Romantic Stocking Stuffer Ideas

Bonny Albo, About.com guide, shares fun, cute and inexpensive stocking stuffers.

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Everyone wants something a bit naughty and nice in their stockings from their partner – but how about romantic, too? With that in mind, here are some great, inexpensive stocking stuffer ideas to create more romance in your relationship.

1. Instant Snow:

For the romantic who can’t accept that the holidays are here without snow on the ground (no matter where you live), give them a can of the white stuff with this inventive yet romantic stocking stuffer from ThinkGeek. Best of all, its both reusable and nontoxic.

2. I Love You Bean

All your love needs to grow is some sunlight, water and tenderness, right? Well the same goes for this adorable I Love You Bean stocking stuffer, which will delight, surprise and probably make them groan (just a bit) when they see the bean sprouting with an “I Love You” imprinted on its side.

3. Hugs and Kisses Game

Everyone plays tic tac toe with X’s and O’s — so why not think of them as hugs and kisses, instead? This 2″ by 2″ pewter, take anywhere set, is a perfect romantic stocking stuffer to inject a bit of fun into your lives.

4. Teas For Two

Almost big enough to fill the entire stocking by itself, this tea set is a lovely romantic stocking stuffer that the two of you can enjoy together for months, if not years, to come. Includes an IngenuiTEA pot, four sample teas, and a Guide to Tea book, all for less than $20.

5. Heart Handwarmer

Use this nifty newfangled heart-encased hand warmer for very quick results minus the need for a microwave. The metal disk inside, when flexed, warms the red gel for a toasty treat in minutes. Once the warmth has worn off though, you’ll need to boil it for 15-20 minutes to get the disc working properly again, but then it’s ready and raring to go, whenever you or you partner are.

6. Magazine Subscription

How is a magazine subscription romantic, you ask? Think about it: every single time your sweetie receives their monthly gift in the mail, they’ll be thinking of you. Plus, if you take advantage of one of these $10 or less gift subscriptions, you’ll get a gift tag to throw in their stocking.

7. Hand Massager

If your partner uses their hands for work (mechanic, types at a computer all day), this inexpensive stocking stuffer will pamper their tender fingers in mere moments. A loving, thoughtful gift.

8. Reflexology DVD

Giving someone a DVD with a massage technique expertly explained within is a definite sign — that the person giving the item would like a massage, in turn. Change the gift into something a bit more romantic by watching the film together, while placing one another’s feet in the other person’s lap — so you can learn and practice, together. Sounds like bliss to me.

9. USB Aromatherapy Burner

Instead of buying your love some flowers, why not get them something heavenly smelling that will last a lot longer? This aromatherapy burner plugs into any USB port (preferably one that is horizontal) and as long as you put a drop of aromatherapy oil on the “X”, you’ll soon be smelling sweetly. Simple, effective and great to use both at home or at work if their workplace isn’t scent-free.

10. Love Of My Life Carving

A beautiful yet simple wood carving of two figures united in love, sharing one heart. Handcarved by Bali’s Nyoman Karsa. Make sure to order this one early if you can, because it ships from Indonesia and not North America. Not the most inexpensive stocking stuffer, but one sure to be remembered.

But if you really want to give the best romantic stocking stuffer gift, choose one (or two) of our products. From edible massage oils that warm up on touch, to arousal products, Lust Cosmetics is sure to put the lust in the holiday season.

Visit our official site: Lust Cosmetics Inc

The Rules of Holiday Dating

Lifestyle.msn.ca asked more than 300 women how a wise man can survive the annual minefield of decisions and expectations. Here’s what they said.

That thing that you did last year? Do it again
Good news for bad planners: People link ritual with commitment, according to a study in Sexual and Relationship Therapy , so it’s smart to repeat last December’s best activity. Tell her that a great trip or gathering should become a tradition. That implies you want years’ worth of them.

 

Show her how lame your office party is
Bosses may judge your stability by your personal life, says Marie McIntyre, Ph.D., author of Secrets to Winning at Office Politics. Use the party for “impression management.” If your girlfriend fits in with your work crew, it reflects well on you.

Think ahead for the big days
Unless you’re together a year or so, she doesn’t expect to join your family’s Christmas, our poll says. New Year’s Eve is less predictable. Ease anxiety by asking a few weeks in advance, says Peter Post, author of Essential Manners for Couples . Don’t smother; suggest a party, not an exclusive date.

If you’re going to home to meet her Mom and Dad, here’s your guide to winning over the in-laws. A Giving Guide
Women in our poll said they feel anxious if you spend more on them than they do on you, but don’t care if it’s the other way around. So set a common spending limit. Most women say that puts the focus on the thought, not the cash.

Just starting
$25 The key: Share an experience. “Pay for both of you to see something she wants to see, like a museum exhibit,” says Diana Kirschner, Ph.D., author of Love in 90 Days .

3 months
$50 “A lavish gift may make her uneasy,” author Peter Post says. Give modestly, and write a sweet card. It can mean more than the gift itself.

6 months
$75 Buy something intimate, says Kirschner. One woman told us, “Give me a gift card to Victoria’s Secret and shop with me. I’ll end the day with a fashion show.”

1 year
$100 If all’s well, symbolize permanence with a gift she’ll always have, Kirschner says. Earrings or a bracelet are good.

2 years
$200 Stumped? Ask what she wants. People appreciate gifts they asked for just as much as they do surprises, says Frank Flynn, Ph.D., who studies gift giving.

We ask three beautiful women
What’s the most important thing for a dating man to know during the holidays?

“If you’re serious about a woman, see her at some point on the special days. It’s a must.”
—Krysten Ritter, Breaking Bad

“Surprise her with mistletoe or pumpkin pie. We love holiday cheesiness.”
—Candice Accola, The Vampire Diaries

“We love to see effort. If you’re exchanging gifts, never, ever give her a sweater.”
—Monica Raymund, Lie to M

6 Tips for Flirting at a Party Full of Strangers

Maura Kelly, lifestyle.ca.msn, shares six tips for Flirting at a Party Full of Strangers:

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Yesterday , I was talking about a party I went to, where, just before I left, I decided to give the flirting thing one more try. So I went into the other room … got into a conversation with some married people … and across the way from me, I heard some guy say he was a blogger for a certain web site that shall remain nameless. So I shouted over to him: “Hey! I’m a blogger too! And I think I need to date another blogger so he’ll be cool with it when I write about him. So how about it–want to go out some time?”

“Yes!” he shouted back.

Then I started to blush at my own impulsiveness. The dude probably said YES to be amiable while thinking I was a nut-job. Because, you know, shouting across the room at someone WHOM YOU’VE NEVER SPOKEN TO IN YOUR LIFE, and suggesting that you go on a date with him — well, yes, even I can admit, that’s a LITTLE kooky.

But after a while, myself and the blogger guy maneuvered around so that we were talking to each other. As it turned out, he barely knew anyone at the party, either. And we totally hit off, and hung out forever, sitting off in a corner by ourselves, and talking about everything. It was totally awesome, the kind of conversation where you rush from one topic to the next and can’t believe how you just keep ending up on the same page.

When we were ready to leave, I offered him a ride home. He took me up on the offer … and the SECOND I turned the car on, he recognized the CD that was mid-song on the stereo. ” Sam Cooke !” he said. “Nice!” Duly impressed, I forced him to play a quick round of Name-That-Band, and he was AMAZING: he went three-for-three, getting each new CD I put in — Big Star, Liz Phair and The Cure — in under 5 seconds, flat, for each one. It was like some kind of magic trick.

Anyway, suddenly this stranger is my new favorite person in the whole world! We even went to the unbelievably rockin’ concert that Edward Sharpe + The Magentic Zeros played at The Music Hall of Williamsburg on Sunday night, which was super-fun–and I was pretty amazed that he knew more about my new favorite band than I did.

So … you see what good can come of taking a little risk and forcing yourself to do one more lap at a party?

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MY TIPS ON FLIRTING AT A PARTY WHERE YOU DON’T KNOW ANYONE

1. Talk to strange girls! One of the best things that has come out of this year of living more flirtatiously has been all the new lady friends I’ve made–in particular, my talking head buddy Mona , and, more recently, the woman described here . (Plus, sometimes they have cute male friends.)

2. Talk to the gay boys! Because maybe you’ll get lucky and meet an invaluable comrade. (Plus, sometimes they have cute straight friends.)

3. Talk to people you barely know. If you have any excuse at all to introduce yourself or say hello to someone–maybe because you recognize them from the local news show, or you’ve seen them around town–make the most of it.

4. Be upfront about it! Tell people you are on a flirtation mission and ask if they will help you achieve your goal of meeting someone new.

5. Be persistent. Sometimes it takes a while for a party to warm up — and for you to warm up to a party. Give it a little time. Stick around. Eat some pretzels and drink some free beverages. Switch from one room to the other, and back again.

6. Remember that you’ll probably never see any of these people again. So … I will repeat what seems to be my mantra: What do you have to lose? Put yourself out there! Make the most of it! You may very well discover some wonderful people!

Do you have difficulty reaching orgasm?

Difficulty reaching orgasm

Research estimates 12 per cent of women never reach a climax – and 75 per cent don’t orgasm during intercourse. Is it a physical problem, an emotional block, or both? Psychosexual therapist Paula Hall takes a closer look.

Physical reasons

The most common physical cause is lack of adequate stimulation to the clitoris. The majority of women need direct touch to achieve orgasm, which often doesn’t happen through intercourse alone.

Our bodies aren’t machines – you can’t get an orgasm just by pressing the right button

The second most common factor is tiredness or general illness. Our bodies aren’t machines – you can’t get an orgasm just by pressing the right button. If you’re feeling rundown, your body’s priority is sleep and recuperation, not sexual gratification.

Medical reasons

There are some illnesses that make orgasm difficult. Broadly speaking, they’re vascular, neurological or hormone-deficiency disorders.

The problem could be a side effect of a particular medication. Very occasionally, pelvic surgery can cause nerve damage and loss of sensation. If you think any of these conditions may apply to you, talk to your GP.

If, however, you’re in good physical health and you’re getting enough sleep, it’s more likely there’s some kind of psychological block.

Self-help techniques

If you’re not getting the right kind of stimulation, you may need to show your partner what you really enjoy.

First, get to know yourself by starting with some basic self-pleasuring, taking particular note of the type of stroke that pushes you over the edge.

Then, next time you’re making love, put your hand on top of your partner’s and gently guide them as they stimulate you. If that feels a bit pushy, ask them to show you what they enjoy first, then wait for your turn!

For more help, see the section on practical exercises.

Psychological reasons

Well-meaning friends may tell you to just “try to relax”, but if it was that easy you’d have done it by now. The trouble is, these kinds of psychological blocks aren’t rational – you can’t simply “pull yourself together”.

Below is a list of some of the most common types of problems women have talked about. See if any apply to you:

Being a perfectionist. Sex has to be just right. The environment has to be just so and you have to be in the right mood.

Fear of losing control. This is a character trait in many areas of your life, not just sexually.

Poor self-esteem or body image. Worrying about whether your bum looks big rather than enjoying your physical sensations is a major passion wrecke.

Shame or guilt about sexuality. This might be due to negative childhood messages or a sexual trauma.

Distractions. Are the children asleep? Will the phone ring? Can the neighbours hear? Did I put the cat out? Did I email that report? Whatever the distraction, it means your mind is not on the job.

Being a spectator. You know the saying “a watched pot never boils”? Well it’s also true of orgasms. If you’re waiting for the moment, you’re not enjoying the moment.

Relationship problems. You can’t expect to have enjoyable sex with an enemy. If there’s tension in your relationship, sort it out before you enter the bedroom.

Orgasm triggers

There are several ways in which you can help yourself achieve a more fulfilling sexual experience:

Breathe deeply or pant to get oxygen to those tensing muscles.

Arch your back or try a different position to maximise clitoral stimulation.

Rhythmically squeeze your pelvic floor muscles.

Escape into your favourite fantasy to block out any negative thoughts or distractions.

Further help

If some of these points have rung a bell for you, you may find that simply talking it through with your partner will help. You could also try some of the practical exercises on our site. These have tips and techniques that you can print out and try.

It may also be helpful to get advice from a sex therapist or couple counsellor via Relate or the British Association for Sexual and Relationship Therapy. See related links.

In the meantime, there are many self-help books available.

Best Romantic Comedy Christmas Movies

Cuddle up with the one you lust and try one or more of these popular romantic-comedy Christmas flicks, provided by Associated Content.

While you were Sleeping (1995): It’s Christmas time and Sandra Bullock saves a man after he falls onto subway tracks. It’s a case of mistaken identity as Sandra gets to know the  man’s family while he’s in a coma.

You got Mail (1998): Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan together again in this holiday roller coaster. Hanks owns a bookstore mega-chain and is opening a store near Ryan’s quaint boutique book shop. It’s business competition and email romance at its best.

You Got Mail

Sleepless in Seattle (1993): Another Hanks and Ryan classic. After losing his wife, Hanks and his son move to Seattle where one night the little boy makes a phone call to a talk radio show. Ryan is on the other side of the country when she hears Hanks and his boy. A spell comes over her as she pursues a magical romance.

The Family Stone (2005): I first watched this on DVD in 2008 and enjoyed it. When a man brings his starchy fiancé (Sara Jessica Parker) home to meet his hometown earthy family everyone quickly learns that it’s not quite a match made in heaven. It’s holiday fun and surprises.

Holiday Inn (1942): This movie introduced the now classic Christmas song “White Christmas.” The movie stars Bind Crosby and Fred Astaire as show business partners in New York City. Then on Christmas Eve Crosby grows tired of the show biz life and wants to move to Connecticut but is caught in a love triangle with Astaire and a girl in their act. What’s romance without a little heartbreak? Follow the lives of the characters through several Christmas seasons.

Holiday Inn

White Christmas (1954): World War II ends and army pals Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye form a song and dance team and hit the road. When they meet two sisters the fun really begins.

Miracle on 34th Street (1947): Christmas isn’t complete without this one. Young Natalie Wood is a very practical little girl with an equally pragmatic mother. World’s are shaken when they meet an ambitious young lawyer and the one and only authentic Santa Claus.

Is there a move that we missed? Comment below!