One of the things I miss most about working in a sex shop is helping people buy their first bondage equipment. Every time a confused looking couple brought me a pair of fuzzy handcuffs, my face lit up and I could hardly contain my excitement. “You came to the right gal”, I’d say like a fucking dork, and lead them over to the BDSM section where I passionately talked about ergonomics and long term wearability way longer than they probably wanted me to. I haven’t worked in retail in many months but the question of how to pick out good beginner bondage gear still comes to us all the time while doing Off the Cuffs. Today I am bringing together a list of some of my (and my trusted peer’s) most recommended bondage buys for someone just starting out.

Bondage Tape

Arguably one of the most affordable and versatile piece for the beginner’s toy bag is PVC bondage tape. This tape only sticks to itself, so you can wrap any number of body parts without worrying about taking any hair off. It’s also reusable, so if you are gentle with it you can keep it around for a few play sessions. You can even use it to make wrap clothing if you so desire. I love bondage tape because it’s so quick and easy to use at a moment’s notice- no need to worry about clips, knots or locks. Just wrap your partner up and watch them struggle. I recommend that if you get some bondage tape you should also grab a pair of safety sheers in case you need to get your partner unwrapped quickly. 

Scandal Lovers Tape by CalExotics for $6.99

Temptasia Safety Sheers by Blush Novelties for $8.99

Padded Handcuffs

Having a comfortable pair of handcuffs is super important if you’re just starting out with bondage. Fuzzy handcuffs may be cheap and look cute, but they are definitely not comfortable for long periods of wear. Luckily I have found that there are many companies these days making cuffs that are both comfortable AND affordable. Getting something that is either fur lined or padded is going to be your best bet if you don’t want to stop your play mid-scene because of hand cramping. There are even cheaper sets that close with velcro for easy release. I like this pair by Sport Sheets because they’re durable vegan leather and also look really sexy.

Saffron Cuffs by Sportsheets for $26.99

Collar

Collars aren’t just for formal D/s dynamics, they can be fun to incorporate into any kind of play. You can buy some really beautiful -and really expensive- collars these days, but if you’re new you might not want to invest that much into one piece of gear yet. While you could also just get a collar from the pet store, you may also like this one by Sportsheets because it’s vegan leather and matches the cuffs I shared before. 

Saffron Leash and Collar by Sportsheets for $28.99

Under the Bed Restraints

If you’re really looking to up your bondage game, under the bed restraints might be the way to go. Most sets you can find these days don’t require you to do anything but put the straps under your mattress. They are also more affordable than you might think, the cheapest of them being under $40. My partner and I have this very pair and can attest to their durability. This set comes with wrist and ankle cuffs but you can also clip on your own. 

Under the Bed Restraint System by Sportsheets for $39.99

Ball Gag

When I think back on my first “beginner bondage” kit, I remember it coming with a ball gag. And thinking back on that gag, I remember how cheap it felt and how the straps irritated the sides of my mouth. Nowadays I see more and more comfortable gags on the market, like this one by Sportsheets. The ball and straps are silicone to avoid unwanted discomfort on your mouth. It also has air holes for easier breathing which I think makes for an actually good beginner gag. Plus, being made of silicone means it’s easy to clean and sterilize. 

Breathable Silicone Ball Gag by Sportsheets for $21.99

So now that you have some ideas, go out and start building a bondage kit worth dripping over! This is of course not an exhaustive list, but it is a good place to start. With having access to the internet and other knowledgeable resources, we are fortunate these days to have a lot better options as far as affordable bondage gear goes. Starting a bondage kit doesn’t have to be a scary expensive thing. Take these tips and run with them, and if you need any help I am still just an email away.

What are products you would include in your beginner bondage kit? Drop a comment below and let us know. 

This post is not sponsored, but all links in this post are affiliate links.