Expert: XR - 7/4/2011

Question
So I've been interested in the BDSM lifestyle for a long time, but am just starting with my girlfriend.  We're interested in pushing things up a notch, more than what can be done with just our two bodies.  

There are so many toys out there and I'm looking for some basic starting points to have a lot of fun with.  On what can I get the most milage for my buck and have a nice variety of things to use on my play toy?

Answer
Hey Chuck,
 I'd be glad to help you out and shamelessly plug some Extreme Restraints products. If you are shopping around eXtremeRestraints.com for some BDSM gear and toys you'll probably notice that there are so many classes of toys that it's pretty much impossible to say, "get these five toys" since everyone has different things that they want to accomplish. So I'm going to break things down.
Vibrators:
A good basic vibrator for less than ten bucks is going to go a long ways. This is one of those fields where you don't need to spend a lot to get a lot. You can't go too wrong near the low end. I'd advise something like this vibrator: http://www.extremerestraints.com/trinity-velvet-point-bullet-vibe_3307.html The velvet coat gives it a nice finish and there aren't a lot of controls to mess with. If you were going to splash some cash for some power, I'd tell you get a Wand Essentials 7-Speed Rechargeable Massager: http://www.extremerestraints.com/wand-massagers_83/wand-essentials-7-speed-recha... It's got a lot of power, lots of control, and a full charge gives you hours of continuous usage without needing to recharge or hunt for batteries. The wand handle also give it some reach.

Sensory Deprivation:
Having the sub in the relationship unable to tell what's going on builds tension, and gives the top room to relax while they figure out what they're doing next. You can probably jury rig blindfolds, but padded blindfolds do a good job of blocking out everything easily, and they're pretty cheap. Something like this is great: http://www.extremerestraints.com/blindfolds_13/leather-blindfold-with-velcro-clo...

Restraints:
You could just use rope. I find that cuffs make things easier. If you're just playing around velcro cuffs work great. Otherwise, I'd upgrade to something leather and locking. A bed restraint kit like this: http://www.extremerestraints.com/bedroom-bondage_337/bedroom-restraint-kit_4937.... is great for having something to tie your partner to, and you can always upgrade the cuffs later on.

Pinchy Things and Impact Toys:
Alright, here's a category where you've probably got some resources around the house. You can find things to spank your partner with that don't come from a big BDSM superstore. Try different things. So long as your partner is restrained and blindfolded, you don't have to worry about how silly it looks.
As for nipple clamps and such, you've likely got some clothespins, binder clips, or chip clips around the house. You can get some cools toys for a little cash, but you can do a lot with that you've got. If you do spend some, try these: http://www.extremerestraints.com/nipple-toys_60/super-snake-bite-suckers_4113.ht... because suction toys can be a lot of fun.

There are no doubt all kinds of things that I didn't cover, but you've got some stuff to chew on. If I were to throw in one more thing: http://www.extremerestraints.com/bondage-tape_1.html because bondage tape is just fun.

Good luck.