Once the stuff of seedy adult stores, sex toys have gained mainstream acceptance and are fast becoming a given in the bedroom. You see the "Rabbit" being immortalized in "Sex And The City"; you see the rising popularity of luxury playthings that cater to those with an eye for quality.

And if there's a sex toy every woman should own, it's the vibrator. There are several reasons to add this battery-operated friend to your boudoir drawer, but what it boils down to is allowing yourself to explore your own body.

"Vibrators complement our natural sexual impulses by allowing us to explore a variety of sensations," says Cathy Winks, co-author of The Good Vibrations Guide to Sex. By learning more about your sexual responses, you'll become familiar with your body and recognize your potential for sexual pleasure. And the best part? Vibrators never get tired.

What's more, vibes aren't just for solo use. Couples can have a lot of fun discovering each other's pleasure zones by using toys. "Many women report vibrators make them come more quickly as well as make their orgasms feel more intense," adds Winks. With a little experimentation, you'll find what works for you and your partner.

A guide to choosing a vibrator

So you're ready to go shopping for a vibe. To help you get started, here's a checklist of questions to consider:

1. What type of vibrator do you want?

Vibrators come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. What are you looking for? A vibe for insertion or something to be used on the outside -- or both? Here's a breakdown on the most common types:

G-spot vibrators are curved and designed specifically to help you reach the G-spot (located about 2 inches inside the vagina on the front wall) which, when stimulated, produces powerful orgasms for some women.

Clitoral vibrators stimulate the clitoris, and are a good aide for women who can only achieve orgasm through clitoral stimulation. They come in a range of sizes and shapes -- from the small bullet to the famous Hitachi Magic Wand -- and can be used solo, or with a partner during sex.

Rabbit vibrators are dual-action models that come equipped with a shaft for vaginal stimulation and a clitoral stimulator to give you that big O.

2. What size do you prefer?

If you're choosing a vibe for penetration, the next thing to consider would be the size or girth of the toy. If you're a beginner, you may find a smaller girth more comfortable. Also, do you prefer a toy that's portable? Then go for travel-size vibes.

3. How discreet do you want it to be?

If you're shy about stepping inside a sex store, try purchasing your toys online. Most online adult stores offer a private shopping experience -- plain packaging, generic company name on credit card statement, etc. Another question to ask yourself is how discreet do you want your toy to be? Some vibrators look naughty and are designed to emulate a real penis; others are discreet and don't look like a sex toy at all -- if you accidentally left it on the dresser, chances are no one's going to raise an eyebrow.