The holidays are over and you’ve got some extra cash and new gift cards you want to spend. Instead of blowing your money on trendy gadgets or tech toys, I’ve put together a simple shopping guide for men. The items on this list are worth investing in because they’ll greatly improve your health, wealth, and relationships going into the new year.

Here are some items worth picking up:

Home Use Chin-Up/Pull-Up Bar

Your typical man ages horribly. Most guys get fat and develop potbellies once they hit age 25. Staying in-shape is the perfect way to separate yourself from the herd.

You’re going to get compliments even if you’re reasonably fit (i.e. not fat). And having abs or visible muscles puts you into a whole new league.

Being physically fit opens up a whole new world of opportunities. It makes dating easier, other men respect you more, and you feel more confident about yourself. And while there are many great ways to improve your physique, I personally recommend doing at least some of your exercises at home.

Picking up a chin-up/pull-up bar (like this one) is a fantastic way to build muscle and stay healthy. Stick this in your bedroom or bathroom doorway and do a couple sets every time you walk in or out of the room.

You’re going to be noticeably muscular with 90 days.

A Copy Of “Convict Conditioning” Or “Special Ops Fitness Training“

While we’re on the topic of health, no shopping guide for men is complete without one of the following books: Convict Conditioning or Special Ops Fitness. These are both workout programs built around body weight exercises.

What’s nice about each title is that you can do most of the routines anywhere in the world, even if you don’t have access to a gym. This is perfect if you’re traveling abroad, constantly busy, or live in an area without many workout options. Using one of these guides makes it easy to stay fit without a huge time or monetary investment.

Which book you choose is up to you, though Convict Conditioning is more beginner friendly while Special Ops Fitness uses an intense workout system for faster gains.

Quality Dating Site Membership (Even A Free One)

A lot of men have never met or talked with foreign women before. They’re missing out. Women from places like Latin America and Asia have personalities that US women can’t match. There is a reason that “incels” are a an America only problem.

Treat yourself to the joys of dating abroad this year by joining a foreign dating site and (at the very least) scoping out the local talent.

You can use a paid subscription site like Asian Dating or ColombianCupid (both excellent choices). Or you can join a free program like Thai Friendly (another good choice and very active). In terms of gift ideas for yourself, nothing beats a quality dating site. You’re going to connect with a lot of attractive, friendly women from all over the globe.

Plane Ticket To Another Country

Make it a point to visit at least one new country this year.

International travel opens your eyes to other cultures and customs. Plus it’s incredibly fun (for multiple reasons).

If you like drinking or partying, there are many countries which excel at this (full moon parties in Thailand or Caribbean festivals instantly come to mind). If you like sports or competitive events, go visit somewhere known for this (kickboxing in Thailand, sumo wrestling in Japan), and there are a ton of places perfect for simply relaxing and unwinding.

Best of all, travel is pretty affordable. You can easily see the world in style (or at least visit one or two countries this year) without breaking the bank.

Credit card reward points make it easy to book flights, and most cities have a comparatively lower cost of living than their Western counterparts.

There’s no excuse not to travel this year.

Daily Planner

This is one of those cheap “dollar store investments” that costs nothing, but yields big results. Writing down and tracking goals is an easy way to turn dreams into reality. Best of all, this works for anything you want.

I use a very simple notebook and pen to track all my weekly and monthly goals. This allows me to save time (by focusing on what’s important), save money (by setting a budget), and make huge leaps forward every year. As Brian Tracy says: “What gets measured gets done.”

You can pick up a planner at any big box retailer or grocery store for under $10. My personal notebook has flowers on it (the only option at my local dollar store), but you can always get something like this journal 5-pack that’s more stylish and masculine.

Plants For Your House Or Apartment

This is the easiest way to class up your home, and it’s something most men never think of. Buying some houseplants adds in extra life and vibrancy. Plus women love indoor gardens.

You can buy some cool greenery for under $50, and it’ll have a huge impact on how your house or apartment looks. Best of all, you can simply order your plants off Amazon (I recommend this five pack of cacti or four year-old Bonsai Tree), saving you a trip to the store.

Potted plants are an inexpensive yet rewarding addition to any home, and they’re going to class up the place. A perfect investment for the social man who throws parties or has girls over.

A Weekend Spent In A Five-Star Hotel

If you already travel (or use a credit card rewards program), you’re going to have free points and incentives for hotels and lodgings. This makes it insanely easy to upgrade your stay and enjoy top-notch accommodations at zero extra cost.

Staying at a five-star resort or hotel is fantastic. Especially if you’re in a major international city or visiting an “emerging market.” I personally stayed in a few high-end places this year and really enjoyed both. Especially since they didn’t cost anything thanks to various rewards programs!

Make it a point to save tactically and treat yourself to a nice weekend vacation (on the house) this year.

Final Thoughts On The 2019 Shopping Guide For Men

We’re entering a new year, and new decade, make it a point to invest in yourself. Improving your health, quality of life, and relationships are all great ways to ensure that 2020 is your best year yet.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this holiday shopping guide for men, and Happy New Year!