The best thing about sex toys is that everyone can use them: gay, straight, transgender. Whatever your preference or orientation, there's a toy for it. Everybody has nipples, right?
Luckily, Venus Envy stocks a variety of products that can be tailored to almost any desire and kink. The sales staff is informed and eager to offer suggestions and advice to customers.
When I was curious about getting into anal sex, Venus Envy was the first place I went.
The fiction and non-fiction at Venus Envy is incredibly diverse, but I wanted the knowledge held on the anal shelf. Carrying both women's and men's editions, The Ultimate Guide to Anal Sex by Tristran Taormino is an award-winning work that beats any Google search. My questions were answered. No, there's no poop. Yes, it feels good. And always do it safely.
And if, while you're down there, you want to bling up your bum-hole, Venus carries The Dreamtoys line of anal plugs: the Swarovski of bum-play. Each Canadian-made stainless-steel plug is adorned with one of seven-coloured jewels (I like Amethyst Purple) in three sizes (SM, MED, LRG) for under $60 each. Dreamtoys also has a selection of full-warranty glass dildos.
But Venus Envy's real specialty is in the rubber. Long-time staffer and sex educator Kaleigh Trace showed off the Shilo, a new product from the New York Toy Collective with more use than a pack. A firm yet bendable silicone dong in four shades, the Shilo can be stiff or soft. "It's perfect for trans-folk who are packing and it's great for sex, as well," says Trace.
Whether you're into pegging, playing or penile penetration, this summer's most popular strap-on harness is the RodeoH trunk. At $44.95, the RodeoH comes in a lacy boxer or boy-brief that is suitable for any dildo. Made of soft cotton, you can wear them all day. No chafing. No clasps, snaps or buckles. And you can machine-wash the love-juice out right out of these babies.
Sometimes, though, you might want to practice a little restraint. From Orlando, Florida but now based in Lunenburg, Halfway Creations offers handmade leather goods like wrist bands, cuffs, collars and floggers in the under-$100 price range. Trace says Halfway Creations have added brown leather to the line for fashion and function. This is leather you need on your skin.
And since we're talking about touch, the infamous Fleshlight is available at both Venus Envy and Pleasures N' Treasures. A synthetic skin-like material lines a tube that features a vulva or an anus. "Sometimes, even little bum cheeks," says Trace. The Fleshlight Shower Mount is also handy for the wet and wild. Not just for masturbation, Fleshlights are big enough for two.
Halifax is fortunate to have at least three specialty sex stores that brim with good vibes. (If you want to dress up like a latex bondage queen, start with Night Magic Fashions.) Sex toys are for everyone; ask questions and explore. Give yourself the sexy challenge to try them all.
