Which Pipe Would You Give as a Gift?

[twostar]

Hi everyone. I'm hoping someone can help me.
I want to buy a pipe as a gift for a pipe smoking golf nut, male 65 years old. I want it to be a surprise but really not sure which one to go for as I have no knowledge of pipes at all. I understand that as with every common interest we humans share everything is subjective, you like red, I like blue etc.....
Is there a dead cert of a pipe I could get for him that he will enjoy, I'm looking to spend around $150 or £100
I am actually looking to start smoking a pipe my self too, but don't think I can get through enough pipes and tobacco combinations to see what might be best in time for his birthday in August, hence asking you guys to dip into your wealth of knowledge to point me in the right direction.
Thanks in advance

 

[msutton]

Savinelli's Bing's Favorite is in your price range and has a golf club and ball insignia stamped on it. Even if he has one already, it will show that you were thoughtful enough to combine both of his passions into one gift.

 

[mp31guitar]

Honestly, I wouldn't want a pipe as a gift because I'm just too particular about what I like. But, that's just me. I'd rather have a gift certificate to my B&M. If you do buy a pipe there are some good ones in your price range such as stanwell.

 

[thesmokindragon]

A bacci pipe is a wonderful gift, but as mp31guitar states, you really have to know what the smoker's prefs are; straight or bent, smooth, rusticated or sandblasted, stem materials; lucite or vulcanite, size/weight, chamber size, types of bacci blends smoked... now with that in mind and if you do know all of this, Stanwell, Peterson, Sav, Boswell (hand-made), Jake Hackert (hand-made) are in that price range. I see SmokingPipes.com now has gift cards so that is an option as well

 

[twostar]

Thanks guys. That looks like a nice pipe msutton, might get one for myself anyway :D

mp31guitar I was thinking of a gift certificate as I know how particular I am about my hobbies :D
I'll have to have a closer look at his pipe as I know it's on it's way out, but there is nothing like having free range with a gift certificate to have a guilt free shop ::

 

[twostar]

Thanks thesmokingdragon, that's sage advice my friend. I knew there was more to this than met the eye. :D

 

[mp31guitar]

Not that I wouldn't be grateful if someone did gift me a pipe. After all, it's the thought that counts.

 

[pitchfork]

I can't imagine not being thrilled with the gift of a $150 pipe. I think the Bing is a good choice, actually.
It's hard to go wrong with a straight billiard of any kind if it's made by a reputable maker like Stanwell, Savinelli or Peterson. Any billiard pipe at the $150 level, as long as it's not outlandish in color or finish, is likely to please the vast majority of smokers.

 

[terrygoldman123]

I, too, would be delighted with ANY $150 pipe BUT they are personal so I recommend a gift certificate. As for brands, I like the smoke-a-bility and moderate price range of Butz Choquin. You are one dear friend.

 

[twostar]

Thanks pitchfork I am starting to lean towards the Bing.
Maybe I'll have to get 2 so I can keep one for myself :D
I ride bicycles and have a few of them, all different, do different things and I enjoy them all, hope it's the same with my pipe choice.
Cheers ::

 

[twostar]

Thanks terrygoldman123 that's another vote for a gift certificate taken on board :D

 

[mso489]

Knowing how I am about selecting a pipe, I'd go for the gift certificate. You could get him a great pipe, but if it isn't

the pipe he'd select, it might not work out. For that money, you want him to end up with a pipe he'll smoke regularly,

not a memento. Also, this gives him the pleasure of going to the pipe shop or web site and having his run of the

inventory at the price, or add a little (or a lot) if he chooses; he'd still regard it as your gift.

 

[erichbaumer]

I guess I'll chime in and advocate buying a pipe. I say this while acknowledging how EXTREMELY picky I am about my pipes. I did recieve a couple pipes as gifts from a dear elderly friend-they belonged to his long departed father. Neither of them are the style of pipe I'd buy for myself. However, I've come to really enjoy and love both of them-I appreciate the guesture even more, and they're two of my most valued pipes. There's a special touch to it if you buy a specific pipe, regardless of style. And the Bing is an excellent option. Good luck either way.

 

[zekest]

If its the thought that counts, give them one of your old Grabow pipes and with a Sharpie marker write Dunhill on it.

 

[twostar]

Thank you very much for your advice everyone, you have helped me out tremendously.
I am going to buy him the Savinelli Bings favourite with the 1/8th bent stem. I know he will look upon it with great fondness every time he ::
If he doesn't then I'll keep it for myself and get him a gift certificate.
Thanks again :D

 

[mp31guitar]

That's a nice pipe. I'm sure your friend will love it. Excellent suggestion msutton.