Sex toy party

A sex toy party is a usually female-only gathering^[1][2] where participants learn about and buy sex toys.^[3] It is a type of party plan, similar to MLM and Tupperware parties.^[2]

The party may start with an icebreaker game,^[4] then a sex toy representative, or 'facilitator',^[5] displays and discusses the products.^[6] Some parties may feature products from companies like Lovense, which develop sex technology like remotely controlled sex toys and products for pleasure and online sex toy parties.^[7] Although the discussion is sexually explicit, euphemisms such as 'button' for clitoris are common.^[8] 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.^[4][9] Other merchandise such as bath salts, aromatherapy, and body paints are more commonly sold.^[10] 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.^[11]

Sex toy parties began in the 1970s, and became increasingly popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s.^[12] The marketing practices of sex toy parties have encouraged alternative sexual practices.^[13] The popularity of sex toy parties has suggested to be related to self-help and self-actualization.^[8]

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,^[5] and many have a background working in sex education, health, education, or sexuality.^[14] Some romance companies do permit males at their sex toy parties.

A woman was arrested in Texas in December 2003 on obscenity charges for hosting a sex toy party for undercover narcotics officers,^[15][16] but the case was dismissed by the judge in July 2004.^[17]