Shopping for Inexpensive Toys

Not everyone into BDSM feels that "toys" are necessary for fun and rewarding BDSM play. For example when I asked my first Dom what toys he had, he said "Toys?? Who needs toys when I have these?" He then lifted his smooth hands in front of me and smiled a devilish and very toothy smile. I quickly discovered that he certainly did not need the traditional "gear" associated with the lifestyle, but there were still times that I fantasized for a good old fashioned flogging. As time went on and I became more experienced and exposed to others in the scene I discovered that I was an insatiable toy slut and began my collection.

I am very fortunate to have Adam and Gillian's factory within walking distance of my house and I am delighted and proud to own at least a dozen of their exceptional pieces. I firmly believe they are worth every cent and would swear to my accountant that they certainly are necessities. Although, some of us are fortunate to have the resources to buy (or at least save up for over time,) quality toys made by the skilled artisans in the field, I realize that not all of us have that luxury or "toy addiction."

This article is designed to help you find inexpensive or otherwise innocent toys that can be readily obtained in unlikely places. My husband and I absolutely adore shopping in hardware stores such as Home Depot, affectionately called "Dom Depot" and Lechter's which is a local kitchen and house wares store. You would be surprised what you can find with an open mind and a touch of perverted imagination.

The part I find most amusing, is going up and down the aisles, selecting spatulas and other odd items while watching the look on the sales help's faces. We giggle deviously and whisper about our intended uses, and leave them to wonder what on earth we are doing. Then again, he occasionally gives me a playful swat testing their potential impact, and takes away all their doubts. There is nothing like a bit of shock value to brighten your day. One particular day, as we strolled around the house ware department collecting our treasures, a salesman crept along behind us ducking in and out of view. He kept peering around the corner to peek at what we were looking at, and then when we looked he would jump and pretend he was restocking shelves. It was a riot!!

There maybe those of you who do not wish to carry or possess regular toys out of concern of what someone would think if they were discovered. All of these items are ideal since they have perfectly valid "vanilla" uses and are completely deniable. Anyway, here is a list of a few handy items you can find in some everyday places and use in very unconventional ways, followed by approximate cost.

Feather Dusters, lamb's wool dusters and chamois clothes are wonderful for tickling, teasing, cooling down the body or erotic play. $3.00 - 7.00

Pizza Paddle, wooden spoons and spatulas make great cheap paddles with a variety of textures and intensities. Get several!! $2.00 - 8.00

Utility blades or safety shears are very wise to have if you do bondage. Think emergency release!! $4.00 - 10.00

Shrimp deveiners make an evil looking but safe gadget for mock knife play or wax removal. $2.00

Closet tie or belt racks are handy little items for hanging up any of your other toys. $2.00 - 5.00

Plastic water filled ice cubes are terrific frozen treats to use for a bit of sensation play, without the mess of real melting ice. $3.00

Candles can be amazingly erotic but please be careful here though. Be sure you know what sort of wax to use and how close or far away to hold it!! I like soft, scented waxes with an oily base, they seem to burn cooler than most. $1.00 - 10.00

Clothespins are the original nipple (and other area) clamps and still very effective and inexpensive. Under $5.00

Leather boot laces can be fastened together at the top with electrical or similar tape and made into an acceptable flogging instrument if used with care. Also Under $5.00

Bungee cords can be used for bondage or as a light to severe flogger if you strip the cloth off and bind one end. Under $5.00

Rope is fairly cheap and I personally prefer it over leather or store bought cuffs because of the personal nature in which it can be applied. The anticipation that builds as each coils is wrapped around wrists, ankles, whatever, can be delicious and certainly adds to the effect. Buy lots and cut them into handy lengths. You can either bind the ends with tape or learn to "whip" the ends with string. The SandMutopian Guardian had an excellent tutorial in issue no. ##. Nylon or soft cotton rope, 1/2 inch thickness works very well for most areas. I thinner rope, 3/16 or so for genital areas, and the thicker rope for anything that will be struggled against vigorously. If you use clothes line try to get the stuff without the plastic core, I find it easier to work with.

Rope can also make a wonderfully soft, luxurious, inexpensive flogger. You'll need at least 50 foot (more for a heavier flogger). A large round ring will give you a good place to anchor the lengths through, then bind enough of it together at the top to use as a handle. Unravel the braided strands to give it a lush softness.

Scarves make excellent blindfolds or gags and are also readily available and inexpensive. Get a few.

Large adjustable "C" clamps with at least a 6 inch spread can be use to turn a doorway into an excellent place for bondage. Hook the clamps over the moldings over the door and tighten. From there you can use them to bind the submissive's hands over the head. I do not suggest it for suspension bondage. About $10.00 each.

Double ended Snap hooks have a multitude of uses!! I have at least a dozen at all times! Under $1.00 each.

A wooden dowel at least an inch thick and 3 foot wide can easily be turned into a spreader bar. Add an eye hook at each end, grab a couple snap hooks, some rope or cuffs... TA DA! You're in business!! Under $10.00

Fishing line sinkers make effective weights for a little added tension to any clamp. They vary in price according to size.

There are so many items available I could not possibly list them all, but this should give you a good start. There are also several great books that show interesting ideas and easy things to make for very little money and nominal effort. If you are even a little handy and can follow directions, you could easily create some wonderful playthings. One book in particular that I found to be excellent is "KinkyCrafts: 101 Do-It-Yourself S/M Toys" compiled and edited by Lady Green of the Greenery Press.

So, the next time you and your partner are strolling through the store, keep your eyes open for the usual that can be used in unusual ways. But keep an eye on the store clerks. I guarantee your shopping experiences will never be the same again! Happy Shopping!!