When it comes to buying saucy Christmas gifts, it seems Southampton women are getting bolder.

KATE THOMPSON talks to Tracy Fullbrook, assistant manager at Ann Summers' city centre store FORGET that boring pair of socks or the latest DVD, it seems more and more women in Southampton are getting a little more adventurous when it comes to buying a present for their loved one at Christmas.

This bold new breed of self-assured woman is more likley to buy toys for the bedroom than the latest aftershave for her boyfriend or partner.

According to Tracy Fullbrook, the assistant manager of the Ann Summers shop in the city, women are no longer afraid to express their sexuality and they are most likely to buy lotions and oils to put a bit of spice back in their relationship.

"In the four years that I have worked here, the store has become increasingly popular, women here in Southampton are not afraid to express their sexuality, it's all about confidence.

"We have lots of hen parties in here and they can be very outrageous, and we also have couples in who are looking to spice up their relationship rarely does anyone walk away empty handed," said Tracy.

The most popular gift for men to buy women is still a lingerie set or the dressing up outfits which are equally popular.

This year apparently it is the new schoolgirl outfit that is flying out of the door.

"We find here that we have almost as many male customers as female, buying for their girlfriend or wife," she said.

But it is the brazen women who seem to have more fun with their purchases.

"The most popular gift for women to buy themselves are the lotions and potions like the Love Oil which is great for massages, or the more adventurous customers who like to buy the whips and handcuffs! "Women in Southampton are definitely becoming more confident in store, the staff are extremely professional in helping put the customer at ease and finding them their perfect purchase.

"Women do buy saucy gifts for themselves, often for their partners' birthday or an anniversary or purely for their own pleasure," said Tracy.