Cigar lovers-by reputation-tend not to be the kind of
people it's hard to buy gifts for. After all, cigar smoking is an activity
commonly associated with class, a sense of affluence, an interest in the finer
things in life. Dedicated cigar smokers tend to know a lot about their hobby,
and they tend already to have, after the first year or two of smoking, most of
the little accessories that make a cigar collection complete.
If your friend or loved one is a new smoker, of
course, your job is much easier: there's any number of gadgets and accoutrement that a lover of cigars
needs, the collection of which usually takes a bit of time to build up. Does
your friend or loved one have a humidor? How about a hygrometer, or replacement
hygrometer (the instrument that regulates humidity levels in the humidor, thus
protecting cigars from rot)? If those needs are taken care of, it's always good
to have some polypropylene or other humidifying solution (bottles of these can
be found at cigar stores, in person or online). And of course no
self-respecting smoker should be without a cigar cutter-or several. Find one
that can be carried safely in the pocket, and your friend will probably love
you to pieces.
But what about the more experienced cigar lover?
Well, that's where you'll have to get creative.
One company offers what is being called the
"cigar caddy," a small, tough humidor designed to protect your cigars
from inclement weather and other atypical conditions. Especially recommended by
(and to) military folks, these waterproof carriers (from the outside, they look
a bit like suitcases) may be just the thing for that outdoorsy cigar smoker.
A good humidor, of course, needs polishing (indoor
humidors often have the secondary benefit of just looking good among your
furniture), so gentle wood polish might be indicated. Just as the inside of the
humidor needs to be kept properly hydrated (but not too much!), the outside
should-like a pair of gentleman's shoes-be allowed to look its best.
Of course, no cigar smoker should be without a good
set of ashtrays-even if she or he doesn't smoke in the house. (They make good
decoration, if nothing else.) Cigar stores and online providers offer a full
range of ashtrays specially sized for the bigger, girthier cigar shape, though if
you feel like going on a search, you may find ashtrays that qualify for a
second job as fascinating, outré objets
d'art. Art Deco ashtrays, ashtrays made from old melted-down Mozart records
(the writer of this article has actually seen, and owns, one of these), retro
ashtrays … the sky's the limit. Try your smaller local art galleries if you
wish to go this more creative route.
Cigarette cases are never a mistake, for any smoker,
even one who strongly prefers cigars. For one thing, smokers tend to
congregate, and even a cigar-only person will often keep a few packs of
finer-quality cigarettes on hand for visitors who may be less discriminating in
their love of tobacco. And cigarette cases just look good. Consider giving one
as a classy gift.
For the committed smoker who does most of her or his
partaking indoors, a nice lighter-the kind that you can't give to someone who
mostly smokes outside, on the run-makes a great gift item and a lovely gesture.
Table lighters, more expensive and more permanent than the portable kind, are
an especially good way to personalize someone's smoking area. Like the habitual
coffeecup that makes your first morning brew seem so welcoming and familiar,
having a good, attractive table lighter that always greets you when you go to
smoke your cigars can add a comforting touch of ritual to an already-beloved
activity.
About CigarFox
CigarFox provides you the opportunity to build
your own sampler of the finest cigars that include cigar brands like
Montecristo, Romeo & Julieta, H Upmann, Macanudo, Cohiba, Partagas, Gurkha
and many more. Choose from more than 1200 different cigars! Other cigar
products include cigar humidors, cigar boxes, and cigar accessories like Zippo
Lighters. For more information, please visit http://www.CigarFox.com.
|
