Especially for someone new, I'd recommend against handcuffs and suggest leather restraints for a couple reasons:

First, cheap handcuffs usually don't have a double-lock, so can sometimes get tighter as you play -- if you don't notice it, this can be a bit dangerous to circulation. I also once saw a submissive break a wrist with handcuffs -- she was cuffed behind her back and fell backward unexpectedly. Her weight must have come down with the cuffs at just the right angle and fractured her wrist. Unusual, but one of the reasons I don't like handcuffs -- some images stick with you.

Second, having a restraint on each wrist is more versatile, because you can clip them together or spread the arms and clip them to something else.

If leather's too pricey right now, there are some reasonable velcro options:

This is a nice set for beginners ($59.95): http://www.extremerestraints.com/7-p...-buy_1324.html

Or just a set of wrist/ankle restraints ($14.00): http://www.extremerestraints.com/ult...uffs_2617.html

Take two pair of the $14 ones and combine with a trip to Home Depot for some clips, eyebolts and light chain (hanging chandelier-type), and you can have a nice setup. Put eyebolts in your bed-frame at the corners and then use clips to attach the chain and the restraints. Very doable for the budget-conscious.

One thing about the velcro restraints is that they can rip if you pull hard enough. I used to use them because they're quick and easy, but my kitten ripped the d-ring right off them, so we switched to leather exclusively. Then she snapped the leather band, so we switched to leather with metal grommets on the buckle holes.