It’s a day of flowers, cheesy cards and expensive restaurant orders. But there’s no reason why a picnic or a candlelight dinner at home, accompanied by some naughty and fun gifts can’t exceed anyone’s expectations of a romantic and sensual night at home.
Valentine’s Day stock standards are flowers, chocolates and lingerie. But there have been some changes, says online retailer Sexy Curves’ Priscilla Olivier: “In recent years, there has been an increase in items that enhance the experience, such as massage candles and oils, satin blindfolds, couple toys, adult games, body paint, enhancers and slave products.
Roses take a back seat this year
They say people are dipping their toes in new waters this Valentine’s Day. Compared to last year, the past twelve months seem to have made people more adventurous. She said, “I think last year there was more Valentine lingerie with heart prints and embroidery. This year our clients are experimenting and having fun with skin and a more naughty style look that still has a Valentine flair.
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Sexy gift ideas for Valentine’s Day
The racy lacy item remains popular and is the stock standard this year. Olivier says that the soft and transparent nature is eternally sensual. But he added that there is a trend towards wet looks and faux leather, which are very popular, and more people feel comfortable with edgier looks.
And pushing the envelope is the norm. Judging by sales, role playing has gained traction and popularity in South Africa, Olivier said.
“Sales increase dramatically during the Valentine season with many sexy costumes. Old favorites are always there such as schoolgirls, nurses, bunnies and French maid outfits, but again the big trend seems to be costumes with wet parts or fake leather.
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A new website has even been launched to facilitate fantasy and role play for couples, especially useful after a romantic or sensual shopping spree. It teaches people how to get maximum fun from their play.
The site, called realizedfantasy.com, was started by a husband and wife team who realized, after a romantic vacation, there was an envelope to push their relationship. It inspired the content of the website and, said founder Aviv Ben Menachem, role play has the potential to add more than spice to the relationship. He said it engenders a significant dose of intimacy and trust.
Introduce role play for sex
Menachem said: “Introducing role play to sex turns ordinary sex into erotic sex. There is a famous equation that says: Eroticism equals sex multiplied by imagination. Our mind is the most important organ for sex, and making imagination is the key to getting our sex to an erotic level.
Olivier agrees with this sentiment and returns on Valentine’s Day. He says that Valentine’s Day is all about taking the time to make your partner feel special and reignite that emotional connection. “What could be a sexier gift for your partner than you? It is important to make Valentine’s Day a fun and unforgettable experience that makes your relationship not routine.
Sex toys are popular
Sexy play between the sheets remains popular. And while living on the edge and being extreme may not be for everyone, Olivier says there’s something good about being a couple. It’s adventurous but, not over the top. She describes the toy: “The C-string is underwear with no sides and the front slot is specially designed to accommodate a bullet vibrator. Or even a magnetic vibrator that can be worn with panties because it locks the fabric between the magnets. Make it more fun with a remote vibrator so you can tease your partner with the push of a button.
On her site, Olivier also sells a 30-Day Romance Challenge game. It has grown in popularity. They say it’s a great tool, beyond just naughty shopping, to improve relationships and bring couples closer while uncovering mysterious journeys along the way.
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And as people become more adventurous and intimate, Olivier says, the lines are also blurring when it comes to who is buying. Now they say the split between men and women is the same, but the motives for rogue shopping remain different.
“Women think more about what will please their bodies and make them feel confident, while men buy based on the fantasy they want to fulfill.”
Completing your wishes together, especially in the month of love, can create a strong foundation for the balance of the year. Menachem uses his role as an example and says: “I think it gives a partner the opportunity to explore and challenge different personalities. A shy person can be more open and playful, in a controlling partner can play a vulnerable character and vice versa. Fantasy allows us to fight self-awareness, leave the routine and experience yourself again.