Many people buy their first sex toy with trepidation, not only about looking after their privacy but also about being of legal age. So when you buy sex toys locally or online are you vetted for age? Are you turned away by the owner if you are a minor? So how old is too old to buy sex toys online or in person?
In the vast majority of states where the law says that you can only buy sex toys if you're 18 years old or older, you may run into some issues when buying in person, but buying online seems to be all natural. If you are over 18 then you won't face any hindrance when buying sex toys, but if you are underage this is an article you need to read.
Age Requirements for Purchasing Sex Toys
In most states, the age of consent is 18, with a few exceptions in some southern states. This means that you must be at least 18 years old to purchase sex toys. While some states may allow 17-year-olds to purchase sex toys, individual sex toy stores often have different policies regarding sales to minors. It's important to familiarize yourself with the policies of brick-and-mortar stores if you plan to make a purchase in person.
Buying online is very different from buying in person. While stores don't verify your identity or age during your online purchase, they usually have a pop-up window asking if you're 18 or older when you enter the site, and by the time you enter the store you're already an adult by default. Even if you're underage you won't face any obstacles when you click through to the site. But there is a serious problem because people under 18 usually don't have a personal bank account or credit card, and unauthorized use of another person's credit card can lead to legal consequences that could result in criminal charges.
Vibrators, commonly marketed as "personal massagers," typically do not carry age restrictions, unlike items such as dildos or butt plugs. These products are often available in department stores like Walmart or Target, usually located near the pharmacy in the section with condoms and personal lubricants. It is likely that teenagers could purchase a vibrator without attracting significant attention.
There seems to be no barrier to online shopping
Some lawyers point out that there are no legal restrictions on teens buying sex toys online. However, while age restrictions are usually set at the entrance of a brick and mortar store, there are generally not many barriers to online shopping. If you look very young, you may be questioned by the owner.
However, when attempting to shop online, you must have explicit permission to use another person's bank card or have your own account and payment card to avoid any potential fraud charges. Unauthorized use of a parent's bank card by a minor may be considered a criminal act.
In this case, my advice would be to have an open conversation with the parents about the possibility of obtaining sex toys. However, this can be uncomfortable, especially if there is a lack of communication between parent and child on the topic of sex. Many minors may choose to discreetly bypass their parents and purchase sex toys privately. This is when online shopping becomes their preferred channel.
No minors allowed in offline sex toy stores
Sex toy shops strictly prohibit entry for individuals under 18 due to the explicit content available. However, this does not mean that minors cannot visit brick-and-mortar stores. It's important to note that stores exclusively dedicated to adult products may have explicit material restricted to those above 18.
For individuals under 18 who are set on acquiring sex toys, there are alternative options available online. With numerous online platforms offering a variety of products, there's no need to attempt entering physical
How To Buy Sex Toys and What To Look For
When purchasing sex toys, it's crucial to recognize that not all products are made with the same level of safety. Some materials may be unsuitable for use on or inside your body. Look for a "body-safe" label, indicating materials like glass, wood, or silicone, which are safe for bodily use. Unfortunately, not all manufacturers prioritize safety, and some use materials considered unsafe, leading to the creation of counterfeit toys.
To enhance your experience with any purchased toy, consider using a suitable lubricant. Opt for a water-based lubricant to maintain the toy's appearance and durability. For silicone toys, it's advisable to use a silicone-based lubricant to prevent deterioration.
Navigating the extensive range of available sex toys can be overwhelming. To streamline your choices, consult blogs and web reviews that align with your interests. If you've already explored your sexuality, this process should be more straightforward. If you're still discovering, consider holding off on purchases until you have a clearer understanding of your preferences.
Don't hesitate to engage in discussions with sex bloggers for recommendations and insights into where they source their toys. Numerous online sex toy stores allow browsing without age restrictions, providing an opportunity to explore and identify items of interest.
