Sex toy party
Encyclopedia
A sex toy party is a usually female-only gathering where participants learn about and buy sex toy
s. It is a type of party plan
, similar to Tupperware parties.
The party may start with an icebreaker game
, then a sex toy representative, or 'facilitator', displays and discusses the products. Although the discussion is sexually explicit, euphemisms such as 'button' for clitoris are common. The participants examine and talk about the products, with the option of purchasing them from the representative in a private room at the end of the party. Other merchandise such as bath salts, aromatherapy, and body paints may also be sold. The representative receives commission based on the sales from the party. There are thousands of representatives of sex toy party companies in the United States, with Brown Bag Party, Passion Parties, Slumber Parties and Pure Romance being the major franchises.
Sex toy parties began in the 1970s, and became increasingly popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The marketing practices of sex toy parties have encouraged alternative sexual practices. The popularity of sex toy parties has suggested to be related to self help and self actualization
.
According to research studies conducted by scientists such as Debby Herbenick
and Michael Reece of Indiana University, sex toy representatives are often asked for advice on sexual health, and many have a background working in sex education
, health, education, or sexuality.
A woman was arrested in Texas in December 2003 on obscenity charges for hosting a sex toy party for undercover narcotics officers, but the case was dismissed by the judge in July 2004.
Sex toy
A sex toy is an object or device that is primarily used to facilitate human sexual pleasure. The most popular sex toys are designed to resemble human genitals and may be vibrating or non-vibrating...
s. It is a type of party plan
Party plan
The party plan is a method of marketing products by hosting what is presented as a social event at which products will be offered for sale. It is a form of direct selling...
, similar to Tupperware parties.
The party may start with an icebreaker game
Icebreaker (facilitation)
An icebreaker is a facilitation exercise intended to help a group to begin the process of forming themselves into a team. Icebreakers are commonly presented as a game to "warm up" the group by helping the members to get to know each other...
, then a sex toy representative, or 'facilitator', displays and discusses the products. Although the discussion is sexually explicit, euphemisms such as 'button' for clitoris are common. The participants examine and talk about the products, with the option of purchasing them from the representative in a private room at the end of the party. Other merchandise such as bath salts, aromatherapy, and body paints may also be sold. The representative receives commission based on the sales from the party. There are thousands of representatives of sex toy party companies in the United States, with Brown Bag Party, Passion Parties, Slumber Parties and Pure Romance being the major franchises.
Sex toy parties began in the 1970s, and became increasingly popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The marketing practices of sex toy parties have encouraged alternative sexual practices. The popularity of sex toy parties has suggested to be related to self help and self actualization
Self actualization
Self-actualization is a term that has been used in various psychology theories, often in slightly different ways. The term was originally introduced by the organismic theorist Kurt Goldstein for the motive to realize one's full potential...
.
According to research studies conducted by scientists such as Debby Herbenick
Debby Herbenick
Debby Herbenick M.P.H., Ph.D. is an American author, blogger, research scientist, sex advice columnist and human sexuality expert in the media....
and Michael Reece of Indiana University, sex toy representatives are often asked for advice on sexual health, and many have a background working in sex education
Sex education
Sex education refers to formal programs of instruction on a wide range of issues relating to human sexuality, including human sexual anatomy, sexual reproduction, sexual intercourse, reproductive health, emotional relations, reproductive rights and responsibilities, abstinence, contraception, and...
, health, education, or sexuality.
A woman was arrested in Texas in December 2003 on obscenity charges for hosting a sex toy party for undercover narcotics officers, but the case was dismissed by the judge in July 2004.