How to gift fragrance
Fragrance is personal, which makes it a risky gift and a lovely one. These tips help you get it right.
Fragrance is one of the most popular gifts, and one of the hardest to get right. Taste is deeply personal, and a scent that smells wonderful to you may not suit someone else. A little detective work goes a long way.
Find out what they already wear
The safest approach is to notice what they wear now. Look at their shelf, or ask a friend or family member. A fragrance they love, or a related one from the same house, is a better bet than a guess.
If you do not know their taste
- Choose a discovery set. A set of small samples lets them find what they love, and it is fun to open.
- Pick something easy to wear. Fresh, light and woody scents tend to suit most people more than very sweet or very strong ones.
- Add a gift receipt where the retailer allows returns or exchanges.
Match the person
- For someone new to fragrance: a versatile, everyday scent.
- For a collector: something that fills a gap in their collection, such as a warm winter scent if they mostly own fresh ones.
- For someone who has everything: a nice travel atomiser, a bottle stand or a storage box.
Buy from a trusted seller
Gifts that turn out to be fakes are a real disappointment. Buy from the brand or an authorised retailer, and be cautious of prices far below normal.
Not sure about the person's taste? Read fragrance families explained first.
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