Why a custom leather wallet is the perfect gentleman's gift

Even in America’s digital age, every gentleman still needs a wallet. The cash-free age has not arrived in just yet – in fact the most recent YouGov statistics show cash is still the most commonly used payment form in the US, favored by two out of three Americans. The need to also carry bank cards, ID and other documents means a wallet is still part of everyday life – and a leather wallet, in particular, is a stylish, enduring and practical accessory. 

The enduring appeal of a leather wallet

Leather has been used as a practical and robust material since the dawn of human civilization. Archaeologists have found evidence of leather tanning tools being used in Neolithic times, some 7,000 years ago. 

Today, there are dozens of materials and fabrics to choose from, both natural and man-made. People can choose to have wallets made of canvas, elastic or polyester, for example. But leather is still the most popular material for a wallet because it combines classic style and elegance with practicality and durability. Better still, a good quality leather wallet looks even better as the leather ages.

A personalized leather wallet makes a great gift 

It’s a common cliché that it is impossible to think of gifts for the modern American man, but a custom wallet made of leather is a guaranteed winner. As we have established, everyone needs a wallet, and it is one of the few style accessories that you can guarantee will be used, even by men who claim to have no interest in style or fashion. 

The fact that you can personalize a leather wallet makes it all the more ideal as a gift. The type of personalization is up to you. You could simply get the recipient’s name or initials embossed on the front of the wallet. But some leather wallets, for example the tri-fold style, have space for a more detailed customization, such as a sentence to memorialize the occasion when the wallet was gifted, such as a birthday, or on starting a new job. 

Choosing the right leather wallet

A quick look online will tell you there are literally hundreds of leather wallets out there to choose from. Selecting the right one might sound like a nightmare, but once you narrow down the style, size and quality, you will soon have a manageable shortlist. Here’s how to go about it:

Choosing the style:

Wallets typically have slots for cards and wider compartments for cash. Some also have a section where the owner can keep a photo of a loved one, and others have a large section in which the user can fit a check book. This is where it is important to know the recipient’s personality and habits. Does he mostly use cards or cash? Does he still write checks regularly? Generally, older people do so, while younger generations do not. Does he have a sentimental nature and carry physical photos of loved ones, or are all his pictures on his phone? Answer these questions and you will have a good idea of the style of wallet you need.

Choosing the size:

This is a much simpler decision. Does he keep his wallet in a shoulder bag, rucksack or briefcase? If so, you can look at larger wallets. If, on the other hand, he carries his wallet in the pocket of his pants or jacket, a smaller wallet will be more practical.

Check the quality:

A gift should be high quality, so take a good look at your shortlist of wallets. Specifically, check that the stitching is even and the edges are straight. You can verify this when buying online by closely studying the images. Also, when buying a custom leather wallet online, pay attention to the customer reviews. 

Ideal for the man who has everything

A leather wallet is an ideal gift for any gentleman, whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary or Father’s Day. It is practical and can be personalized to reflect the recipient’s personality and lifestyle.