Anyone with the idea that all sex shops are dingy places for lecherous weirdos can toss that stereotype out the window.

The Stag Shop's uncovered windows, pink walls and brightly lit atmosphere make this sex shop a comfortable and relaxed place. The friendly and informed — and most importantly, non-judgmental — staff is always ready to answer questions. "We only carry stuff that our staff would consider using," said Lesley Allan, a PR rep for the company. "We try to make people feel relaxed and comfortable and have fun!"

The Stag Shop first opened in 1972 in Waterloo, Ontario with the name Stag Novelties and Books. When the small selection grew to include costumes, its popularity exploded. There are now 23 locations across Ontario, with three locations in London.

Today, the store carries a wide variety of videos, toys, lingerie and fetish items that range from mild to wild. They've even got the eco-friendly sex kitten covered, with edible oils and lotions that are tasty to lick and not harmful to the earth. The store also carries crank-powered toys, like the Earth Angel. "It doesn't use batteries," said Allan — rather, users crank to charge the toy, "kind of like one of those radios or flashlights."

The Stag Shop's friendly environment is also a great place to buy a starter toy, for those just starting out on more adventurous sexcapades. "Usually people who get their first sex toy are unsure," said Allan. "You don't want to go big … you don't want to scare your partners."

She recommended that ladies start with something small, like a Bullet vibrator. "It can stay on the outside, so you can use it during sex, and it's not really intimating for your partner," she explained.

Guys can start with a cock-ring, which Allan said will help you stay harder longer. She highly recommended cock-rings with vibrators on them — "It's something for you and your partner."

Halloween's coming up, and the Stag Shop's got you covered (mostly) there, too. With a lovely collection of costumes from Coquette International, you're bound to find something that'll turn heads at your party. "I'm most excited about the Alice in Wonderland themed (costumes)," said Allan.

Flash your student card at the checkout and receive a 10 per cent discount. With three locations across the city — at 1548 Dundas St. E., 371 Wellington Road South and 666 Wonderland Road North — Stag Shop makes it easy to get sexy.

You can also shop online at www.stagshop.com.