A Guide to Shopping in an Adult Toy Store

When many people pass an adult toy store, they usually don't think of it as a place they'd ever be able to visit, whether for moral reasons, lack of interest, or that the thought of it would be way to embarrassing. But adult toy stores are nothing to be feared. Granted, it can be a little unsettling to walk into a world full of fantasy and sexual experimentation, but it doesn't have to be the scary experience many people think it to be. If you're one of those who've always been curious as to what lies behind the doors of these intimidating stores but have been too shy to check it out, the following is a list of tips and things to remember that might make it easier. Keep these in mind and you might just get up the courage to check an adult toy store out on your own.

1. Adult Toy Shopping Can Be a Good Thing: For many people, visiting an adult toy store is a good thing. It's a good way to spice up a love life or help a single person get in touch with aspects of their own sexual nature. Remember that adult toy stores are there for a reason and that other people visit them as well. You are not a deviant for checking one out.

2. Many Toys for Many Tastes: You may find some of the things within an adult toy store to be a little strange. Don't discount that all you're going to find are things that only the really wild would try. There's something for everyone, so don't feel that going into an adult store means that you're expected to want to try everything. Browse around and find the things that interest you, respecting the variety of props that can be found in the adult toy world.

3. Don't Fear the Person At the Counter: The first time I took one my close friends into an adult toy store, she didn't have a problem looking around. What she did have a problem with was making her purchase. Many people get the idea that the person behind the counter is going to be thinking all sorts of things as they ring up your purchase. But the truth is, an adult toy cashier is like any other cashier. They've seen so many purchases that they're too immune to the atmosphere to even give a second thought to what individuals are buying. Treat your adult store purchase as you would any other purchase and go on your way. Chances are they won't even remember you in ten minutes.

4. You're Not Being Watched: It's also easy to feel like everyone else in the store is watching you. This couldn't be further from the truth. Many people are nervous about going into an adult toy store so there's a good chance that all of the other patrons are wondering if YOU'RE watching THEM. Set an example and give off an air of confidence about what you're doing. No one else cares what you're doing and if you show that you're not bothered by being in the store, maybe someone will (gratefully) follow your example.

5. Don't be Overwhelmed: Adult toys come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors and adult toy stores are likely to carry every one of them. If you walk in and suddenly aren't even sure where to start, it's okay. Take a breath and just take your time to browse. Once you look around you'll realize that it's not really as scary as it looks and that shopping is actually more fun with so many choices.

6. Don't Go it Alone: Even people who have been into adult toy stores before sometimes aren't keen on going into them by themselves. Find a friend who's been to one before or perhaps has been wanting to visit one as much as you. Make sure you take someone who can handle it in a mature fashion and won't make you any more nervous than you already are.

7. You Will Find Tasteful Items: Many adult toys aren't just about items for behind closed doors. Many of them have other things as well that aren't as blush inducing to buy. In larger stores, lingerie is popular but they may also carry decent looking clothes for clubbing or even more revealing types of formal wear. Some stores also have a romance section, which includes candles, incense, CDs with mood music, and massage oils in brands that are hard to find elsewhere.

8. Not all Toy Stores Are Created Equal: If you do happen to go into an adult toy store that is less than savory, don't let it turn you off of them for good. Different areas and the type of management it's under are just a couple of factors that affect how classy a store is. There are many out there that are discreet, well kept, clean, and tasteful. These are usually chain stores or shops found in larger cities. That doesn't mean smaller shops can't be tasteful and many of them are. However, there are those that seem to give off a somewhat creepy vibe. If you go into one of these and just don't feel comfortable, don't feel that you have to stay. Like any other type of store, if you don't like the service or the atmosphere, go somewhere else.

9. Online Alternatives: If you really can't bring yourself to set foot into an adult toy store but are still wanting to see what's offered, there are online alternatives and catalogs that you can order. Adam & Eve is a top distributor of adult toys and can be accessed on the web or ordered by mail order catalog. They're discreet, so no one besides you ever has to know if you make a purchase. Wanting to visit a store to see what they have in the way of lingerie or adult costumes? Try Frederick's of Hollywood for some racy but tasteful adult clothing.

10. You're Not Signing a Contract: Don't think that satisfying your curiosity and visiting an adult toy store means that you have to stay there for any period of time or even keep going back. The truth is while many people can benefit from some of the things found in these shops, they really aren't for everyone. If you realize after your venture that you're just never going to be the type to go in for that sort of thing, then you never have to go again. At least you'll now know what the hype is all about and you can say you did it. You made the trip into an adult toy store and didn't die of embarrassment.