For the uninitiated, the very mention of the acronym BDSM likely conjures up a whole host of kinky and erotic scenes. These probably include, but aren’t exclusive to, people tied up, people blindfolded, people covered in leather and someone experiencing some form of pain in a way they seem to be enjoying. If this imagining sounds familiar to you, you’ve likely also found yourself wondering how these people ever got into the world of BDSM. One answer to that question is through BDSM starter kits.
Bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, sadism and masochism, or BDSM for short, is a kinky world made up of erotic practices of varying intensities and an impressively large number of terminologies, too. However, given the introductory level of our article, we’ll try to keep things as simple as possible and give you an easy entry into this exciting new-to-you world.
Like lubricants and sex toys, getting into BDSM is great for adding to your sexual repertoire while exploring your partner’s and your own sexual desires. It can be a fun way to reignite waning fires or equally as useful for allowing them to burn brighter. Whatever your motivation, these are some of the easiest, least offensive BDSM additions to start with:
- Blindfolds – By removing the sense of sight, you’ll heighten the rest of your senses while creating a greater sense of anticipation of what’s to come.
- Handcuffs/Ankle Cuffs – Binding limbs together removes freedom for the submissive and creates an air of dominance and submission.
- Restraints – Similar to handcuffs and ankle cuffs, restraints allow you to bind limbs with the added benefit of long tethers which can be used to tie the submissive to the bed, a chair or whatever furniture piece takes your fancy.
- Whips/Floggers – Whips and floggers allow you to administer flashes of pain to a level your partner is comfortable with.
- Paddles – Unlike whips and floggers, paddles are not flexible. This rigidity provides greater control when administering pain and means they’re a good option for anyone just getting into the idea.
- Ticklers – It’s not all about pain, so having a tickler, which is basically a feathered stick, on hand allows you to mix things up.
So, if it’s time to stop imagining and actually take your first steps into discovery, scroll down and discover our top eight BDSM starter kits to get your fires burning. Each kit, on the whole, is ideal for beginners. However, we have included a couple with a few more advanced items, if you’re really rearing to get things going.
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1. Beginner’s Bondage Fantasy
BEST OVERALL
Inside this Beginner’s Bondage Fantasy, you’ll find everything you need to live out your first BDSM-inspired experience. The five-piece kit includes four restraints that allow you to restrain your partner by tying them to the bed (or whatever else works best for you). As each cuff is attached to a 32-inch nylon strap, there’s plenty of flexibility and freedom, while the soft padding on the cuff ensures the wearer will remain comfortable throughout the experience. For further mystery and enjoyment, the kit is completed by an accompanying blindfold which can be used to ramp up anticipation and keep what’s coming up next a complete mystery.
2. Lovehoney Bind Date Bondage Kit
BEST SPLURGE
The Lovehoney Bind Date Bondage Kit is a comprehensive set that can be used together or individually for a range of fun-filled encounters. In addition to the four silky wrist restraints, the kit includes a four-way, under-mattress strap system, a blindfold and a feather tickler for greater sensory fun. You’ll also find a bullet vibrator for more precise stimulation as well as instructional dice for unpredictable play and a range of karma sutra playing cards to inspire new positions or keep things fresh.
3. Sex & Mischief Intro to S&M Kit
MOST MISCHIEVOUS
The Sex & Mischief Intro to S&M Kit makes things simple. A pair of handcuffs, a blindfold and a vinyl whip are all you need for a good time. Pair them up or use all three at one time for mystery, restraint and the good kind of pain. You’ll also find the faux fur-lined handcuffs are supplied with two keys to ensure you have a spare, just in case one gets misplaced when all the hot stuff begins.
4. Babeland Enchanted Starter Set
SOFTEST
If comfort is key in your introduction to being tied up, you’ll definitely want to consider the Babeland Enchanted Starter Set. This four-piece set is made of two silky wrist cuffs, which can be used to restrain your partner, while the stretch-to-fit satin blindfold keeps your other half oblivious of what’s to come. The last piece of the kit is a feather whip/poker, which can be used to explore all body areas and provide a lighter touch to liven up the senses.
5. Tracey Cox Supersex Beginner’s Bondage Kit
BEST SURPRISE GIFT
Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a birthday or just an out-of-the-blue surprise, the Tracey Cox Supersex Beginner’s Bondage Kit comes with everything you need for a memorable night in. The four, velvety Velcro cuffs are great for restraining. They’re also soft to touch, allowing them to be worn for hours without discomfort. The blindfold adds an extra dimension to your introductory encounter, while the wire-free design of all pieces in the kit makes it ideal for easy packing, including in carry-ons for weekends away.
6. Weekend in Bed Bondage Kit and Game
BEST GAME
If you’re worried about exactly how to go about incorporating BDSM into your bedroom antics, consider using the Weekend in Bed Bondage Kit and Game as your go-between. From sexy dice to a paddle, this fun-filled kit has everything you need for a memorable weekend of BDSM-inspired fun. You’ll also find packs of sex play cards and sex scenario cards for greater bedroom inspiration. In addition, the fun-sized flogger, personal lubricant sachet and gentle feather tickler further ensure everyone will get what they want from this playtime.
7. Bondage Boutique Red Hot Passion Bedroom Bondage Kit
MOST ADVANCED
In addition to restraints and a blindfold, the Bondage Boutique Red Hot Passion Bedroom Bondage Kit includes a ball gag and rope flogger for a dose of more advanced BDSM play. You’ll find that the gag is on the smaller side and adjustable, which makes it ideal for newcomers. The included rope flogger also features a wrapped handle for greater control as you introduce your partner to low-level impact play. In addition, the wrist and ankle cuffs fasten via Velcro and allow for a number of different configurations.
8. Tracey Cox Supersex Bondage and Toy Kit
BOTH COMBO SET
If you’re taking your first steps into the world of BDSM, why not double down and throw a toy into the mix at the same time with this Tracey Cox Supersex Bondage and Toy Kit? The multi-piece set includes both wrist and ankle cuffs, a blindfold as well as a full-body restraint for more options during use. What makes the kit most appealing is the vibrating waterproof bullet vibe, which offers three different speeds and seven different patterns for an even greater variety of BDSM and toy combinations.
9. Fifty Shades of Grey Hard Limits Bed Restraint Kit
BEST FILM INSPIRED
Given the film’s unprecedented success, it’s likely that your motivation to try BDSM was in some way inspired by either the Fifty Shades of Grey books or movies. Whether that’s the case or not, inside this Fifty Shades of Grey Hard Limits Bed Restraint Kit, you’ll receive both ankle and wrist cuffs as well as a cross-body brace to try as much or as little of what Anastacia and Christian enjoyed as you like. Furthermore, the included cuffs are attached to adjustable length tethers, meaning you can accommodate a range of different bed sizes during play.
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