With Thanksgiving officially in the rear-view mirror, you probably know what season it is... shopping season.
And Stogie Guys know that this season means giving the gift of cigars to our 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 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 those are tired old clichés, but they're also true. When you give a sampler of ten different cigars, it's like giving ten different gifts. They might not love all ten, but chances are they'll really enjoy at least a few, and you might even be responsible for turning someone on to their new favorite smoke. (Then they'll owe you big time!)
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 premium cigars (the kinds that run over $10 a stick) for that person who refuses to spend more than three bucks per stick for him or herself.
If gifts are meant to be special, then what is more special than giving the guy who smokes only value cigars a premium cigar that he would never purchase for himself?
Article comments
1 - Phillip Winn
I've been generally dissatisfied with the cigars I've tried, except for those that cost $10+. I don't think I can afford those, even at my once a week rate. Any thoughts on good cigars for *less* than $10 each?
2 - Patrick A
Take a look at the StogieGuys.com archived reviews page. We've given many affordable cigars very good ratings.
3 - Fidel
If u not smokein cubans it aint no smoke. Fc
4 - Stogie Guy
Don't listen to Fidel... he quit smoking cigars over a decade ago!
There are lots of great non-cuban cigars around these days, you just need keep trying cigars until you find something you like.
As for spending less than $10 per cigar, give me a $10+ cigar you like and I'll suggest something less expensive that is similar.
5 - Fidel
What do you recommend Stogie Guy? Have amigo wants to know. Of course Im not FC. This amigo is always looking for great stogies. Get tired of his bitching. Sometimes I think he needs to smoke at the other end.Have a good-day Stogie Guy.
Sincerely,
Fidel Castro
6 - Stogie Guy
Fidel-
Try the Padron 1926 Series. It is generally considered one of the best cigars in the world (Cubans included) and it just got a 5 out of 5 rating from Stogie Guys.
7 - sr
Thanks Stogie Guy. Will pass it on.