Stogie Tips: Giving the Gift of Cigars for the Holidays

Believe it or not, there’s only 16 shopping days left until Christmas. That may sound like a lot of time until you add in all the holiday traffic, errands, and travel.

Chances are you’ve got at least one cigar enthusiast on your shopping list. Be it a father, an uncle, a friend, or a co-worker, it’s important to keep in mind that tastes in cigars vary widely. Some people are averse to specific brands based on past experiences, some only like very mild or very strong cigars, some are maduro smokers or Cuban snobs, and some are just plain picky. Whatever the case, here are seven simple rules that will help you choose the best gift for your favorite cigar smoker:

1. Check your local tobacconist. If the person on your list frequents one specific shop, chat with the proprietor, who may be able to make a few educated recommendations based on past purchases. Failing that, he may be willing sell you a gift certificate to his store so your gift recipient can make his own choices.

2. Think back. The best gifts are usually the most thoughtful. So try to recall a specific occasion when you shared a particular brand or blend. It may sound overly sentimental, but fond memories always make cigars taste better.

3. Avoid box purchases. Some people are easy to buy for because they have a favorite cigar and you know that they’ll enjoy a whole box. Most people, though, aren’t that easy. That’s why we don’t suggest buying a whole box. It’s a lot of money to invest in a gift that can easily go awry.

4. Samplers can be a hit. In December, every cigar retailer on the planet touts holiday samplers that are priced to move. Getting the person on your list a variety of different cigars increases the chances of gift-giving success. Maybe the sampler will include one of his longtime favorites—or maybe it will include a cigar he has yet to try.

5. Listen. We cigar enthusiasts tend to complain to each other when our lighter stops lighting or our cutter stops cutting. If the person on your list has made a similar complaint in recent weeks, he may have been hinting at a Christmas gift. Now’s the time to capitalize on your listening skills.

6. Give what you would like to receive. Don’t give crap. Re-purposing bad cigars from your own collection as gifts is a serious faux pas.

7. You don’t have to go mainstream. Macanudos and Montecristos are fine for some, but the discerning enthusiast will surely enjoy cigars from off the beaten path. Try selecting some of your favorite house blends or boutiques.

This list of holiday shopping tips is far from exhaustive. Please add your own gift-buying suggestions in the comments section below. Meanwhile, best wishes for a happy, cigar-filled holiday season.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Flickr