The downturn is making British people kinkier, according to one of the UK’s top online sex shops, Temptations Direct (http://www.temptationsdirect.co.uk ). With a focus on their purse as well as their pleasure, cash-strapped adults are swapping a night out in the pub for a sensational, BDSM-inspired night in the bedroom with handcuffs, clamps and restraints, turning this country into the United Kinkdom.

Temptations Direct is one of the UK’s five largest online retailers of adult goods. During 2009, it witnessed the sales of fetish products growing significantly more than adult products in general. And, recently, sales of fetish goods ahead of Valentines Day 2010 more than doubled on sales in 2009. In particular, there was a sharp rise in demand for novelty fetish items such as furry handcuffs.

In the 12 months to January 2010, the top five sellers in Temptations Direct’s fetish range were:

Restraints – up 390%
Strap ons – up 370%
Fetish penis rings – up 350%
Clamps – up 340%
Masks and hoods – up 290%

Chastity devices and whips/canes also saw a strong growth in demand, with an annual rise in sales of 270% and 180% respectively.

Stephen Hackett of Temptations Direct comments: “Fetish imagery is now firmly ingrained in mainstream pop culture and high street fashion, and it’s regularly seen in movies and TV adverts. Meanwhile, fetish clubs such as Torture Garden remain extremely popular amongst UK club-goers. With financial woes compelling Brits to spend more time at home, it’s hardly surprising that sexually liberated adults are increasingly choosing to experiment with bondage, flogging, role play and dressing up in kink-wear.”

He adds: “For many of our customers, pain is pleasure and what better way to relieve recession frustrations than by unleashing that naughty side? Whether people are into the more playful product lines, such as costumes and blindfolds, or want to experiment with full-on bondage restraints and electric genital devices, fetish has come out of its niche and is whipping up a wild time in bedrooms and playrooms throughout the UK.”

Current Mood: Flirtatious & Playful

Sex toys have been around in one form or another for hundreds of years but they are becoming more popular than ever in modern day society. Often referred to as marital aids, sex toys facilitate sexual pleasure for couples or for solo use. A recent study of the Temptations Direct website purchaser figures illustrates that the proportion of women and men buying sex toys is a fairly even split with 52% of women and 48% of men being consumers. If you are new to sex toys and want to try them out for the first time to heighten sexual satisfaction and spice up your bedroom activities but are unsure what sort of toy to buy this guide could help you to make a decision.

What type of sex toy is the best to start off with?

Which sex toy to start with is one of the first things to consider when thinking about the potential purchase of an adult toy? Sex toys come in many different guises: dildos, cock rings, anal sex toys, male and female sex pumps, sex dolls, strap ons and vibrators to name but a few. If you want to experience a penetrative sex toy for the first time it is a good idea to try something that has some degree of flexibility such as a jelly dildo. Non penetrative sex toys such as cock rings that are made of silicon or rubber have some give in them and can help to prolong an erection which is firmer and fuller that can lead to increased sexual satisfaction for both parties. These cock rings have far more flexibility than rigid metal cock rings, which cause considerable restriction to the wearer.

Size and cost matters

Other important factors to consider are size and cost.  Start small and work up to bigger sex toys when you are more experienced. Mini vibrators deliver a fantastic orgasm but are small enough to be transported just about anywhere. You also do not want to spend a considerable amount on your first purchase if you are unsure whether you will enjoy the experience of a sex toy. Small vibrators start from as low as £4, jelly dildos are anything from £10 and cock rings retail from as little as £2 and therefore do not result in a considerable outgoing.

Use sexual lubricants

If you are a beginner to penetrative sex toys it is always advisable to use a sexual lubricant. This is especially important in the use of anal sex toys as neither the anus nor the rectum naturally produce their own lubrication so it is imperative that anal lubrication is used for more pleasurable and comfortable anal sex toy pursuits. Moreover, some anal gels and sprays are specifically designed to condition the tissues surrounding the anus and relax the anal muscles, therefore making penetration considerably easier. Anal finger stimulators are ideal for first timers to anal play as not only are they small and inexpensive but they are often made of soft silicone making penetration far more comfortable.

Sex toy cleaner

On purchasing your adult toy you should also contemplate buying a sex toy cleaner. Cheap to buy, this additional item should be utilised immediately after sex toy use to keep it clean. Safe, effective and ant-bacterial, sex toy cleaners help to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria and help to keep your sex toy last for longer.

For more information on the variety of sex toys available, visit the Temptations Direct website.

Current Mood: Cool

Saucy Valentines gifts will really get both you and your partner in the mood for a night to remember! Temptations Direct has specially selected a number of gifts specially selected to cater for men and women, starting at under £5. Enhance your bedtime experience with sex toys, adult board games or sultry underwear, or get into the role play spirit with sexy costumes or a silky blindfold. If you want to experience a bit of everything then try out an extra special sexy gift set. One thing you can be sure of is this Valentines will be one that you won’t forget in a hurry!