57 Things Every Man Should Own And Have In His Life
Let me preface this by telling you one thing…
I hate consumerism as much as the next man. This guide was intended to help you discover things you might be missing out on. Nothing more, nothing less.
Sure, I could have listed 1,000 things every man should own, but you get the idea. There’s a fair mix of both products and personality…
With that said, here we go:
1. A Sense Of Honesty
This isn’t just about telling the literal truth. Being honest also involves what you tell yourself, how you set goals, and how you treat other people. Yes, tell the truth, but it also means to be compassionate and to have empathy for the struggles of others, because there’s more than one way to deliver honesty.
Having honesty means you don’t take more than your share, or credit for a good deed you haven’t done, but you don’t shirk praise out of false modesty, either. If you do good work, be proud of it.
2. Classy Belts
One of the small details of your quality wardrobe, good belts made of real leather are like dress socks and good shirts. When you don’t have them, people notice, especially if you’ve taken the time to have a suit tailored. One or two belts will stand you in good stead and last for years.
Like those other small touches, belts are a necessary investment that all adult men usually make.
We’ve reviewed the best belts for men here.
3. Book Collection
John Waters said, “If you go home with someone and they don’t have books, don’t fuck them.” That’s because people who don’t read are less likely to be knowledgeable, open to new information, and can sometimes just be downright boring. Just as you tend to the fitness and health of your body, you should perform regular maintenance on your mind by reading good books.
Pick ones that speak to your interests, not just those that are popular with others, but do read and attempt to branch out every so often. Learning doesn’t stop with formal education, it stops with your heartbeat and respiration.
See our mega-list of the top 150 best books for men if you need some ideas.
4. A Pair of Work Boots
Whether you’re clearing an overgrown backyard or taking to the mountains for a weekend hiking trip, work boots should be a part of your wardrobe. These protect your feet from environmental hazards, be it weather and mud or forest creatures you unwittingly disturb. A sturdy pair of boots is never a bad investment.
Red Wing Heritage Classic Moc 6 inch
Heritage Men’s Classic Moc 6″ Work Boots are made in America by Red Wing, which has been making quality leather shoes for generations. Sold in nine colors, Heritage has the rough and tough look for casual outdoor events. The rubber traction is very good. It does not slip easily. It is triple stitched with a one-inch heel. It measures 5.5. from the arch. Durable and waterproof, the welt is Norwegian and effective at preventing leaks and moisture.
5. Cast Iron Skillet
You can cook everything in this—all the things! Properly seasoned skillets will last more than a human lifetime and transition well from the kitchen to the campfire. It’s hard to overstate the usefulness of this single pan, and you really should be excited about it, because it makes being an awesome adult that much easier.
You could easily have only this and perhaps a saucepan for soups in your kitchen, and you would be set. It really is that simple. Plus, recipes for this particular pan are easy to make, located everywhere, and can motivate you to expand your culinary skill. Also, bacon.
A good choice is this 12-inch skillet from Lodge, which comes pre-seasoned.
5. Chef’s Knife
This is one of those kitchen tools that help you maximize utility without taking up space. A good chef’s knife is an investment, and a high-quality blade will be expensive. However, it replaces the need for many other cheap or substandard knives.
Many top-quality knives come with warranties stating they’ll replace the blade if it breaks or chips.
6. Collar Stays
These are exactly what they sound like. They keep casual button-down shirt collars looking fresh and in place without having to fiddle with that tiny button. These clips add a bit of weight and stiffness to the fabric of the collar to keep it from flopping open.
Get a pack of Quality Stays metal collar stays. You’ll look fresh and casual without looking sloppy.
7. A Tailored Suit
Hey, remember that new friendship you formed with your local tailor? This would be why. Every adult man has at least one really nice-looking suit of clothes that fits properly. This can be for formal occasions, such as weddings or parties. However, it can also be the perfect calling card if you’re looking to move up in the world—a.k.a.
The Interview Experience. Hiring managers for non-service industry, salaried positions pay attention to these things.
8. A Wool Pea Coat
Not only is this item a classic manly wardrobe essential, but it’s also warm and versatile. Real wool is water-resistant enough to keep you dry on your dash through a sudden downpour. As well, if you actually do get a thorough soaking, it’s still warm.
Pea Coats of any length—whether you elect to purchase the classic Navy style coat or go with a shorter, modern cut, will stand you in good stead from slightly chilly springtime weather to blizzard conditions.
9. A Signature Scent
Having a signature scent is a part of building the complete man idea with the people you meet. It doesn’t have to be flashy or bold. You can choose an understated fragrance that speaks mildly of lemons, herbs, or even leather. This will take some shopping around, so don’t just snag the first one you try.
Take time to experience what’s out there and find one that is uniquely you.
Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue for Men
Crafted with Italian heritage in mind, Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue for men infuses a taste of the Mediterranean into each of its bottles. A stimulating blend of citrus mixes seamlessly with woods and a subtle spice to incorporate sophistication in one spray. You’ll be mysterious, cool, and erotic when you wear Light Blue.
10. Condoms
If you’re a sexually active male, irrespective of your orientation, having condoms is a part of the game plan. Being responsible and planning ahead isn’t presumptuous. Expecting your partner, casual or committed, to tend to this detail for you is.
Plus, everyone is different, and finding the brand and type that suits you best is something only you can determine. Do your part to ensure a healthy, pleasurable interaction every time.
11. Brown & Black Dress Shoes
Owning one or more pairs of neutrally-toned dress shoes is all a part of having a professional wardrobe. These are items that, if they don’t get regular use, are still extremely useful.
They are building blocks, to go with your tailored suit or suits, but they can also be paired with business casual attire or as casual dress for an evening out at a nice venue.
12. A Garden
Even if it’s just a little bonsai and a few potted herb plants on your windowsill, having a garden changes you. It requires you to notice something beyond yourself and to make provision for the care of something that is alive. Plus, watching bulbs or seeds put up the first green shoots in the spring offers perspective.
Watching a garden come to life, growing and changing on a daily basis is a reflection of persistent self-growth in many ways. Plus, many herb plants are easy to grow and super-tasty in the food you cook for yourself.
13. Proper Glassware
Having glasses to serve drinks to guests is a must. Don’t be that guy—you know, the one who serves his date or his buddies beverages in reused soda fountain plastic cups. Getting a set of glassware is much like having silverware or dinnerware. It’s just what grownups do, as much for themselves as for guests.
At the end of the day, this is a relatively inexpensive aspect of creating a home of your own. Four of each—juice glasses, water glasses, and adult beverage glasses—are usually sufficient as a starting point.
14. A Grooming Kit
Real men take time with the details of their hygiene. Keeping your nails trimmed and clean is actually a huge adult move. Get a small grooming kit that includes nail clippers, scissors, tweezers, and a nail file for hangnail or splinter emergencies.
It’s part of planning ahead and taking care of yourself.
A good choice is this kit from Keiby Citom. It’s designed for men and has everything you need.
15. A Gym Membership
You needn’t bulk up, but belonging to a gym or maintaining an at-home regimen is one of the hallmarks of caring for your body. It works hard to keep you moving, so give it the gift of good fitness. Not only will it improve your health, your attitude, and help you think more clearly, it also sends a message to everyone you meet.
It says, “My health matters to me. I matter to me.” You need never speak directly about it, because it will show.
16. Iron and Iron Board
Being self-sufficient and presenting a neat appearance are two parts of growing up. Iron those things that require it, such as dress shirts and clothes that have a tendency to wrinkle in the wash. Likely, your mother did it for you when you were younger, but those days are over, Man.
Being freshly pressed in every social circumstance proclaims you someone who takes time to tend to details, and that’s positive press coverage you want to attract.
15. Quality Denim Jeans
Khakis may be acceptable business casual attire, but at some point in your life, you will have a khaki crisis. If all the pants in your closet are the same drab tan and you’re not a member of the military, you may want to branch out. Jeans, which can be tailored to fit the way you want, are an excellent casual choice, and can even be dressed up with a blazer if an occasion requires.
Plus, they’ll take a beating if need be and wash up just as pretty next laundry day.
See our roundup of the best jeans for men here.
Lucky Brand 221 Original Straight Leg
221’s are low-rise with a comfortable fit and super soft feel to the touch. They’re made by Lucky Brand which has been making vintage-inspired jeans since 1990. Lucky Brand takes pride in their process by fraying, sanding, washing, and ripping their jeans for that true character and soul.
They also have a subtle punch of humor with zippers reading “luck you” on the inside.
16. A Job You’re Passionate About
Okay, so you didn’t become a cowboy, a space explorer or a rock star like you wanted to be when you were very young. However, having a career you truly get into and are excited about is one of the things that truly fulfilled adults look for in life. It helps you use your talents, stretches your abilities, and offers you a constant potential for growth and engagement.
At the end of the day, having a job must pay the bills, but if it doesn’t feed your intellect, it’s killing you.
17. Lighter
A lighter that isn’t disposable should be a part of your “I’m Going to See People Who Aren’t Myself” kit, along with various other sundries we’ll cover later. Don’t think of it as a personal smoking implement.
Lighters are useful for starting a campfire, unsticking a stubborn ballpoint pen that won’t write, lighting a lady’s cigarette, or starting a can of Sterno, to name just a few uses.
Having one shows that you are always prepared, which is an attractive and memorable trait. See some of the best here.
18. Lip Balm
This is a part of good grooming and health. Cracked, dry lips are painful, and they look bad, too.
Having a good quality lip balm that does its job is worth all the bargain-bin lip products on the market. Your skin, lips included, is a barrier between you and all the air-born irritants or diseases with which you come into contact on a daily basis.
So, keep your lips healthy, moisturized, and soft. Your lady friends will thank you for it, too.
19. A Good Pen
Having a pen that doesn’t come in a multi-pack and isn’t made of plastic is actually a huge sign that you’re an adult. It, like nice shoes, a good watch, or a sport coat, is an investment. It need not be the most expensive pen to be nice, simply a metal pen that takes refills rather than getting tossed out when it’s empty.
This isn’t a luxury, though it does mark you as a person who enjoys quality things and values personal items with longevity.
See our roundup of the top 15 best pens for men.
20. A Daily Read Of The Paper
It’s never a bad thing to be informed about events happening in your world—whether on the local or global level. Taking time each day to familiarize yourself with the most pressing events can seem like a luxury. It isn’t.
It will inform every interaction you have with others on a daily basis, and also help to shape how you view your own actions, helping you to be a mindful and mature human being.
21. Bedding
Quite aside from impressing your overnight guests, good quality sheets are a statement of your appreciation for quality in every aspect of your life. Plus, they feel good on your skin, wear better over the years, and retain their good looks without pilling or tearing.
So whether you put them on your guest bed for when your parents come to town or you’re keeping the company of a more intimate sort, good sheets are a small, but infinitely noteworthy adult investment.
Read our bedroom design and bedding guide here.
22. Calendar or Organizer For Goals
Setting attainable goals requires a bit of pen-and-paper time. You need to lay it all out there on a timeline so you can see where you want to be, and brainstorm on the incremental steps it will require to get you there. A calendar is one way to do this—giving you the space you need to visualize your game plan and turn a pipe dream into a solid action plan.
23. Car Jumper Cables
These should live in your car’s trunk. If you’ve ever had an automotive emergency that required these but were without them, and couldn’t find any friendly stranger to help, that should be reason enough to purchase your own.
As well—while you could stop at the personal memory—you just might be able to save someone else’s day through a small gesture of kindness.
Check out these EPAuto jumper cables on Amazon.
24. Dopp Kit
This is your travel toiletries bag and gear. Every man should have this. A little leather bag or case that holds travel shaving gear and hygiene products. These kits keep all your necessities together so you can’t forget anything when you travel and you won’t lose track of all the various parts of your grooming routine when on the road. File this item under Manly Organizational Tools.
See our reviews of the best toiletry bags for men here.
25. Gym Clothes
You might not think it’s important, but having the correct clothing for your workout is a must. You need light and breathable fabrics that allow you to work out in comfort without overheating.
26. Sunglasses
ZZ Top songs aside, having a good pair of sunglasses that are well crafted and stylish with every outfit is just one of those aspects of being an adult man. They don’t need to be flashy or super expensive, but they do need to be made to last and crafted from materials that won’t break easily.
So, keep your cheap sunglasses for mowing the lawn or going to your six-year-old niece’s birthday party. Good sunglasses that never go out of style should be your go-to for everything else.
Ray-Ban Tech Liteforce Wayfarer Sunglasses
For men that scoff at the notion of subtlety, Ray-Ban has the solution. These shades are sleek and sexy. The bombastic presence of the Wayfarer is guaranteed to foster notorious masculinity.
These shades ostensibly procure popularity by advertising association with elite fashion. This marvel is a gem, and it has become a gold-standard in this nuanced industry.
27. Tuxedo
While renting a tuxedo is a bit more involved than bowling shoes, the two have things in common. This is one of those indispensable occasional features of a grown man’s wardrobe. Because, while you may plan never to marry, your friends and relatives certainly might. Moreover, if you progress upwards in the ranks of your chosen profession, there’s a possibility that you may have to attend an awards ceremony or company banquet at some point.
Having your own tux is a large clothing investment, but one which will pay for itself in the long run.
28. Blue & White Dress Shirts
Having good button-down dress shirts in blue and white is a must. First of all, they go with every business suit ever, world without end. Second, you can wear them with everything else, too. So whether you send them out for heavy starch and pressing, or you run a hot iron over them at home to pair with jeans and loafers, they’re always going to look good. How can you beat that?
29. Passport
This is really one of the marks of being a true adult. You never know when you may have to leave the country for business or pleasure, and the renewal process can be lengthy. As well, it functions as a valid form of identification and can come in handy in a number of situations.
It’s one of those things you simply should have, like a social security card.
30. Dog or Pet
It’s been said that people who don’t have pets are only half alive. There’s a bit of truth to that. Even if you choose to have an iguana rather than a furry friend, caring for another life alters your priorities. It shows that you have enough resources to allocate them to a non-contributing member of a household, but it also shows that you care about something beyond yourself.
That’s a shift in priorities that shouldn’t be considered small, because it impacts every aspect of your life, and rewards you with the love and affection of another living being.
31. Wet Shaving Set
32. Shoe Polish
If you own a pair or two of nice shoes, having a tin of shoe polish and a soft cloth is a must. This helps you to keep them looking great long into the future, and can even help the body of the shoe last through several replacement soles.
Kiwi Shoe Polish Paste
The giant in the shoe polish industry, there’s a reason Kiwi Shoe Polish Paste is the go-to polish for so many people who depend on good-looking everyday footwear. A simple, highly-effective carnauba wax formula perfected over decades of heavy use. The intention of Kiwi Shoe Polish is to provide a strong, very distinctive mirror shine for your boots or shoes.
This is a must for military footwear, as the formula quickly seeps and permeates the leather to fill in scratches and help remove scuffs. A blend of many all-natural waxes protects and nourishes with every application, satisfying both your requirements and the people who see your footwear every day.
33. Tape & Zip Ties
While these each have an intended function, they also have seemingly innumerable alternate applications. They should be a permanent part of your tool box/house care kit. You can fix minor leaks, tie up cable out of harm’s way, or safely patch damaged trim and electrical outlets until a professional solution can be found.
34. Guest Towels
This is one of those nice touches you can offer guests who come to stay in your home. While it certainly isn’t strictly essential for your wellbeing, it does indicate a certain amount of consideration and care on your part. Those who avail themselves of your hospitality will remember it and, consequently, think highly of you in the future.
35. Travel Journal
Life is an accretive process, and we are constantly exposed to stimuli that may be incorporated into our neural net in other useful ways. Pocket notebooks are excellent for jotting down ideas, information, places to revisit, or facts to check up on at a later time.
Check out this antique-style leather-bound journal if you want something high quality and enjoyable to use.
Research shows that thoughts that are spoken or handwritten are incorporated into our long-term memories more completely than “just remembering” or even typing them out. The shortest pencil is longer than the longest memory.
36. Underwear
Generally speaking, unless you decided to entertain a special friend, the only person who will ever see your underwear is you. That doesn’t make it any less important to have quality undergarments. Consider it the foundation of your wardrobe. Buy quality clothing, even if no one will ever see it.
It’s one of those secret confidence builders. You may not think about it in such explicit terms, but being dressed well from the skin out will impact how you interact with people, from the clerk at the grocery store to the person interviewing you for that spiffy job you want.
37. Nice Watch
Not that your digital watch you bought for a pittance doesn’t get the job done, but save it for workouts or running errands on your day off. A nice watch, such as one of these available for under $500, which will be a bit more expensive, is a part of your wardrobe investment. It’s also made not to be tossed aside if part of it breaks or wears out. Quality construction of any watch can be discerned in how available replacement parts—batteries or winding knobs—are available.
Seiko Prospex Diver Watch Mechanical Self-Winding
This watch by Seiko is made of titanium with an all-black coating. With a lightweight material, it’s perfect for a busy man always running errands. It looks stunning, although it remains practical and effortless to wear. For example, the clasp comes equipped with two pushes for a quick release, and you can even wear it over your suit in the rain.
Seiko appreciates that visibility is important in a watch. Therefore, the 60-minute marker features a luminous dot for excellent visibility in poor lighting. Seiko used their own LumiBrite material for better visibility while providing a stylish touch.
38. A Sense of Courage
You don’t need to tilt at windmills or slay any dragons to prove you have courage. In the present milieu, this can be as simple as owning a mistake, accepting the consequences for a thoughtless action, or staying calm and being fully present during a difficult personal conversation, such as a breakup. Courage isn’t bravado.
Rather, it’s understanding who you are and sticking to that while facing adversity. It’s perseverance and integrity, and a sense of self-control under stress. This is something that few people of adult age have anymore but is always a strong mark of true maturity.
39. Weekender Bag
This is essential because you don’t always need a full suitcase or duffle bag. Whether you’re heading to a company retreat or perhaps having a little couple-time with a special lady, a shoulder bag will stand you in good stead.
It has enough space for all the essentials without being too bulky or difficult to deal with. See some recommendations here.
40. Wine Bottle Opener Knife
No, really, all in one. They exist, and you should definitely have one because that’s awesome. Practically speaking, this tool will make you truly indispensable—which is adult-speak for Badass. You’ll be prepared for the impromptu party, or opening a lady’s bottle of beer in a pinch.
The knife is useful in any situation. Since you should have one of those for any trimming or basic cutting tasks, having a multitool of this variety isn’t a stretch.
41. Wool Blanket
This, along with other emergency supplies, should live permanently in your trunk. While not everywhere in the Northern Hemisphere gets huge drifts of snow, it can still get pretty chilly if you’re stuck in your car on a winter night.
Having a wool blanket will help keep you from hypothermia if it comes down to it, and it’s never a bad idea to always be prepared.
42. Work Gloves
Work gloves come in handy for a number of tasks. Even if you live in an apartment, they’re great for those requests for help from friends and coworkers or assisting a family member. Whether it’s trimming branches and raking leaves or moving heavy furniture for the incentive of pizza and beer, these will protect your hands from damage, and you’ll always be prepared to “pitch in.”
43. A Sense of Humor
When it comes to being a desirable human being—whether for a prospective job or a second date—having a sense of humor can’t be overlooked. It means having fortitude, being able to find the positive aspects in any situation, and allowing others to be who they are.
Those who take pleasure in life are pleasant to be around, which is a large part of what it means to have good humor.
44. A Hobby or Sport
Having a pursuit that is entirely a work of pleasure—not for financial purposes—gives people a glimpse of a more complex personality than may be apparent at first glance. It also offers outsiders an opportunity to see you excited and involved in something that either involves teamwork, like sports or focuses on something outside of yourself—be that a model collection or regular public service projects.
It’s entirely up to you how you choose to shine. Here are 75 ideas to inspire you.
45. A Tailor
Looking good doesn’t have to break the bank. A bit of creative shopping for your clothes can get you good quality suits, shirts, and other wardrobe essentials. One thing we so often forget is that just because it “kind of fits” doesn’t mean it actually fits or looks good. Make friends with the tailor in your neighborhood; ask around for the one who turns out the best alterations for the most reasonable price.
Being well-groomed and wearing clothing that truly fits you—not just a set of numbers—will help you make a stellar first impression every time.
46. Multi-purpose Tool
These are fantastic items to keep in the car or your kitchen drawer in case of a situation where you don’t have time to go hunting your toolbox. They’re relatively inexpensive and can come in handy in a pinch.
Plus, they minimize clutter by incorporating all the most necessary items into a single, ergonomic package.
47. Carpenter’s Level
Who needs this? You do. Even small home repair tasks can become gargantuan undertakings without the aid of this very simple tool, which tells you when a surface is flat, flush, and even. It can also help you to understand what repairs may be needed under professional supervision before you get started.
This should be a part of your grown-up tool kit that travels with you from home to home.
48. A Sports Jacket
This is one of those essential building blocks for an adult wardrobe. Like nice shoes or a few pairs of jeans, they’re multipurpose and speak to a more mature sensibility. A sports jacket can be paired with everything from tailored trousers to jeans and loafers, and will always look good.
49. Wallet
Leave the Velcro close hip wallet in the box with your middle school yearbooks and sports trophies. An adult leather wallet is a feature of being a man who takes himself seriously and is taken seriously by others.
It’s also a great thing to ask for as a birthday or holiday present from family or your significant other if you aren’t sure what to look for.
Serman Brands Men's Slim Bifold Wallet
If you want to try out a front pocket wallet but aren’t quite ready to abandon the classic design of your back pocket billfold, the Serman Brands Men’s Slim Bifold Wallet might make a good stepping stone. With a bifold closure and handcrafted from Full Grain leather, it looks a lot like your dad’s wallet, just scaled down to fit nicely in your front pocket.
This Serman Brands wallet is super-slim at just 0.28 inches, but still comfortably holds up to eight cards plus 10 bills in its three inner pockets and cash slot. It also has a classic vintage leather look, with the added protection of RFID blocking material.
50. Toolbox
Living on your own, you know things will break, need replacing, or just malfunction. As well, you will likely want to hang some wall art or put up a framed degree or diploma in your space. Having a tool kit makes being a self-sufficient adult that much simpler.
A good choice is this 148-piece Cartman toolset. It has things like screwdrivers, a hammer, and other necessary implements all in one place that you can easily access at need.
51. Cookbook
You’re a grown-up, so eat like one. This often necessitates cooking for yourself, but unless you’ve always loved pottering about in the kitchen, that can feel like a huge challenge. A cookbook will make eating real, adult food easy, and limit your dinners of hotdogs and macaroni and cheese to the “last-minute emergency” category.
Plus, there are few people who don’t like a man who can cook for himself and others. It’s a life skill.
52. Cufflinks
Cufflinks are a symbol that also happens to be useful. They symbolize that you take time with the finer details of dress, and that you value your appearance. Are they essential? No, most dress shirts have cuff buttons. But they offer a look of polish and are a relatively inexpensive detail of your personal dress habits.
You wear them to weddings and to business meetings. This is a small, but very noticeable aspect of dressing for the life and career you want.
53. Electric Razor
Yes, your disposable razor does a nice enough job. But unless you want to go old school with a bowl of shaving soap and a straight razor, nothing gets a closer, smoother shave than an electric razor. Success is all about the tiny details of presenting yourself to the world—things you wouldn’t necessarily be able to point to, but that is a part of your whole image.
Having a close, neat shave is as essential as an unwrinkled shirt or a suit that actually fits. See some of the best electric razors here.
54. Gym Shorts
Baggy, knee-length basketball shorts are not suitable for your cardio workout. They look sloppy and hinder your range of motion. So, leave them on the rack and buy some grown-up shorts that are designed to wick away moisture and keep you cool while not sagging or bunching.
You’d be amazed at the range of styles and fabric choices that don’t involve shiny polyester blends.
55. Dress Socks
Yes, you’ve got the suit, you have the shirts, and the cufflinks, and the collar stays. Don’t, I repeat, do not, think you can wear white gym socks with it. Buy a couple of pairs of nice dress socks in black, navy blue, or dark brown—depending on the color of your suit—and consider them a part of that investment.
Keep your white sports socks for your workouts or casual outings and have a collection of business socks to go with your business suits.
56. Pocket Square or Handkerchief
Pocket squares and handkerchiefs are part and parcel of another set of values, another era. But they, like cufflinks and tiepins, are small grace notes for your wardrobe that speak volumes to those with whom you interact. Pocket squares are often a bit dressier, made of silk or other fine cloth, and worn in the breast pocket.
They’re made as much for show as use. Handkerchiefs are often sold at gentlemen’s shops in packs of three and can be sturdy cotton with no frills. However, handkerchiefs are useful—to wipe your sweating brow on a hot day, blow your nose, clean your hands after checking the oil, or an offer to dry the tears of someone in distress.
57. Non-Printed Necktie
While most patterned neckties have the design printed onto the cloth, there’s something to be said for the fine detail of the fine cloth in a plain color or highly refined embroidery. While most do not care for hand-stitched neckties, there are a number of handsome fabrics and colors available in simple.
Solid fields that will match every suit and business casual outfit. Give stripes, checks, and paisley a rest occasionally and go with something more understated.
RELATED: Top 75 best manly hobbies for men
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The 15 Best Belgian Beers To Try in 2021
Belgian brewing is iconic for its tradition and style, featuring a dazzling array of quality options that are considered the ultimate in craft beer enjoyment. While you’re unlikely to find thirst-quenching, easy-drinking Belgian lager, their beer is famed for its traditional methodology. From old family recipes, sour and fruit beers, and Saison and wheat beer, through to strong ales brewed by Trappist monks and abbeys, there’s a beer for everyone.
If you are a newcomer or beer enthusiast looking to find amazing quality crafted beer, Belgian artistry will be keeping you busy for a long time (and that’s before you get to the Belgian-inspired beer being crafted in the US).
The following collection of the 15 best Belgian beers offers a great roadmap to finding your favorite tastes. There will be some you love, and others you won’t enjoy, but all offer an interesting experience.
Best Buy
1. Brouwerij Bosteels Tripel Karmeliet
If you’re looking to delve deeply into the world of quality Belgian beer, make sure that Brouwerij Bosteels Tripel Karmeliet is right near the top of your list. Launched in 1996 to great acclaim, Brouwerij Tripel is brewed to an authentic beer recipe dating from 1679. A “Tripel” is made with three times the malt in the wort, which results in a markedly higher ABV (8.4%).
Regarded as one of the world’s finest Belgian beer styles, Tripel Karmeliet (Dutch for “Triple Carmelite”) is a golden-colored Belgian beer brewed by the highly regarded Brouwerij Bosteels beer brand. A feature of this triple beer style is the fruity flavor, which is provided by the uniqueness of the yeast. It offers banana and vanilla flavors mixed crisply with citrus aromas.
2. Chimay Grande Reserve Ale
It seems great-tasting beer is the Lord’s work. Chimay makes a commanding argument for being “the Champagne” of Abbey beer and is arguably the most popular Trappist beer in the world. A Trappist brewery does not create a set style of beer. It denotes that the beer has been brewed at a Trappist Monastery. There are only 11 in the world that are entitled to carry the “Authentic Trappist Product” label on their beer.
All Trappist ales and beers must be brewed in strict adherence to rules established by the International Trappist Association. The beer must be brewed in a Trappist monastery and should be brewed either by Trappist monks or under monks’ supervision.
This bottle is aged for up to five years upright in a cool environment within its Trappist brewery before being bottled and shipped. Chimay Grande Reserve is the premium of Trappist ales (although all varieties are delicious examples of Belgian beer), offering an intense floral aroma, a rich body, and complex citrus notes that move forward into a long, full-bodied finish.
3. Hoegaarden White
Belgium’s most popular wheat beer, Hoegaarden White is popular for aficionados and novice European beer drinkers alike. Hoegaarden White is smooth and creamy, offering a light refreshment at odds with its cloudy appearance. Its sweet yet slightly spicy flavor profile and bubbly carbonation make Hoegaarden a great complement to seafood dishes and sharp hard cheeses.
4. Orval Trappist Ale
Orval Trappist Ale is a sensational beer that rivals the Tripel Karmeliet for overall quality but at a slightly less punchy 6.2 % ABV. Orval is a lovely amber color, with a fruity and slightly acidic aroma. The flavor strongly features the bitterness of refreshing hops contrasted by fruity flavors that yield a long, dry finish.
My advice would be that when you get the chance to try an Orval Trappist Ale, you do so knowing it won’t be your last – it’s one of the best Belgian beers on the market and one you should look at tasating at every opportunity.
5. D’Achouffe La Chouffe Belgian Blonde Ale
This Belgian ale suits many different palates yet comes in at a hefty 8% ABV. It’s similar to a Belgian IPA (India Pale Ale) but less hoppy, crafted by “mythical elves at the microbrewery Brasserie Achouffe in the Ardennes Mountains.”
La Chouffe is unfiltered, unpasteurized, and bottle conditioned. It features a pleasant, fruity flavor spiced with coriander, with only a little hoppy bitterness in the aftertaste. If that’s not enough to get you over the line, the craft beer company’s mascot is a gnome named Marcel who rides a unicycle on the bright yellow label.
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6. Delirium Tremens
Classified as a Belgian Strong Pale Ale, this bad boy comes in at 8.5% ABV. This intricate beer is gold in color with a creamy light head featuring a tremendously complex fruity ester (the fruit flavor created in the process of fermentation).
Delirium Tremens (known as the shakes to you and I) is a light, refreshing Belgian Pale Ale for a brew with such a strong alcohol profile. It has a big body, a creamy sweet mouthfeel of caramel malt, and little bitterness in the fruit beer’s aftertaste. DT is a great option for the Belgian pale ale enthusiast seeking hefty alcohol content without the overwhelming hoppiness of an Imperial IPA.
7. Cantillon Fou Foune
This delicious sour beer is different from “normal beer” because it’s fermented through spontaneous exposure to wild yeast (Brettanomyces yeast) and bacteria native to the Zenne valley in Belgium. Cantillon Fou Foune is an apricot lambic beer brewed yearly by Cantillon (bottling usually commences in August), using approximately 300 grams per bottle of organically grown French apricots.
The unique brewing process gives the beer its distinctive flavor: dry, vinous, and cidery, with an extremely tart aftertaste underneath oaky lambic and subtle apricot. While difficult to find at times, the Fou Foune from Brasserie Cotillon is a brilliant Belgian Beer style recommended for the fully committed beer lover to indulge in the very best of sour beer brewing.
8. Duvel Belgian Ale
Duvel is bottled at an ABV of 8.5% and offers a unique take on the popular strong Belgian style ales. Duvel Belgian Ale is blonde in color and refreshes crisply like a Pilsner, yet possesses the flavor, strength, and depth of a more complex craft beer. Pilsner malt is used to create the lovely golden color it pours, while Bohemian hops and a unique yeast strain add character and intensity to the beer.
9. Blanche de Bruxelles
Traditionally, farmers brewed witbier to showcase the quality of their crops. Blanche de Bruxelles is naturally cloudy (not unlike a hazy IPA from your favorite craft brewery) thanks to the 40% wheat content that is used in its brewing. Blanche de Bruxelles possesses the aroma of coriander and bitter orange peels, which are added during the slow brewing process.
The resultant wheat beer yields an unfiltered bottle, re-fermented with yeast and brewing sugar. The orange flavor is also noticeable on the palate of this traditional witbier, which has a markedly lower ABV than some of the others on this list (4.5%).
10. Brouwerij Drie Fonteinen Oude Geuze
Drei Fonteinen is the only remaining traditional geuze (also spelled gueuze) blend in Belgium that uses 100% spontaneously fermented lambic beer aged in oak casks with no artificial sweeteners or other additives. Because the young lambics are not fully fermented, the blended beer contains fermentable sugars, which allow a second fermentation to occur and makes for a well-balanced sour ale/farmhouse ale.
Oude Geuze is a beautiful golden beer when poured. The flavor is very sour and tart with notes of lemon, orange peel, and apple which moves into hints of spices and hops through the bubbling carbonated finish. The beer lover new to sour ale is likely to miss out on the subtle layers this Belgian brew offers, but an established sour drinker will fully appreciate the depth of character a traditional gueuze possesses.
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11. Westmalle Trappist Dubbel
Westmalle Dubbel is a classically dark, reddish-brown Trappist beer that’s had a secondary fermentation in the bottle (hence the name Dubbel). It’s attractive in the glass, with a creamy head and the fragrance of malt. It’s rich and complex on the tongue, featuring a soft mouthfeel augmented by herby spices and a fruity yet slightly bitter finish. If you are looking for a quintessentially Belgian dark beer made by Trappist monks, this quality bottle is hard to go past.
12. Saison Dupont Farmhouse Ale
Saison Dupont has been an integral seasonal beer for the famous Dupont Belgian brewery since it was first crafted in 1844. It’s a lovely coppery blond in color, strong in yeast and malt aromas, with a hint of grasses and lemon on the palate, and an ideal amount of bitterness at the tail. Considered a benchmark seasonal beer, Saison Dupont is a top-quality Farmhouse Ale made for thirst-quenching refreshment.
13. Leffe Brown Ale
Leffe Brown is an authentic dark abbey beer that rivals any of the brown ale popularized in the United Kingdom. It offers a rich, slightly sweet flavor that comes from the use of darkly roasted malt in the brewing process.
There are the enjoyable flavors of caramel, chocolate, and a hint of coffee in the lush flavor profile, and Leffe Brown Pours creamily into a traditional chalice. While it’s not a beer style where you will wish to drink 10 of them in a sitting, it’s easy to appreciate the tasty dark flavor of Leffe Brown as an after-dinner sampler.
14. Gouden Carolus Classic
Named after King Charles V, this unique dark beer could almost be classed as a stout, yet is categorized as a Belgian Strong Ale bottled at 8.5% ABV. Gouden Carolus Classic is fresh and enjoyable, particularly when paired with a variety of strongly flavored dishes, cheeses, and pate.
Its richness is contrasted nicely by the bitterness of hops that helps augment a slightly sour profile. While not my style beer of choice, Gouden Carolus Classic can certainly be a great companion for feasting or enjoyed after dinner with a nice cigar.
15. Pauwel Kwak Belgian Ale
Pauwel Kwak Belgian Ale gets its name from a famed 18th-century innkeeper and brewer who crafted a beer for carriage drivers. These days the beer is brewed by the Bosteels brewery in Buggenhout.
This complex Belgian strong ale is amber in color with beautiful foam and a slightly sweet malt character. The sweet yeasty aromas are enlivened by the taste of coriander and a glimmer of licorice flavor on the palate. You’ll often find this Belgian beer served in the tremendous hourglass style glass and wooden frame first created by Pauwel Kwak, so it makes for an impressive experience at a bar or restaurant (or if you are a devotee enjoying the beer at home).
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The 15 Best Sean Connery Movies of All Time
Sir Sean Connery, best known for his role as the original 007, worked in the film industry for over 50 years. His career, and legacy, have been the envy of many Hollywood actors and filmmakers. Between an Academy Award, multiple BAFTA awards, and three Golden Globes, Connery is not only a fan favorite but a favorite of critics as well.
Known as “the Greatest Living Scot,” Connery has worked with some of Hollywood’s most talented filmmakers, such as Alfred Hitchcock, Sidney Lumet, John Huston, Steven Spielberg, Brian De Palma, and many more. So without further adieu, here is our list of the 15 greatest Sean Connery movies of all time!
1. Dr. No (1962)
The original James Bond motion picture, based on the Ian Flemming novel of the same name, Dr. No sparked the secret agent genre that prospered in the 1960s. Connery slipped into the role of 007 as easily as Bond slips out of his clothes.
The trademark 007 “gun barrel” sequence, as well as the classic Bond theme, all began here with Dr. No, a film that set up and launched the entire franchise. Connery would go on to play 007 for the next 20 years (with a 12-year break between his penultimate and final performances), and to this day is still regarded as the best Bond by movie nerds. Dr. No is the film that not only launched the 007 series but also propelled Connery into the spotlight as an action hero and leading man.
2. Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade (1989)
While some consider Raiders of the Lost Ark to be the ultimate Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford, Star Wars) film, others say that Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade is better, largely due to Sean Connery’s role as Indy’s father, Henry Jones, Sr. Connery is so well cast it makes you wonder who else could’ve even attempted to pull it off.
The Last Crusade sends Indy into the path of the Nazis as he searches for the original Holy Grail, which his father devoted his entire life and career to finding. Watching Ford and Connery bicker back and forth is part of this film’s charm, making us wish they could have starred opposite each other at least one more time. Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade is not only arguably the best Indiana Jones film, but also one of the greatest adventure crusades of the past 50 years.
3. The Man Who Would Be King (1975)
A technicolor adventure film adapted from a Rudyard Kipling novella, The Man Who Would Be King follows ex-British Army sergeant Daniel Dravot (Connery) as he and Peachy Carnehan (Sir Michael Caine, The Dark Knight) set off to explore 19th century British India, only to end up elsewhere when one of them is taken for a god and made king.
This film is completely wild as Connery and Caine (who play masterfully off one another) explore jungles, fight incredible battles, travel through the various elements, before finding themselves in an unknown land where their lives change forever. Oh, and Christopher Plummer (Knives Out) plays Rudyard Kipling himself!
The Man Who Would Be King is an unusual tale filled with danger, suspense, and lots of adventure, making it one of Connery’s trademark films.
4. The Untouchables (1987)
Based on the book of the same name, The Untouchables tells the fictionalized true story of 1930s Prohibition-era Chicago in which Bureau of Prohibition agent Elliot Ness (Kevin Costner, Yellowstone) works alongside Connery’s Jim Malone to take down mob boss Al Capone (an incredible Robert De Niro).
This masterpiece features some of the greatest performances you could ask for from Costner and De Niro, but it’s Connery who steals the movie as “Jimmy” Malone, a cop who adamantly opposes all the Prohibition-era corruption. One criticism is that Connery’s accent is too pronounced, but this writer would say that’s part of his charm. The Untouchables is an exciting thrill ride that will keep you wanting more, especially more Connery, even as the film closes out.
5. The Hunt for Red October (1990)
James Bond isn’t the only government agent-led spy franchise that Sean Connery sparked into existence. The Hunt for Red October is the first in the Jack Ryan series of films based on the spy novels by Tom Clancy. While Connery doesn’t play the famed agent himself, he does portray Captain Marko Ramius, the CO of the Red October.
Set during the late Cold War era, the film follows CIA analyst Jack Ryan (Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock) as he deduces the motive of a defective Soviet naval captain (Connery) in order to prevent an all-out war. Connery’s Captain Ramius is probably the most interesting character in the film, with a cloaked motivation that keeps the plot moving. The Hunt for Red October not only launched the Jack Ryan film series but also pushed Connery back into the spotlight as the 90s began.
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6. Time Bandits (1981)
The first in Terry Gilliam’s (Monty Python) “Trilogy of Imagination,” Time Bandits is a British fantasy film about a young boy, Kevin (Craig Warnock, To The Lighthouse), who accidentally joins a bunch of time-traveling dwarfs as they search for treasure to steal from different historical eras. It’s a trip.
Connery’s role as the Mycenaean-Grecian King Agamemnon is unlike any secret agent or spy we’re used to seeing the actor portray. The fierce warrior-king not only adopts the young Kevin after the 11-year-old saves his life, but he also fights a horse-headed man to the death, which is worth watching the film for. Time Bandits is a charming feature that captures the realities of childhood with plenty of laughs.
7. The Rock (1999)
From Transformers legend Michael Bay, The Rock stars Sean Connery, Nicholas Cage (The Wicker Man), Ed Harris (Apollo 13), William Forsythe (Raising Arizona), and Michael Biehn (The Terminator) in an action-thriller that follows an ex-con and a chemist as they lead a counter-strike against a renegade general on Alcatraz.
Known as not only one of Michael Bay’s best pictures, but one of Connery’s as well, The Rock has Connery and film legend Cage face-off against Ed Harris with some of the most extensive and impactful action sequences and explosions that are trademarks of Bay pictures.
The Rock is one of Connery’s best non-Bond action roles out there. Not to mention, when else have you seen Connery sing in a shower?
8. From Russia With Love (1963)
Speaking of Bond, the second film in the 007 series (released only one year after Dr. No), From Russia With Love follows Bond as he is sent to Turkey to protect a Soviet consulate clerk (Daniela Bianchi, O.K. Connery) who has defected, all the while SPECTRE has set their sights on Bond after the events of the first film.
This picture did even better financially and critically than the first film and helped seal the character of James Bond in the cultural consciousness. Plus, in this one, Bond actually boards the famed Orient Express (coincidently, Connery would later star in a Sidney Lumet adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express in the 70s). From Russia With Love is one of the most beloved James Bond pictures and features some of Sean Connery’s greatest work.
9. The Name of the Rose (1986)
Did you know Sean Connery starred in a historical mystery drama where he plays a fictional Franciscan friar named William of Baskerville? Well, he did just that in The Name of The Rose, a film based on the book of the same name. As the friar, he is summoned to solve a deadly mystery in the medieval abbey.
The deaths surrounding this mystery relate to the signs mentioned in the apocalyptic Book of Revelation and the plot of the film also deals with accusations of witchcraft, poisoning, false confessions, and so much more. Connery’s role as the friar may be a little unconventional, but it works and manages to be one of his best. The Name of The Rose asks and answers the question, “who, in the name of God, can get away with murder?”
10. Finding Forrester (2000)
One of Connery’s last leading roles before his retirement from acting, Finding Forrester follows a young, black teenager (Rob Brown, Coach Carter) who befriends a reclusive writer, William Forrester (Connery), who helps him refine his writing and makes him come to terms with his own identity.
Directed by Gus Van Sant, Finding Forrester feels a lot like the director’s greatest hit, Good Will Hunting, in that a young man is mentored by an elder who sees potential in him that his peers cannot. In one of Connery’s most profound roles, one cannot deny the power and impact that taking an interest in someone may have on their future. Finding Forrester is a heartfelt look into the life of a young man who needs direction, and an old man who needs a purpose.
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11. Goldfinger (1964)
The third Bond film, both in the series proper and in Connery’s filmography, Goldfinger is often considered the greatest (or at least one of the greatest) of the Bond films. The plot follows Bond as he investigates a gold smuggling ring led by the titular villain (played by Gert Fröbe, I Killed Rasputin).
This one also features Bond opposite Goldfinger’s personal pilot, the famed femme fatale Pussy Galore (Honor Blackman, The Avengers television series), who has become infamous among the 007 fandom. As always, Connery delivers as Bond, whose tongue-in-cheek humor eventually became a staple of the series. Goldfinger is a classic that, while dated, manages to withstand the test of time. Plus, it’s the first Bond picture to win an Oscar, so that’s pretty cool.
12. Highlander (1986)
An adventure fantasy film, Highlander is an 80s classic that follows the adventurous Connor MacLeod (Christopher Lambert, Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes) as he becomes “The Highlander,” one of the immortals who are part of a never-ending war throughout time.
Sean Connery co-stars as another immortal, Juan Sánchez-Villalobos Ramírez, Connor’s mentor who teaches him the ways of the Quickening. It’s the only role outside of James Bond that Connery has played more than once, although the sequel is only for die-hard fans.
Highlander is a fantasy epic that has spanned generations, in no small part due to Connery’s own excellence.
13. Outland (1981)
A soft remake of the 1950s Western High Noon but with a science-fiction twist, Outland stars Connery as Marshal William T. O’Neil, a lawman who has discovered a drug-smuggling conspiracy, only to find himself marked for murder, with no help from anyone else.
Instead of taking place in the Wild West, Outland takes place on a mining colony on Jupiter’s moon of Lo. The suspenseful atmosphere (or lack thereof) of outer space makes for some gripping action, character work, and timeless lessons of loyalty, truth, and what it means to do the right thing. Outland reminds us that even in the deepest reaches of space, the ultimate enemy is still man.
14. Medicine Man (1992)
Connery teams up once more with director John McTiernan (The Hunt for Red October), this time following him to the Amazon rainforest. After a pharmaceutical company sends a biochemist, Dr. Rae Crane (Lorraine Bracco, The Sopranos), into the Amazon to find the reclusive researcher Robert Campbell (Connery), things get a little dicey.
While Medicine Man might sound like a straightforward picture, there are enough surprises, subplots, and dramatic conflicts to keep you engaged as Campbell and Crane make their way through the indigenous lands in search of a miracle cure for cancer. This journey is heightened by the fact that they are racing against the clock to find the cure as commercial loggers attempt to destroy the area it’s believed to originate from. Medicine Man reminds us that industry and progress can often ignore the small miracles that we can find in nature.
15. Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
This is Connery’s final Eon Productions picture as James Bond, although not his last, with the Scot returning to the famed role in the non-Eon movie Never Say Never Again some 12 years later. This film features Bond as he faces off against his archenemy Dr. Ernst Blofeld (Charles Gray, You Only Live Twice), whose plans include using diamonds to build a space-based laser weapon to destroy Washington D.C. and hold the world at ransom.
Seeing Connery’s Bond face off against the head of SPECTRE one final time is a real treat. Diamonds Are Forever is still one of the most memorable 007 films, even if its campy tone has been heavily criticized.
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The 50 Best Hobbies for Couples To Enjoy
Finding new hobbies as an adult can be challenging. Chances are, by the time you reach adulthood, most of your interests have been pretty well established. And finding hobbies that you can pursue as a couple? That’s even harder.
Yet every strong couple needs shared interests. You need to find things you’re both passionate about, and perhaps just as importantly, things you both enjoy. Having fun together is one of the best ways to keep any relationship going strong.
If you and your partner are looking for ways to deepen your connection, to enjoy each other’s company, to share an adventure, or pursue a common goal, these are 50 great hobbies every couple should consider.
1. Camping
Getting out in the great outdoors is a source of renewal for many of us. For couples, it can be a way to bond in a wild setting and to share a mutual passion for the outdoors. A lot of couples make camping at a favorite destination an annual tradition, and there’s something really cool about getting to share it year after year.
Whether you’re a “tent couple” or an “RV couple,” there’s nothing quite like a campfire and a night out under the stars to keep the romance alive.
2. Yoga
Few hobbies are as beneficial to your mind, body, and spirit as yoga. It’s a perfectly good solo hobby for anyone, but for couples, it’s an even greater opportunity to share not only your fitness goals but your mindfulness. Yoga is also a great tension-reliever and stress-reducer, which is something every relationship needs from time to time.
3. Gardening
Gardening is fun, calming, and stress-reducing. Gardening as a couple is also a great exercise in teamwork. It’s an opportunity to work on your communication and enjoy the satisfaction of working toward a common goal. I would offer up a metaphor about how tending a garden requires the same care and attention as a relationship, but I think you get the idea.
Plus, a well-tended vegetable garden can produce an abundance of healthy, home-grown food, which brings us to our next hobby…
4. Cooking
A lot of great bonding happens in the kitchen. Cooking for your significant other is romantic in and of itself, but cooking together can be even better. Cooking as a couple is a way to work on your teamwork. It helps you focus on the simple joy in your life, and gives you some great memories to look back on.
You don’t have to cook together every night, of course, but try doing it once a week. If you’re both adept in the kitchen, consider taking turns being head chef and sous chef, so you each get a chance to take the lead.
5. Drawing
Learning to draw can be a great activity for couples. It’s also worth noting that you don’t have to be a great artist or even want to be a great artist. It’s more about harnessing your creative energy as a couple and sharing an experience together.
Doing a little sketching together around the house or out at your local park can be a great starting point, but consider taking a drawing class together. Life drawing is a great creative outlet. If you want to spice things up – or maybe just have a good laugh, depending on your drawing skills – you could even draw each other.
6. Trivia
Chances are, there’s a local watering hole near you that hosts trivia night each week. Participating will keep your brain sharp, and more importantly, give you and your partner an excuse to hang out, laugh, and have a few drinks. Trivia also makes for a great double-date if you know another couple who are into it.
7. Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is a great hobby for adventure-seeking folks, but it also doesn’t have to be a high-risk activity. Indoor rock gyms seem to be everywhere these days, offering you and your significant other an opportunity to have fun, get some exercise, and hone your rock climbing skills in a safe environment.
8. Volunteering
Few things feel better than helping others. That makes volunteering a great hobby that costs you nothing but brings rich returns. Talk to your significant other to find out if there’s a cause you’re both passionate about. There’s a good chance the experience of volunteering as a couple will bring you closer together, and make it an even more rewarding experience than volunteering on your own.
9. Puzzling
Putting together jigsaw puzzles is an activity that’s most enjoyable when shared. It’s a very couple-friendly hobby that keeps you sharp and gives you the satisfaction of completing tasks together. Maybe share a glass of wine and make it a puzzle night! Or, if you’re just interested in wine and don’t care much for puzzles, here’s another suggestion…
10. Wine Tasting
Going wine tasting is always an enjoyable way to spend time together as a couple. It’s a way to reconnect over some great wine in a beautiful setting, and it always offers an opportunity to shake off the cobwebs and break away from your routine.
If you don’t happen to live in an area where there are wineries nearby, you could always pick up a respectable bottle of wine at the store and have your own wine tasting at home. Or maybe head to a local craft brewery and sample a couple of beer flights instead.
11. Skiing/Snowboarding
It’s always hardest to stay active in the winter. It’s the season when most couples retreat into watching Netflix and eating snacks, but it doesn’t have to be that way. There’s a simple solution: go play in the snow! Skiing and snowboarding are great couples’ activities for folks who like to stay active and don’t mind a little snow and cold. Plus, you get to cozy up with some hot cocoa or spiked apple cider afterward.
12. Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is thrilling, relaxing, romantic – seemingly everything that you would want in a couple’s hobby, all rolled into one. If you happen to have a stable nearby, it shouldn’t be too hard to book a riding trip. Even if you’ve never done it before, horseback riding is a surprisingly accessible sport for beginners. You might just get hooked.
13. Investing
Investing isn’t as complicated as a lot of people think it is. It’s an enjoyable and potentially lucrative hobby for anyone, but for couples, it also offers an opportunity to pool your resources and work on your financial future together.
Keep in mind, you can start small. Investing doesn’t require a huge amount of cash to get started, and it doesn’t have to be high risk. Some couples use investments to fund future vacations or even their retirement.
14. Board Games
Games can be competitive, or they can be cooperative. Either way, they’re a lot of fun and a great date night option for couples looking to spend some quality time at home.
It’s worth keeping in mind that there are an incredible variety of board games out there that go way beyond what you played when you were a kid. You can choose from a great variety of board games for adults, including some that are… shall we say, a bit on the steamy side.
15. Running/Jogging
Maybe you’ve found a partner who’s as devoted to their physical fitness as you are. Or maybe one of you is a dedicated runner, and the other… needs a little motivation. Either way, running or jogging as a couple is an awesome way to spend time together and help each other stay on top of your goals.
16. Stargazing
Stargazing makes for a perfect date night. For some couples, it ends up being a full-blown infatuation. Of course, you can get a pretty simple (and inexpensive) telescope and some star charts to start out with.
Stargazing is also a great opportunity to spend some time outdoors. Parks and preserves far from the city offer the best views of the night sky with minimal light pollution, so don’t forget a tent and a two-person sleeping bag!
17. Interior Decorating
I don’t want to pigeonhole all you guys into your gender roles here, but interior decorating isn’t most dudes’ strongest suit. That being said, decorating a home you share with your partner really shows that you’re equally invested in the space and in your relationship.
It can be fun too! And taking an active role in decorating also means you’ll probably get to choose more cool dude stuff in your house. So there’s that.
18. Museums/Art Galleries
Touring local museums as a couple is a great way to invest in your mutual interests. Maybe you’re a history buff and your partner is an art lover, or maybe you’re lucky enough to already share some of the same fascinations.
Either way, you’ll have a great time exploring museums together. You can even start booking vacations around galleries and museums you want to visit of far-flung destinations.
19. Hiking
From walks in your local park to heart-pounding ascents to remote mountain peaks, hiking can be almost any kind of experience you want it to be. Ultimately, it’s an experience best shared with someone you care about, which is why it’s such a great pastime for couples. If you both love spending time outdoors, then you can’t go wrong with a good hike.
20. Photography
Whether you’re already an accomplished photographer or you want to start learning photography together, this can be an engaging new passion and interest. There are countless ways to approach photography as a couple.
Start a joint Instagram account to show off your photos. Take turns being the photographer and the subject. Plan trips where you can shoot unique landscapes. The possibilities are endless.
21. Kayaking
Sure, you can always go kayaking alone. But your car has room for two kayaks on top, so why not take full advantage of it? Kayaking is a great hobby for couples who enjoy relaxing in the outdoors, but it can satisfy your lust for adventure too.
Think of gliding across a tranquil mountain lake, or surging down a tumultuous whitewater stream. Chances are, no matter where you live, there’s a place to get the ‘yaks in the water nearby.
22. Dancing
If any hobby begs to be taken on as a couple, it’s dancing. It will give you both a lifetime of enjoyment, and it’s a great way to improve your coordination, stamina, and confidence. It’s fun too!
Learning to dance as a couple is also romantic as heck, and can bring a new level of intimacy and connection to your relationship. Choose any style of dancing that interests you – ballroom, salsa, hip-hop – and get moving.
23. Upcycling
The process of turning would-be trash into treasure is known as upcycling. It’s a hobby that suits couples who are crafty and environmentally conscious. If the idea of turning old glass jars into lanterns, or transforming tossed-aside wooden pallets into furniture sounds appealing to you, then this might just be your dream hobby.
24. Snorkeling/Scuba Diving
Right from the get-go, diving is a great couples’ activity because you already have a built-in dive partner. That certainly makes things easier. Plus, scuba diving and snorkeling are the types of activities that get you out of your comfort zone and may even propel you into some fun vacation planning. They’re great hobbies for couples’ who share a passion for nature and a desire to discover new things.
25. Baking
Much like cooking, baking is a hobby that builds closeness and cooperation in couples, and also results in some delicious things that you get to eat afterward. It’s a slightly different skillset thought, and it definitely requires a level of patience and attention to detail. But hey, these are things that every relationship needs, so why not get your hands in that dough and get to work?
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26. Scrapbooking
Scrapbooking is a fun, crafty hobby. Many couples have found that it strengthens their bond, and provides a tangible record of their memories together that they can enjoy for years to come.
27. Archery
A great activity that improves coordination and builds upper body strength, archery is something that anyone can enjoy. Plus, going to the archery range as a couple can be a lot more enjoyable than flying solo.
Some couples get some friendly competition out of it too, and there’s always something to be said for building a new skill together. Even if you’re starting out as a pair of total beginners, one of the things that makes archery so rewarding is that you can very clearly see your progress as you get better and better at it.
28. Collecting
Maybe one of you entered the relationship with a particular interest, or maybe you’re fortunate enough to have paired off with someone who enjoys collecting the same oddball trinkets you do. In either case, creating a mutual collection is a great way to deepen your relationship and have some fun. It could be anything you’re interested in – stamps, records, coins, seashells, comics – you name it.
29. Home Improvement
If you and your significant other have gotten to the stage where you own a home together, then you should know that DIY projects around the house are an inevitability. It’s hard work, but it can be fun too.
Tackling painting projects and home remodels as a team can add to your relationship, give you a sense of co-ownership over the space, and allow you to crush every task more quickly than ever. Who knows, maybe you two will be flipping houses full-time before you know it.
30. Listening to Music
Remember when you were young and would dedicate a whole evening to sharing a bottle of wine – okay, maybe it was a box of wine – and spinning records? Rekindle that passion by getting back into music like you did when you first met.
That could entail dedicating a night each week to listen to your favorite records. Or you could start creating mixtapes and playlists for each other. There’s a lot of romance to be found in good music!
31. Golf
Need to blow off steam and release some tension? Get out there and whack a few balls around. As much fun as golf is by yourself or with friends, it can be even more enjoyable with your partner if you’re both into it. Whether you want to play 18 holes or just smash some golf balls at the driving range, it’s a great stress-reliever for couples.
32. Bike Riding
I know a lot of couples who took up cycling as an active, social distance-friendly hobby during the pandemic and have no plans of giving it up. The fact is, riding bikes together is a fun and active hobby for anyone, and it’s a great way to explore your city, town, or rural landscape together. Whether you’re into road cycling or mountain biking, it’s a great way for couples to get moving.
33. Book-Clubbing
It gets harder and harder to find time to read as our lives get busier. And it doesn’t help that there’s a whole world of streaming TV and movies at our fingertips at all times. You might be more inclined to make time for books if you intentionally do it together.
Reading is also a great way to turn your quiet alone time as a couple into something more significant. Make it a point to discuss the books you’re both reading. You could even form your own “book club” in which you both read the same books and then talk about them.
34. Bowling
Bowling seems to really be catching on with younger generations, which is great news because it’s a lot of fun, and definitely not just a game for your dad and his drinking buddies. Bowling can be a blast for couples and is a great double-date opportunity too.
35. Learning an Instrument
Learning something new together as a couple can be an enthralling experience that enriches your relationship (though you should really make sure you’re both equally into it, or it can end up being a frustrating experience). If you’re both game, why not give it a go?
Your partner can dust off the old violin they took three lessons on 10 years ago. You can dig out the guitar you totally know how to play. Pretty soon you’ll have a band going.
36. Going to the Gym
One of the best parts about being in a relationship is that the two of you can motivate one another. If you’ve ever had a gym membership, then you’ve probably noticed that the hardest part about getting in shape is actually getting to the gym. Who has the time? Working out together is a great way to stay accountable and meet your fitness goals as a team.
37. Meditation
Have you ever been alone with your partner and noticed that you’re both mindlessly scrolling on your phones? You may be in the same room, but you’re not really “present” together. Consider meditation as a way to fill those quiet moments more mindfully.
Meditation is a great way to encourage focus and calm for anyone. But when taken up by a couple as a hobby, it can also be a way to connect and focus on being in the moment together.
38. Chicken Raising
Starting your own little mini-farm can be hugely enjoyable, and it also creates a sense of joint responsibility and accomplishment. You don’t have to start big, and you don’t need a lot of space. Plenty of folks keep a few chickens in a cozy coop in an urban backyard. Plus, you get fresh eggs as a bonus, and chickens themselves have a way of providing endless entertainment.
39. Martial Arts
There are a lot of experiences in life that are more powerful when shared. For many couples, learning a martial art is one of them. Martial arts are about focusing the mind just as much as honing the body, and embracing their practice can have benefits in every aspect of your life. Learning Karate, Judo or Jiu-Jitsu is also great for self-defense and can help you become a happier, safer, and more confident couple.
40. Genealogy
Tracing family histories can become an obsession. It’s a fascinating and often powerful pursuit and can be even more enjoyable when taken up as a couple. Of course, for some couples, the first hurdle is getting over that fear that you’ll discover you’re actually distantly related… but don’t worry, that hardly ever happens.
41. Surfing
Some surfers prefer the solitude of embracing the ocean on their own, while others enjoy the camaraderie of catching waves with a surfing partner. If you fall into the latter category, surfing can become a hobby you both enjoy. And if you’re new to it, rest assured that surfing lessons are readily available, and it’s not as hard to get started as you may think.
42. Ice Skating
As much a sport as a hobby, ice skating has been involved in many a romantic winter evening. Granted, strapping on skates and stumbling out onto the ice for the first time can be intimidating. This is a great hobby for couples who are both beginners, but it can also be good if one of you is already a somewhat experienced skater who can show the other the ropes.
43. Pet Rescue
Be careful here… you might end up going down a rabbit hole. Countless couples have gotten immense satisfaction out of adopting a rescue dog or other animal. But for some, it becomes a passion that borders on obsession.
That being said, pet rescue is an incredibly rewarding pastime that tends to go far deeper than an ordinary hobby. Many couples end up becoming “foster parents” of sorts to pets that need a temporary place to stay until they find their forever home.
44. Thrifting
You may think of thrifting as a way to save money rather than a bona fide hobby, but don’t overlook how fun it can be if you and your partner both get a kick out of it. You can even turn it into a game. Who can put together the most stylish outfit for the least amount of money? Who can track down the craziest pair of shoes? You get the idea.
45. Pottery
Okay, you’ve seen the pottery scene from the movie Ghost right? If so, then you don’t need me to tell you that getting your hands all up in that clay can be romantic as all get out.
Anyway, taking a pottery class as a couple can be a super fun way to get creative and enjoy the process of making something together. You might also want to get a pottery wheel in the privacy of your home in case things start to get a little steamy.
46. Racquetball
Racquetball is a fast-paced one-on-one game, and it’s perfect for active couples. It’s also a great option if you’re both competitive, and need a hobby that lets you both indulge in a little friendly competition in a controlled environment. Plus, you can play doubles if you know another couple who is also into racquetball.
47. Video Games
Look, if you’ve found a partner who enjoys video games as much as you do, then we’re talking serious soul mate material here. Put a ring on it, buddy!
Contrary to your parent’s assertion that video games would rot your brain, it can actually be an engaging and fulfilling hobby, especially if you happen to share an interest with a significant other. Whether you choose to be on the same team or play as adversaries, you want somebody in your life who can be the Princess Peach to your Mario.
48. Foraging
Finding food in nature is a great survival skill to have, but it’s also a recreational activity for some. Plenty of couples have bonded over their shared love of hunting for wild edibles, and it can be a rewarding lifelong pursuit.
Of course, you really need to know your stuff before you go eating berries you picked in the woods. Unless one or both of you is already an experienced forager, start out by going on a few guided foraging trips with someone more seasoned who can teach you how to identify edible plants, mushrooms, and herbs.
49. Road Tripping
A passion for travel is a great thing to share. If the song of the open road calls to you both, you simply can’t ignore it. Many couples make an annual road trip a recurring tradition in their lives, while others say goodbye to traditional ways of life entirely, pack everything they own into a camper, and say, “see ya later.” You do you.
50. Concertgoing
If you love going to concerts, and meet someone who loves live music as much as you do, then you’re in for a long life of musical adventures together. Going to shows regularly can be great for couples, and will give you a lifetime’s worth of memories. You may find yourself collecting concert tickets and band posters to fill your house with someday.
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What Is Tantric Sex? We Talk To an Expert To Get the Lowdown
If you’ve ever wanted to slow things down in the bedroom and get to know your partner on a deeper, more intimate level, then tantric sex could be just what the doctor ordered. Tantra, which means “woven together” in Sanskrit, is a genre of sexuality that celebrates sacred sexuality through slow, meaningful movements.
To talk all things Tantra, we’ve connected with sex expert, Susan Bratton, who gives us the rundown on what Tantric sex is, what its benefits are, and how to practice it.
What Is Tantric Sex?
“Tantric sex is a genre of sexuality that incorporates more reverential, slow, connected sexual experiences,” Bratton explains. “Often called Neo-Tantra or Red Tantra to delineate it from the Yogic Tantra practices, the hallmarks are a conscious approach to communication, more breath and eye contact, and active heart connection between lovers.”
To make things even more interesting, tantric sex also often incorporates ritual and spirituality into the experience, says Bratton. This is because much of tantric lovemaking focuses on “divine spirituality” and deeper connection. “Because orgasm is a blissful state,” says Bratton, “it can be used as a kind of meditation practice that allows lovers to touch source or Gaia or god in their union.”
Tantric sex not only focuses on divinity and the outer body but also incorporates every part of the body (especially the heart). Bratton describes tantric orgasms as extended full-body orgasms, which differ from the friction orgasms generated from direct stimulation of the clitoris or penis. In essence, tantric sex is “a slow, heart-connected approach to honor your beloved and building arousal and turn on overtime, while incorporating eye gazing, breath work and sensual touch create these heightened experiences associated with Tantric lovemaking.”
What Are the Origins of Tantric Sex?
Like learning any new practice (especially one with a long history), getting to know its roots and beginnings can give you great insight into the practice itself. “Spiritual sexuality originated in India and Tibet in the third and fourth centuries and continued to evolve with the Kashmiri Shaivists in the ninth and tenth centuries,” Bratton details.
But today’s modern Tantric sex was revolutionized by Osho or Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, a famous cult sex guru who really got the movement going in the 1980s. If you’re interested in learning more about the rise of modern Tantra and the devotees of Osho, Bratton suggests watching the Netflix documentary Wild, Wild, Country.
“Modern-day Tantra teachers have incorporated many of the concepts of Osho into their version of Western sexual enlightenment,” Bratton informs us. “Neo-Tantra continues to evolve through workshops and teachings often focused on Yoni and Lingam worship. The Yoni is the Sanskrit word for a woman’s genitals, Lingam is the male equivalent.”
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Three Benefits of Tantric Sex
Conscious, Heart-Connection
Unlike a lot of other sex that’s goal is to hit peak climax, the core idea behind Tantric sex is the connection of hearts in divine sexual union. This ideology moves away from the performative, friction-oriented sex, illuminates Bratton, into a feeling of deep love and heart-opening appreciation for your beloved. Which is by far the biggest benefit to Tantric sex.
While opening up your heart can be incredibly scary and vulnerable in the long run, an open heart makes for a better, more fulfilling life. And the good news is that sex can help you get there. “Tantra is a practice,” assures Bratton. “You get better at opening your heart as you do it repeatedly. Tantra has the ability to transform having sex into being a spiritual, reverent experience of ecstatic bliss.”
By now, you may be clear on how Tantric sex helps build that heart-to-heart connection. But what do we mean by “conscious?” For Bratton, the notion of Tantric sex being conscious simply means there’s no hiding behind shame. This means that both partners can enter into a loving experience and openly speak their needs and desires in the loving security of trust they receive from the other.
“Creating a safe container for sex is a core tenet of Tantric sex,” says Bratton. “When partners think about their lover as being as important as themselves, they honor the partner in a way that is not always depicted in modern-day sexuality. This honor is a key part of Tantric lovemaking.”
Multi-Sensory Orgasmic Experience
We probably caught your attention earlier with the “full-body orgasm” discussion – which we had to include as a major benefit to Tantra practice. This sexual practice is meant to invigorate and integrate all of the senses for a full-body experience. “From eye connection to opening one’s heart – from Tantric breathwork designed to increase arousal – the senses are a vital part of Tantric lovemaking,” says Bratton.
“When people are asked to define Tantric orgasm, often they associate it with not coming. This is inaccurate,” assures Bratton. Over the years, a Tantric orgasm has been mistaken for semen retention, which is an ancient Taoist practice that conserves a man’s jing energy or essence.
“Tantric orgasms teach you how to feel orgasmic pleasure throughout your body, rather than sensation isolated in your genitals,” Bratton clarifies. “Expanding orgasm to a full-body experience by leveraging slow sex, heart connection, and eye contact along with rituals such as creating a sensual environment with candles or low lighting and sensual music are the core tenets of Tantric sex.”
Genital Worship
The third core tenet of Tantric sex is genital worship, which essentially moves intercourse from being the main event to being a part of the overall experience. And, according to Bratton, this means putting more attention on genital worship, manual massage, and awakening the G-Spot for women and the P-Spot for men.
“The G-Spot is actually a secondary erectile system in a woman’s vulva called the urethral sponge. This area can hold emotion which is released through G-Spot activation or palpation,” explains Bratton. “Female ejaculation is often achieved through manual stimulation of the clitoris and urethral systems. All women can ejaculate, and all orgasms are simply learned skills for both sexes and across all gender expressions.” Tantric sex widens the pleasure palette by incorporating these additional types of orgasms.
“The Lingam massage is for men to enjoy hands-on penis pleasure,” says Bratton. “Too often men don’t get the genital pleasuring due to them.” (Which you probably agree with). So, slowing down and honoring a man’s penis and testicles as well as exploring his prostate for P-Spot orgasms is another aspect of the reverential nature of Tantric sex according to Bratton.
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The Yab Yum Tantric Sex Position and How To Try It
The Yab Yum (sometimes known as the lotus sex position) is a classic Tantric sex position representing the divine union of masculine and feminine energies. Here, Bratton gives us her tips and tricks for the Tantric sex position. You’ll never want to have regular sex again.
How To Do It
“He sits upright with his legs crossed or if he’s flexible, with his feet together and knees butterflied open. He can support his back or knees with pillows, whatever makes him comfortable,” says Bratton. “Then she climbs into his lap and wraps her legs around him so her feet come together at the base of his spine. She’s sitting on his lap facing him, her legs over his. This is the open-legged Yab Yum position.”
Bratton suggests adjusting your position according to your body dynamics and finding your comfort zone so you can just relax and be together. If you can’t get comfortable in an upright position, modify the position by lying down and facing each other.
“Now synchronize your breath and feel what happens to your energy. Typically, a man’s lungs are bigger than a woman’s,” she explains. Women will want to breathe more deeply, and men will want to breathe a little more shallowly than usual so you can match your breath.
“You can either breathe in at the same time and then out at the same time or cycle your breath so one inhales as the other exhales and vice-versa. You’re face to face, very close as you breathe this way. You can even get so close that you’re almost touching or actually touching lips as you breathe together,” suggests Bratton.
“When you get the rhythm going, you’ll feel sexual energy start to fill your body. As you continue to breathe, imagine breathing all the way down to your genital area. This will really build up the sexual energy.”
The Yab Yum is a classic, must-try Tantric position because there are multiple forms of stimulation available when you’re so close, and, for Bratton, this is part of what makes it so pleasurable. “He can stimulate her breasts. She can stimulate his nipples. Either of you can initiate a deep French kiss.”
“She controls the thrusts in this position because she’s sitting down on his penis,” says Bratton. “That gives her good simulation for her clitoris, G-area, and perineal sponge. This can also be an anal sex position.” For some women, anal penetration actually feels better than vaginal intercourse, so do what feels best for you and your partner.
The Importance of Eye Contact in Yab Yum
For Bratton, one of the most special parts of the Yab Yum Tantric experience is the ease of making eye contact with your lover. “It’s a very connected position,” she explains, “perfect for slow, Tantric lovemaking.”
Not sure exactly what Tantric eye contact requires (or reveals)? Bratton explains: “When two people decide to consciously play with their sexual energy, it’s best to begin by simply looking into each other’s eyes with a very soft gaze. It can be a little edgy for some people, looking into a lover’s eyes. It’s such a powerful act of intimacy.” You’re naked and vulnerable. It’s the perfect opportunity to practice letting go.
Let go of any assumptions you’ve made about the person in front of you. Become curious about who your lover truly is. “Look past the personality and beyond all the stories you tell about them or they tell about themselves. Look into their eyes and just allow their essence to reveal itself.”
According to Bratton, Tantric sex can be a very meditative and informative experience since you’re tuning in with your emotions and mental chatter. Bring your attention back to yourself. Notice how you feel physically. Notice how your emotions are running. Notice if you have any mental chatter going on. She says to tune in to how these various aspects of your experience affect you.
If the eyes are indeed the window to the soul, what do you see through that window when you look at your lover? It’s been said that the heart is the doorway to the infinite. “I want you to start feeling into your own heart as you gaze into your lover’s eyes. What’s in your heart when you look at your beloved?”
How To Get the Most out of the Yab Yum Position
“You can take this practice to the next level by shifting focus and going back and forth from having your attention on yourself, to putting your attention on your partner as you breathe in and out together. Connecting your breath and breathing together is a beautiful way to deepen your connection. When you’re ready, you can add the element of touch. Reach out and take your lover’s hands. Or place your hand on their heart and bring their hand to rest on yours,” suggests Bratton.
If you want to dive in even deeper, Bratton encourages you to enhance your Yab Yum session by purposely engaging all five of your senses. You can do this by using aromatic oils, playing soft, sensual music, and even feeding each other. “Bring flowers into the room. Use body oils to bring your sense of touch alive and activate the sensual grid that is your skin. Get creative and find ways to delight all of your senses,” says Bratton.
According to Bratton, another way to play with sexual energy is to use intention to actually spread it through your body. Energy follows intention, so be very attentive when you’re making love. “Men, when you’re inside a woman, send your sexual energy down through your manhood and into her body. With intentional focus, she’ll really feel your masculine energy as you enter her sacred place.
Focus more on feeling her than pushing in and out of her or having her grind on your penis. It’s all about sending sexual energy into her yoni.” But the most important thing is remembering to have fun. “Sexual energy is exciting to play with and it can take you into even higher levels of pleasure,” says Bratton.
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