Thrifty Kinkster: Scoring Sales from Stationery Aisles & School Supply Lists

If you’ve played around in kink or BDSM for some time, maybe your idea bank is running dry. Or you could be on the other end, and be just starting out and have zero idea of what to get your hands on. Whether you’re into teacher fetishes (and things of that flavor) or are just on a budget and need something cheap, back-to-school supplies are the answer.

Here’s what we’re going to cover, PLUS ideas on what you can do with each one:

Why a Back-to-School Supply List Works Within Kink


School supply lists for BDSM gear are great if you’re just someone shy (no matter how veteran a kinkster you may be). A cart full of stationery supplies won’t make the cashier bat an eye. Then, there are the September discounts or the October clearances. And no one can argue with a bargain-basement deal.

Also, as mentioned before, maybe you’re out of ideas and need inspiration. So, we’re going to look at common school supplies that you can adapt to a plethora of adult play situations.

But before you dive in, there’s one more IMPORTANT thing we need to cover: A vital disclaimer…

Any mention of BDSM back-to-school supply lists in this blog article is purely for creative ideas and exploration purposes. The information presented here is intended for consenting adults who engage in alternative, ethical lifestyles and are seeking imaginative and/or discounted items to incorporate into their kink scenarios. It is important to emphasize that these suggestions do not endorse or support any illicit activities. Consent, safety, and respecting boundaries are paramount in all BDSM or alternative lifestyle play.

Basis School Supplies in BDSM, Fetish Play, or Kink Fun


1. Rulers (More than Spanking)

The first thing you’re probably thinking about is a teacher + naughty student roleplay with lots of impact play. These can be gentle strikes anywhere that is safe on the body or any degree along the spectrum up to intense hits. And if you’re not sure where is safe, here is a handy visual guide. Study it well!

impact play safety chart

Rulers can also be used for role-playing scenarios, where one person takes on the dominant role and the ruler can be used as a prop to enhance the power dynamic. There’s obviously the education setting. But you don’t have to limit yourself. Anything that involves a power exchange can possibly have a ruler as a prop or a tool if you get creative about it – like painting it a different color so it’s not so school-based.

They can also be part of kind or BDSM punishments, which is another way of exploring power dynamics and boundaries in a consensual and negotiated way. But remember, if someone likes to get “hit” then it’s not really a punishment.

Instead, you could make them balance a ruler on the tips of their fingers with their arm extended. If it falls … well … use your imagination.

2. Notebooks, Notepads, Binders & Books

five flower-themed binders, free back to school supplies

On the surface, notebooks and other flat, papery education objects might seem like a boring BDSM tool. But they can actually be, not only fun but also useful in more ways than you realize.

  • Have your sub keep a journal of their kink/BDSM journey. It’s sometimes easier for people to write what’s going on than to speak about it. Read it together to build trust and communication skills.
  • Get several different colored notebooks for different situations. One for journaling, another for punishments, and even another for fun ideas you both might have – or everyone, if you’re in a group.
  • Use them as a punishment to make someone write lines.
  • Make them balance a notebook on their head (possibly while doing other things) as either an exercise for health, an amusing challenge, punishment (balancing the book for a certain period of time or coupled with another action), or as part of a humiliation technique.
  • They can also be used for impact play if you really want.  Just don’t use notebooks with spiral bindings. Regular books are better. And if there is a sale, get a few of varying thicknesses, sizes, weights, etc.
  • If pet play is your thing, you can roll up a thin, cheap notepad for pet play to smack your doggo on the backside or playfully boop them on the nose. Extra points if the notebook has a pet theme.

Here are two videos about notebook balancing

The first is from a wonderfully bubbly woman showing how to use a simple book for basic exercise and posture training. It’s obviously not kink, but full of ideas if you’re clever.

youtube/Audra Morrison

If you want to push it really far, you can make your sub dance all sexy while having the book on their head. There are a bunch of videos out there with people impressively showing off this talent – to the point even I’m jealous of their posture and stability. The second video is a great example.

youtube/@Di1araa.s

Backpacks & Bookbags

If your male sub is into sissification or other types of BDSM humiliation, an ultra-girly backpack (worn in public) is guaranteed to draw stares. And don’t forget that some pencil cases can also pass as little handbags too.

And if you want to get REALLY creative, experiment to see how you can incorporate bondage while they’re wearing one.

Or, and stay with me here, what about sensory play? We all know about blindfolds. But if you’re doing a school role play, outdoor situation, or consensual hostage or kidnapping, all you need to do is plop the backpack over their head to block out some vision. As long as they can breathe normally, you’re good to go.

STORAGE CONTAINERS – It’s important to keep your dungeon organized. Grab some plastic boxes (or other materials) and organize your sex toys, restraints, and other fun stuff.

Markers of All Kinds

box of Sharpie markers, back to school list

I don’t care how old you are, everyone loves markers! And it’s not only the colors that won’t be in shortage, but the ideas are also brimming as well.

  • If you’re doing “Little Play” markers are going to be a hit.
  • Use them to draw temporary body art/designs on your partner.
  • Experiment with sensory play – the gentle scrape of the marker against the skin can make some people shiver.
  • Write insulting words on their body, like “slut” or “cum bucket” etc.
  • Alternatively, you can write words or sentences of ownership.
  • Use them to draw markings or tattoos that might fit whatever play scene you’re going to get into.

  • Draw or write on bondage elements as an extra dose of fun.
  • You and or your sub can draw erotic pictures of what you want to do or role-plays you want to explore.
  • Make someone write lines with their non-dominate hand. It makes it looks like a child’s writing and you can berate them about it. Or if their ambidextrous (little jerks) make them write with their mouth!
  • Then there’s actually using whiteboard markers on an actual board! Things like keeping points, roleplay, etc.

But remember, any markers that are going on the skin need to be safe! Check the packaging and always do a patch test.

Pencils and Pens

group of pencils, back-to-school supplies

We can move over a lot of ideas that were mentioned about markers and apply them to pencils. But there are a few more things that you might not have thought of.

If you like nipple play (particularly stuff that pinches), there’s the old “chopstick and elastics” nipple clamp hack. But if you don’t have sticks, then pencils or pens work just as well.

Or, if you’re a bit more knowledgeable or adventurous about bondage and want to explore creative restraints, you can use pencils with elastics, zip ties, tape, or twist ties to find innovative ways to confine another person. But remember to be careful with pressure. We don’t want nerve damage!

SAFETY NOTE: Try ankles before experimenting with wrists and always have quick-escape methods ready like safety scissors. And always communicate as you’re going.

Believe It or Not … Plants!

row of four plants, BDSM plant ideas, kinky pain garden

September might also bring some excellent sales in the home and garden department (if they haven’t put them on already, that is.) Depending on how stocked or varied the store is, you might be lucky enough to find one that offers fun “BDSM” plants as well. Although they’ll never be labeled as such and the salesperson will look at you funny if you ask for that specifically.

A common option is a cactus (for college kids who want green in their room but require nearly no maintenance). But there are so many more. Lavender is great for tickles and beautiful smells. Roses are soft on one end but the thorns are great for sensory play (just be careful).

Bamboo rods are usually sold as ways for climbing plants to do their thing, but they’re great for spanking. If you want to know more, this BDSM plants article has it all.

Elastic Bands

woman holding back a rubber band, school supplies list

These can be wickedly fun for pain, bondage, and even games…

  • Snap the rubber bands against the skin in various degrees of pressure for sensory play (always start gently). Make sure to always test it on yourself first to know what the other person is going to feel. This is always a good practice for Dom/mes.
  • Turn the snapping into a game by drawing a tic-tac-toe board on the person’s and two others can take turns marking the slots with red welts or even bruises.
  • The rubber bands they make for bruises (not sure if they’re sold in the pharmacy section?) can be put over the nipples.
  • Larger rubber bands can be used for breast or penis bondage. Just learn the safety steps around this kind of play before you dive in. There can be very negative consequences if you don’t know what you’re doing.
  • Use heavier snaps as punishments.
  • Some say you can use it as bondage, but I’m not going to promote that in this article because it’s a bit too advanced. I’ll just point out it exists.

A (Real, Paper) Dictionary

Don’t understand how a dictionary can be BDSM-y? Well, first, if your submissive has a potty mouth you can use it as a punishment. Like writing out however many words and definitions you deem fit.

Or you can use it as an actual educational tool and use it to elevate the sub’s vernacular and way of speaking. You could even improve too! Then there is the “word of the day” activity – which can be linked to anything you want.

Calendars and Organizers

school supplies, wall calendar, weekly planner with spring theme

Maybe keeping track of things in a notebook isn’t for you. Perhaps your Dom/sub dynamic craves a bit more order. You’ll find an unending amount of calendar options for your back-to-school list.

1. Erotic Countdown: Use a calendar to create anticipation and build excitement for upcoming play sessions. Mark specific dates or events that are dedicated to your playtime. Each day or week, check off the days leading up to your next encounter, heightening the anticipation and building a sense of longing.

2. Role-Play Scheduler: Schedule various role-play scenarios without a build-up, and more of a way to keep track of everything you have going on. Assign specific dates or times for different roles or fantasies to be explored. This can help create structure, anticipation, and organization within your play dynamic.

3. Punishment Planner: You can’t punish (or behavior correct) someone unless they’ve done something naughty. But what if you don’t have the time to deliver a punishment right then and there? Or you need time to think of something appropriate – firm but fair and fitting the infraction. You can put it on the calendar. The tension leading up to the event will also be a form of torture for the sub.

What punishment would you schedule for this?

Here’s a great article on BDSM punishments in terms of longer-term relationships between a Dom and a slave (rather than a submissive). Even if it’s not your thing, there’s good info to learn or brush up on.

4. Fun Stuff, Dates, Rewards: Not everything has to be hardcore. Maybe you are doing things more towards the sensual side but still need to dedicate a slot of time in your week.  There are also rewards, plan special treats, experiences, or privileges to celebrate any achievements if you are on the Dom/sub end. This deepens the bond and motivates both partners.

NOTE: Don’t forget all these things should be communicated/negotiated beforehand during your initial AND ongoing talks.

Crayons or Pencil Crayons

rows of colorful crayons, back to school supplies list

Hell, even if it’s not BDSM, I want these. If you play within a “little” or “daddy/mommy” dynamic, the gift of crayons is epic. Plus all the delicious things mentioned about markers and pencils can (mostly) apply here too.

Post-It-Notes

Are calendars and notebooks not your thing? That’s okay. Sticky notes will come to your sexy rescue.

  • Put them all around your house or dungeon for a non-vanilla scavenger hunt.
  • Use them as part of a “Pick Your Poison” jar. This is where you write things on a slip of paper (in this case a sticky note), and fold it in half so it’s kept secret. Then, someone draws out one of the notes. Your jar can be for anything – date night ideas, sensual play, role plays, rewards, punishments, activities, etc.
  • Use them to leave dirty notes in their pockets or lunch bags/boxes. Or, in places they won’t suspect. Use them to tease and build tension, anticipation, or bonding.

Glue Sticks

If you want to get into some ultra sissification, take a cue from the fabulous drag queens and glue down your sub’s bushy eyebrows down so you can draw on something more feminine. You can also use them as they were mean and make a kinky scrapbook of the things you want or dream of – it’s a fun kind of homework!

Maybe you just want an ENORMOUS list and you can handle all the creative ideas. Good Housekeeping has a great breakdown of what you should be for any grade level.

Various Decor

school discounts, school sales, woman shopping for 50% mirror
Via: thekrazycouponlady

Back to school is also for the college-bound (or stores who just want to sell as much of anything they can), so you’ll find plenty of pillows, bedsheets, clocks, and who knows what other decor that could spruce up your sacred sex space. Whether or not it fits your decor is up to you and your palette.

Body-Safe Paint

If you and/or your sub like to get messy or artistic, use body-safe, WATERBASED paints to brush (or finger paint – or with whatever other tools create a sensory experience) all over the person’s body.  Make them into a work of art. Don’t forget the drips and drizzles! You can also make it a group party if you’re into that!

Then there is the “put paint on your bodies and have sex on a fresh white sheet” to create “love-making” art (or “screwing each other’s brains out” art).

How to Save (Extra) Money on School Supplies


Even if the store is going discount crazy, there are some other ways to pinch a few more pennies out of your shopping experience.

  • Looking around (online or in person) before you buy
  • Compare prices and deals on bundles, brands, and whatnot
  • See if there are “competitor deals” – that’s where the store will match a price if another company is selling it cheaper
  • See if your country or area has “tax-free” days
  • Look around the house to see if there are basics you can start with before you buy anything
  • Ask around if your friends have stuff they don’t want/use anymore
  • Try second-hand stores for any applicable items (such as decor) if the stores don’t have any good school sales

back to school supplies list
Via: goodhousekeeping

FAQs About Kinky School Supply Shopping


Are there any discounts or promotions for back-to-school supplies?

Absolutely! August and September are ripe with discounts. But make sure the store is not doing any sales tricks – like pricing something higher way beforehand, then dropping it to look like a huge discount during the sale period. That’s why research is important! Things can be even cheaper when things go on clearance.

Can I buy back-to-school supplies online?

100% yes! If you’re not ready to walk into a store, there are plenty of online offers.

Are there any materials I should look for when purchasing cheap kink supplies?

Since you’re not really buying expensive BDSM gear, mostly make sure that things don’t have sharp edges (for impact play) or they won’t break easily. Also, with all the designs out there, you should be able to match whatever aesthetic you’re playstyle has going on.

Where to buy school supplies?

This entirely depends on what country you live in. Amazon is always an easy choice. But in the USA, the top lists for school supplies and stationery items are Target, Walmart, Staples, Best Buy, Costco, Etsy, Bed Bath & Beyond, Sam’s Club, Dollar Tree … and even EBay!

What to remember when buying budget kink supplies?

How much will you actually be using? Do you REALLY need that 24-pack of pencils, when a smaller and cheaper box will do fine? Always remember how much money you’ve set aside for the shopping adventure and stick to that limit. Also, look for things like cracks or breaks – like you would any other product.

Final Thoughts & Tips


There are so many more things – like calculators, highlighters, note cards, paperclips, binder clips (not for nipples!), tape, dry erase boards, erasers, water bottles, combination locks, lunch boxes, math compass, scissors (preferably safety/medical ones) unless it’s for crafting, label maker, etc.

Your kinky school supply list is only limited by your imagination!

If you want more fun articles, you might like these…

Have any more ideas for a kinky school supply list or ideas on how to use them? Share in the comments!

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