How to Buy a Cigar as a Christmas Gift (when you don’t smoke)

Fortunately, if they enjoy a cigar lately, you can gift them a nice cigar. It’s personal, yet it doesn’t have to be outlandish, especially if you put some care into the way you gift it.

The challenge is, where do you start? The packaging of a cigar box may be pretty, but that doesn’t say anything about the cigar itself, or its taste and intensity. Even if you know nothing about cigars because you don’t smoke, you can learn to pick a nice one.

Look at the Person, Not the Box

Perhaps the most comfortable way to pick a cigar is by knowing what they smoke. If they smoke cigars regularly, then you can’t go wrong with a brand or format they know. If they only smoke occasionally, maybe they’d be better off with a milder cigar.

You could casually ask questions to get to know what they like. You could ask, for instance, what they smoke, what they like to savour or if they prefer something light or rich. You can ask them how long they like to spend enjoying a cigar. Sometimes, if it’s your partner or family, you will already know if they like a cigar after dinner or on special occasions.

You can also take a good guess by looking at what they drink. If they like whisky after a meal, for instance, then perhaps they’d like a richer cigar. If they like a lighter drink, perhaps they’d be better off with a milder cigar. Of course, these aren’t the only rules, because tastes vary.

If you don’t smoke cigars yourself, avoid buying a box of assorted cigars for someone whose preferences you don’t know. A single, carefully chosen cigar is a better starting point.

Light, Medium or Full-Bodied?

Generally speaking, one of the essential cigar comparisons is the intensity of the cigar. You often hear about mild, medium-bodied and full-bodied cigars. It’s important to know the flavour isn’t the same as intensity, although a fuller-bodied cigar can have a distinctly rich flavour.

The origin of the tobacco leaves is also a way to distinguish them. For instance, Dominican cigars are generally known for their smooth, approachable blends. That makes them an excellent choice for someone who enjoys an occasional cigar. Some Nicaraguan cigars, in turn, are characterised by earthy, spicy or full-bodied flavours. Cuban cigars are extremely varied, but their origin doesn’t determine the intensity of a cigar.

A Not-Too-Intense Gift

When choosing a cigar for someone who smokes occasionally, a mild, elegant cigar is a sensible place to start.

VegaFina celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2025. Its cigars are made at Tabacalera de García in La Romana, Dominican Republic, and are known for their smooth, creamy character. The brand offers several lines, from mild options to fuller-bodied blends, including the original 1998 line, Fortaleza 2 and Nicaragua.

Many of the VegaFina cigars in UK specialists’ humidors come in individual aluminium tubes, which help protect the cigar and look rather smart as a Christmas gift.

Before choosing, it’s wise to check the cigar’s strength and format. If you know the recipient prefers a fuller cigar, a mild option might not suit them. If you’re unsure, a smooth, approachable cigar is a reasonable choice.

Where Do You Buy Your Cigars, and What Should You Check?

In a specialist shop, a seller can help you make the distinction between brands, formats and strengths. This is excellent for a Christmas gift, especially if you don’t know which cigar your recipient likes, because you can explain their preferences and ask for a recommendation.

Supermarkets and airports may have a limited selection. Always store your cigars at the right humidity to preserve their condition. It’s worthwhile choosing a reputable shop that takes storage seriously. A dry cigar, for instance, may lose some of its character, and poor storage can affect its quality.

Authenticity is also worth checking, particularly when buying Cuban cigars. When buying online, check the product details and delivery arrangements, and make sure any applicable age-verification requirements are met.

For instance, Mr Cigar Shop is an option for those who prefer to browse from home. The shop offers a range of accessories and cigars online UK shoppers can explore before making their choice.

Tidy Packaging

Nothing tops a small cigar presented with care and appropriate storage for the festive season. A single cigar in a tube, paired with a decent cutter and a bottle they like, can make a thoughtful gift.

The team at Mr Cigar Shop says it like this:

“The cigars that get smoked are rarely the most expensive ones. For someone who enjoys one now and then, a mild cigar in a tube, a decent cutter and a bottle they already like makes a far better present than a big box that sits in a drawer until spring.”