Raise your hand if you've ever been into Adult World. No one? Now, raise your hand if just a teensy bit curious about the mysteries hidden in that den of iniquity...

Oh come on, no one's looking.

For those of us who are slightly creeped out by Adult World's darkened windows and the promise of a sleazy guy loitering at back of the shop, the world of online shopping offers the opportunity to be a little bit risque without the awkwardness.

We chatted to Saskia Michel from Matildas Adult Store, an online adult store, and George Masche from Passionfruit Sex Toys, a online store for couples, about shopping online for naughty Valentine's gifts.

For a sneak peak at their recommended Valentine's sex toys, click through to page two!

Why shop online?

Consumers in South Africa are increasingly turning to online for their sex needs. Apart from the benefits of (some degree of) anonymity, online also solves the problem of the geographical spread in South Africa.

"South Africans outside of our cities don't have adult shops with wide product ranges," says Michel. "Online shopping offers everyone the best, with country-wide delivery too. We've even had orders from places like Pofadder!"

Masche agrees that convenience a major draw-card: "Online shopping on passionfruit.co.za is discreet and convenient. You can browse through a huge selection of adult products from the privacy of your own home and have them posted to your nearest post office or delivered to your door with an overnight courier."

Not only are online shops convenient, says Michel, they also carry a wider range of products.

"Because we carry ranges that normal shops don't stock, you can find goodies that aren't available in your local naughty store... Another benefit is that you get better information on every product. That's really important when you are buying a special toy for yourself or your partner..."

Where should you start?

Not everyone is equally comfortable about the idea of sex toys and aids, says Michel.

"People are so different. Some are all embarrassed about asking questions about lingerie, and others write in and ask about our biggest anal toys. It's incredible about how different our customers are. There is no such thing as "normal" because all our fantasies are so different."

For someone whose shopping experience doesn't extend much beyond condoms, websites such as Matildas Adult Store and Passionfruit Sex Toys ? full of vibrators, ben-wa balls, and bondage toys ? can be pretty daunting. So, where should you begin?

"For the first time buyer on passionfruit.co.za, we'd suggest you browse through the product categories and get familiar with the different types of goodies that are available," says Masche. "You will quickly notice that the site is easy to navigate and that sex toys are simple gadgets designed with one thing in mind: pleasure!"

Michel, from Matildas Adult Store, suggests that first-time buyers start with the simple stuff.

"First, be comfortable ? even if it's with the milder stuff like massage candles. Then, try something new. Try something you've never done before ? either with or without your partner. That playful experimenting gives you sexual confidence because you get to know what your body likes.

"Also, sharing these experiences with your partner can be great. Going through our catalogue with your partner is really fun, because you get to hear all about the wicked things that your partner likes!"

On page two: Saskia Michel and George Masche share their secrets on the best that their sites have to offer this Valentine's Day!