From Addiction (Vibrators) to Zippers, and Everything In Between

Sex Toys 101 (A Playfully Uninhibited Guide) is quite a read. Published in 2003, this informative book is written by Rachel Venning and Claire Cavanah, the founders of Toys in Babeland (which later became just Babeland). Rachel and Claire have had their work featured in Glamour and Maxim magazines as well as on the Learning Channel and HBO. They have physical stores located in New York and Seattle, as well as an online presence at Babeland.com . The signature workshop the two are known for is Sex Toys 101, hence the book’s title.

The book is 8”x8” (although not “square”), and its 176 pages set in easy-to-read type are chock-full of tips, tricks, and information for both women and men. Although dated in some of the products it doesn’t feature, this is a very useful guide to help you choose and use toys, and some of the toys inside have definitely weathered the test of time.

The book’s cover is glossy and red, with different toys on the front. It looks playful and fun from the cover, and indeed, the inside information is lively and informative, yet never dry or boring. The book is fully illustrated, with great pictures of every kind of toy under the sun.

Sex Toys 101 is divided into 10 chapters along with an introduction, index (particularly handy if you want to find information about a certain toy, act, or anything else), and resources. The introduction talks about how Toys in Babeland came to be, and how these women wanted to both give sex a good name and run stores that would be comfortable for women to shop in.

The chapters in Sex Toys 101 are colorful and all contain great pictures. Lots of pictures. They feature sidebar FAQs, tidbits and other information that go along well with the text. There is a lot of useful information here, well organized into:

1. Let’s Play Doctor: Sexual Anatomy
2. Sex on the Brain: Sexual Expression & Communication
3. What’s the Buzz? All About Vibrators
4. Gearing Up for Getting Down: Dildos and Strap-Ons
5. Butt, Butt, Butt : Anal Toys
6. The Mens Room: Toys for Boys
7. Lube Job: The Importance of Being Slippery
8. Prisoners of Love: Bondage and Domination
9. Love Me Tender (Not): Playing with Sensation
10. Keeping it Safe: Safety is Fun

While newer toys aren’t included, this guide has a plethora of good choices and a bounty of information about sex in general. This is a fun book to read and you’re sure to find answers to questions about these toys that you’ve had. Definitely recommended!

Thank you to Babeland for sending this to me to review! If you’d like to pick up a copy of Sex Toys 101  (and why wouldn’t you?), you can get yours at Babeland.com .

This product was provided to me for free in exchange for an unbiased review. This review is in compliance with the FTC guidelines.