How to Build a Good Toy Bag

 This is probably the question that all newbies to the kink scene wonder about. What should go in there? 

The answer is probably both more and less complicated than you think. 

"Of course, a good toy bag needs two floggers, a cane, a paddle, a set of clamps...."

Nope!

I'm not here to tell you what your kinks should be. If you could happily go about your life without a single impact scene, why should you have impact toys in there?

A good toy bag (or trunk, or backpack, or whatever you use) should be, in my mind, not just a snapshot of your kinks, but an overall picture of your good kink practices. I personally abide by the standards of Risk Aware Consensual Kink (RACK), but this applies to you whether you practice SSC, PRICK, or any of the other acronyms they've come out with since the writing of this post. 

It's important to note - both tops and bottoms should carry something with their basic necessities in it. Bottoms are allowed to have a favorite paddle, and tops are allowed to need a snack after a scene. Items 2 and 4 are especially non-optional for both parties.

There are 4 basic categories that should be found in a toy bag.

1. Toys!

Yes, of course, first and foremost, your toy bag should have toys! What do you love doing? Is it rope? Put your hanks of rope in! Is it impact? ALL the implements! Is it sex play? Make it look like you robbed an Adultmart! Remember, kink is inherently fun, and your bag should reflect that joyous feeling.

2. Safety equipment

Maybe this one should be foremost, actually. If you're putting rope in your bag, you should have accompanying safety scissors. Sex-themed toy bags should have condoms and other safe sex supplies. In my humble opinion, every single bag should contain a basic first aid kit in case of accidental (or purposeful) scrapes. Do your due diligence in researching the potential drawbacks of the play you're engaging in, and add it to the bag. 

3. Aftercare/self-care items

This section of the bag might actually be the most varied. In addition to water and snacks for an instant blood sugar hit, keep your comfort items in here! I know someone with an aftercare hoodie, another person whose bag is constantly strewn with chocolate, and I always feel more comfortable with something to squeeze like a stuffed animal. PRN medication also can go in here, like Excedrin or Xanax or an Epipen.

4. Paperwork

Awww geez, really? Yes really. Very few kinks can be considered "safe" in a holistic sense, and it's important to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. If someone keels over in the middle of a scene, you should have at least these basics:

• Directions to the nearest hospital(s)
• A brief medical history - especially any implanted metal in case of an MRI
• An allergy list, with a highlight on any known medicine allergies
• A complete list of current medications
• At least 2 emergency contacts who you are okay with knowing about your extracurriculars
• Medical proxy paperwork, if you have it - if you have a default, like a parent or spouse, make sure they're prepared for the responsibility
• A front and back copy of your insurance card (US-specific, we live in a dystopia)
• If you're comfortable with it, a sheet with some passwords on it (like phone or laptop) in the worst case scenario. This can also have the location of any important paperwork in your house.

There you have it, the magic formula to create your ideal toy bag! Or rather, the non-exhaustive checklist to make sure you're practicing the best, safest, funnest kink you can. 

Did I miss anything? Drop it in the comments.

Bye for now, lovelies,

Anneke <3