This is a list of 21 things that every man above the age of 30 should own. Most of these are common sense, but I will give explanations for each item. These are in no particular order and are solely based on my opinions of what every guy should own!
So with that here are the “21 Manly Things to Own”
Grill
Every guy needs to own a grill. You need to have some form of cooking a steak on your own if you are a man. If you live in the city where proper space for an outside grill cannot be afforded to you, I know of a portly former boxing champion who has an inside grill that can come in handy in a pinch. But you really should own a grill if you have a pair. And owning is half the battle. You are the only one who knows how to use your grill and you guard that privilege with your life, if necessary.
Tool Kit
Ok, so I have to come clean a little bit. I’m about as handy as a back pocket on a shirt, but I do have a tool kit. I may not be able to accurately identify every piece of equipment in said tool kit, but I sure as hell have it. And you should to. You never know when those plyer thingy’s are going to be necessary.
Decent Pair of Sunglasses
It gets sunny outside. You need to protect your eyes. Sunglasses are a necessity. But there are a few rules here. Do not buy a pair from the local pharmacy or grocery store for $5. They look as cheap as they are. “Grow up Peter Pan…Count Chocula!” The other rule is that if I see you wearing sunglasses at night I am going to assume that you are covering up a shiner because there is absolutely no sensible reason for you to don sunglasses in the dark unless you’re in the UFC and you’re hiding your black eye at the post fight press conference. Again, sunglasses are a necessity but don’t abuse them.
Watch
Now a lot of guys love watches. I do too. But I also have really gotten into the fitness trackers lately. So I am going to lump them into this category as well. You need something on your wrist that tells time. This is also an excellent opportunity to show off your taste and sophistication so let’s leave the Garfield watch in the drawer. It’s not funny. It’s not cute.
Grooming Kit
Ok, so there has been a big resurgence in facial hair recently and frankly I’m all about it. I despise shaving and would love to be able to get away with not ever doing it. But there are limits. Trim that thing up. I know if I let myself go for more than a few days without grooming my facial hair I end up looking something like Michael J Fox in Teen Wolf. The cheek bone facial hair is not a good look. Trim it up. And while we’re at it, the grooming kit can also be used elsewhere. I’m not going to get too graphic here, but think logically. What you like on her, she probably likes on you. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, then you may not need to read on as you are probably not old enough to be worrying about what a man should own anyway.
Bottle Opener (Church Key)
There is nothing worse than offering a cold one to a friend and then having them have to use their keys in some MacGyver-esque move to take off the cap. A bottle opener is something that every guy should have at the ready. You never know when you will need one.
Cards/Poker Table and Chips
If you are a guy, you should enjoy poker with your buddies. It’s only natural. But don’t be the guy that plays with old soggy cards and pennies and nickels. You need a decent set in order to host, so pony up and get a few decks of good playing cards and enough chips to cover the boys.
Gym Membership
Do not become the prototypical slouch of a man with a beer gut hanging out and not enough wind to make it past second base (take that however you want it). If you have a beer gut, do something about it! Every man should fit exercise into their daily routine.
Booze
It’s funny how I fit this right after the gym membership, but every guy should have some booze in the house. Even if you don’t drink, that doesn’t mean your company doesn’t as well. Even if you don’t want to have bottles of booze at the house, you could at least have a couple of cold ones on hand at all times for when your buddies come over.
Cigars
Every guy should have a few nice cigars on hand. There is no better way to celebrate a win in life than smoking a nice cigar with your feet up, relishing in victory. It’s also a very cool thing to offer your buddies. A cold one and a cigar and you’re good to go!
Sports Equipment/Balls
You should have a football, basketball, soccer ball in your possession and be able to find it. It should also be able to be inflated and used. You’re a guy. You are expected to have these things. There is nothing worse than your boys wanting to toss around the pigskin and you having to sheepishly admit that you don’t have one. Immediate review of your Man Card.
Wallet
You should own a nice leather wallet. Even if you carry your money in a money clip. You need a place to store your other pertinent information. I’m not saying you have to be George Costanza and have a wallet that resembles a Big Mac. But you should have something!
Chef’s Knife
There is nothing worse than seeing a man try to cut something up with a simple steak knife. Get yourself a decent Chef’s knife and you’ll be amazed at the things it can do! You’ll be like Bobby Flay in no time!
Computer/Laptop
Let’s face it…you need a way to get to your favorite site…ThingsMenBuy.com!
Duct Tape
Essential. This is beyond a must have. It is perhaps the most important item in this list. You should also know where the duct tape is at all times as well. There is nothing worse than knowing that you can finally solve a problem that has the rest of the room stumped but not being able to find the one ingredient that you know will do the trick. The duct tape!
Power Tools
Again, I’m no Bob Villa, but I do have a few power tools. How emasculating is it when a buddy is over helping you fix something and asks for your drill and you have to look him in the eye and tell him you don’t have one. Again….Man Card review.
Protein Bars
Nothing says man more than a good protein bar after a hard workout. You should have some on hand for those days when you bust your ass in the gym and you just don’t feel like making a solid meal afterwards.
Good Headphones
Every guy needs to be able to get away. Noise cancelling headphones are essential. I could not perform without them. I have a lot of noise going on around me. Pretty much my whole life. I would not be able to function if I didn’t have my noise cancelling headphones.
Movie Collection
Every guy should have a respectable collection of movies. Essentials in comedy, action, and horror. Don’t rely on Netflix. You should own your favorites…and be able to recite them word for word!
Books
Yes…books. You should have books that you have read and intend to read. You should read a book a week. That’s my goal at least. Expand your mind. Exercise your brain.
Recipes
Every guy should have their own recipes. Your own specials that you will never allow any other guy to know because it’s just that damn good and you don’t want them getting credit for your creation. Those recipes! If you don’t have at least one dish that you’re known for, even if it’s in your own mind, then you need to get to the kitchen and get to work! Every guy needs their own secret recipes!