The roots of patriarchy penetrate deeper than one could ever imagine. That is what Babeland founders Claire Cavanah and Rachel Venning realized after searching up and down Seattle for a well-lit and comfortable sex-toy shop. Even though sex toys are often necessary tools for AFAB (assigned female at birth) people seeking pleasure, the two found that the stores they explored continued to pander to the patriarchy and often gave off sleazy vibes.
Taking matters into their own hands, they decided to erect their own business: Toys in Babeland. Centering the female experience and offering encouragement to women who wanted to explore their sexuality, their shop soon became a huge success. People from all over Seattle began patronizing it, encouraged by the gentle atmosphere and top-quality products.
Two years after the store's opening in 1993, Cavanah and Venning decided to expand Toys in Babeland's reach with its very own mail-order catalog. A year later, they launched a website, and Babeland soon sent vibrations throughout the nation.
In 1998, the pair moved to New York City, where they opened up another store, this one on the glamorous Lower East Side. Since then, they have opened two more stores, one in Brooklyn and the other in SoHo.
The original Babeland still operates in Capitol Hill with a mission to "promote and celebrate sexual vitality by providing an honest, open, and fun environment [and] encouraging personal empowerment, community education, and support for a more passionate world."
Other ventures
Meanwhile, Cavanah and Venning continue to take the world by storm. In 2003 they published the first-ever full-color guide to gear for satisfying sex, Sex Toys 101. In 2010 they published a second book, Moregasm, a female drive guide to "mind-blowing" sex. In 2005 they officially celebrated the success of their stores by shortening the name to just Babeland, placing an emphasis on the word as a destination, a lifestyle, and a state of mind.
The founders of Babeland acknowledge that sexual pleasure can only occur after all of one's basic needs have first been met. With that in mind, they decided to launch their philanthropy project, "Come for a Cause." It aims to create tangible social change on local, national, and global levels. Throughout the year, Babeland partners with different organizations to support the social change they hope to see in the world.
Currently, Babeland is partnering with the Sex Down South conference, a group that provides sexuality workshops taught by professionals and centers around the sexual liberation of marginalized communities, especially the LGBTQ+ community.
Babeland is also partnering with the Transgender Law Center, the largest national Trans-led organization, and the Act Blue List, which provides bail funds, mutual aid funds, and racial justice organizers in response to injustices against Black lives.
Gift guide
Santa won't be the only one coming down the chimney this Christmas Eve thanks to Babeland's great selection of toys for everyone on your naughty list.
Shop at https://www.babeland.com/
Gift recommendations include the Together Vibrating Double ($210), a shared couple's vibrator designed to heighten intimacy by encouraging eye-to-eye contact.
The Melt Clitoral Stimulator ($149) is a slim waterproof vibrator designed to fit perfectly between two bodies; it has 12 vibration modes and can connect with the WE-Vibe app so it can be used between partners anywhere.
Ballbender Ball Stretcher Army ($35) is a two-in-one cock ring and ball stretcher that will blow minds with the size of your package.
The Sam STP packer ($75) is the perfect packer, allowing you to stand to pee; it fits into any size boxer or brief.
The Touch and Glow Dildo ($47) is made with lifelike silicone that feels like skin and is crafted to look true to life; it fits in any size strap and also comes with a strong suction cup — plus it glows in the dark!