Items Every Man Should Own – Do you ever ask yourself “ Am I winning at the game of life?” Sure if you are playing the actual board game “Life” you might have a chance at winning.
Or, if you are chowing down on a bowl of “Life” cereal, you might have a chance.
There are so many twists and turns in life that all of us never know if we are winning or losing, and sometimes it just is darn confusing.
I know for myself that throughout my life so far, there have been moments where I thought to myself “If only I had this thing it would make my life easier.” Or, “Why didn’t I just zig instead of zag?”
From the many mistakes I have made in the past, I have always thought that if I owned a particular item, I would have a small victory in life.
Now, I know that in my favorite movie “Fight Club”, there is a quote that the more stuff you own, the more your stuff owns you.
While I agree with this statement, as I have so much useless garbage sitting in a box that I really should donate to charity, I still think these items will help me out one day.
But are there any particular items every man should own that will actually benefit their life and not just end up in a box somewhere collecting dust?
If you are looking for non-materialistic items every man should own that will represent your core values, improve your self-worth and confidence then you should continue reading.
Hopefully, you might find that one item that will help you succeed in this crazy world.
The Lazy Man's Guide To 25 Items Every Man Should Own
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1. Books To Represent Your Life
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss
Even if you’re reading “Life for Real Dummies: Life for the Totally Clueless,” reading is the best way to exercise your brain. Reading improves memory, increases intelligence, and allows people to unwind. Even if you’re reading “The Shining” by Stephen King.
A good book that can guide you through life is something that every man should own. Why? Books make people interesting and can help a man in all aspects of his life.
Do you require financial assistance? There is a book for you out there.
Do you want to boost your self-esteem? There is a book on the subject.
Looking for global dominance? Well… I’m sure there’s a book out there for you, but it’s not one I can recommend.
Concerned about purchasing books and having them collect dust on a bookshelf? Don’t be concerned; Amazon has you covered. All you have to do is pick up a kindle, download the book to the e-reader, and you’re ready to go.
But what if you despise reading? This is something that Audiobooks can help you with. Also, Audiobooks are an excellent way to enjoy a good book because they can be listened to at any time and from any location.
If you’re not sure where to begin, pick up an e-reader from Amazon, then sign up for a free 30-day kindle trial to see if this is the best way to begin your reading journey.
Related Article: Books Every Independent Filmmaker Should Read
2. Great Weekend Travel Bag
Having the right travel bag for any trip can separate the men from the boys. It is unquestionably one of the items that every man should own.
Backpacks are great for school or a 7-day trip through Europe, but the right bag is like an article of clothing in a man’s daily routine. When I see someone with a well-made travel bag, I always think to myself, “I wonder where that person is going, and what job they have?” So, if I’m thinking it, others are probably thinking it as well.
A great travel bag is one that can be used for a business trip as well as a weekend getaway with family or friends.
If you’re wondering what a good travel bag on Amazon is, take a look at the KPL 21 Inch Vintage Leather Duffel. This leather bag has one large compartment for clothes, two side zip-pockets for small accessories, and so on.
Check out the bags listed below.
Related Article: What To Pack For An Emergency Travel Go Bag
3. Making Great Coffee At Home
To win at life’s game, you must first be awake. Nothing beats a good cup of coffee in the morning to get me going and ready to face the world.
However, if you are a coffee addict like myself, the cost of a great cup of coffee at any local coffee shop can quickly bankrupt you.
Even if you don’t like coffee, chances are you’ll have guests in your home who will want a cup of coffee, and you’d better have a way to make a great cup of coffee quickly.
If a coffee machine is something that every man should have but doesn’t, then you should invest in the De’Longhi Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine.
Why? Because it’s like having a barista in your home who makes perfect coffee every time you press a button. If you want something less expensive than an all-in-one espresso machine, a dependable french press in your cupboard will suffice.
4. Personal Grooming Kit
As you get older, your hair begins to grow in places you don’t want it to grow, and you begin to lose hair where you need it. The first place on your body where you will notice that hair begins to grow is from your nose.
The ears will be the next difficult area to maintain. And let’s not even get started on the shoulders and back. If you have hair on your shoulders and back, you can cover it up with a shirt, but your nose and ears are out in the open for all to see.
That is why investing in a good grooming kit is critical in demonstrating to others that you can care for yourself.
I recommend investing in a nose and ear trimmer that will allow you to comfortably remove unwanted hair from your nose and ears. A manicure/pedicure kit is another grooming item that every man should have.
Another thing that demonstrates to the world that you can take care of yourself and take pride in your appearance is well-manicured fingertips. People notice your fingernails, just like they notice your shoes.
5. Dress Shoes
The shoes a man wears can say a lot about him. When it comes to items that every man should own, a good pair of shoes is a must.
Why? Something I’ve noticed over the years, and I could be wrong, but women and potential employers tend to look first at a man’s eyes and then at his shoes.
Is there any significance to this? I’m sure it has something to do with a man’s pride and potential, but that’s just my opinion, and I’ve been known to be wrong on occasion. However, having a couple of pairs of black and brown dress shoes in your wardrobe is not a bad idea.
Side Note: Always match your belt color with your shoe color. And never cheap out on the quality of the belt. Click here for some great belts on Amazon.
6. Noise-Canceling Wireless Headphones
Have you ever been on an airplane where all of the babies on board started to their version of a flash mob, and scream for the whole plane ride just for their amusement?
Or, have you been stuck next to a little child on a plane, that doesn’t want to have anything to do with headphones, and continuously plays “Baby Shark”?
A great pair of noise-canceling wireless headphones is another of the many items every man should own because it can save your sanity in situations like above.
I use the Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II for when I need to escape from the outside world while onboard a plane, or just another place that is too much to handle that you need a break from.
If you are looking for a cheaper alternative the Cowin E7 headphones are an excellent pair of headphones that will do the trick as well.
7. Add Dress Shirts To Your Wardrobe
I love my “4 Out of 3 People Struggle With Math” T-shirt, and a joke might fly on a zoom meeting with a bunch of accountants, it may not work for a job interview or at a black-tie event.
T-shirts are great for when you are out and about, but for me wearing a dress shirt out in public makes me feel like I am an adult.
When shopping for dress shirts, try finding ones that will match well with many styles of pants. Have a go-to shirt that works with chinos, jeans, and dress pants.
Also, try to find dress shirts like Mizzen+Main lines that are wrinkle-free to avoid looking like you slept your dress shirt the night before.
I like wearing Mizzen+Main dress shirts, and while they are pricier than many out there, they tend to last for a long time if you take care of them.
8. Have A Tailored Fitted Suit
What do you think about the tailoring of the suit in the video above? It works in the movie, but it won’t work in real life. If you’re wondering what I believe to be one of the most important items every man should own, it has to be a tailored suit.
Nothing stands out like an eyesore more than wearing a non-tailored suit with shoulder pads that look like you’re ready for battle. Alternatively, the suit’s arm length drops to cover half your hands, preventing you from showing off your fancy cuff-links.
If you have a suit in your closet that you bought off the rack and is currently sitting in your closet, go get it tailored to fit. Simply going to your local tailor and having a suit properly fitted to your body can do wonders for your persona.
When I wear a tailor-fitted suit, I feel like it boosts my confidence and draws attention to me. When it comes to building a great tailored suit collection, I recommend starting with a navy and light grey suit and working your way up from there.
9. Have An Iron / Ironing Board
When I’m on a business trip and mention that I need to iron my clothes before going out, I’m surprised to hear, “You can iron?” Don’t the majority of men? If you don’t know how to iron, go to YouTube and learn as soon as possible!
Ironing not only removes wrinkles but also makes clothing appear newer.
Ironing also shapes the fabric in clothes, which improves their quality and ensures that they last longer in the wardrobe. Having clean and crisp clothes also makes you feel better about yourself and promotes self-confidence.
So, if you’re looking for items that every man should own to succeed in life, an iron and ironing board should be at the top of your list!
If you don’t have those, invest in a garment steamer to give your suits, dress shirts, and anything else that wrinkles a more polished appearance.
Make your mother proud by ironing your clothes.
10. Have Pair Of Fancy Socks
When I was growing up, wearing a tie meant something. It was a symbol of influence, wisdom, and power.
Today, you can still see neckties in the business world, but now everyone is wearing a neck-tie from fast-food restaurants and delivery drivers.
The neck-tie has lost its luster. That’s where fancy socks come into play.
Dress codes in the workplace are becoming more relaxed, and there is one place in a man’s wardrobe where he can still show off his personality, and that is in the sock drawer.
So if you are looking for items every man should own that show off your personality and flair, a great pair of fancy socks will do it. I like socks with sayings on them, like “Carpe the f*ck out of this diem.” to show off my quirky personality.
Just investing in a few pairs of colorful socks that stand out from the crowd, goes a long way to winning at the game of life.
11. A Shaving Kit
When I was self-isolating, I became extremely lazy and didn’t want to shave at all. Over the month, I grew this beard that was itchy as hell, and I swear birds were nesting in it when I wasn’t looking.
While growing a beard is a sign of being a man, so is learning how to properly do a wet shave as well. What’s a wet shave?
A wet shave is what many of us think about when it comes to shaving, you have a razor, shaving cream, and water.
Now I agree that a wet shave electronic razor is great for those on the go, but it doesn’t give the clean shave feel a straight blade razor can do.
Plus, with all of the shaving products available on the market today, you can create a spa-like experience in your own home.
When it comes down to it, it’s all about looking good and feeling good to tackle the world head-on, and a great wet shave can do that.
12. A Nice Watch
Another piece of the puzzle to items that every man should own is a great watch.
Now, I am not talking about the old Casio Calculator Watch some of us had in the ’80s, I am talking about a statement piece.
Having a good quality watch that will stand the test of time is not only a great investment, but it also complements an outfit you wear as you are facing the world head-on.
There are many watch styles that you can choose from, like the practical hybrid smartwatch to the luxury timepiece that you can pass down to future generations.
Just keep in mind that when you wear your timepiece that you match your watch bands with your belt and shoes. If you don’t, it’s like wearing socks with sandals.
13. Passport
When I was a kid, my dad mentioned to me “Besides education, travel is the best investment in yourself.”
I agree with that quote, as there are so many cultures, experiences, and people you see along the way when you travel.
Plus, the stories you can create while traveling can make you the most interesting man in the world.
But, for anyone to be that exciting, you need a passport! A passport is your ticket to anywhere you want to go.
14. Carry-on suitcase
Well, you have your passport ready, and you are ready to fly! But, if you are taking an improvised trip halfway across the world then you need a great carry-on suitcase.
A piece of carry-on luggage is one of those items that every man should have for when you want to pack light to avoid baggage fees and the dreaded airport carousel.
What you should look for in a great carry-on bag is one that can take a beating, but still looks great when you are waiting in the airport lounge.
I suggest the Samsonite Freeform carry-on luggage as it has multiple pockets for effective packing that carry everything you need for a 7-day trip.
Plus, the multi-directional double spinner wheels and the telescopic handle make it a breeze if you have to run from the lounge to the gate to catch a flight.
15. Tool set
Regardless if you are a man or a woman, every home needs a great tool kit. Even if you live in a studio apartment, eventually you will find a reason to use a tool from that tool kit.
I am guilty of never using any of my tools in my tool kit because I have no clue what I am doing when it comes to home improvement.
But I know how to hang picture frames on my wall, and I know I need a hammer and nails to do that.
Plus, how many times have you bought something from IKEA in which you are stuck with leftover parts that you are not sure what to do with?
That’s what a tool kit is for.
I believe that if you invest in a good set of tools, you will never have to replace them ever.
Also, if you buy a reputable tool brand and someone borrows your tools, they will think you are a true handyman.
16. BBQ Grill
If you live in an apartment or house, every man needs to learn how to grill. Whether you are a Meatatrian or Vegan, anytime is a great time to grill something.
That’s why a BBQ grill is one of the items that every man should own.
Plus, you need to have a BBQ grill to practice cooking on before you become the grill master of the house during patio season.
Not sure how to cook on a grill? You better learn because if you have people over and you are the grill master, all eyes are on you to judge your technique around the grill.
Want to learn how to grill from the best?
Join Masterclass to learn how to grill just like Aaron Franklin who is the master of BBQ in Austin.
17. Cast Iron Skillet
If you are looking for an item that every man needs that will stand the test of time, then a cast iron pan is tough to beat.
These nearly indestructible kitchen accessories are the best way to cook food in.
Cast Iron Pan’s are one of the best easy to take care of kitchen gadgets that can be used in a micro-apartment stove to an outdoor BBQ grill to serve up dishes like cornbread to steak.
I love the sound of a tablespoon of butter hitting a hot cast-iron skillet while I am ready to place a nice NY Strip into it. Plus, how the cast-iron skillet cooks food makes you wonder where has it been all your life.
18. Bamboo Sheets
Think about this equation: If the average night’s sleep is eight hours (ie one-third of a day), one sleeps for one-third of one’s life.
If you live, say, 75 years, that’s 25 years asleep, or 9,125 days. Now, do you want to spend that time on polyester sheets? Oh, hell no!
At least once in a man’s lifetime, he needs to invest in a set of organic bamboo bedding. Why? it’s softer to touch than regular cotton, and extremely breathable.
Plus, since it’s breathable, bamboo sheets don’t trap in the excess heat and always keep you cool no matter what time of year it is.
Now, don’t you want to spend that 25 years of sleep in comfort? I know I do!
19. Art
I remember years ago, where I had a date come over to my place for drinks after a great Radiohead concert, and when my date walked into my apartment and saw my Limited edition Who Framed Roger Rabbit movie poster on the wall, her impression of me changed in a second.
While that movie poster is worth more money than some people’s cars nowadays, it doesn’t give off an element of sophistication.
If you truly want to give an impactful impression to any new guest in your house, then you need a painting or photograph to give a sense of finesse to your place.
Can’t afford a Rembrandt or Picasso for your walls? Don’t sweat it, as you can pick up some great prints on wayfair.com, Amazon, or even IKEA that will kick your apartment-style up a notch.
20. Emergency Car kit
Just like the clip mentions above from the movie “The Last Boy Scout“, always be prepared. That should be everyone’s motto.
When it comes to an item that every man should own if they own a car is an emergency survival kit in the truck.
What is an emergency car survival kit, and why do you need one? Let me paint a picture for you on why every driver should have one in his/her trunk.
Four years ago I was involved in a six-car pileup on a super busy highway on Christmas eve. I was in the middle of this crash, so I took a beating from it.
But, for some strange reason adrenaline kicked in, and I raced to the attention of those who were also involved in the crash.
I pulled out my trusty emergency kit that had blankets, granola bars, water, and road flares and took charge until the fire department came.
There were quite a few in the crash that was shaking from the shock of the accident, and the blankets and water helped out huge.
While I hope that anyone reading this post doesn’t get involved in an accident like I was, but think about maybe loading your truck up with a car kit that has some blankets, water, flares, and maybe a first aid kit just in case you need to save the day!
21. Plants
Plants produce oxygen and must thrive among us to keep humans alive.
Mind you, I don’t think that one plant I saw in the smoking section at the Taiwan Airport a few years ago can filter out the smoke to produce oxygen to the smokers in that room though.
When you have plants in your home and keep them alive, it shows that you can take care of something besides yourself.
Also, studies have shown indoor plants can boost your mood, concentration, and reduce stress.
Plus it helps with reducing stale air in a room by absorbing toxins and increasing humidity in a room.
22. Sunglasses
Sunglasses for some strange reason, whenever I see Jack Nicholson in public, he is always wearing sunglasses. Why? Because he’s F*cking cool! Don’t you want to be as cool as F*ck as Jack? Need I say more?
Aside from wanting to look like Jack Nicholson, sunglasses are on this list of items that every man should own because they protect your eyes! To succeed in life, and to keep your eyes healthy, invest in a good pair of sunglasses.
The sun gives us all life, but if you don’t protect your eyes from it, it can cause cataracts and macular degeneration. Do you know what macular degeneration is? I don’t either, but it doesn’t sound good.
When looking for a good pair of sunglasses, make sure they are UV protected to keep your eyes healthy and last longer while still looking stylish.
When it comes to sunglasses, I always go with Ray-Bans because their style stands the test of time. I also like Maui Jim’s because they have some of the best eye-protection lenses on the market.
23. Soft Towels
If you are a bachelor and have ratty gym towels in your bathroom for guests to use, your guests will wonder if that towel was previously used to wash your privates before they arrived.
Plus it gives off a vibe that you have no clue there is a store called Bed, Bath & Beyond.
Great towels in your bathroom are something that every man should have, and if you are going to spruce up your bathroom before a date arrives, make sure the towels are soft.
That’s why I make sure my linen closet is full of Egyptian Cotton Spa Towels, which turn any bathroom into a spa-like bathroom.
Trust me, these towels make a difference in your life.
24. Great Sound System
I love listening to music and watching movies, and a lot of care goes into making them sound great, you don’t want to rely on sound from TV speakers or a $20.00 pair of headphones to appreciate that care do you?
Now, I am not talking about the massive speaker systems that we used to see in the ’80s, I am talking about the great one-piece soundbars that have revolutionized the way music and films can be heard now.
What used to take five to six speakers for a film or record to sound great, now only takes one speaker system to produce the same quality if not better.
If you want to listen to great music or a great film the way it should sound like, then go and invest in a great sound system like the Bose Solo 5 Soundbar or the Sonos Arc.
The sound will impress everyone besides yourself that visits your home.
25. A Great Tent
The ability to explore the outdoors is something that any adventure type loves to do. Whether you are a man or a woman, there is nothing more romantic than enjoying a night under the stars with your significant other.
Owning a tent is an important item that every man should own because it offers you the ability to go anywhere and have a place to stay the night with.
While there are many items that you will need to do camping right, but when you own a good tent, it’s the first step in enjoying the outdoors.
Conclusion
Well, this is my shortlist of the 25 items every man should own to take on the world head-on.
While it’s just a sample of what can be used to show off your persona and enjoy life to the fullest, I hope that one of these items ends up being useful to you.
If there are some items I need to add to this list, please feel free to leave a comment in the area below as I would love to read them. Also, if you enjoyed this post, please feel free to share it on social media using the icons below.
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All the companies are ones I use myself in my own life. If you have any questions, email me!
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Great post! Really enjoyed reading it. Your insights are spot-on and your writing style is engaging. Looking forward to more content like this!
Thanks for checking out the article. Years of experience led me to these examples.