Bondage, now there's a word that can conjure up a wealth of images. Strict mistresses wielding leather whips, torture and pain, dungeons and darkness! But for some, bondage play can simply be a bit of playful titillation and it doesn't have to go anywhere near these extremes.

Although some are genuinely turned on by the darker side of sexuality, there's a lot of people who enjoy soft bondage with their partners. This can range from the use of light restraints such as soft handcuffs and ropes, to light spanking using either just hands, or a range of paddles and canes.

Bondage Kits

For an introduction to bondage there are soft kits available which will have a range of items for you to play with, usually some form of light restraint such as cuffs and maybe a soft blindfold. These are great for adding a little extra to your love play without having to experience any discomfort.

Bondage Collars

Collars are generally used in domination scenarios, where the submissive partner wearing the collar may be led round or restrained with a chain or lead. The design of these collars can range from simple leather bands, to more dramatic styles using studs and spikes. For the more serious user, heavy metal collars can be used which may have chains or steel bars attached.

Masks & Blindfolds

These are used to either blind the 'slave' or mask the 'master' in domination. To deny the slave the knowledge of who the master may be, and to deny them the sense of sight increases the sense of danger, which for some can increase the thrill. From a simple eye mask, to full head masks featuring an array of spikes or studs, the choice is yours, with PVC, rubber or leather being popular materials to use.

Gags & Bits

Balls gags, horse bits and similar items are used to prevent the slave from speaking during their subjugation. They can also be used in conjunction with leads or reins for what some describe as 'pony play', where the slave is ridden or led around on all fours! There are also items which are used to hold the mouth open rather than keeping it closed. Such items are for the more serious bondage gear user, where real domination and perhaps S&M (sado masochism) starts to come into play.

Body Restraints

From lightly tied ropes to chains and heavy metal bars, body restraints are used in light bondage play to more serious forms of domination where the victim may be completely immobilised. There is a huge range of sex toys available for the partial or full restraint of your partner. Ever fancied being tied to the bed and at the mercy of your lover? This is where trust come into play, where the master is given full power to do as he or she pleases.

Nipple Clamps

Not for the faint hearted, nipple clamps belong in the bedroom of the more serious S&M lover. These will obviously cause discomfort, and even strong pain for the wearer, depending on the type and strength of clamps used. Sometimes these will come with chains or gags attached, so the slave can be further dominated by the master or mistress.

Whips & Canes

Flogging and spanking are enjoyed by those who enjoy role play such as master and schoolgirl, or vice versa. This can be particularly pleasurable if a sexy schoolgirl, or secretary uniform is worn at the time! A little pain can be fun for those who enjoy pushing the boundaries in the bedroom, but for the more serious enthusiast, there are leather whips and paddles which may be used to administer genuine pain. It's up to you how far you want to go.

Electric Sex Toys

At the serious end of the bondage market are electro sex toys. These are electric appliances such as contact pads, plugs, dildos and clamps which are plugged into a transformer to administer electric impulses. These toys can be used to provide anything from a stimulating buzz to genuine pain, and are only intended for those who enjoy real S&M.