The Zippo is a true survivor. It survived the Great Depression, the fall of generals and wars, heated elections and infamous presidents, and the public's fickle taste for all things new and trendy. It remains the most trusted ally of American soldiers caught in the cold and heat of many a battlefield.

You cannot keep a good lighter down, and the Zippo is proof of this. This is why personalized Zippos make ideal gifts. They blend historical value with classic design and solid performance.

Personalized Zippos: Versatile Gifts

If you don't know what to give to friends or bosses, give personalized Zippos. Personalized Zippos have become collectors' items. There are about a thousand designs showing just about anything. Personalized Zippos may showcase:

● interesting logos

● inscriptions by prominent presidents, politicians, union leaders, and celebrities who gave away personalized Zippos to mark an occasion

● sports and outdoor themes

● specific branches of the military

● logos and slogans from government agencies, such as the NASA

● dogs, horses, and other animals

● year of manufacture

● brand names of now defunct aviation, petroleum, tobacco, or automotive companies

There are also personalized Zippos for every occasions including:

● historical events, such as the first human landing on the moon

● first launching of a major product by a major company

● memorable military victories, such as the Japanese surrender on USS Missouri

● important political victories

● space launches, flight records, or amazing feats of endurance

● politically incorrect Sippos manufactured many, many years ago when political humor was more conservative

● sport championships

Personalized Zippos: Investment or Indulgence?

Personalized Zippos make meaningful gifts not only because they are a part of the American past, but also because they are good investments. Personalized Zippos, in particular, are not just lighters. They are highly valued collectors' items, and over time, the value of a vintage personalized Zippo kept in excellent condition would only increase. Rare and very old personalized Zippos can fetch thousands of dollars on the market. Zippos with contemporary themes, on the other hand, may command very high prices. Examples of just such lighters include Hard Rock Cafe Zippos, Camel Zippos, and Zippos used in movie productions.

Zippos: Faked?

Personalized Zippos are such marketable commodities faked Zippos have actually emerged in the market. Because vintage Zippos can be sold for astronomical sums, personalized Zippos that have been engraved, modified, or improved upon by groups other than the Zippo Manufacturing Company are making an appearance. These fake Zippos are commonly sold in Asian and European markets. They are engraved and made to appear older to dupe collectors into paying large sums for them.

Looking for Vintage Zippos?

Old personalized Zippos are not difficult to find. Try your parents' attic or desk drawers. You could also try asking your grandparents and relatives. Other places to look for personalized Zippos include:

● estate sales and local auctions

● antique shops

● collectors' websites

● collectors' clubs

● online shops, such as eBay

● antique shows

● flea markets

● garage sales

Truly, personalized Zippos would make excellent gifts for just about anyone who means a lot to you. When you give a vintage Zippo, you don't just give a lighter. You give a piece of American history.