<p>Now go forth and peruse all the best light bondage toys! Oh, and don’t forget to keep scrolling for all the expert advice on how to choose the best BDSM sex toys for you, how to discuss BDSM safety with your partner, and more good stuff.</p>” />
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The best entry-level toy for any beginner looking to get into BDSM, handcuffs are a fun, easy way to dip your toes into the pool of kink without having to *fully* dive in. These leather cuffs have a soft, fuzzy lining on the inside, so your skin won’t twist and get irritated as you writhe in pleasure, etc. And the belt buckle closure means no handcuff keys to worry about losing!
THE REVIEW: “I have a few sets of these and they are attractive, strong, and comfortable,” writes one tester. “I needed to punch holes for someone with smaller wrists, but that is a minor thing, and they work just fine with most people. The D rings allow for a myriad of usage scenarios, and they are THE staple of my kit.”
This luxe-looking cuff set also includes an over-the-door strap for even more options. If you’re in the market for light restraint play, these are almost too good not to scoop up—but pls note that the strap isn’t weight-bearing, so don’t try to hang your whole bod from the cuffs.
THE REVIEW: One review reads, “This is my first pair of cuffs ever, and I was nervous at first that they wouldn’t be small enough for my bird wrists, or that they’d break under the pressure of me—nope. My door is still totally intact, the metal chain is unbent, and I am excited to use them again.”
these silky-soft restraints
Sportsheets Sex and Mischief Silky Sash Restraints
these silky-soft restraints
Sportsheets Sex and Mischief Silky Sash Restraints
Now 28% Off
Looking for something that’s a lil gentler on your wrists? Try a pair of silky-soft ribbons, which measure four feet long and will help ya bind up your partner securely (but comfortably!).
THE REVIEW: According to one review, “This was my girlfriend and I’s first trip into bondage. We didn’t know much about rope safety or knots, so we went with ribbons since they’re less likely give burns or anything of the like. They were a big success. Not only are they soft, but they’re also strong enough to hold things in place. We never had trouble with accidentally hurting each other and they’re easy to untie fast or cut in need be.”
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this over-the-door sex swing
Sexy Slave Door Sex Swing with Seat
this over-the-door sex swing
Sexy Slave Door Sex Swing with Seat
Now 10% Off
If you’ve ever wanted to try a sex swing but aren’t stoked at the idea of broaching that conversation with a contractor, then consider this over-the-door bondage sex swing! For a little over $30, you can get a removable (read: hideable) contraption that lets you have the best non-bed sex of your life.
THE REVIEW: “Oh my goodness!!!! This was so much fun!!!!” raves one customer. “Easy to use, [and] love that it’s adjustable! Was a little nervous it wouldn’t hold me due to my weight but worked out just fine! Love that you can do multiple different positions!”
this contoured eye mask
Pipedream Fetish Fantasy Deluxe Fantasy Love Mask
this contoured eye mask
Pipedream Fetish Fantasy Deluxe Fantasy Love Mask
Subtracting sight can heighten other senses, and slipping on this mask is the ideal way to do it. Not only does this contoured, padded option block light completely—it also couldn’t be more comfortable (or pretty!!).
THE REVIEW: “This mask is one of the most comfortable things I’ve ever worn,” raves one buyer. “It has padding to make it soft, [and] it covers part of your nose to make sure you can’t see anything at all. It works well, even for those gals that are wearing makeup. I would highly recommend this product.”
this pretty bondage bar
Purple Reins 20-Inch Spreader Bar
this pretty bondage bar
Purple Reins 20-Inch Spreader Bar
A great spreader bar option for beginners, this nylon-covered metal bar measures 20 inches and features foam-lined ankle cuffs for supreeeeme comfort. Though wrist cuffs aren’t included, this bar does have a central O-ring so you can attach your own wrist cuffs, collar, or other restraint.
THE REVIEW: According to one reviewer, “Me and my partner absolutely love this. We found the straps strong, and they didn’t come undone when moving around. I loved that there is a ring attached so that I could feed a rope through, which helps with tying to different areas to control movement.”
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Ofc, sex pillows don’t necessarily have to be used for BDSM (they makes regs, vanilla sex even better, too), but if you wanna throw some cuffs and restraints into the mix, the Cosmo-approved Dame Pillo will allow you to feel new sensations in every position.
THE REVIEW: As one person writes, “My husband and I are not small people and have a tendency to sink into our mattress, making some moves and angles difficult to execute. We’ve been using the Pillo to lift up either his or my pelvis for better access in a bunch of positions. The handles are a great addition!”
these adjustable nipple clamps
Sportsheets Sex & Mischief Feathered Nipple Clamps
these adjustable nipple clamps
Sportsheets Sex & Mischief Feathered Nipple Clamps
For those who like their salty things with a hint of sweetness, these soft, adjustable nipple clamps are for you. You have all the functionality of an adjustable nipple clamp with the added ticklish flair of feathers.
THE REVIEW: “I love these,” one review reads. “I’m so glad I got ones that are adjustable, as you can make them as tight or as loose as you’re comfortable with. Also they look really sexy.”
This wallet-friendly patent-leather paddle also has teasing, silky silicone tassels on the other end, so you can get the best bang for your buck when it comes to sensation play.
THE REVIEW: “This is so much fun!” one customer notes. “I love the material on the fringe end—it feels great! It’s just the right amount of sting. The paddle end is super fun, too, [and] just the right size. And lastly, aesthetically, the pink is très adorable. My partner and I love it!”
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this thigh cuff kit
Bondage Boutique Soft Wrist-to-Thigh Cuffs
this thigh cuff kit
Bondage Boutique Soft Wrist-to-Thigh Cuffs
These nylon thigh cuffs (which stay in place with velcro) let you bind your wrists to your thighs so you can do a sort of “ass-up, face-down” type thing, if you’re into that. Reviewers say they’re super comfortable and secure—just make sure you have your safe word ready!
THE REVIEW: “Me and my partner purchased these sexy restraints, and I have not been let down!” one review reads. “As we had never used anything like this before, we didn’t want to spend a lot of money for something we didn’t like using, so this product was well worth the money, as it was far from expensive and the quality of the product is great.”
this semi-translucent body tape
JimmyJane Bondage Tape
this semi-translucent body tape
JimmyJane Bondage Tape
If the idea of ripping your skin off with regs duct tape doesn’t appeal to your sexy fantasy (relatable), try this special bondage tape for all your Fifty Shades LARPing instead. It sticks to itself, and not skin, so you don’t have to deal with any painful removal. Plus, it’s pink!!
THE REVIEW: “WOW! This will spice things up in a hot minute,” one person raves. “It’s super strong and won’t break (unlike cheap handcuffs, which also hurt) and is comfortable to wear. I just ordered two more rolls—that’s how fun it was. My boyfriend LOVED it, too. Plus the color is fun.”
this ball gag training set
Pipedream Fetish Fantasy Ball Gag Training System
this ball gag training set
Pipedream Fetish Fantasy Ball Gag Training System
Whether you’re the dominant or submissive one, you’ll want your ball gag user to be comfortable enough to breathe. The holes in this special ball gag training system let you breathe and cut down on the likelihood of drool—plus, it comes with three different-sized ball gags so you can work your way up.
THE REVIEW: According to one reviewer, “I wrestle with a tight jaw. These were great for learning to loosen my jaw. Over time I could go up in size. Great way to get three sizes for the price of one. And very easy to switch out the balls.”
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this gorge rose gag
ZALO & UPKO Doll Designer Collection Rose Ball Gag
this gorge rose gag
ZALO & UPKO Doll Designer Collection Rose Ball Gag
And if you want a ball gag that doesn’t look so much like a…ya know, ball gag, then try this s-t-u-n-n-i-n-g rose-shaped option from ZALO and UPKO. Featuring a removable flower, breathable silicone ball, and Italian leather strap, this bb is luxe AF.
THE REVIEW: “The silicone the rose is made out of us super soft, and I love that you can take it apart for easy cleaning,” writes one reviewer. “Def a plus for me! I’ve been dreaming about this piece and I’m not disappointed.”
Want to try some riding crop action? Ideal for beginner’s crop play, this heart-shaped cutie features silky material on one side and rougher faux-leather on the other, so you can decide which side of the spanker you’ll use on your partner.
THE REVIEW: “This is the cutest bondage accessory I’ve found!” raves one review. “The two different sides offer very different sensations (the red being quite soft). It also leaves a cute heart shape on your tush!”
Introducing: the winner for Most Chic Bondage Jewelry That Doesn’t Actually Look Like Bondage Jewelry. You can wear these bracelets on one wrist like a fancy lil wrist party, or use on both wrists after-hours as a legit cuff system.
THE REVIEW: “When the cuffs arrived, I was in love immediately!” one person notes. “They are sleek and sexy. You put them on and you feel powerful. I don’t know if it’s because many don’t know what they are and you have a secret, or if it’s because you know what wearing these can lead to. It’s such an exciting feeling.”
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these stretchy wrist restraints
Quickie Cuffs Super Strong Silicone Restraints
these stretchy wrist restraints
Quickie Cuffs Super Strong Silicone Restraints
Hi, are you afraid of trying out a pair of cuffs and then losing the key? Then perhaps we can interest you in a pair of Quickie Cuffs, which are made with soft, stretchy silicone and allow you to effectively bind your partner’s wrists without any intimidating chains or keys.
THE REVIEW: As one reviewer writes, “Yes, you will be able to get out of them more easily than other handcuffs. BUT!!! We love them! They have just enough give that they won’t leave bruises but are sturdy enough that you won’t be just slipping out—you’ll have to pull (or ‘struggle’) a bit. We think they are perfect for light play or beginners.”
Similar to a ball gag, a gag bar use a horizontal bar between the teeth instead of a ball, so it offers a bit more breathability while still keeping one partner’s mouth occupied. This option is made with super-soft silicone ideal for sinking your teeth in, as well as velvet ribbon for affixing to your head.
THE REVIEW: “Bit is beautiful, from the packaging to the materials,” reads one review. “I love that the ties are velvet, and the cobalt blue and gold is a great color combo. It’s comfortable, stays in place, and [is] much prettier than anything else I’ve seen on the market. It’s so refreshing to have BDSM gear with feminine/luxe aesthetics in mind.”
this soft loop paddle
Sportsheets Saffron Loop Paddle
this soft loop paddle
Sportsheets Saffron Loop Paddle
Made with vegan leather, this crimson loop paddle is an ideal choice for BDSM newbs, especially since the wrist loop on the handle adds security during use. You can use this bad boy for all your cracking, slapping, or tapping needs (and even hang it up from the wrist loop once you’re done!).
THE REVIEW: “I absolutely love the quality of the product—the red color is quite sexy,” one tester notes. “The length of this paddle is also exactly what I was looking for in comparison to the much smaller paddles elsewhere. Great fit in the hand [and] very comfortable. I think this is great for beginners and lovers of impact play.”
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this beginner clit clamp
Lovehoney Pinch Perfect Adjustable Clitoral Clamp
this beginner clit clamp
Lovehoney Pinch Perfect Adjustable Clitoral Clamp
If you’re new to clit clamps and want something for beginners, then try this tweezer-style clamp from Lovehoney. It’s super easy to adjust using the slider, and the ends are coated in soft silicone for comfort. Plus, you can throw in the matching nipple clamps if you’re feeling feisty.
THE REVIEW: According to one person, “Was looking for clamps with easy use and good tips. The silicone is nice and thick and doesn’t cause pain, while the clamp gives the perfect amount of pleasure. Holds on to my clit perfectly even when using with toys. I would suggest if you’re a rookie or a veteran.”
this wax play candle
maude burn no. 1 Massage Candle
this wax play candle
maude burn no. 1 Massage Candle
Now 40% Off
This candle not only looks super sleek—it serves a ~sexy~ purpose as well. Once the candle heats up, the wax transforms into a massage oil, perfect for teasing your partner and foreplay. And since it’s made with jojoba and soybean oils, it’s also ultra-hydrating.
THE REVIEWS: “My man and I went to a cabin and brought this along with other maude massagers and he loved it,” writes one customer. “The wax melted easily, and as I poured it down his back and started massaging him, the texture was heavenly. It was just the right amount of moisture and not greasy once it dried. I will be purchasing again.”
Editor
Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé.
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