many stores, both online and brick and mortar, include an age minimum for buyers.

18 is the minimum age to be able to view and buy pornographic material. Though many sex toy stores don't carry pornography, they choose to enforce the minimum age requirement to avoid any potential issue with the law.

How to Buy Your First Sex Toy

If you're 18 or older and in the market for your first sex toy, there are a few things to keep in mind when shopping. 

Materials

Choose sex toys made body safe materials only. These materials are typically non-porous and won't absorb bacteria that could cause infections. Body safe materials include:

• Silicone
• Stainless steel 
• Borosilicate glass
• ABS plastic 

Thermoplastic elastomer, also known as TPE, is a porous material that is not considered safe to use inside the body. It is, however, safe to use in penis toys like strokers because the risk of infection is very low. 

Learn more: Are TPE Sex Toys Safe?

Price

Sex toys are available at almost any price point, putting them in reach of just about everyone of legal age. It's easy and convenient to shop by price online for all types of pleasure products, including vibrators, strokers, dildos, anal toys, and lube. 

Though you may be tempted to buy the least expensive sex toys you can find, be sure to choose toys made from safe materials. There are many lower cost sex toys that are not only high quality, but body-safe, too.

Check out my top budget-friendly vibrator picks: Best Cheap Vibrators

Quality

Avoid Amazon, eBay, Ali Express and other sources of poor-quality sex toys. These types of discount websites often carry toys made from materials that aren't body-safe.

These types of sites are also known for selling stolen or counterfeit products. If you see a brand name toy at a much lower price online, consider that it's probably a counterfeit or stolen toy.