Choosing for him
Start with what he carries. If it is a phone, wallet and keys, a belt bag such as the Ely ($115) or the slim Skipton sling ($145) gets used every day. If he carries a tablet, the Hexham large sling ($175) or the Thirsk crossbody ($195). If the bag is for work, choose one that takes his laptop; the size matters more than the style. See personalized briefcases.
What to press
A blind press of his initials is the classic for a man's bag: it reads as a maker's mark. For an anniversary, the wedding date or a Roman numeral III inside the bag is a private detail he will find every day. Put it in the order notes and we will confirm it fits before we press.
Leather that marks the years
Full grain leather darkens and softens with use. Cognac and tan change the most and show a clear patina within a year; black and chocolate stay closest to new. If the gift is meant to look better on your tenth anniversary than your third, choose cognac.
Timing
Every bag is made to order. Smooth leather and suede bags leave the workshop in 5 to 7 working days, hand woven bags in 4 to 6, and a monogram adds one working day. US orders then travel 3 to 5 working days by tracked express courier, and they ship duty paid, so there is nothing to pay on the doorstep. If the date you are buying for is less than two weeks away, ask us first and we will tell you honestly whether it will arrive in time.
Every bag can come back within 30 days, monogrammed or not. For gifts for her, see 3rd anniversary leather gifts.