If you’ve ever browsed a sex toy store, you’ve probably seen an impressive range of impact toys—spanking paddles, floggers, riding crops, canes, and more. It’s incredible that toys specifically crafted for consensual BDSM play are now so accessible and come in such a wide variety of materials and designs, making it easier than ever to find quality tools for your personal preferences.
But what if you can’t or don’t want to buy traditional kink toys and still want to engage in different forms of BDSM play? One option is to make your own toys, which allows you to create customized items but can be time-intensive. Another alternative, which is the focus of this article, is to use “pervertables” (also spelled “pervertibles”)—everyday objects originally intended for non-kinky activities that can be creatively repurposed for BDSM scenes.
Pervertables can be adapted for nearly every BDSM activity, not just impact play. They are accessible, often inexpensive, and can allow for a more discreet approach to kink. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using pervertables, discuss safety considerations, and provide suggestions for common items that can be used across various types of BDSM play.
Reasons for Using Pervertables
There are many reasons why submissives and their partners might choose pervertables instead of, or in addition to, traditional BDSM toys:
- Affordability: High-quality BDSM toys, especially those made from leather or featuring intricate craftsmanship, can be expensive. Many people may not have the resources to invest in an array of kink-specific toys. Pervertables offer a cost-effective way to engage in kink, often with items already at hand.
- Creative Freedom and Personalization: While many BDSM toys are available, they may not always suit a particular aesthetic, theme, or roleplay dynamic. Using pervertables allows for personalization that can complement specific scenarios or moods.
- Travel and Convenience: When traveling, pervertables can be handy. Not only do they save space in luggage, but they also provide a discreet alternative for those who prefer to avoid potential issues at airports or borders, where kink toys may draw unwanted attention.
- Discretion: Discretion is often necessary for those who live with others—such as roommates, family members, or even children. Pervertables blend in with everyday items, allowing kinksters to engage in play while maintaining privacy from people who may access their spaces regularly.
- Spontaneity: Sometimes, the opportunity for play arises unexpectedly, or a person may be in a new place without any toys on hand. In these cases, pervertables can be a convenient solution, as they are often readily available and can be adapted for use on short notice.
- Love for Experimentation and Exploration: For some, finding and selecting pervertables can be as enjoyable as using them. Shopping for or brainstorming ways to use common objects creatively can be a fun bonding experience or a playful challenge in itself.
Pervertables are a versatile choice for many types of BDSM play, and their accessibility makes them appealing to both beginners and seasoned kinksters. They provide a unique way to explore kinks, add personal touches, and adapt to various circumstances without needing specialized tools.
Evaluating Safety and Risk of Pervertables
When incorporating pervertables into BDSM play, it’s essential to assess each item’s safety and functionality. While many common objects can be adapted for BDSM, some materials and designs carry inherent risks. Here are several considerations to ensure that a pervertable is safe for consensual play and can be comfortably used by both partners.
Assessing Physical Safety
- Inspect for Sharp Edges or Points
Look over the pervertable carefully for any sharp edges, points, or rough areas that could unintentionally break the skin, scratch, or cause injury. If it’s meant for impact play, you can test it against a hard surface with the intended force to see how it behaves. Aim to choose items that create only the sensations you intend and avoid any unintended harm. - Evaluate Structural Integrity
Pervertables need to withstand play without breaking or splintering. Ask yourself if the item could shatter, splinter, or break under force. If in doubt, apply moderate force to check its durability. Ensure that all involved are aware of any potential risks, and consider keeping first-aid supplies nearby, especially if the pervertable’s behavior under stress is uncertain. - Size, Shape, and Ease of Use
Think about the pervertable’s size and shape in relation to your intended play and the body parts involved. Does it have a comfortable handle or a shape that the top can hold securely? Is it an appropriate size for the targeted area? For example, items meant for impact play should be easy to control, balanced, and safe to use in confined spaces. For other types of play, consider whether it can be used without causing accidental harm. - Sensations Produced
While every bottom may experience sensations differently, you can often predict a pervertable’s feel based on its shape, density, and weight. Thin, hard objects like rulers or wooden spoons will likely feel sharp and stingy, while broader items like paddles offer more of a thud. Softer or padded items can reduce the sting, creating a duller impact. Always start lightly and build intensity gradually to gauge your partner’s response.
Hygiene and Cleanability
- Surface Material and Porosity
Since pervertables are not typically designed for bodily contact, their surfaces may hold onto bacteria, dirt, or allergens. Smooth, non-porous materials (like certain plastics or metals) are preferable, as they’re easier to clean. Porous materials like wood or untreated textiles are harder to disinfect and should be used with caution or limited to single-partner use to avoid potential infection. - Cleaning and Disinfection
Consider how easily the pervertable can be cleaned. Metal items, for example, can often be disinfected with alcohol or bleach, while some plastics may react poorly to disinfectants. For any item that cannot be sanitized fully, consider using it only on specific areas of the body (such as unbroken skin), dedicating it to one partner, or even treating it as a single-use item.
Material-Specific Considerations
Each material has unique properties that may affect its suitability for BDSM play:
- Wood: Wood often carries a warm aesthetic and can be customized easily. However, untreated wood is porous, which makes it difficult to clean thoroughly. If you choose a wooden item, ensure it’s sealed with a safe finish and inspect it regularly for cracks or splinters.
- Metal: Metal items are typically durable, easy to clean, and versatile for temperature play (heating or cooling). However, they can be heavy and may cause unintended bruising or deep tissue impact, especially if swung too hard or used with limited experience.
- Plastic: Plastics vary widely in quality and durability. Kitchen-grade plastic is generally safer, but some types may degrade over time or release toxins. Look for sturdier, food-safe plastics and avoid those that seem overly soft or flexible.
Comfort and Emotional Safety
- Personal Comfort and Associations
Some pervertables may carry emotional associations that affect your or your partner’s comfort level. For instance, household items like belts or wooden spoons may evoke personal memories or emotional reactions. Check-in with your partner about their comfort level with specific items to ensure both physical and emotional safety. - Communication and Consent
Before using any pervertable, discuss it with your partner and agree on boundaries, safe words, and limits. Ensure that both partners understand and are comfortable with the potential risks, especially if you’re experimenting with a new or unconventional item.
Evaluating pervertables for BDSM play involves both a careful physical inspection and an open dialogue between partners. This thoughtful process helps make play safer, allowing both partners to feel secure as they explore creative ways to incorporate pervertables into their scenes.
Best Practices for Using Pervertables
When using pervertables in BDSM play, it’s essential to establish safe practices that allow you to use these items effectively while minimizing risks. Because pervertables aren’t manufactured with kink in mind, they may need extra care, attention, and preparation before and during use.
Test and Familiarize Yourself with Each Pervertable
- Practice with New Pervertables on Inanimate Objects
Before using a pervertable on a partner, test it on a durable, non-living object (such as a pillow or couch cushion) to understand how it handles. Pay attention to the item’s balance, weight, and whether it reacts unexpectedly (like breaking or splintering) under pressure. This trial run helps you gauge the pervertable’s impact, stability, and overall feel. - Try It on Yourself First
For any pervertable, especially those intended for impact or sensation play, try it on yourself first. This gives you a sense of its intensity, whether it creates a sting, thud, or another sensation, and helps you better understand how it might feel for your partner. Testing on your own body first can be enlightening, especially if you’re new to using that specific item.
Regularly Inspect Pervertables for Wear and Damage
Pervertables wear down with use, especially if they’re made from materials like wood or plastic that may not withstand repeated impacts or bending.
- Inspect Before and After Each Use
Check for visible cracks, splinters, fraying, or other signs of wear, particularly with wood or plastic items. If an item begins to splinter or crack, consider retiring it from use to avoid injuries or accidental cuts. For metal items, check for any dents, rust, or signs of loosening at joints or handles. - Replace Fragile Items Regularly
If a pervertable shows signs of structural instability, replace it sooner rather than later. This is especially important with inexpensive items that may break under strain. When in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of caution and retire a worn item to avoid unintentional harm. - Monitor Changes in Texture and Surface
Over time, the surface of a pervertable may become rougher, or the coating may wear away, particularly with wooden or painted items. Check that the surface remains smooth enough to avoid causing cuts or abrasions. If an item becomes too rough, consider sanding, refinishing, or padding it with a safe cover, or replace it altogether.
Practice Safe Cleaning and Maintenance
Because pervertables often come from non-body-safe materials, cleaning them adequately is key to minimizing the risk of infections.
- Establish a Cleaning Routine Based on Material
Wood items, for instance, can be wiped down and lightly sanded if necessary, but they aren’t ideal for frequent disinfection with harsh chemicals. Plastic and metal items can often be disinfected with alcohol or bleach solutions, but you should confirm they won’t degrade with repeated cleaning. - Avoid Reuse on Multiple Partners Unless Fully Sanitized
If a pervertable cannot be thoroughly sanitized, consider dedicating it to use with one person or limiting its use to certain body areas. Items with porous surfaces or materials that cannot be fully disinfected should ideally be single-partner use to prevent cross-contamination.
Tips for Monitoring Use and Adjusting for Safety
- Start with Light, Controlled Use
When using a pervertable in a scene, start with gentle applications to observe how it behaves under pressure and see how your partner responds. Gradually increase intensity to reduce the risk of unintended harm. - Check-In with Your Partner Regularly
Since pervertables can create varied sensations, checking in is crucial to ensure your partner remains comfortable and safe. Ask for feedback on how the sensations feel and if adjustments are necessary. - Look for Warning Signs of Structural Fatigue
If an item feels weaker, flexes, or bends more than usual during play, stop using it and inspect it for damage. A pervertable that is becoming unstable or too flexible may be close to breaking, which can cause injury if it snaps unexpectedly.
Have Back-Up Tools and Alternatives Ready
Sometimes, even a favorite pervertable may break or become unusable mid-scene. Having backup options prepared ensures you can adapt if an item suddenly becomes unsafe or unsuitable. This also allows for scene continuity without disruption, as you can seamlessly switch to a new toy if needed.
Emphasize Communication and Consent for Each New Pervertable
Finally, open and honest communication is critical. Every new item introduces a unique dynamic into play, so always discuss each pervertable with your partner to confirm they feel comfortable and informed about its potential risks. Transparent discussions about safety and comfort are the foundation for responsible, enjoyable BDSM play.
Building Your Pervertable Collection: Ideas by Category
Expanding a pervertable collection can be both practical and creative. Here are some accessible items that can bring a range of sensations to your scenes, organized by their origin or function:
Household Items for Impact Play
- Kitchen Tools
- Wooden spoons (plain or slotted): Great for spanking, with a mix of sting and thud.
- Spatulas (wood, plastic, or silicone): Offers varied sensations based on material and shape.
- Chopsticks: Use as percussion tools or bundle them for more impact.
- Cutting boards (small with handles): Serve as paddles and can be made of wood or plastic.
- Cleaning Supplies
- Back brush: Dual-purpose for impact or brushing to create mixed sensations.
- Dustpans: Large surface area for spanking, often made of plastic or metal.
- Towels (dry or wet): Can be rolled and used for thuddy impact.
- Closet Staples
- Belts: A classic tool for impact or bondage; take care of any metal parts like buckles.
- Shoelaces: Can be tied into a makeshift flogger; adjust for softer or harder impact.
- Skirt hangers: Often have built-in clips that can work for nipple or skin play.
Tools and Supplies from DIY and Garden
- Garage/Workshop
- Rubber hammers: Offer a deep, thuddy impact but require care to avoid bones.
- Meat tenderizers (wood or metal): Have textured surfaces but require a very cautious approach.
- Sandpaper: For sensation play; gentle use can add unique texture without rubbing too hard.
- Garden Shed
- Freshly-cut branches (willow, birch): Work as switches with varied sensations; they should be disposed of after one use.
- Bamboo poles: Can double as canes or support bars in bondage scenes.
- Jute cord: Scratchy bondage option, ideal for textured sensation.
Personal Care and Accessories
- Bathroom Staples
- Hairbrushes: Versatile for impact on either side; brush can stimulate sensitive areas.
- Shoe brushes: Dual-sided for both brushing and impact, though polish residue should be avoided.
- Accessories from the Closet
- Shoes, boots, or slippers: Can be held or worn for kicking-based impact.
- Boxing gloves: Provide deep thud sensations but limit the top’s dexterity.
Sports Equipment and Toys
- From the Sporting Goods Store
- Ping-pong paddles: Lightweight and often double-sided, giving both smooth and textured options.
- Riding crops: Come in a range of tip styles and are widely available outside of kink stores.
- Baseball bats: Thuddy and intense, especially in aluminum or wooden versions.
- From the Kids’ Room
- Jump ropes: Double as restraints or whips for lighter play.
- Stuffed animals: Suitable for age play or aftercare, offering a comforting touch.
Office and Stationery Supplies
- Magazines and Newspapers: Rolled-up for a disposable impact tool with light, blunt force.
- Books: Heavy enough to use for blunt impact, with themes to match scenes.
- Rubber bands: Wide ones snap effectively on the skin; check for weak spots and dispose of them after use.
Kitchen & Pantry for Sensory and Impact Play
- Licorice or candy strips: Stretchy, painful, and disposable for one-time use.
- Saran Wrap: Perfect for mummification play.
- Fresh ginger: For figging, which involves inserting a peeled ginger plug to create a warm, burning sensation.
Unique Finds for Specialized Sensation Play
- Snake bite kit: Suction tools can stimulate nipples, clit, or other sensitive areas.
- Banjo picks: Lightweight and excellent for gentle scratching or sensation play.
- Paraffin candles (Saint candles): Typically safer for wax play, available in varied colors.
Multipurpose Options from Other Rooms
- Rope: Use it for impact (bundle or make into a flogger) or for bondage.
- Carpet beaters: Traditionally rattan, they provide intense, stingy sensations.
- Over-the-door chin-up bars: Useful for tying arms overhead during bondage scenes.
Conclusion: Unlocking a World of Play with Everyday Treasures
Creating a collection of pervertables is about more than just gathering items—it’s a journey of creativity, play, and partnership. Everyday objects hold endless possibilities, waiting to be discovered and reimagined for new sensations and experiences. With an open mind and some curiosity, your surroundings can become a treasure trove of tools for pleasure, adventure, and connection.
So, why not take a stroll through your home and see what might double as your next favorite toy? A quick scan of the kitchen drawer, the garage, or even the closet might reveal some surprising contenders. As you test and explore, remember that safety and open communication keep things fun and fulfilling for everyone involved.
Your best pervertable collection will be one that not only brings excitement and variety but also reflects the trust and joy you share. Get creative, have fun, and enjoy the thrill of turning the ordinary into the extraordinary—your next adventure might be hiding right in plain sight.