Sex Toys – History and Benefits – Recreation
Sex Toys - History and Benefits
Steven S. Ng
HISTORY OF SEX TOYS
Sex toys have been used for thousands of years and many believe they had first originated from Asia. However, it was not until the ancient Greece time that sex toys such as dildos and other phallic objects were first made popular. Evidence also suggests that the Romans were the first to mass produce sex toys for a commercial purpose. The sex toys produced during these ancient times were often made out of smooth stones, carved wood, bronze or any solid fillings wrapped around in leather. They were usually long or had an oblong shape like an egg. For lubricants, olive oil was the more common choice.
The term "dildo" was derived during the 14th century Italian Renaissance from the Italian word "diletto" which means pleasure. The use of sex toys continue to gain popularity throughout these times. Dildos made out of rubber first appeared during the mid 18th century during the Victorian times. These rubber dildos were a leap forward as they can be fashioned after the penis and were much more comfortable to use.
Also during this time, the vibrator was invented. It was however not intended for pleasure, but was used by physicians to treat a certain disorder in women known as "hysteria". It was believed that this so-called psychological disorder could be treated by bringing the women to orgasm and the vibrator seemed perfect for the job. The first vibrators were steam powered.
By the early 19th century, more varieties of sex toys were introduced to the market and were featured in blue movies and erotic magazines. They were commonly advertised as "relaxation devices" to relieve stress and anxiety. By the 1940s, they were termed as "marital aids" and in 1960s, they were coming on strong as "massagers". Since the 1980s, with technology growing in leaps and bounds and fueled by imagination and passion, many types of sex toys were created including those for men and other fetishes like bondage.
Today, there are more people aware of their sexuality than in any other era and thanks to these little gizmos and the internet, sex toys can be delivered discreetly and conveniently to your doorstep. The sex toys industry has come a long way with manufacturers constantly improving on their product line.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SEX TOYS
Millions of people throughout the world today have discovered sex toys to be a fulfilling enhancement to their sex lives. Humans are motivated by both pain and pleasure and sex toys can be a compelling reason to bring you to your peak of your sexual pleasure. Before we begin to illustrate the varieties of sex toys, it would be beneficial to know what motivates you.
Some of the benefits of sex toys :-
They can bring variety and help explore new ways of sexual intimacy. It brings the fulfillment of a satisfying sexual relationship which lubricates an intimate relationship.
Sex toys can increase your sexual fulfillment skills, complementing a sexual relationship.
They can also be used to spice up a relationship. Imagine receiving a sex toy wrapped in a romantic gift box instead of the usual tie-in-a-box.
They can help you orgasm faster and easier if you dont orgasm often or find it difficult to orgasm with your partner. Afterall, vibrators were originally intended for this.
Sex toys can bring back the pleasure even when your partner is out of town.
If you would like to take a look at the various sex toys, you can visit:
http://www.sextoysnirvana.com
About The Author
Steven consults and provides advice to the online store http://www.sextoysnirvana.com which provides various adult toys and novelty products.
Stuffed Toys that are Suitable and Safe. – Parenting
Stuffed Toys that are Suitable and Safe.
Carolyn Schweitzer
Adorable stuffed dogs are a favorite gift for dog lovers. Learn what to look for and what to Avoid.
Although its hard to say when the first stuffed dogs appeared, I would guess that it was soon after dogs were domesticated. We do know that as long as there have been children, there have been dolls, rattles, miniature weapons, and hand-made animals. Anthropologists have found evidence of toys dating back to the earliest records of human life.
Play is universal and cross-cultural. Though it may vary among cultures and generations, its clearly instinctive and a key part of our development. A childs play is his way of learning about himself and his world. Play opens the door to a childs imagination. Some of our fondest memories from childhood are recollections of time spent playing with special people and favorite toys.
A classic among childhood toys is the Teddy Bear, who made his appearance in 1903 and is still popular today. Although the Teddy Bear may be famous because of his political affiliation he was named after Theodore Roosevelt, just about any stuffed toy can become a childs favorite. Especially for infants and toddlers, theres great comfort and reassurance in having soft, cuddly companions like stuffed dogs to snuggle up with.
As surely as children play with toys, their needs and interests change as they grow and mature. As a child matures, a stuffed toy may come to represent a favorite animal in nature. Toy stuffed dogs might be huggable versions of media characters like a cartoon or comic strip dog "Snoopy", "Scooby Doo", "Blues Clues", etc.. Finally, stuffed dogs can play the role of imaginary family pets.
When shopping for stuffed dogs for small children, keep in mind the childs age, interests, and abilities. Be especially careful when selecting toys for children under age 3. Labels help consumers narrow down which toys are right for a child, but here are some general guidelines regarding stuffed toys for children from birth to three years of age:
For children in the one to three year age range, avoid toys with small parts that could be swallowed, aspirated inhaled into the air passages or lungs or inserted into the nose or ears. The eyes and noses of stuffed dogs should be securely fastened and the seams well sewn. Avoid stuffed dogs with any sharp corners, rough edges, or strings.
Here are some specific guidelines to keep in mind according to a childs age:
Birth to 6 months
For the first few months babies cant grasp with their hands, so choose toys that stimulate with sight and sound. High contrast, black-and-white or brightly colored toys and toys that make noise like a squeeker toy will get baby s attention. Puppets can be used by adults to entertain baby.
Once the baby has learned to grasp, look for textured toys that are safe for mouthing. Choose stuffed dogs with short pile fabric.
Never hand a toy from the crib, stroller, playpen, etc., or around babies neck.
6 months to 1 year
Infants become more mobile at this age and interact more with their toys. This is also the age when they love to drop things, so nice soft stuffed dogs will earn points with Mom for the absence of loud crashing sounds as they hit the floor!! Of course, your peace and quiet could be spoiled by the fact that toys that squeak when squeezed are popular at this age. Puppets are still a great way for parents to hold a childs attention, and theres even one popular brand that doubles as a washcloth at bath time.
The stuffed dogs you choose should still have a short pile fabric. Babies start teething at 6 months, and will definitely chew on their toys, so make sure you buy toys that you can throw in the washing machine
1 to 2 years
During their second year of like, children love to explore. Their play is more physical and involves experimentation and imitation of adults. At this stage, stuffed dogs might be seen as "pretend pets" to befriend and care for. This could be a good rehearsal for the real thing. Children are not instinctively gentle with animals. Interactive play between parent and child, using stuffed dogs as props, can be a fun way to introduce them to the idea that a pet should be handled with gentle loving care.
At this stage, objects still get mouthed, so stuffed dogs should still have short pile fabric.
2 to 3 years
Finally, you can graduate to nice, furry stuffed dogs! The long pile isnt considered a hazard--mainly because children age 2 to 3 no longer place everything in their mouths.* Kids this age have developed good hand coordination and like to put it to work with arts and crafts and simple puzzles. Plain stuffed dogs make use of a creative imagination. You might also consider a doggie hand or finger puppet. These work the mind as well as hands and fingers!
*No more thumbs or pacifiers at this age!! It will affect your childs oral and dental development.
3 to 6 years
After age three, make-believe is a favorite pastime and children interact with each other, using toys as props. Its common at this age to develop strong attachments to favorite toys, and express feelings towards a particular doll, teddy bear, or stuffed dog. Toys representing favorite cartoon or TV characters might be the objects of affection. Puppets are also lot of fun for games of make-believe.
6 to 9 years
By now, more sophisticated games and toys are likely to have replaced stuffed toys. The exception is young collectors, looking for stuffed dogs to add to their menageries. Collectors defy age categories; the "beanie baby" craze is a great example of this. Personally, I never played with dolls as a kid but had an enviable collection of stuffed animals, and am still a sucker for a cute stuffed toy. Puppets are still appealing, as well as some of the nontraditional forms of stuffed dogs. These might include a pair of slippers in the form of a favorite dog breed, or bookmarks made to look like stuffed dogs.
9 years and up
Especially as they approach their teens, children want to impress their peers and leave "childish" toys behind. Stuffed dogs, and stuffed toys in general, are only for young collectors in this age group. There are variations on stuffed dogs you might do better with. For example, a pair of dog slippers, a dog backpack or purse, or stuffed dogs suspended from key chains. Young and old1 golfers would love a plush golf head cover in the shape of their favorite dog.
Finally, since your household or the one youre shopping for may have children of different ages, here are some general rules you can follow for fun and safe play:
TEN STEPS TO FUN AND SAFE PLAY *
When shopping for toys, keep in mind the childs age, interests and abilities.
Read toy or packaging labels for age ranges and safety warnings.
Be especially careful when choosing toys for children under three. Select toys that are free of small pieces or pieces that separate or can be broken off, are lightweight, have no sharp edges or points and are non-toxic.
At home, read instructions for assembly and use. Keep product literature in case of future questions and complete warranty cards.
Remove and discard all packaging from a toy before giving it to a baby or small child.
Consider the home environment in which a child will play with a toy and younger children who may be there. A toy intended for an older child may be dangerous in the hands of a younger one.
Always provide toys in conjunction with sensible supervision. Supervise children when they play and set good examples of safe play.
Remind caregivers, including grandparents, of play-related safety concerns
Do not leave toys on stairs. Choose a safe storage place for toys. Anything large enough for a child to climb inside should have a cover thats easily removed.
Check toys at least every three months to determine their safety. Make any repairs immediately or throw away damaged toys.
* Source: www.toy-tia.org
About The Author
© 2004, Carolyn Schweitzer. Lifelong dog-lover, power-shopper, and former family dentist Carolyn Schweitzer is owner and editor of Great-Dog-Gift.com. If you need inspiration for stuffed dogs, visit her at http://www.great-dog-gift.com/stuffed_dogs.html. The site offers a wide range of choices for dog gift shoppers, plus shopping and gift-giving tips. Shes always looking for new dog gift ideas and dog stories to share with her readers. You can reach her by email at netbrainer@verizon.net.
netbrainer@verizon.net