What do you do when your kinky dreams and fantasies far outweigh the budget you have available? As a lot of people start experimenting with BDSM and power exchange, some may not have the budget to spend on gorgeous, high-quality toys. These toys are great, but there was a need for something a little simpler for the average person. Enter the idea of "pervertables."
What Are Pervertables?
Pervertables are regular household items that can be used as sex toys or kink toys. Not only are they much easier to get, but they're also very discreet, which means many newbies are more comfortable having them around the house. In fact, almost anything can be made into a pervertible! All it requires is a bit of patience and creativity.
If you're feeling particularly social and want to exercise total creativity, consider making your pervertables adventure an enjoyable playdate. Invite other kinky friends or just your partner, and go exploring the local hardware stores. Just keep your intentions to yourself by whispering and being discreet; other shoppers may not be so keen to share your dirty secret.
Not sure where to start? Check out these commonly used pervertables. You can find them in your local hardware store, office supply store or big box retailer.
Paint Stirrers
Paint stirrers are a spanking tool of choice for thrifty people. After all, you can pick them up for free in the paint section of many hardware and big box stores. These can make wonderful impact toys, although they do break with too much heavy use. Remember to take care to avoid splinters, and don't take advantage of this free service. Otherwise, you might ruin it for everyone (painters and perverts alike!)
Binder Clips and Clothespins
Binder clips are the large, claw-like clips with metal arms that can be found in office supply stores. Along with clothespins, these clips work well as impromptu clamps. They can be used on the nipples, genitals, and anywhere else on the body! As a bonus, they're also extremely cheap. For genital use, they can also become a disposable item to ensure cleanliness with every use. Their popularity even extends to people who keep a full, professionally-stocked toy box. (Get some kinky ideas in An Introduction to Genital Clamps for Women and An Intro to Genital Clamps for Men.)
Cooking Utensils
Plenty of cooking utensils make lovely impact toys. Experiment with the material and the design of your utensils. Spatulas are going to feel different than slotted spoons. A wooden spoon is going to feel different than a plastic or silicone one. They also come in every color of the rainbow, allowing you to coordinate your new spanking tool with the rest of your kinky kit.
Rope
Rope may not seem like a pervertable, but it is. Most hardware stores have many kinds of rope, and will even cut your preferred rope to the exact length you want! Make sure to experiment with different types of rope as some ropes are going to cause chafing or discomfort during use. You also want to find a rope that has finished ends (or ends that can be tied off) to prevent unraveling during regular use. (Get safety tips - and knot-tying advice - in The Ins and Outs of Rope Bondage.)
Scarves and Fashion Accessories
Prefer something softer? Consider using scarves from the clothing department as bondage restraints. Although these are sexy and most safe, it's important to note that some scarves will form a very tight knot that's nearly impossible to untie. Make sure to have your trusty safety shears nearby. If you'd like to keep your scarf around, consider using it as a makeshift blindfold or gag instead.
Plastic Wrap
For people who don't want to use rope, plastic wrap can make an awesome bondage alternative. The wrap can be wound around body parts and, with enough layers, it becomes impossible to move within its confines. Note that you should always have safety shears around for this one; using a knife or regular scissors can be particularly dangerous here because plastic wrap adheres so tightly to the skin.
Collars and Leashes
This one might seem like an obvious choice, but pet stores can be great for non-pet-play options too! Collars and leashes of the animal variety can be a lot cheaper than the kinky kind - and many of them are just as cute! Make sure to choose a collar that will fit while also finding one that will be comfortable on the neck for long periods of time. (Learn more about collaring in The Importance of Collars in BDSM.)
Brushes
Any type of brush can be used as a sensation toy to run along the skin, or as an impact toy for spankings. This includes things like hairbrushes, bath brushes, toothbrushes, sponges, cleaning brushes and other types of brushes.
Dollar Store Finds
This one may be the most fun. Consider going to your local dollar store and seeing what you can find that could be used as a kink toy. One of my friends found a long, candy cane decoration in the after-holiday clearance section that worked great as an impact toy. And, because it was less than a dollar, there were no hard feelings when it broke.
Locks and Accessories
Want to put your partner under lock and key? Purchasing your locks and connectors at a hardware store will save you a lot of money. Consider a bulk set of locks and keys to save even more. Carabiners, locks, two-way connectors, connecting chains, and other bondage accessories are inexpensive and easy to find.
Be Kinky ... Not Careless
Whether you're playing with high-end kink toys or perverting cheaper alternatives, always aim to play safe. Unlike dedicated bondage toys, which may have been designed with safe fall-backs built into them, pervertables were never meant for the rough use you'll put them through as kink toys. So be extra careful and use common sense. Check impact toys for splinters or breakage before using them, and tie bondage items more loosely to ensure you don't cut off circulation. You should also invest in a good pair of safety shears.
Cheap pervertables will also likely break and wear out more quickly than dedicated kink toys, but that just gives you an excuse to go back to the store and upgrade, right? Enjoy your cheap and kinky adventures!