Dildo Alternatives: 31 Household Items People Consider

Before using any household item as a dildo, take a moment to think about what it is made of and how it is built. Many everyday objects were never designed for intimate use.

A smooth surface does not automatically make something body-safe. Cracks, seams, rough edges, coatings, or porous materials can irritate delicate tissue or hold bacteria.

Some objects can also crack, break, or become difficult to remove. This is especially important with anal play, where anything inserted should have a wide, flared base designed to keep it from slipping fully inside.

Cleaning an object can reduce germs, but it does not make an unsafe material or design safe. Putting a condom over an object does not fix problems such as sharp edges, breakage, or poor shape either.

If you are unsure about an item, do not use it. A body-safe dildo made for intimate use takes away much of the guesswork and is usually the safer, more comfortable choice.

• Material: Avoid porous, fragile, coated, or unknown materials. If you do not know what an item is made of, skip it.
  
  
• Surface: Check for seams, cracks, chips, splinters, rough spots, or sharp edges.
  
  
• Shape and Size: Choose something smooth and comfortable for your body. Do not force an item that feels too large or awkward.
  
  
• Cleanliness: Wash anything that touches intimate areas according to the material. Cleaning does not make an unsafe object body-safe.
  
  
• Protection: A condom can make cleanup easier, but it cannot prevent an object from breaking, splintering, or getting stuck.
  
  
• Lubrication: Use plenty of body-safe lubricant to reduce friction and discomfort.
  
  
• Durability: Avoid anything that could crack, bend, leak, come apart, or break during use.
  
  
• Retrieval: Make sure you can keep a secure grip on the item. For anal use, only use products with a wide, flared base designed for safe retrieval.
  
  

Anal play needs a little more care because the rectum can pull an object farther inside the body. For this reason, household items are not a good choice.

Anything used for anal play should have a wide, flared base that stays outside the body. A smooth shape and body-safe material matter too. If an item does not have a secure base, do not insert it.

Use plenty of personal lubricant to reduce friction and make things more comfortable. Choose a lube that is compatible with the toy or material you are using.

Start slowly and never force anything. Stop if you feel sharp pain, numbness, or unusual discomfort. If an object becomes stuck and you cannot remove it easily, seek medical help rather than trying to pull it out with another object.

If you want to experiment with anal stimulation, a purpose-made anal toy is the safer option. Butt plugs, anal vibrators, and other anal toys are designed with shapes and bases that make them easier to use and retrieve.

When you do not have a dildo nearby, it can be tempting to look around the house for something with a similar shape. People mention everything from vegetables and bottles to handles and personal-care products.

But a familiar shape does not make an object safe for penetration. Many household items can break, leak, splinter, hold bacteria, or have surfaces that are too rough for sensitive tissue.

The list below covers common dildo alternatives people search for and the risks that come with them. In many cases, the safest answer is simple: do not insert the item and choose a product made for intimate use instead.

Cucumber

A cucumber is one of the most commonly mentioned dildo alternatives because of its shape and availability.

Safety note: Cucumbers can crack or break, and their surface is not designed for internal use. A purpose-made dildo is the safer option.

Toothbrush Handle

The handle of a toothbrush may look easy to grip and control.

Safety note: Seams, textured grips, hard edges, and small parts can irritate or injure sensitive tissue. It is better not to use one for penetration.

Marker

Markers are sometimes considered because they are smooth and narrow.

Safety note: They can leak ink, have removable caps, and are made from materials that were never intended for internal use.

Hairbrush Handle

Some hairbrush handles have a rounded shape that may seem suitable at first glance.

Safety note: Handles can have seams, coatings, rough edges, or detachable parts. They are not designed for penetration.

Banana

A banana has a natural curve and soft texture.

Safety note: It can split, break, or leave pieces behind. Food is not a reliable substitute for a body-safe dildo.

Candlestick

Candlesticks come in many shapes and materials, which is why some people think of them as an alternative.

Safety note: Metal edges, decorative details, wax, coatings, and breakable materials can all create risks. Skip it for internal use.

Remote Control

A remote control may be easy to hold, but its shape is not made for the body.

Safety note: Buttons, seams, battery compartments, and hard edges can cause irritation or injury. Do not use a remote for penetration.

Carrot

Carrots are another commonly mentioned option because of their long, tapered shape.

Safety note: They can snap, have rough spots, and are not designed for internal use. A smooth, purpose-made toy is a much safer choice.

Spoon Handle

A rounded spoon handle can look smooth and easy to control.

Safety note: The shape, edges, material, and finish vary widely. Kitchen utensils are not designed for penetration.

Zucchini

Zucchini is often mentioned for the same reason as cucumber: its shape resembles some dildos.

Safety note: It can split or break and may have surface imperfections. It is safer to use a toy designed for intimate use.

Deodorant Stick

A deodorant container may seem like an easy option because of its rounded shape and smooth surface.

Safety note: Deodorant residue, seams, caps, and hard plastic edges can irritate sensitive tissue. It is better not to use one for penetration.

Shower Head

A handheld shower head is sometimes used for external stimulation because you can control the water pressure.

Safety note: Keep the stimulation external and use gentle water pressure. Do not direct a strong stream of water inside the vagina or rectum.

Rolling Pin

A rolling pin has a smooth shape, but it is much larger and heavier than most toys made for penetration.

Safety note: Its size, weight, handles, and material can make it difficult to control. A rolling pin is better left in the kitchen.

Broom Handle

A broom handle may have a long, straight shape, but that does not make it suitable for intimate use.

Safety note: Wood can splinter, while painted or coated handles may have rough spots or chemicals on the surface. Do not use a broom handle for penetration.

Candle

Candles come in many sizes and may look similar to some slim dildos.

Safety note: Wax can crack, bend, flake, or break. Fragrances and other ingredients may also irritate sensitive skin, so candles are not a safe choice for insertion.

Lotion Bottle

Some lotion bottles have rounded shapes that may seem easy to hold.

Safety note: Bottles can have seams, lids, pumps, or product residue. They were not designed for internal use and should not be used for penetration.

Soap Dispenser

A soap dispenser may have a smooth bottle, but the pump and nozzle make it a poor choice for intimate play.

Safety note: Soap residue can cause irritation, and the nozzle or removable parts can hurt delicate tissue. Skip this one for penetration.

Perfume Bottle

Small perfume bottles can look smooth and elegant, but most are made of glass.

Safety note: Glass perfume bottles can crack or break, and their edges, caps, and decorative shapes are not designed for the body. Do not insert them.

Shampoo Bottle

A shampoo bottle may look similar in shape to some larger toys.

Safety note: Caps, seams, hard edges, and shampoo residue can all cause problems. The size can also make the bottle difficult to control.

Water Bottle

Water bottles come in different shapes and materials, which can make some of them look like a possible alternative.

Safety note: Plastic can collapse or develop sharp edges, while metal bottles are usually too large and rigid. Neither is designed for penetration.

Banana Peel

A banana peel may come to mind because it is soft and slippery.

Safety note: It tears easily, leaves residue, and is not made for internal use. It is better to skip it.

Hot Dog

A hot dog has a soft texture and a shape that may look similar to a small dildo.

Safety note: It can break apart and leave pieces behind. Food is not a safe substitute for a toy made for penetration.

Wooden Spoon

The handle of a wooden spoon may seem easy to hold and control.

Safety note: Wood can splinter and may have tiny cracks or rough spots you cannot see. Do not use wooden utensils for penetration.

Lipstick

A lipstick tube is small, smooth, and easy to hold.

Safety note: Caps can come off, the tube can break, and makeup residue may irritate sensitive tissue. It is not a good choice for internal use.

Wine Bottle

Wine bottles are sometimes mentioned because of their smooth shape.

Safety note: Glass can crack or break, and a bottle is much larger and heavier than most toys. Do not use a wine bottle for penetration.

Flashlight

A flashlight can have a smooth handle and solid shape.

Safety note: Hard edges, seams, battery compartments, and removable parts make it unsuitable for internal use.

Kitchen Spatula

Some spatula handles are smooth and flexible, which may make them look like a possible alternative.

Safety note: Kitchen tools can have seams, rough edges, or materials that were not made for intimate contact. Keep the spatula in the kitchen.

Ice Cream Scoop

An ice cream scoop often has a thick, rounded handle.

Safety note: Its size, weight, hard surface, and metal edges can make it uncomfortable or unsafe for penetration.

Make-Up Brush Handle

A large make-up brush may have a smooth handle that is easy to grip.

Safety note: Handles can have coatings, seams, glue, or detachable parts. They are not designed for internal use.

Highlighter Pen

A highlighter has a smooth plastic body and is usually easy to hold.

Safety note: Ink can leak, caps can come loose, and the plastic may have seams or sharp edges. Do not use one for penetration.

Lamp

Some lamps have long stems or rounded parts that may seem similar in shape to a dildo.

Safety note: Lamps can contain glass, metal edges, electrical parts, coatings, and pieces that can break or come loose. They should never be used for penetration.

If you are thinking about using something other than a dildo, take a few seconds to look at the object carefully first. Shape alone does not tell you whether it is safe for your body.

Avoid anything that can crack, splinter, leak, or come apart. Rough edges, seams, coatings, and unknown materials are also good reasons to skip an item.

Never force anything that feels uncomfortable. Use plenty of body-safe lubricant, go slowly, and stop if you feel pain or irritation.

For anal play, only use toys with a wide, flared base. Household objects can slip farther inside the rectum and become difficult to remove.

When in doubt, choose a purpose-made dildo instead. Products designed for intimate use are easier to clean, easier to control, and made with the body in mind.

If you are considering a household item because you do not have a dildo nearby, a purpose-made option may be easier to find than you think.

Dildos come in a wide range of prices, sizes, shapes, and materials. You do not need to spend a lot to find something designed specifically for intimate use.

Shopping online also makes it easier to compare options without feeling rushed. You can check the size, material, shape, and reviews before choosing what feels right for you.

If you are not sure where to start, our guide to the best dildos explains the main styles and what to look for. You can also browse our dildo collection to see the different options available.

The right dildo does not need to be complicated. Start with a size and shape that feels comfortable, use plenty of lubricant, and take your time.

• Silicone Dildos  
  Soft, flexible, and available in almost every size and shape. Quality body-safe silicone is also non-porous and easy to care for, which makes it a popular choice for beginners and experienced users.
  
  
• Glass Dildos  
  Glass dildos are smooth, firm, and easy to clean. Look for toys made from body-safe glass designed for intimate use. They can also be warmed or cooled for temperature play.
  
  
• Plastic Dildos  
  Dildos made from hard ABS plastic feel much firmer than silicone. They are lightweight, non-porous, and often available at lower price points.
  
  
• Realistic Dildos  
  These are designed to look and feel more like a penis, with details such as a defined head, veins, or a natural shape. They come in many sizes, so check the measurements before choosing one.
  
  
• Double-Ended Dildos  
  A double-ended dildo has a usable end on both sides. Some are made for couples, while others can be used solo. Their extra length means it is worth checking the dimensions before buying.
  
  
• Anal Dildos  
  Dildos made for anal play are usually shaped for comfortable insertion and should have a wide, flared base for safer retrieval. Start smaller if anal penetration is new to you.
  
  
• Long Dildos
  Longer dildos offer more room to explore depth and different positions. Size matters here, so choose something you can comfortably control rather than simply going for the longest option.
  
  
• Suction Cup Dildos  
  A suction cup lets you attach the dildo to a smooth surface for hands-free play. They can work well on floors, walls, shower tiles, or other clean, flat surfaces.
  
  
• G-Spot Dildos  
  These usually have a curved or angled tip designed to put more pressure on the front wall of the vagina. The shape can make targeted stimulation easier.
  
  
• Harness-Compatible Dildos  
  These dildos have a base that works with a strap-on harness. Check the dildo and harness measurements before buying to make sure they fit together.
  
  
• Vibrating Dildos  
  A vibrating dildo combines penetration with vibration. Some keep things simple with a few settings, while others offer different patterns and intensity levels.
  
  
• Metal Dildos  
  Metal dildos are firm, smooth, and heavier than most other options. Quality toys made for intimate use are easy to clean and can also be used for temperature play.
  
  

If you are choosing between a household object and a real dildo, a product made for intimate use is the better option.

Shopping online gives you time to compare sizes, shapes, and materials before you buy. You can also read product details and reviews instead of guessing whether something will work for your body.

At ThatMood, you can browse dildos in different styles, from soft silicone and realistic designs to glass, metal, suction cup, and vibrating options.

Not sure what to choose? Our guide to the best dildos can help you compare the main types and find a good place to start.

The goal is not to pick the biggest or most complicated toy. Choose something that feels comfortable, use plenty of lubricant, and take your time.

When you are ready to buy a dildo, a few simple checks can help you choose a product that is safer, easier to use, and better suited to your body.

• Choose body-safe materials: Look for non-porous materials such as quality silicone, borosilicate glass, stainless steel, or ABS plastic. Avoid products made from unknown or porous materials.
  
  
• Read the product details: Check the material, size, care instructions, and any warnings before you buy.
  
  
• Check the brand: Buy from reputable brands and retailers that clearly explain what their products are made from and how to care for them.
  
  
• Read customer reviews: Reviews can help you understand firmness, size, texture, durability, and how the toy feels in real use.
  
  
• Know the store policy: Intimate products often have special return or hygiene rules. Check the policy before ordering so you know what is covered.

• https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/sex-pleasure-and-sexual-dysfunction/sex-and-pleasure/sex-toys
• https://www.plannedparenthood.org/blog/whats-anal-sex-what-are-the-risks-of-it
• https://health.clevelandclinic.org/anal-sex-safety
• https://www.refinery29.com/en-ca/2020/04/9657163/homemade-sex-toys-household-items
• https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/advice/g2325/homemade-sex-toys/