Stogie Tip: Giving the Gift of Cigars

With Thanksgiving officially in the rear-view mirror, you probably know what season it is…shopping season.

And Stogie Guys know this season means giving the gift of cigars to our fellow BOTL’s (Brothers of the Leaf). But that task isn’t always as easy as it sounds.

Smokers’ tastes in cigars vary widely. Some are averse to specific brands based on bad past experiences, some only like very mild or very strong cigars, some are maduro smokers and Cuban snobs, and some are people (like us) that will try any handmade cigar once.

You see, unlike buying cigars for yourself, buying cigars for friends, relatives, acquaintances, and co-workers is an entirely different animal. So to help you out, here are three tips for good cigar gift-giving.

1. Avoid buying the box

Some people are easy to buy for because they have a specific favorite cigar and you know that buying them a box of those means they will be thoroughly enjoyed. Unfortunately, most people aren’t that easy. That’s why we don’t suggest buying a whole box.

We always recommend trying few sticks before jumping in for an entire box, and that’s even more true for gifts. Tastes are quirky and even if you really think that the recipient will enjoy it, there’s a chance for reasons completely beyond your control that they won’t.

2. Samplers are the way to go

Samplers make great gifts and here’s why: Variety is the spice of life. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

Sure they are tired old clichés, but they are also true. When you give a sampler of ten different cigars, it is like giving ten different gifts. They might not love all ten, but chances are they will really enjoy at least a few, and you might even be responsible for turning someone on to their new favorite smoke.

3. Get something special

Finally, we suggest getting someone something they wouldn’t buy themselves. Gifts are meant to be special, so buy some super premiums for that person who refuses to spend more than three bucks per stick for himself.

If gifts are meant to be special, then what is more special than giving that guy who smokes only value cigars a premium cigar that he would never purchase for himself?

[Note: This list of holiday shopping tips is far from exhaustive. Please add your own gift buying suggestions in the comments section of this post.]

-Patrick S