Cuffs are easy to buy and less likely to indimidate her. Rope you gotta know how to tie it to make it fun.

Wider, padded or soft cuffs. They're much easier to work with, they're comfortable, and it's harder to hurt you partner with them. Tying people up with rope is a real skill. And it's kind of intimidating.

Try these!

Or these!

Mind. I may be reading to much into this, but "Trying to figure out a way to get my girlfriend of three years into some light bondage" sounds awfully likes she's not into it. I've been on the receiving end of boyfriends trying to convince me into sexual things I didn't like the sound of. It made me trust them less. So, y'know, if you both want this and just need info: yay! But it's kind of shitty to pester or convince someone into something. Letting your partner restrain and fuck you is a really vulnerable thing.

Anyway, good luck!

cuffs first

We started off with cuffs. I want to try those Japanese ropes, but I have NO idea on how to tie it. When it's done right, it looks AMAZING!

Cuffs. You are less likely to get frustrated or hurt each other than with rope.

Arrest me!

Ropes, there so versatile!

cuffs

I would recommend going with the cuffs, they come in many styles that can help pique interest, plus rope can seem harsher to someone who is new to it. At least that's how I would overall feel about it.

i like both

rope, you can do so many things!!!!

Rope

Cuffs are easier and can be very comfy.

Silk sash like rope. Its soft and doesnt chafe unless she is into that well then go for handcuffs without fur or anything. Good luck!

I think rope, but I've never experienced either.

rope to start with seems kind of scary!

Full disclosure: I wrote this post with metal handcuffs in mind, but I think I still like rope better even if you were talking about leather/cloth cuffs.

I vote rope for a few reasons. First, a lot of people have argued that handcuffs are a lot easier to start with and to some extent, I agree--they ARE a lot easier to get on. But if you lose that little key (and don't know how to pick locks), you're in for an unpleasant and awkward night. An experienced sub might help you deal with the situation and maybe even laugh about it later, but since you're playing with someone who's new to it all, a negative experience like that could make it difficult to get her to try again. Rope doesn't have that risk. If you know anything about the knots you're trying, you'll know how to untie them. Second, rope is just more versatile than cuffs, hands down. Plus, the knot-tying skills you know (or will teach yourself) will let you do more and more intricate and fun rope bondage later on if you're interested in doing that. And third, I don't know about everyone else, but it just seems easier to pull off a sensual, light bondage feel with rope as opposed to metal handcuffs. So, all in all, I say go with rope, but whatever you choose, play safe, have fun, and good luck to you!

i think cuffs bc they r easier

I like rope because it looks prettier and I have personal connections with it, due to it being one of the first things I was introduced to

I feel like rope ties can be difficult to remember, though, for me personally and would worry about ruining a mood by having to reference a book/ online for ties, and there's safety scissors and checking on of the wrists/ etc pertinent areas to worry about that you may not do if you're a beginner

I feel like cuffs are easy. You just slap them on and try to keep the keys safe. Depends on what you're going for

I started with cuffs Still making my way into rope play.

cuffs.

I like cuffs better.

Cuffs. You can always talk to her and see what she's comfortable with too.

handcuffs