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24 Best BDSM Toys for Exploring the World of Kink

You know you’re curious.

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Looking to test out the waters of Lite Kink™ for the first time? While BDSM and all the accessories (sexcessories, if you will) that go along with it can seem a lil intimidating to newbies, you'll be glad to know there are plenty of non-intimidating BDSM toys made specifically for beginners that can help you get started. If you're new to Bondage/Discipline, Dominance/submission, and Sadism/Masochism, we've got all the best tools for understanding which sensations and forms of play you’d like to explore more. Best of all, these beginner BDSM toys allow for enough creativity and versatility to carry you through to the waters of deep kink later on if you'd like.

As with any new hobby, affordability is a concern, which is why most of the items on here are relatively inexpensive, 'cause you don’t want to invest a ton into something you might not be into. Likewise, we've got a range of toys and accessories for exploring different components of BDSM, such as wax play, edge play, and impact play. From nipple clamps and clit clamps to spanking paddles and spreader bars, we've got it all, bb. Just remember: BDSM is all about communication and consent, so before you decide to invest in this light bondage gear, make sure you have a convo with your partner about what you're open to exploring together.

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.

1
best bondage cuffs

Sportsheets Sex & Mischief Beginner's Handcuffs

Sex & Mischief Beginner's Handcuffs

IMO, these have everything a good pair of sex handcuffs should, whether you're a newbie or a BDSM pro. Made with Sportsheets' proprietary Velboa material, these cuffs are plenty durable and fully adjustable, thanks to the velcro wrap closures. All the hardware is nickel-free, so folks with allergies don't have to fret, and they're also washable, so you can freshen 'em up after a play sesh.

Glowing Customer Review: "Love these cuffs. Soft and allow a lot of flexibility. Easily hook up to other restraints. If you want to dabble with handcuffs, these are the ones to use! Can't wait for a second set for my mate. Kinky things await!"

2
best nipple clamps

Lovehoney Tease Me Nipple Clamps

Tease Me Nipple Clamps

New to nipple play? These are the best beginner tweezer clamps to help you begin your journey, trust. The “tweezer” on each end is tipped in soft silicone for comfort (you may find pain to be pleasurable, but open scratches and cuts are usually best avoided), and there’s a slider on each clamp that allows you to easily adjust the tightness.

Glowing Customer Review: "Overall, these are great for beginners and others alike. For the price you can’t beat it—they’re relatively easy to put on and adjust and definitely can deliver quite the pinch. I have one nipple that’s slightly inverted, and I was still able to utilize these—[I] just couldn’t tug on it quite as hard. Super cute and the little heart charm is a nice addition."

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3
best ball gag

Pipedream Fetish Fantasy Ball Gag Training System

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.

Glowing Customer Review: "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."

Ofc, sex pillows don't necessarily have to be used for BDSM (they makes run-of-the-mill 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. You’ll love that it features grabbable handles and a machine washable outer cover as well as the fact that it’s discreet enough to keep out at all times.

Glowing Customer Review: "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!"

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5
best sex swing

Sportsheets Door Jam Sex Sling

Door Jam Sex Sling

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 $40, you can get a removable (read: hideable) contraption that lets you have the best non-bed sex of your life. Reviewers <3 the padded seat to cradle your butt, plus hand grips and stirrup loops, which allow you to get creative with your positions.

Glowing Customer Review: "We love this! The seat is comfortable while allowing maximum access for pleasure. It feels very strong and secure and allows a whole range of movement that we've not been able to achieve before. We're very much looking forward to experimenting with many positions in the future."

6
best gag bar

Unbound Bit Gag Bar

Bit Gag Bar

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.

Glowing Customer Review: "Bit is beautiful, from the packaging to the materials. 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."

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7
best restraint set

Bondage Boutique Bound to Please Under Mattress Restraint

Bound to Please Under Mattress Restraint

If you don’t have a four-poster bed or the time/money to hack your IKEA Malm to look like something out of a sex dungeon, try this under-the-bed restraint kit. Comprised of skin-friendly ankle and arm restraints attached in the back, you put the whole thing under your mattress so the straps can racerback their way around to the front for easy access.

Glowing Customer Review: "My wife and I are absolutely thrilled with this product. Not only is it incredibly easy to set up and use, but it also allows us to indulge in our kinks without anyone else being any the wiser. The restraints themselves are incredibly strong and durable, and the adjustable straps make it easy to achieve the perfect level of restraint for our play."

8
best flogger

Bellesa Flogger

Flogger

If you're looking to deliver a lil less tickle and a lil more zing, then check out this affordable vegan leather flogger, which comes with a easy-to-hold handle and 40 agile falls. Unlike a whip, which usually have a single braided tail, floggers tend to have multiple flat tails, so a blow from this bad boy delivers more of a thud than a sting.

Glowing Customer Review: "What an amazing addition to our bedroom this toy has been! This whip is no joke. Don’t be fooled by the gorgeous color—it packs a punch! Lightweight but super well-made and just gorgeous to look at. I would give this 10/5 stars if I could!!"

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9
best sex candle

Maude Burn No. 0 Massage Candle

Burn No. 0 Massage Candle

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.

Glowing Customer Review: "My man and I went to a cabin and brought this along, and he loved it. 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."

10
best sensation play toy

XR Brands Master Series Transfix Dual Pinwheel

Master Series Transfix Dual Pinwheel

While a spiky pinwheel may look a tad intimidating, this device was actually originally developed to test nerve endings, and the long, easy-to-grip handle allows you the freedom to apply pressure as you see fit. It's got 10 rows of sensation spikes and 360-degree dual wheels for sending shivers down your lover's spine.

Glowing Customer Review: "My hubby gifted me this and I was skeptical—it looks a bit scary with all of its sharp spikes. But oh my! The sensations it sparks throughout your body is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. With the first roll on my arm, all my hair stood up and I instantly got goose bumps. This is a must-have. Foreplay is lit on an entirely different level with this little buddy."

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11
best bondage bar

Purple Reins 20-Inch Spreader Bar

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.

Glowing Customer Review: "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."

12
best fetish eye mask

Pipedream Fetish Fantasy Deluxe Fantasy Love Mask

Fetish Fantasy Deluxe Fantasy Love Mask
Now 40% Off

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!!).

Glowing Customer Review: "This mask is one of the most comfortable things I've ever worn. 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."

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13
best wrist restraints

Bloomi Link Flexible Handcuffs

Link Flexible Handcuffs

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 Link cuffs, which are made with soft, stretchy silicone and allow you to effectively bind your partner's wrists without any intimidating chains or keys. Best of all, they're bendy enough to fold in half for easy transportation.

Glowing Customer Review: "I love how stretchy and comfortable these handcuffs are! They're super easy to slip on and off, which made me feel super comfortable using handcuffs for the first time. I recommend them to anyone looking for something fun to bring into the bedroom."

14
best bondage rope

Electric Eel Lux Fetish Bondage Rope

Lux Fetish Bondage Rope

Using rope during sex is a form of dominance, and the options with rope play are pretty much endless. This super-soft bondage rope allows you to (safely!) bind up your partner's limbs, and since it's made with 100 percent cotton, it's perfect for people who are sensitive or allergic to jute and hemp.

Glowing Customer Review: "I love this rope! It's comfortable and firm, and doesn't slip. The description says that some stretching is normal, but I haven't noticed any stretching at all yet."

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15
best bondage tape

JimmyJane Bondage Tape

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!!

Glowing Customer Review: "WOW! This will spice things up in a hot minute. 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."

16
best thigh cuffs

Bondage Boutique Soft Wrist-to-Thigh Cuffs

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!

Glowing Customer Review: "Me and my partner purchased these sexy restraints, and I have not been let down! 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."

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17
best paddle

Sportsheets Saffron Loop Paddle

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!).

Glowing Customer Review: "I absolutely love the quality of the product—the red color is quite sexy. 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."

18
best fetish jewelry

Crave ID Cuffs

ID Cuffs

Introducing: the winner for Most Chic Bondage Jewelry That Doesn't Actually Look Like Bondage Jewelry. Available in four color and metal combinations, you can wear these bracelets on one wrist like a fancy lil wrist party or use them on both wrists after-hours as a legit cuff system since they're made with body-safe silicone and high-polish stainless steel hardware.

Glowing Customer Review: "When the cuffs arrived, I was in love immediately! 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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19
best collar set

Unbound Harness

Harness

Featuring a detachable patent leather collar and waist and torso straps made with stretchy elastic, this sexy accessory can accommodate a range of body types with ease (and look reeeeally good while doing it). The snaps and metal strap adjusters help you find the perfect fit, and several reviewers have raved about just how comfortable it feels.

Glowing Customer Review: "Every time I see something that is 'one size fits all' I am always IMMEDIATELY pretty sure that it won't fit MY body. This harness was so cute though, so I figured that I'd give it a try! It fits like a glove. So comfortable and makes me feel instantly sexy!"

20
best nipple suckers

Lovehoney Perfect Pair Silicone Nipple Suckers

Perfect Pair Silicone Nipple Suckers

For newbies to nipple play, the ease of use with these silicone nipple squeezers is hard to beat. With their gentle suction, these make a great accessory for those looking to try out nipple stimulation, and the fact that they look totally inconspicuous is also a bonus.

Glowing Customer Review: "Very compact and simple design. Great for warming up and getting nipples hard. Use a little silicone lube around the edge and they suction on very nicely."

Headshot of Corinne Sullivan

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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