BDSM On A Budget

Those who are new to BDSM often are overwhelmed by the high cost of accessories. Anyone who visited the local sex shop or took a tour online realized that you can go through hundreds of dollars trying to put together your "toy" collection. Floggers, paddles, wands, rope, and whips can all add up. Before long, your entire paycheck is spent on BDSM accessories.

I often tell new people to take the entry into this way of life slow. There is no need to jump into it 100% right off the bat. It seems some people want to build an addition onto the house to create the ideal dungeon scene. I might suggest holding off on this idea for a while. Not only do we want to determine likes/dislikes, but the budget is a consideration for most. So, how do we go about this in an economical manner?

It is important to realize that many of the items used in BDSM are taken from other aspects of life. One of the first things to consider is "what was the original use for this item". For example, one of my favorite items is the riding bat. Riding bats/crops are common toys used in BDSM. However, that is not their common use. These items are used in the equine field to motivate horses. Riders are often seen with these in their hands.

How did I use this knowledge to my advantage? Riding bats will run around $20-$30 from most online sex shops. The ones offered in my local sex shop were roughly the same price. However, I did not purchase from there. Instead, I went to the local feed store which caters to the horse community. I was able to get mine for $9.99 and $12.99 respectively. (If you are in an urban area, check out Tractor Supply Store online)

Another way to approach BDSM economically is to use some creativity. There are many household items you can use to create the desired result. The spatula is one of my favorite whipping tools. I use the cheap plastic ones that have some flexibility to them. They can be purchased at most Dollar Stores and provide a terrific slap.

Furniture is something else that gets rather expensive. One can spend a fortune filling a dungeon if everything is purchased online. I found that if someone has the most basic of carpentry skills, he or she can build most items for a fraction of the cost. This will save a ton of money long term.

When I go shopping for my BDSM needs, I do not head to the sex shop or BDSM sites. Instead, I get in the car and to go the local Home Depot (Lowes works fine also). Those types of stores are a BDSMer's paradise. Again, with a little creativity, you can find a host of toys to use in your play. And, it will cost minimal compared to the products offered other places.

You see, BDSM need not be expensive.