The Evolution of Sex Toys: From Ancient Times to Modern Innovation

Adult sex toys have changed the way people practice sex. They have taught us many thing about pleasure and have primarily been necessary for the exploration of women’s sexuality. Although current sex toys you can find in stores like Hankey’s Toys might not seem like a contemporary innovation, they’ve existed for a long time.
One of the first phallic-shaped tools that is considered the first sex toy was found in the Hohle Fels Cave close to Ulm in Germany. Research says that the toy is around 28000 years old! The tool is described as having a polished texture and clear lines around the top, which imitate the real deal.
Other than that, there have been mentions of sex tools in Ancient Egypt and Ancient Babylon. Ancient Greece is one of the most influential civilizations when it comes to sexual practices, and they were known to use phallic-shaped tools, which they called olisbos. Since those tools were used to substitute the male sex organ, it is considered a sex toy, of course.
The birth of pleasure tools

As was mentioned, sex toys have been around for much longer than most people realize. This is all supported by archaeological evidence suggesting that humans have been using adult sex toys for tens of thousands of years. That said, the first thing we all think about when people say sex toys are realistic dildos or adult fantasy sex toys, right?
One thing you should keep in mind is that toys of the past used to look very different. Today, you can get almost any shape and size from Mr. Hankey’s Toys. We provide you with toys as creative as hentai dildos to something as realistic as fist dildos.
The earliest dildos
One of the oldest known sex toys dates back to 30,000 BC. Phallic-shaped objects back then were carved from stone and bone, and they are believed to be some of the first realistic sex toys out there. These dildos were found in regions of Germany and France, suggesting that humans have always looked for ways to enhance pleasure, even in prehistoric times.
Some argue that these could also have some ritualistic or symbolic purposes. But their size and smooth surfaces strongly suggest that they were used for sexual stimulation instead.
Ancient Egypt and Greece
In ancient Egypt, adult toys were more than just pleasure devices. They were often linked to fertility and religious rituals. Today, you can get any shape and size you want from our store. If you wish to have one with a realistic BBC dildo or you are interested in giant dildos instead, the choices are endless.
However, in the past, Egyptian women were believed to use stone or wooden phalluses as a symbol of sexual power or afterlife companions. On the other hand, in Ancient Greece, dildos were openly acknowledged as a part of daily life. The olisbos (a leather or stone dildo) was widely used by women, especially when their men were away at war. Those toys were even sold in marketplaces.
Ancient China and Japan
Sex toys were seen as a luxury in Ancient China. These dildos were crafted from jade and symbolized purity and longevity, which suggested that pleasure and health were connected. These early adult sex toys were not all about stimulation; they were known to promote good energy flow.
Japan, on the other hand, is known for its rich history of erotic art. So, it is no surprise that there were also some early developments in pleasure tools. Some records suggest that early prototypes of Tenga-like devices existed, and they were designed for male pleasure.
The Middle Ages

With the rise of Christianity and other religious influences, the Middle Ages are not considered a golden era for sexual exploration. Sexual pleasure, especially for women, was often seen as sinful or immoral. You could say that the church played a significant role in making these toys seem taboo or forbidden. Even nowadays, you have a clash of opinions when it comes to sex toys.
It seems like, even despite the church's restrictions, human desire did not disappear. Instead, they would use other phallic-shaped objects, like makeshift toys or vegetables.
Luckily, our store is open for every adult in need of sexual satisfaction or exploration. Mr. Hankey’s Toys provides the most interesting adult fantasy toys on the market. We also have a lot of realistic dildos that might spark your interest. So, whether you’ve always wanted to have sex with horse dildo models or maybe a basic penis toy, the choice is yours. Our toys are suitable for adults of all genders and sexual orientations.
The Victorian era

In the 19th century, we finally see the creation of the vibrator… which was first developed for medical use. At the time, doctors often diagnosed women with “hysteria,” which was a condition that caused anxiety, mood swings, and general restlessness. The cure was a pelvic massage that could induce hysterical paroxysms, aka an orgasm.
Some of the earlier vibrators were steam-powered or hand-cranked, which is what made them vibrate. However, the first breakthrough came in the late 1800s when the first electromechanical vibrator was created. To nobody’s surprise, this device has quickly gained popularity! Despite that popularity, it stayed in stores as a medical device for a long time.
The 20th century

This is when we saw rapid advancements in sex toy technology and accessibility to all adults, especially after the sexual revolution in the '60s and '70s. It seems like society started accepting vibrators and dildos as more than just medical devices. That works great for us, of course, considering that Mr. Hankeys has one of the best collections of dildos on the market.
One of the most significant changes in the 20th century was the introduction of battery-powered vibrators. They were more compact, portable, and user-friendly. In the 1980s, there was another breakthrough: we started using body-safe materials like silicone instead of plastic and rubber. By the end of the 20th century, sex toys had wholly entered the mainstream, with dedicated shops and discreet mail-order options.
The digital age

This is the modern era that transformed sex toys into high-tech, customizable devices that we all know today. Significant technological advances have led to the rise of smart vibrators, app-controlled devices, and even AI-enhanced pleasures.
Thanks to all those advances, we can create dildos of all shapes and sizes. Mr. Hankey’s Toys is famous for its incredible designs and sizes, which you do not get to see anywhere else.
Realistic sex toys
If you enjoy toys that look like the real deal, we have a lot of penis toys for you to consider. For example, the Drew Sebastian dildo seems incredibly real. We also have some of the most realistic BBC dildo toys, along with giant dildos of different shapes. There are tons of fisting toys you can consider as well!
Fantasy sex toys
Some people like to let their fantasies run wild… and we have a lot of toys for you, as well. This includes some of the most creative and interesting designs you have ever seen. For example, we have the realistic-looking horse, dog, and dragon dildo options.
Maybe you would much rather have a session with a variety of monster dildo toys? How about hentai dildos instead? With so many fantasy sex toy designs, there is no doubt that you are going to find whatever you are itching for!
Expect anything from toys shaped like tentacles or fantasy creatures to fists, hands, and more. Your imagination is the limit, and Mr. Hankey’s Toys is here to deliver the goods the best way we can.
The future of pleasure

The sex toy industry is more diverse and innovative than ever, with inclusivity at the forefront of modern design. You no longer must be limited to just the basic vibrators and dildos, especially considering the variety of sex toys available at Hankeys Toys. We provide you with a vast range of pleasure products designed for all genders, sexual orientations, and preferences, from gender-affirming toys to strap-ons designed for queer couples. Inclusivity and pleasure are our primary focuses!
The future of pleasure is evolving rapidly. Technological advancements and a shift in societal attitudes toward sex and intimacy drive it. As society becomes more accepting of diverse sexual identities and desires, the adult toy industry is striving to meet the needs of a wide array of individuals. You no longer must browse through stores with a one-size-fits-all narrative, because that is factually not true.
This is precisely why Mr. Hankey’s Toys provides many interesting designs. You have some of the most realistic dildos in our store that look and feel just like the real thing. You also have the hottest fantasy adult toys to let you be as creative as you want in the bedroom!