Spring Clean Your Sex Life!

I don't know about you, but once March hits I can feel the change instantly.  Spring is in the air.  We might still see the occasional snowflake or experience a chilly day but there's no doubt about it, there's been a change in seasons.  The days are getting longer, the nights less frigid.  There are even a few flowers popping up.

What is it about a change of seasons that makes you want to clean?  Something about boxing up all those sweaters makes you want to take stock of what you have, toss out the old and bring in the new.  This time of year we clean out cabinets, wash windows and scrub baseboards.  Perhaps it's time to spring clean our sex lives as well.

Not all spring cleaning takes place in the bedroom but it is an ideal place to start.  First, pack away the flannel sheets and heavy comforters.  Bring in some new, fresh sheets and duvets.  Spray your sheets with a new lovely scent.  We like Dona by Jo Linen Spray.  This aphrodisiac infused spray will help you redefine the bedroom and give your linens and sheets a sensual touch.

While you're adding fresh sheets and linens, why not clean out the lingerie drawer.  First, start with the panty drawer.  Throw out those nasty old panties that no longer fit, are stained, or are just plain ugly.  Move on to your bras.  A bra cannot withstand electric washing for longer than six months - a year tops if you don't wear it often.  Try all of your bras on and  get rid of the ones that are no longer flattering.  If you've had a weight gain/loss recently, you'll probably need to be resized.  Most lingerie stores will measure you for free.

Now look at your sex toys.  Sex toys should be stores in a cool, dry place away from pets (and kids!) and free from dirt and dust.  Silicone toys should not be stored together as they can cause each other to break down.  Inspect all of your toys.  Look for breakage and wear and tear.  Toys that are corroded or mildewed need to be tossed.  Inspect the battery packs too.  Ideally you should remove your batteries after each use but if you haven't check to make sure the batteries are in good order.  Clean your toys thoroughly.  We like to use Wet Keep it Clean Anti Bacterial Foaming Toy Wash.  A little bit goes a long way and the foaming action allows for targeted application and a deep clean. Keep It Clean™ Toy Wash will not harm most toy materials including rubber, silicone, latex, realistic materials, jelly rubber, plastic, metal, or glass.

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Ben Wa 101

Ben Wa Balls have been around since about 500 A.D.  But although they have been a constant staple in adult stores since, well since adult stores were created, it took a little phenomenon known as "Fifty Shades of Grey" to spur sales into the stratosphere.

Ben Wa balls are a very simple concept.  As soon as the cave man invented a wheel, they were probably looking for a way to insert small spherical objects into a woman's vagina.  Not much is really known about their invention but the use of ben wa balls were discovered by Western travelers to the Orient and documented as early as the end of the sixteenth century.

Ben Wa balls are also known as love balls and pleasure balls.  Ben Wa balls were originally meant to provide the man with extra pleasure during intercourse however some creative lover quickly discovered that they had a positive effect on women as well.  The feeling of balls floating freely in the vagina and constantly massaging the vaginal walls caused intense sexual arousal. 

Thanks to modern science, it is now known that Ben Wa balls are excellent at strengthening the pubococcygeus (PC) muscle (a hammock-like bone that stretches from the pubic bone to the coccyx or tail bone, forming the floor of the pelvic cavity and supporting the pelvic organs).  The act of strengthening the PC muscle are commonly called Kegel exercises.  Kegel exercises are recommended for women who recently had childbirth to restore vaginal muscle tone and help strengthen a weak bladder.  It has been proven that the strength of the PC muscles was directly related to the intensity of an orgasm.  Wearing Ben Wa balls for a few hours every day strengthens the vaginal sphincter and many men and women report intense sensations if the woman squeezes her vaginal muscles tightly around her partner's penis during intercourse.

Ben Wa Balls are the best and easiest way to exercise the PC muscles because the vagina is forced to flex in order to hold the balls inside.  Additionally, when the muscles are flexed, blood rushes to that area increasing sexual arousal.  Ben Wa balls are not meant to bring an orgasm, but rather work as a slow tease, keeping the woman in a constant state of arousal.

Using Ben Wa Balls is very simple, but can take some practice.  The size of the Ben Wa balls is very important.  If you have had a vaginal birth or are a larger woman, purchase a larger size of Ben Wa Balls.  This will help to ensure the Ben Wa Balls do not fall out in the grocery store!  Also, determine the material you want your Ben Wa Balls made out of.  There are several different types.  

Pipedream Ben Wa Balls are small and classic.  Made of metal and gold in color, they are only .75" in diameter.

 

 

 

 

Pipedream Icicles No. 41 are perfect for the first-time Ben Wa wearer.  Made of Borosilicate Glass, they are 1" in diameter.The most popular and modern version of the traditional Ben Wa Balls is the Pipedream Classic Duo Tone Balls.  They have a small ball that jiggles independently inside the larger ball, a feeling you will certainly notice!  

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Strap-Ons are Hot!

One of our hottest selling Valentine items surprised even me.  We've all seen trends come and go. Fifty Shades of Grey made bondage acceptable and cool.  Anal play has been coming into its own.  And I'll never forget the year of the ball-gag Christmas.  We literally sold out of every ball gag we had in stock - for Christmas!  Go figure!

But this Valentine's day, there was one consistent seller that crossed all lines.  It was bought by women for men, by men for women, by women for women and by men for men.  It was not sold to just older buyers but to younger buyers.  What was the must-have item on February 14?  A strap-on harness, of course!

If you're not familiar with the phenomenon, let us explain.  A strap-on dildo is designed to be worn by both men and women to provide penetration both vaginally and anally. At Fantasy Gifts, you can purchase a set, with the strap and dildo sold together, such as the Lucid Dream Vac-u-Lock Harness and Dong No. 9, or just a strap alone, such as
 Sportsheets Bare as You Dare Harness.
Strap-ons are used for a variety of reasons.  A heterosexual couple can use a strap-on harness and dildo to prolong sex.  If the man wears the strap-on he can penetrate a woman vaginally without using his penis.  He can also have his hands free to receive stimulation from either a vibrator or his partner.  He can also use a strap-on harness that provides prostate stimulation.

For men suffering from erectile dysfunction, a hollow strap-on such as the Fetish Fantasy Vibrating 7" Hollow Strap On  is a great option.  There's a non-vibrating option too in the  Fetish Fantasy Elite 7" Hollow Strap-On.

Pegging is a popular form of anal play.  Pegging is when a woman penetrates her partner anally.  This term usually applies to women who peg men in order for the man to receive prostate stimulation.  The Sportsheets New Cummers Strap-On Kit is consistently one of our best-sellers.  The slim 5" dildo is perfect for beginners.

For women-to-women sex, women can choose to penetrate their partner either anally or vaginally by using a strap-on harness and dildo system.  The Pipedream Fantasy Fetish Elite Series comes in either pretty pink or passionate purple and is available in sizes from 4.5" insertable length to 7" insertable length.  You also have the option of a vibrating or non-vibrating dildo.  

Sportsheets Menage a Trois for Two features a double penetration harness and dildo set designed for even penetration.  

You also have the option of purchasing a strap-on harness alone.  At Fantasy Gifts we carry a number of strap-on harnesses, but our latest addition has been the Fetish Fantasy Elite Series from Pipedream Products.  These products are available in three styles: the Fetish Fantasy Elite Universal Beginners Harness, the Fetish Fantasy Elite Universal Breathable Harness and the Fetish Fantasy Elite Univeral Heavy Duty Harness.  Whether you are just beginning to experiment with strap-ons or you need something to withstand rugged, extreme play, the Pipedream Fetish Fantasy Elite Series has a strap-on for you.  Best of all, there is fully compatible line of silicone dildos so you never have to worry about achieving the perfect fit!

If you are interested in trying a strap-on, stop by any Fantasy Gifts store and speak to one of our knowledgeable sales staff.  They will be happy to assist you in choosing the right size and type of strap-on harness for you and your partner.

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Help for Erectile Dysfunction & Other Problems

A new study finds that the erectile-dysfunction drug Cialis can help other little-discussed male sexual problems, too.  It turns out that while you're in separate tubs (how sexy is that?), a new study has found that found that men with erectile or prostate difficulties who took Cialis also had improvements in their problems with ejaculating and achieving orgasm, even when their erectile dysfunction was minor.

As men age, they can become affected by slower or non-existent ejaculation.  Unfortunately, many insurance companies are no longer providing coverage or have limited coverage for erectile-dysfunction.  Viagra can cost between $35.00 - $65.00 a pill.  So what's a hot-blooded male to do?

First, stop into any Fantasy Gifts store.  Our employees are trained to deal with any questions you might have.  We've heard everything, so there's no way to embarrass or shock us.  But we can help you with everything from problems with your prostate to an inability to take pharmaceuticals.

If you are looking for a magic pill, we suggest Stiff 4 Hours.  Stiff 4 Hours is a culmination of several years of research, which resulted in the development of a product for men that improves their sexual experiences. The aim was to reduce the number of negative side effects that are often accompanied with prescription medicine male enhancers.  As with any OTC drugs, please check with your physician before taking.

For a drug-free approach, the answer may be as simple as an erection enhancer.  An erection enhancer constricts the blood flow to the penis resulting in a longer and stronger erection.

A penis pump is a cylinder that is fitted over the penis, with a manual or motorized pump to create a partial vacuum around the penis, engorging it as blood is drawn in. As vacuum increases, the pressure within the blood vessels of the penis increases as well; excessive vacuum causes vascular damage.

Penis pumps may be used to temporarily overcome symptoms of impotence, but do not cure the condition: a tourniquet-like ring must be applied to keep the blood trapped within the penis, otherwise the erection will immediately subside. Pumps may work even if there is nerve or vascular damage preventing a natural erection, but excessive or prolonged use (hours) will cause permanent harm.

Pumping must be done very carefully to avoid serious injury: over-enthusiastic pumping can burst blood vessels and form blisters.

Joseph Harryhill, a University of Pennsylvania urologist who treats many men with sexual problems, said the onslaught of drug-company advertising may have made men more comfortable talking about erectile dysfunction, but they still find it embarrassing to discuss ejaculation and orgasm.  And while many men have no problem achieving an erection, they still find it difficult to climax.  Women also may feel threatened by their man's inability to climax, wrongly feeling that it their fault and they are not attractive enough.  Any man who cannot achieve climax in under 30 minutes should seek medical help.  But know there are many resources at your disposal - don't be afraid to ask!

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Top Sexy Valentine Gift Ideas

Valentine's Day is a mere 10 days away and the staff at Fantasy Gifts has been busy compiling their top sexy valentine day ideas.  Forget the roses and chocolates - flowers die and chocolate makes you fat.  Let's get back to celebrating what this day is really about - romantic love.  And how best to show it? 

1. Cupid Says . . . Paint Your Partner Chocolate

Chocolate is a traditional Valentine's Gift, but this time put a sexy twist on it.  Fantasy Gifts' Chocolate Body Paint is hand-made in Vermont by a chocolatier and is yummy on everything from ice cream, to your partner's most intimate spots.  Best of all, you'll work off all of the calories!



 
2.   Cupid Says . . . If you Can't Be with the One You Love, Love the One You're With!
Sometimes the best Valentine's Day are the one's spent alone.  And the Thrill by We Vibe is designed specifically for those occasions!  The waterproof, rechargeable vibrator is scientifically designed to provide intense stimulation for your G-spot and clitoris. The revolutionary new design makes it possible for a woman to experience both G-spot and clitoral stimulation simultaneously while using a personal vibrator.
The We Vibe Thrill's design allows a woman to experiment with different amounts of pressure and intensity in the vibration patterns. The waterproof aspect of the We Vibe Thrill means that it can safely be used in the bathtub for solo fun.

 

3.  Cupid Says . . . Rub My Duckie! 
Rubber Duckie, you're the one, you make bath time so much fun!   Oh so stylish in a removable feather boa and glamorous Swarovski crystal, I Rub My Duckie - SweetHeart exudes feminine charm. Don’t let the sweet expression fool you, however, this little Femme Fatale offers amazingly strong, pocket rocket-like, vibrations. And like all well-bred Duckies, she is waterproof, so she will delight your honey in the bed, bath or wherever!

4.     Cupid Says . . . Have Kinky Sex!
Even if you haven't gone all 50 Shades of Grey, these silk ties are perfect for beginners. The soft silk securely restrains your lover without discomfort, making them the perfect binding tool for any occasion. The silk retains your own fragrance (from being worn around your neck or over your hair) creating an erotic essence to enhance your intimate encounter.
 
5.  Cupid Says . . . Show Your Love with the Lover Vibe! 
The perfect Valentine's present!  The most exciting feature of this Love Vibe is the 10 different functions. With the press of a button, you can switch from a slow, more gentle vibration, to a high speed, strong vibration, to pulsating, or thumping, or a high energy oscillating sensation. This firm sex toy is waterproof and the shaft of the vibrator is mildly bendable. So bend and sweat, curl and crawl around, and feel this vibrator move with you and tease you all the way to ecstasy. The stylish bottom is creatively designed for easy holding, and non-slip gripping.
 
6.  Cupid Says . . . Give an Amazing Heart Massage. 
What better way to say I Love You than by giving the Amazing Heart Massage?  
Massage can help increase the intimacy between you and your partner. The Amazing Hot Heart Massager builds on that intimacy by adding extra warmth to your touch – and you can use it again and again. The heart-shaped massager comes complete with a guide that provides mood setting tips, suggestions on how to initiate intimate massage, four romantic massage techniques as well as clear instructions on how to reuse the massager. Available as the original, or printed with "I Love You" or "XOXO" on the massager.

7.  Cupid Says . . . Warm up with Wet Warming Lubricant! 
Baby it's cold outside, warm up with Wet Warming Lubricant and turn up the heat! Gently heats on contact and warms with motion…Blow on it, it gets warmer. WET® WARMING is silky smooth, long lasting, water soluble, harmless if ingested, and latex friendly. Lick it and feel the heat between your sheets!


 
8.  Cupid Says . . . Tease & Please Me!
Have the type of girl who needs something soft and cuddly before she can be bad and naughty?   Amour is a romantic collection of sexy kits designed to put a spark into your relationship, or start a new one!  Featuring a cuddly teddy bear, a powerful push button micro-stimulator, a black lace G-string with adjustable satin ties, sensuous feathers, and secret pocket for micro-stimulator

9.  Cupid Says . . . Turn Me On!
Hands Down, On Natural Arousal Oil is one of our best-sellers!  This product produces several sensations, starting with an immediate warming effect, then followed by an electrical vibration tingling effect that actually pulses. All of this causes arousal and a moistening effect. The combined effect of this product causes orgasms that are quicker, longer-lasting, and more frequent. Some women have described this as a "3rd level” of orgasm – which no one has experienced prior to this. 

10.  Cupid Says . . . Warm Me Up, Cool Me Down.

 Elegant, upscale, and hand-crafted with amazing attention to detail, this luxurious line of glass massagers will leave you breathless. Each hand-blown Icicle glass wand is sleek, unique, and made to play hard.  The hypoallergenic glass is nonporous and body safe, and when cared for properly, is designed to last a lifetime. Run the wand under warm water or place it in the microwave to heat things up. Chill it under cold water or put it in the freezer for a cool sensation.

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50 Shades of Grey Parody Being Sued

You new it had to happen.  In September, based on a phenomenal fan following, Smash Productions decided to make a parody of the book 50 Shades of Grey by + E.L.James.  Unfortunately for Smash Productions, they did not own the rights to 50 Shades of Grey.  Those rights are owned by Universal Studios.  So quicker than you can say "inner goddess," Universal Studios sued Smash Productions for copyright infringement.


Porn parodies have been around almost as long as pornography has been.  Whatever your favorite genre, porn has found a way to parody it.  Tolkien fan?  There's "Whore of the Rings." Love Kevin Spacey?  How about "American Booty."  "A Tale of Two Titties," is a must-see for any English major.  Even classic movies aren't safe in "Titty, Titty, Bang, Bang."

We could go on.  The gay market nailed it with "Raiders of the Lost Arse" and "Whorry Potter" but "Edward Penishands" just seems a little too easy.  How did all of these movies manage to get away it without being sued?  Simple, other than the titles, the actual movies bear almost no resemblance to the original work.  Sure Whorry Potter is a boy wizard but beyond him creating a little "magic" in the bedroom, there's hardly a muggle in sight.

Parody is defined as a literary or artistic work that imitates the characteristic style of an author or a work for comic effect or ridicule.  The problem with the 50 Shades of Grey is there is no comic effect or ridicule.  Due to the adult nature of the book, Smash Productions lifted everything straight from the original work.  They didn't even bother to change the dialogue.

Take the following as an example:
When an inexperienced college student, Anastasia Steele, meets an extremely wealthy and handsome young business tycoon, Christian Grey, a whirlwind romance encompassing the kinkiest of pleasures soon ensues. Christian, (Ryan Driller) takes the inexperienced virgin Anastasia, (Allie Haze) into a world BDSM roll playing. Anastasia is completely swept up and scared as she has never experienced anything like this. She spent her last four years reading English literature while living vicariously through her outgoing roommate Kate (Alexis Ford). What made her charming prince like this? Was it the training in masochism he received at the hands of an older woman Mrs. Robinson (Julia Anne)? How many shades of the object of her love must she push through to find true love?
This description did not come from the book, it came directly from the box cover.  

While parodies have long been protected by the First Amendment, Universal Studios claims, "By lifting exact dialogue, characters, events, story, and style from the Fifty Shades trilogy, Smash Pictures ensured that the first XXX adaptation was, in fact, as close as possible to the original works," the 31-page complaint states.
"Beginning with the first XXX Adaptation's opening scene and continuing throughout the next 2½ hours of the film, Smash Pictures copies without reservation from the unique expressive elements of the Fifty Shades trilogy, progressing through the events of 'Fifty Shades of Grey' and into the second book, 'Fifty Shades Darker.' The first XXX adaptation is not a parody, and it does not comment on, criticize, or ridicule the originals. It is a rip-off, plain and simple."

Smash was originally going to release a sequel on January 10, 2013, however, that's not likely to happen.  In fact, all remaining copies of Fifty Shades of Grey: a XXX Adaptation have been pulled from the market.  What do you think?  Blatant rip-off or protected speech?  Stay tuned to see what the courts decide.

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Kama Sutra & Fantasy Gifts - A Match Made in Heaven

Fantasy Gifts began back in 1980.  At the time we opened in Minneapolis, MN, stores of our kind simply did not exist.  Back then, the adult market was dominated by bookstores, peepshows and truck stops.  They catered to men and the quick bang.  The idea of a suburban store for women and couples was ground-breaking at the time.

When we first opened, it was difficult to find companies to purchase from.  The market was so man-centric there were very few products geared towards romance.  Of the romantic products available, most were so tame (think candles) that we had problems filling our shelves.

Fantasy Gifts has always had a vision.  To celebrate sexual health and wellness, to cater to all couples regardless of sexuality, to provide a safe and comfortable shopping atmosphere.  Luckily, there was one company on the scene who also shared our vision.

Kama Sutra opened its doors in the 1960s.  Their purpose was passionate but simple - to be the very antithesis of discord by helping lovers create joyful experiences of intimacy. Through the giving and receiving of love, physically and emotionally healthier human beings emerge, and the world reaps the rewards. More than 40 years later, Kama Sutra’s mission is as relevant as ever. 

The company takes its name from the classic 4th century Indian text on lovemaking, the Kama Sutra of Vatsayayana. Kama is the greatly revered Hindu God of Love, while Sutra means narrative, manual or guide. The teachings in the text include the use of oils and fragrances to enchant the senses and intensify sexual pleasure.

While the inspiration for The Kama Sutra Company may be ancient, the intention behind its products is quintessentially modern. The company’s very first product, Kama Sutra's Oil of Love, was a little bottle that would have a giant ripple effect. Still as sought after now as it was when it debuted, Oil of Love was the catalyst for a host of other passion-worthy products that include Pleasure Balm, Honey Dust Body Powders, Massage Creams and Oils, Personal Lubricants, Luxury Bathing Gels and most recently, decadent and intriguing Massage Candles. 

Kama Sutra is dedicated to the well being both of body and spirit. The luxurious formulas are not just for lovemaking, they are designed with the health and the beauty of the skin in mind, and to heighten sensual awareness both in and beyond the bedroom. Elegant textures and irresistible scents are Kama Sutra hallmarks. Kissable flavors make love sweet indeed. 

A feast for the eyes, Kama Sutra packaging boasts richly hued exotic graphics, directly inspired by the illustrations found in the original Kama Sutra. Jewel-like colors and flower-like silhouettes are edged in burnished gold creating a look that is distinctive and timeless. Gift quality cylinders, boxes and reusable metal containers hold handsome flacons, sleek jars and frosted bottles. They’re as appropriate on a vanity top as a bottle of fine perfume or an exquisite piece of jewelry, and rarely stay hidden in drawers.
 
The future is bright for The Kama Sutra Company. The company continues to refine its products and introduce new ones, and to expand its retail presence across numerous channels. While Kama Sutra started in the specialty shops of the 60’s and 70’s and evolved into the “adult” world in the 80’s and 90’s, the brand is now sold internationally in over 50 countries, both in mainstream venues including U.S. military commissaries and major U.S. drug chains, and in adult venues.

Today Fantasy Gifts is proud to carry the Kama Sutra line and today has expanded it to carry the company's body souffle - a delicious, edible massage creme.

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