Pipe and Pipe Tobacco
Take rare cigars for example, they are really popular amongst smoking aficionados. They not only last longer and have a deeper and stronger taste than a standard cigarette, they also come in a wider range of flavors, making it easy for the recipient of your gift to be adventurous and try out new things. They also last longer, giving them even more value as they can be enjoyed longer. To find the ones he really likes you can use a variety of information sources. On the internet you can find out more in general about cigars and which ones are popular at the moment or you can go to your local tobacconist and ask for advice. A specialist shop will be very happy to assist you to find the right type of cigars for your friend.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for something more unusual, why not gifting a pipe and pipe tobacco combo? Also these are available in e-shops or in specialist retail shops. There are so many pipe designs available that it is really easy to find one that matches your friends taste. Pipe tobacco comes in even more flavors than cigars and finding the right one can be a bit of a challenge, but you could always buy a selection of several tobacco samples, giving your friend even more to choose from.
Some smokers refuse completely to smoke anything else than cigarettes. In this case you might want to resort to buying a nice smoking gadget such as a cigarette case, a special lighter, a nice ashtray or similar.
In summary, you want to buy something for your friend that he really enjoys. If cigars are not his thing, don't buy them for him. If he has already too many ashtrays, choose something else. And whilst many people enjoy pipe and pipe tobacco related gifts, others don't. If worst comes to worst, you can always buy him a pack of his favorite cigarettes, like in all these years before.

