10 Kinks to Try from Vanilla to Wild

When people search for new kinks to try, they often get scared off by leather whips, latex suits, and body suspension. But in reality, kinks are just playful ways to explore pleasure outside the so-called “vanilla” norm.

Kinks often fall under the broad umbrella term BDSM (bondage, dominance, sadism, masochism), though you don’t need to dive headfirst into the unknown to start experimenting.

Trying out BDSM is about curiosity, consent, and communication—not to mention satisfaction, adventure, and pleasure. Kinks are an invitation to step out of your routine sex life and into a new realm of sensation, power dynamics, and trust.

To help you navigate, here are 10 kinks to try—listed from beginner kinks to downright daring.

1. Blindfold Play

This classic kink offers entry-level play with an entry-level budget. Using a bandana, tie, or strip of fabric, you can take away your partner’s sight to create a brand new sensory experience.

Blindfolds are simple, safe, and wildly effective for spicing up intimacy without scaring anyone off.

2. Light Restraints

Another “light kink” using items you already have around the house is restraints. Typically, handcuffs, rope, and straps are used to restrain a partner. However, neck ties, soft rope, or bandanas can cause the same effect.

Being held still builds anticipation, while being the one in control is equally thrilling. The best part? You can start as tame or as adventurous as you like. Start with one wrist, see how it goes. Then go for both hands, maybe both legs. The world of light restraints is your oyster.

3. Temperature Play

From ice cubes dragged along bare skin to a warm wax drip from a body-safe candle, temperature play turns up the notch on your love life.

Alternating between hot and cold engages the nerves in delicious ways, making it perfect for beginners who want to experiment with sensation. Plus, you already have ice cubes waiting in the freezer.

4. Roleplay

Is there anything more “classic kink” than a sexy nurse costume? Doctor/patient, teacher/student, boss/assistant—the scenarios are endless.

Roleplay gives you a small cushion when it comes to kink. Maybe you’re unsure about trying power play, but a naughty secretary isn’t. Embodying a character can open up a whole world of kink, costumes or not.

5. Sensory Play

Go beyond sight and touch with a few specially designed props for intimate moments. Feathers, pinwheels, and vibrating toys awaken the skin, heightening arousal through unexpected textures.

Combine it with blindfolds, restraints, or temperature play for an even more electrifying experience.

6. Spanking

Sexy, playful, and surprisingly intimate, spanking straddles the line between cheeky and intense. Spanking can be light and teasing, or firm and commanding. After all, this is an introduction to impact play.

Couples have the freedom to begin where they want. By finding the right rhythm and intensity, spanking can become addictive.

7. Dominance and Submission

Also known as D/s play, this kink focuses on power exchange. A number 6 on the list, this is when setting clear boundaries before play is required.

One partner takes the reins (metaphorically) as the Dominant, while the other surrenders, the submissive. A great example of D/s kink is Consensual Non-Consent (CNC) kink.

D/s play doesn’t always involve physical restraints, impact play, or verbal commands. It begins with an assertion of power, manifested in whatever way is most comfortable for both partners.

Looking for even more kinks to try? We’ve got a list of Weird Kinks You’ve Probably Never Heard Of.

8. Impact Play

Ready to turn up the heat? Impact play includes pladdles, floggers, or crops. Unlike light spanking, this kink can range from playful taps to more serious thuds, depending on your comfort level and arousal.

It’s all about the adrenaline and endorphins that come with controlled impact. Again, communication is key, and safewords are invaluable. But if you find handprints and bruises hot, and you’re prepared to verbalize your boundaries, you’re going to love this one.

9. Breath Play (Advanced)

I’ve always thought this kink had a misleading name–breath play sounds like it belongs in a yoga class. But the kind of play we’re talking about involves gentle restriction of airflow.

Breath play, or erotic asphyxiation, heightens intensity and encourages surrender. This kink requires extreme trust, clear communication, and caution.

If you’re going to explore it, start with soft contact with the throat. Gradually move into erotic specific choking, where a hand is gripping the neck but squeezing from the sides. Do not press down.

Erotic asphyxiation requires thorough research before performing. We put together a guide that breaks down every variation of Breath Play out there. As always with advanced kinks, there’s no such thing as too much research and preparation.

10. Knife Play

With great kink comes great responsibility. For the boldest among you, knife play is the ultimate thrill.

This kink is less about actual danger and more about the psychological rush of cold metal against skin. Mixing fear, trust, and arousal is intoxicating—like breath play, knife play is strictly for experienced couples who understand boundaries, consent, and safety measures.

Our guide to Knife Play breaks down the ins and outs of this delicious kink, with a few tips on where to get your equipment.