What do I need to know about buying a humidor?

[Zsofia]

For my boyfriend, for Christmas. Ideally I'd like to get him a larger one than he has now, maybe even the kind that stands on the floor. However, I'm not made of money.

Are cheaper humidors any good? What's a good online source? (I'll look around at the tobacco shops, too, of course). What do I need to look for? Any common mistakes in buying them? How much should I expect to have to spend?

Last year the cigar people on this board were really helpful when I ended up worrying about the box of cigars my dad got him, so I was hoping you had some good advice for me now. I don't want to get him something that will make him say, "Gee, thanks, honey..." in that "Wow, it's the thought, huh?" way.

[Spoons]

I can't help with "where to buy" or "how much" questions, but I can help a little with "what to look for."

First of all, a good humidor is lined with Spanish cedar, and should have a nice cedary aroma when you open it up. The box and the lid should fit snugly, and not be loose--if you drop the lid, it should not slam shut. It should settle into place as the air inside oozes out. This seal will become tighter once the humidor has been seasoned and is holding cigars.

Be aware that the new humidor will require some seasoning, so if you can, ask your tobacconist for some seasoning solution. Many cigar aficionados make their own out of ingredients available at the drugstore, but it is much easier to buy it pre-mixed, especially if you're giving a gift--he will likely want to season it immediately, rather than having to run to the drugstore and play Junior Chemist on Christmas Day. Of course, the humidor will have a humidifying system (for example, a block of foam that you would soak with the solution) and it should also have a hygrometer. Ideally, the hygrometer will be digital; dial ones do the job but with less accuracy, generally.

But do go to a tobacconist and see what they have. They will be glad to show you what they have, and explain about humidifying solutions, Spanish cedar, and suchlike. You'll also be able to check prices; and if you visit more than one tobacconist, you can check the stock and prices across tobacconists.

Hope this helps--I'm sure I could say more, but if you have any further questions, please ask.