BDSM

Small and simple: a blindfold, soft wrist cuffs or a feather tickler. Starter BDSM kits bundle a few matching pieces, so you can find out what you enjoy before buying individual gear.

Talk first about what you both want to try, what's off the table, and a safeword that means stop. Many couples also use a traffic-light system to slow down without stopping. Our guide to exploring BDSM covers these conversations.

The main groups are restraints and cuffs, impact toys like floggers and paddles, nipple clamps, gags, blindfolds and chastity.

Real leather feels substantial and softens with use but needs conditioning. Vegan leather looks similar and wipes clean. Nylon and neoprene are lightweight, adjustable and often machine-washable. Sportsheets and Sex & Mischief make beginner-friendly gear in softer materials.

Master Series and STRICT make heavier-duty restraints, hardware and fetish gear. For furniture and positioning, see sex furniture and slings and swings.