The Ultimate Guide to BDSM Toys

BDSM, which stands for bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, sadism and masochism, is a lifestyle that includes a variety of sexual practices such as physical bondage, giving and receiving of pain, dominant and submissive roleplay, and/or other related activities. 

And in this lifestyle, there are an array of BDSM toys that are used to enhance the experience. 

From bondage kits, restraints, ball gags, blindfolds, and handcuffs, to rope, spreader bars, paddles, whips, and floggers, there are a number of BDSM toys available, heightening the bliss that comes from this type of sexual play.

And while this kind of play is all about safe, consensual, and pleasurable fun, there are still many myths surrounding it. 

Many people believe that it can be a form of abuse, others may think that those who practice it are mentally ill. 

To debunk these myths, it’s true that those who are a part of this lifestyle place high importance in discussing their scene beforehand—what will take place, what is allowed, what is not allowed, coming up with a safe word etc. In this way, their experience is, as mentioned, safe, consensual, and pleasurable. 

As per mental health, it’s actually been proven that there is no connection to those who practice BDSM and psychiatric disorders, and that this type of play can, in fact, be a part of a healthy, loving relationship.

Now that we’ve covered that, the main focus today is different types of BDSM toys, safety tips surrounding these toys, and how to introduce them into your play time regime.

Understanding BDSM Play & Toy Categories

If you’re toying with the idea of BDSM and you’re wondering if you should add any BDSM toys into your play time, here are a few reasons why it’s a good idea:

• BDSM toys help enhance physical sensations
• They can reinforce the dominant/submissive dynamic 
• They can aid in the curiosity of fantasy exploration
• They can prevent monotony 
• They can heighten psychological pleasure

With that, let’s explore the different kinds of BDSM play and their associated toys! 

For more clarity, if you’re not familiar, in most BDSM relationships there is a dominant and a submissive.

Bondage play

Bondage is a type of play where the submissive is restrained. Here are some BDSM sex toys for bondage play:

• Restraints 
• Handcuffs
• Rope
• Spreader bars
• Ball gags
• Blindfolds
• Hoods
• Collar/leash
• Anal hooks
• Tape
• Nipple clamps

Sensory play

Sensory play is a type of activity that engages the senses, or limits them. This could involve touch, smell, taste, sound, or vision. Here are some BDSM sex toys for sensory play:

• Blindfolds
• Warming/cooling lube
• Metal or glass dildos for temperature play
• Toys for electrostimulation
• Feather ticklers
• Pinwheels
• Massage candles

Impact play

Impact play is when the submissive partner receives impact, such as being spanked, punched, whipped, or flogged for the sake of gratification. Here are some BDSM sex toys for impact play:

• Floggers
• Paddles
• Whips
• Canes
• Crops

Power exchange play

To reinforce dominant and submissive roles, here are some BDSM toys that can be used:

• A collar and a leash
• Gags
• Chastity devices

Best BDSM Toys for Beginners

If you’re a beginner and hoping this to be your BDSM beginner guide, then we’ve got a simple guide for you on how to start off your new journey. 

Here’s a list of BDSM gear to slowly start off with, and why it’s a good idea to use them:

• Handcuffs and restraints: ideal for light bondage while experiencing the dominant/submissive power dynamic
• Blindfolds: enhances sensory deprivation and builds up anticipation with someone you trust
• Feather ticklers: perfect for gentle teasing and exploration
• Soft floggers or paddles: introduce impact play without intense pain
• Gags (ball gags & bit gags): add an element of power exchange and control
• Adjustable nipple clamps: fun for sensation play and arousal control

Intermediate & Advanced BDSM Toys

So you’ve already entered the adventurous world of BDSM and are looking for more toys to enhance your experience?

In the realm of bondage & restraint equipment

• Rope & shibari kits: for creative rope bondage and artistic restraint
• Spreader bars: to keep the legs or arms fixed in position for dominance play
• Hogtie sets: for full-body restraint and submission scenes

In the realm of impact play tools

• Floggers & paddles: used for spanking, teasing, and discipline play
• Canes & crops: provide a sharper, more intense impact for experienced users
• Whips: advanced tool for stingy sensations and dominance dynamics

In the realm of sensory & deprivation play toys

• Electrostimulation wands: Creates tingling, controlled electric pulses on the skin
• Temperature play tools: use ice cubes, warming lubes, or metal toys for hot and cold sensations
• Hoods & gas masks: used for full sensory deprivation and intense submission scenarios

In the realm of power exchange & control toys

• Collars & leashes: symbolises ownership, dominance, and submission
• Chastity cages: used for orgasm control and dominance/submission dynamics
• Gags & mouth restraints: limits speech and enhances power imbalance in play

How to Introduce BDSM Toys into Your Play

And now that you’re more versed in BDSM toys, perhaps you’d like to introduce some into your play time with a partner? We know that it can be daunting, especially given the stigma surrounding BDSM. 

But to try new things in the bedroom is a great way to keep the sexual spark alive, and to discover different parts of yourself. Then again, it takes two to tango and consent is a must. 

So, here are five tips on how to introduce BDSM toys into your play:

1. Start with open communication: If your partner is interested in trying something new, it’s important to discuss boundaries, desires, and hard limits. That is, what you don’t want, what you are curious about/do want, and what you definitely do not want.
2. Use a safe word system: You could opt for one safe word, which would indicate the end of play time. Or you could use three. One could mean keep going, for example, green. One could mean, to slow down, for example orange. And one could mean to stop completely, for example, red.
3. Experiment slowly: There’s no need to go full-on. And actually, that would be irresponsible advice. Begin slowly with lighter sensations before you start progressing.
4. Incorporate toys into foreplay: Start small with basic toys, such as blindfolds, teasing tools (like a feather tickler) or flirty restraints (soft handcuffs) during foreplay. This is an easy way to get introduced to BDSM play.
5. Mutual aftercare is essential: Aftercare is when the dominant partner takes care of their submissive after a scene. But it could be vice versa or a mutual aftercare experience. It could include cuddling, providing positive feedback after playtime, drinking water, showering together, or anything else that provides emotional comfort and reassurance.  

BDSM Toy Safety & Best Practices

Just like any other sex toy, it’s important to be safe during use and to make sure that your BDSM sex toys are clean. Having toys of a high standard is, of course, a big plus, too.

Here are some tips of BDSM toy safety and best practices:

• Choose high-quality, body-safe materials: The best kinds of materials to use for ultimate safety are silicone, leather, or medical-grade metals.
• Never use household items as BDSM tools: Rather stick to the experts and buy BDSM toys made for its purpose. Avoid using unsafe objects. 
•  Always test toys before use: While this stands for all toys, it’s especially true for impact play toys and electro stimulation BDSM gear.
• Clean and disinfect toys after every use: By doing this, you’ll prevent infections and bacteria buildup.
• Don’t restrict blood flow for too long: If you’re going with bondage play, avoid tight restraints for extended periods. Keep on-hand something that can loosen any bondage gear quickly and efficiently 

Common Mistakes to Avoid in BDSM Toy Play

BDSM is a fantastical world to discover new realms of pleasure. But it can involve things that may be mentally and physically taxing. 

A BDSM scene is not something to be taken lightly, and shouldn’t happen out of the blue, without these necessary things:

• Skipping consent and communication: We’ve mentioned above how important consent is, and how everything should be communicated before a BDSM scene. Make sure to always discuss things before playing.
• Using cheap or unsafe toys: You now know safe materials that make for excellent toys, but try to avoid materials with phthalates or weak durability.
• Ignoring safe words: Whether you have chosen just one, or will make use of three safe words, always respect a partner’s boundaries and comfort levels.
• Neglecting aftercare: Post-play check-ins ensure a positive experience.

Exploring Advanced BDSM Play

While this article does appear to predominantly serve as a BDSM beginner guide, we of course want to add in extra tidbits for those seasoned players. 

So, for those who have already had the pleasure of enjoying BDSM play, or who’ve tried BDSM kits and other BDSM gear, here are some other things you could experiment with:

• Role-playing with BDSM toys: You could try new realms of power exchange by playing with dominant/submissive dynamics. For example, take on role playing fantasies that require one partner to be more dominant and the other more submissive.
• Creating a dedicated BDSM space at home: If you want to really get in the headspace of BDSM play, and know that you’ve got a specific area that’s safe and that houses all of your BDSM gear and toys, you could allocate a dedicated space in your home for all of your adventures.
• Experimenting with multi-sensory play: If you’ve experimented with different types of stimulation and find that there are different kinds that you like, you could try different sensory experiences at the same time. For example, you can combine using impact play toys such as floggers with bondage play with restraints (handcuffs, rope etc.). Or, you could try sensory deprivation techniques. This can include the use of earplugs or blindfolds whilst using other kinky toys.

We hope you’ve learned a thing or two about BDSM toys, and how fun they can be to use with the right partner. Remember that consent is always a must, communication is of utmost importance (before, during, and after), and it’s always recommended to go slow. 

Just as important is aftercare, and making sure that both partners feel satisfied, seen, and positive with regards to the entire BDSM scene. 

Another thing to note is that going for high quality BDSM toys is not only a good idea, but also the safest way to play. Rather spend more (and leave the household items) and know that you’re in safe hands. 

Fancy a few subtle items to get you started? For a bit of sensory play, try the Clitoral Arousal Serum by Bijoux Indiscrets. It’ll provide a gentle tingling warming feeling to the clitoris whilst promoting blood flow, thus allowing it to be more sensitive. 

Or dive into the world of bondage with the MAZE Wide Choker and Leash? How about some impact play with the MAZE Tassel Flogger? 

Find more kinky toys and accessories here and get acquainted with a new kind of play you may just love.

Discover pleasure with:

SONA 2

ENIGMA

F1S V2

HUGO 2

GIGI 3

SORAYA Wave