National Lingerie Day

Did you know National Lingerie Day is April 24th?  Don't worry if you didn't, most people are not aware of this "holiday." Which made us wonder?  Is National Lingerie Day a real holiday or just a made-up event?

To start, there actually is a difference between National Days and Awareness Days.  Awareness Days are usually health related and seek to raise awareness of various illnesses and diseases.  National Days are usually staged by commercial organizations to promote their products and services.  But who decides what day is a national day?  Does it require an act of Congress or can any entity just deem it "National Blow-Job and a Steak Day" (March 14 - really!).  

Apparently anyone can apply to the United Nations or their government to have their day formalized.  Unless the day is racist, sexist or otherwise hateful, it's generally accepted.  There's even a website where you can apply to have your day formalized by answering four simple questions and paying $300.00.  

The origin of National Lingerie Day is apparently the brainchild of the Intimate Apparel Council.  This industry group is made up of U.S. designers, brands and retailers.  Apparently in April 1989 they began promoting National Lingerie Week to "reaffirm the message that intimate apparel is fashion."  They wanted a week-long celebration of in-store promotions, unique prices and fit clinics.  Frederick's of Hollywood then picked up the torch and began promoting it as a special day in their stores and on their website.  

What't interesting to us at Fantasy Gifts is why more lingerie stores are not promoting this event.  The Intimate Apparel Council does not even mention it on their website anymore.  The top three lingerie retailers - Victoria's Secret, Wal-mart and J.C. Penney - are not even mentioning this day.  And even Frederick's of Hollywood, who started the craze, appears to not be celebrating it this year.  

According to Business Insider, the intimate apparel industry is a $29 billion global market.  The United States represents 30% of the global market and 20% of total apparel sales.  This is an National Day tailor-made to the intimate apparel industry and everyone is just ignoring it!  

Well, not us!  Come to any Fantasy Gifts store in South Jersey on April 24th and celebrate National Lingerie Day by picking out a free $5.95 panty with any lingerie purchase.  And let's get National Lingerie Day celebrated right up there with National Hairball Awareness Day - that's April 26th!  





Celebrate Earth Day with Green Sex Toys!


Spring is here!  With all the trees budding, flowers blooming and bees buzzing, our thoughts naturally turn to the environment around us.  In Fantasy Gifts' over 30 years of business, we have seem many trends in sex toys come and go.  The green trend, however, looks like it's here to stay and we for one couldn't be happier!

Nothing is so personal as what you put in or on your body.  When sex toys first became mass-produced for popular consumption in the 1970's, they were primarily made out of hard ABS plastic.  This material is still readily available.  As sex toys evolved, so did consumer demand.  Customers started requested softer, more life-like materials.  The soft, pliable "jelly" type became a popular material for many vibrators, dildos and love dolls.  Made of some form of plastic, PVC plastics suppliers began to incorporate one or more members of a family of compounds calls phthalates.  

Phthalates are everywhere.  They are used in perfumes, hair sprays, plastic raincoats, carpet backing, paints, medical devices and many other items.  They are responsible for that "new car smell," which goes to show you how much plastic is in your car.  So if phthalates are so prevalent, how dangerous can they really be?  

A 2004 study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention analyzed urine studies from 2,450 people ages six and older.  It found phthalate metabolites (left over phthalates) in over 75% of the subjects.  While we know phthalates are toxic in animals, it is not yet known how adversely phthalates affect humans.  It is believed that there may be a connection between phthalates and the human hormonal system.  Testing has shown that it many diminish fertility and negatively affect the liver and kidneys.  With so many green sex toy options on the market, why take any chances?  




Fantasy Gifts is proud to lead the green initiative and feature a wide range of phthalate-free sex toys.  One of our favorite lines is Pipedream Icicles.  Made of 100% borosilicate glass, it has no additives, allergens or chemical residue.  It will not break, chip or crack.  Best of all, most of them do not take any batteries.


Silicone is another great alternative for those consumers looking for a green sex toy.  Medical grade silicone is a chemically inert substance.  This means there are no toxic ingredients that can be gassed or leached from the substance.  Silicone is not toxic to aquatic plants or animals and does not have a negative effect on soil organisms.  Although it is not biodegradable, it can be recycled.  One of our top choices for a silicone product is the We Vibe 4.  Made of medical grade silicone, it is fully rechargeable, takes no batteries, and can be used during intercourse.




Just because a sex toy is made of a jelly-type plastic, does not mean that it contains phthalates.  More and more sex toy manufacturers are recognizing the potential health-hazards associated with phthalates and are voluntarily using other materials.  This is impressive because sex toys are not regulated by any governmental agency.  They are not required to limit any materials in their product, however, recognizing consumer's concerns, they are self-regulating.  The majority of Doc Johnson's products are made of sil-a-gel, which is anti-bacterial, non-toxic, latex, cadmium and phthalate free.  

Of course, there are always a few products containing phthalates on the market.  They are usually inexpensive and give off a clear odor (think new car smell again).  If you ever have any questions as to whether your products contain phthalates, you can always ask a clerk at Fantasy Gifts.  

Finally, be just as green with the lubricants and toy cleaners you use too!  System JO has a great line of organic lubricants and toy cleaners.  Certified organic by the USDA, the water based lubricant is made with aloe vera and acai, making it silky smooth and long lasting.  System JO Organic Toy Cleaner is an antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral cleaner that is alcohol free and free of petrochemicals such as parabens and glycerin.  So Go Green this Earth Day and all year long!


Sexy Easter

At Fantasy Gifts, we truly believe that any holiday can turn into a sexy holiday with a little creative thinking.  Everyone thinks sexy stocking stuffers at Christmas and Valentine's Day is a no-brainer.  But why not think outside the box for Easter?  Easter is a perfect time to remind your mate that you still think they're hot.  Instead of limiting Easter to peeps and jelly beans, here are a few suggestions to make sure your love bunny keeps hopping down your trail!
The Easter basket is such an easy vessel to fill with sexy, romantic gifts.  Start with the plastic egg - the cheap ones you can buy at any store.  Instead of filling it with candy, fill it with pillow packs of lubricants.  They fit in easily and are much more fun to search for!

Easter is synonymous with chocolate.  We have a full selection of naughty, delicious chocolate in all your favorite anatomically correct body parts!  Or if you prefer, paint your partner in chocolate with Shunga Edible Body Paint.  Don't like chocolate?  Hott Products Edible Body Paint comes in a rainbow of colors and flavors, including passion fruit, pina colada, strawberry and cherry!  


The Tenga Egg is one of our favorite Easter products.  This cute little egg is actually a disposable male masturbator.  Available in six fun shapes and textures - the Tenga Egg is perfect for the man who seems to have everything!

Ever since "Sex and the City" put Vibratex Rabbit Habit on the map, the rabbit vibrator has become the most popular shape for vibrators.  It's now available at almost any price point and in a variety of materials.  One of our favorites is the Waterproof Jack Rabbit by California Exotic.  Available in pink or purple, it's made of PVC and it's completely waterproof so it can be used in the shower or bath, or out!

Finally, put some spring in your step and pair any piece of lingerie with a simple pair of bunny ears.  It's simple and easy, plus it's a great excuse to put the flannel pajamas away and break out the spring lingerie.


April "Sex" in the Showers

April Showers are starting to fall.  All that rain automatically makes us think of Sportsheets Sex in the Shower - a great line of sex toy products specifically devoted to, what else, Sex in the Shower!  In order to encourage you to try Sex in the Shower, Fantasy Gifts is offering 25% off the entire line for the month of April.

Finally couples have more to rely on than the erratic placement of the soap dish, the unsteadiness of the faucet and the random height of the shower head to achieve sexual satisfaction in the tub or shower.  This product line has thought of everything.  The Dual Shower Head ensures neither you nor your partner will ever get cold.   It connects to your shower as a single unit but branches out into two individual heads.  The heads work as one unit, but there are four water-pressure options to choose from: both heads using a full-body spray; both in a pulsating massage; one full-body spray and one pulsating massage; or both heads giving a full-body spray with the pulsing massage jets in the center.

The Single Locking Suction Handle  is made of thick white plastic and suctions easily to most smooth surfaces, including glass, fiberglass, and tiles that are at least four inches across. When you’ve suctioned the handle to the shower wall, simply click the locking handle shut (you’ll hear it click) and you’re good to go.

The Dual Locking Suction Handle locks securely in place with two heavy-duty suction cups. They’ll stick to any smooth surface (glass, tiles over four inches wide, fiberglass, etc.), and once you’ve pressed them into place, you simply push down the levers on each end and they’ll stay there for as long as you want them to. To remove, just lift the levers and pull the cups up with the tiny rubber tabs sticking out at the sides.

TheSingle Locking Foot Rest  allows you to achieve previously impossible positions in your bath or shower. With its strong lever-activated suction cup and smooth waterproof design, you can have extra leverage, extra height and extra sensations within seconds.

For a stronger bond, try the Suction Handcuffs  The line also features Vibrating Sponge and a Vibrating Mesh Sponge. Remember, 25% off all Sex in the Shower products for the month of April, in-store at our Marlton and Turnersville, New Jersey locations and online at www.fantasygiftsnj.com.

Shower Sex and water play are a great way to be intimate and get clean at the same time!  Want to try it for free? Try this fun position: stand facing each other in the shower. Hug your partner as you wrap your left leg around his waist. He places his right hand under your thigh to keep you steady as he enters you. Meanwhile, his other hand is free to caress your face and run his fingers through your hair. What will your April showers bring you?

 

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