Sex Week: Valentine Do's and Don'ts from JimmyJane's Ethan Imboden

Last year at a holiday shopping event, LAist met Ethan Imboden the founder of the JimmyJane designer "toys". The JimmyJane company describes itself as "a lifestyle brand that joins the ephemera of sexiness with the substance of design". This mission is evident in their products from sleek vibrators and soft blindfolds to the subtle scents of their massage oil candles. Imboden creates items that feature a modern aesthetic and inspire people to be playful and open minded with the bedroom and beyond.

We asked Ethan Imboden for some Valentine tips and found out that everyone is getting creative in this challenging economy even lovers.

Tips for Valentine Do's:

Be decisive. Wear the pants in the family, and tell your significant other that you'd like to make the plans for some or all of the day.
Plan ahead. Last minute arrangements will stress you out, cost you more, and be second-rate.
Get creative. Believe it or not, it IS the thought that counts. It's far more important than the bill. If you're going to give a card, make it yourself. If you're going to give flowers, select and arrange them yourself. You know your lover better than Hallmark or the florist (I hope).
Single-task. On this day, of all days, focus on the two of you. Turn off the cell. Ignore America's next top model strutting by.

Definite Valentine's No-No's -

Valentine's tattoo. This tips over the edge from memorable to regrettable. Ask me how I know.
Double date. It's not prom.
Kittens, puppies, etc. There will be heavy petting, but it will not involve you.
Roses. Nothing says 'I really put a lot of thought into this' like a bouquet of red roses. Add some fern and a bit of babies breath and it's a sure thing, dude.

Ethan Imboden's Recession Proof Valentine advice for him and her, after the jump:

Times may be tight, but that shouldn't put a crimp on your Valentine's plans. Money can"t buy you love anyway, remember? Take a hands-on, DIY approach, and you'll have your best 14th yet.

Here are some ideas for having a big day on a small budget.

Recession-proof Valentine's Day: For him

Week 'o' Love. She's already expecting something on the 14th - no surprise there - so give her something small each day of the week instead. Works best if collectively the gifts tell a story, or if all of them are needed for whatever you plan for the day itself.
Rise and shine. Valentine's Day falls on a Saturday this year, so plan for an all day affair. A great brunch is within the budget (it's two meals in one!) and bloody marys fit the color scheme.
Put on the apron. If you spend the same amount on ingredients that you would on dinner at a nice restaurant, you'll have better champagne, a more impressed lover, and you can make out between courses - without offending the sappy couple next to you. If your best dish is oatmeal, leverage the prepared foods at Whole Foods or Dean & Deluca. While you've got the apron on, you might want to Swiffer some dust bunnies.
Go local. The quick trip to St. Barts might be out of the question, but don't rule out travel altogether. Explore an area of town you don't know, then end up in a hotel bar with the colorful characters who are bound to be there. Whisk your woman off to the elevator, and - what's this? - produce the key. It's a great surprise and easy to get right. Check in earlier in the day and stage the room or make other arrangements as you see fit. There's a perk - a different bed is a great place to try different things...
Hard bargain. Let's be frank, what he wants most for Valentine's Day doesn't cost a dime. Take him off guard by offering two irresistible options - everybody likes a win-win situation. After he chooses, write him an IOU for the path not taken, and get to work. It's an investment that will pay unexpected dividends.
Surprise surprise. Who needs underwear anyway? Why have sex in a bed? You're going to put that where? If you've fallen into a pattern, Valentine's Day is a great opportunity to mix things up. Take the opportunity to do or ask for things that you've never tried before. Guaranteed to be memorable.
Naughty is nice. Whatever you're doing on Valentine's Day, be creative in engaging all the senses.

Recession-proof Valentine's Day: For her

Start the day right. Valentine's Day falls on a Saturday this year, so plan for an all day affair. He's thinking about dinner, why don't you plan brunch? It's inexpensive, and sets you up for a good day together. If you're feeling adventurous, dress to the nines, but seriously rumpled. Conspire to leave the people around you guessing what wild evening lead to this mimosa moment.
Fondle the aubergine. Eat like royalty (but spend like a ranch hand) by cooking for yourselves. Head to a farmer's market, see what looks good, then ask the grower about their favorite recipes. Build up from there, incorporating a few seasonal aphrodisiacs - fennel, blood orange and (of course) chocolate are great places to start. Splurge on good champagne with the money you've saved. Remember - the couple that cooks together, um; eats together.
Afternoon delight. He's looking forward to after dark, why not ambush him at high noon? It'll take the edge off, and set you up for a more leisurely pace later on.
Hard bargain. Let's be frank, what he wants most for Valentine's Day doesn't cost a dime. Take him off guard by offering two irresistible options - everybody likes a win-win situation. After he chooses, write him an IOU for the other one, then let the fun begin. It's an investment that will pay unexpected dividends.
Surprise surprise. Who needs underwear anyway? Why have sex in a bed? You're going to put that where? If you've fallen into a pattern, Valentine's Day is a great opportunity to mix things up. Take the opportunity to do or ask for things that you've never tried before. Guaranteed to be memorable.
Party favors. There are several free online applications that will allow you to easily make flip books from the movies that you can take on most basic digital cameras. Film a few sexy seconds you know he'll love, print it into a flip book, then slip it into his pocket to find later in the day. If you're feeling adventurous, you can make the books (and the movies) together. You can push the envelope - he can't email it to a friend.
Sexiness throughout the day. We've made it easy for you with our provocative collections - visit us online (JimmyJane) for inspiration.

The JimmyJane display at Fred Segal Santa Monica. Photo by Julie Wolfson/LAist

If you are going to be in San Francisco you can visit the JimmyJane store on 15th Street near Potrero. Here in LA, their products are available at Fred Segal Santa Monica and at Coco de Mer on Melrose.

photo of Ethan Imboden courtesy of JimmyJane