You’ve just had a baby boy and your friends and family are giving you clothing. What does that clothing look like? Is it pink? Ruffly? Flowery? My guess is no. It’s probably blue, maybe green or brown with pictures of trucks or trains but no ruffles. As a society, we have pretty strict definitions of what counts as appropriate clothing for children and, well, for everyone, frankly. Boys and girls are supposed to dress in certain ways and stepping outside these norms can cause great discomfort on the part of others.

Angelina Jolie recently experienced this when she had to defend her 4-year old daughter Shiloh’s choice to wear “boys” clothes – pants, ties and hats. Apparently there were actual news headlines discussing how a 4-year old is dressing. That’s how much it bothers some folks. Luckily, Angelina didn’t take any crap about it:

“I think she (Shiloh) is fascinating, the choices she is making. And I would never be the kind of parent to force somebody to be something they are not. I think that is just bad parenting,”

The interesting thing about norms like this, is that we have a tendency to assume things have always been this way. Girls have always loved pink, been named Carol and worn dresses, right? Wrong, as Brian Palmer points out in the Slate:

For most of U.S. history, nearly all infants, regardless of gender, wore dresses. Only in the 20^th century did sex-specific clothing come into fashion: Boys started wearing pants, while girls continued to wear dresses.

It’s important to remember that we live in a specific cultural time and space with it’s own set of rules, that not only can change, but will change. All it takes is for people to let their children wear what they want and we can move away from the dichotomous, rigid gender clothing restrictions we’re all living under today.

I think all that’s left to say is, I love Shiloh’s tie.

That’s right, we’re having a sale and it’s all because we love you. It’s our Customer Appreciation Sale – our little way of saying thank you for giving us so many fantastic reasons to come to work every day. You make our jobs fun and challenging and interesting. Truly, we have the best customers ever.

So, to say thank you, enjoy 20% off everything* in our stores and online July 16, 17 and 18. Tell you friends, bring your loved ones and pick up that special toy you’ve had your eye on. Maybe the G-Ki or the Form 2 or the Eleven?

*some exceptions apply

I met someone yesterday who had never heard of Babeland and I found myself trying to explain who we are, what we do, and why we’re different than most other sex toy stores. I think I got my point across but I wasn’t 100% sure. When I got home, I discovered this lovely new piece on the Babeland website which would have been so useful. It’s called Why Shop at Babeland? and it outlines the reasons why we feel we’re a terrific place to go for sexuality information and toys, and why our customers love shopping with us so much. Check them out in all their glory here and then share them with a friend.

Why Shop at Babeland?

1. We really, truly believe that finding the right sex toy can change your life

2. We test ‘em, so you’ll love ‘em

3. We care about your health

4. Our staff is the best in the world

5. We’ll get you to your G-spot, by hook or by crook

6. Come for a cause, make your orgasms count!

7. You can eavesdrop on your fellow shoppers

8. Your secret is safe with us

9. We’re fast, easy and ready for action

10. We love you just the way you are – consensual pleasure is good pleasure

What are the reasons what you shop at Babeland?