The Babeland Story

Once Upon a Time...

Fed up with the lack of women-friendly sex shops in Seattle, Claire Cavanah and Rachel Venning founded Toys in Babeland™ in 1993. Committed to offering information and encouragement to women who want to explore their sexuality, Claire and Rachel made sure the store offered top quality products and a pleasant place to shop.  

In 1995, Toys in Babeland started its mail order business with a small print catalog.  The Toys in Babeland website followed shortly thereafter, in 1996.  Inspired by the success of these ventures, Claire and Rachel opened the first Toys in Babeland store in New York City in 1998, on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.  In 2003 the second New York store opened in SoHo, and most recently Babeland opened up a shiny new store in the Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn, NYC.

Babeland's Mission Statement

Over the years, the Toys in Babeland commitment to women has stayed the same.  The company has also been happy to discover that many men like to purchase sex toys in a sleaze-free, sex-positive environment, with accurate sex information and caring a part of the mix. In 1999 the Toys in Babeland staff developed a specific mission: to promote and celebrate sexual vitality by providing an honest, open and fun environment.  Encouraging personal empowerment, community education, and support for a more passionate world are key.

Sex Toys 101

In 2003 Rachel Venning and Claire Cavanah, Founders of Toys in Babeland wrote Sex Toys 101 The ultimate guide to choosing and using sex toys. Learn the ins and outs of sexual anatomy, vibrators, strap-ons, lube, men's toys, butt play and more. Written in a fun, relaxed style and full of beautiful photographs, Sex Toys 101 is the first full-color guide to gear for satisfying sex.

Babeland, Just Babeland

In 2005 Toys in Babeland officially shortened its name to "Babeland." Toys in Babeland had become much more than just a place to buy sex toys, so the owners decided to present Babeland as a destination, a lifestyle, a state of mind—all celebrating the simple truth that sexually healthy people make the world a happier place. (Not to mention that too many people confused Toys in Babeland with the band Babes in Toyland, including the owner's dad!)

Babeland has received numerous awards over the years, including a 2006 and 2003 Zagat's Survey award. It was voted "Best Place to Buy Sex Toys" by The Village Voice and The Seattle Weekly.