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12 Tips For Choosing A Fragrance Gift, Straight From Experts
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Marc Tran / Stocksy
‘Tis the season for holiday shopping. Picking presents can be hard, but there is one category that is almost universally loved: fragrance. A perfume can change someone’s mood, elevate their vibe, and much, much more. “Fragrance is deeply personal, which makes it a wonderful gift for expressing a connection and understanding of someone’s personality,” says Sonia Constant, a senior perfumer with Givaudan. “Fragrance evokes memories and emotions, making it more than just a scent—it’s an experience you share with the person receiving it.”
In fact, Bee Shapiro, the founder of Ellis Brooklyn, loves turning fragrance gifting into a true experience. “My favorite gifts are about shared time together, and nothing captures that quite [as beautifully as] a scent memory,” she says. “I love the idea of gifting a loved one a scent with a little invite to a girls’ night out in 2025 or a date night with a lover.”
Another reason perfume makes for a perfect present? People are often unlikely to splurge on it for themselves. “There’s really only one purpose for fragrance: pleasure,” says Zodica Perfumery president Kristi Moe. “Perfume is a decadent indulgence that one may not often bestow upon themselves. This makes the gift of fragrance extra special.” And unlike a sweater, you don’t have to worry about it fitting. “A perfume is a good gift because it’s the opposite of clothing—it doesn’t have to match a body type or size,” says Ben Krigler, fifth-generation perfumer of Krigler. “It can fit everyone and take you to a different world. A fragrance is always a great gift because it takes the receiver to a different place.”
However, finding just the right perfume can be tricky. That’s why we went straight to the experts for tips on picking out a fragrance for someone else. Read on for what they had to say.
Find Out Their Faves
Knowing the recipient’s go-to scents can help you narrow down the options. “If you can find out beforehand some of the fragrances they like [you can match those notes with] something new and unique in the market to complement their fragrance portfolio,” says Adriana Medina, vice president perfumer, fine fragrances, at Givaudan. “Find out the fragrance brands they like to use and explore outside those options to give something new and special.”
Ask About Any Restrictions or Sensitivities
You wouldn’t throw a dinner party without asking about dietary restrictions or food allergies first; the same goes for shopping for a fragrance. “Does this person have any sensitivities like allergies or headaches?” Moe says. “Then look for perfumes that don’t use fragrance extenders, parabens, phthalates, or dyes. Avoid rollerballs and select sprays instead.” That way, even if they have skin sensitivities, “they will still be able to spray their clothes and enjoy the fragrance,” she notes.
Take Their Vibes Into Account
“You should think about the personality and lifestyle of the person,” Constant says. “Are they someone who loves being outdoors, or do they prefer cozy, intimate spaces? Also, consider the scents they usually gravitate toward. Do they like something floral, fresh, or maybe something warm and woody? It’s about finding a scent that aligns with who they are.”
Think About Keeping It Clean
A scent with clean or citrus notes can be a good call since these are usually crowd-pleasers according to Krigler. “The key would be to pick a more neutral scent.” His go-to for a genderless, safe choice is Krigler’s Extraordinaire Camelia 209, which he considers neutral since there isn’t “one note more important than the other. It’s subtle, a bit citrusy, a bit powdery, a bit sweet, a bit floral. Men call it the white tea scent; women love it because it’s not overpowering, but it’s delicate and leaves a little path with a nice touch.”
Consider the Shelfie Appeal
Sometimes it’s a good idea to judge a book by its cover. “Look at aesthetics and packaging,” Shapiro says. “Fragrance is definitely a category where the vanity aesthetic is important. What might resonate with your person?” After all, for some people, how a perfume looks on their vanity is more important than how it smells.
Take Your Time
Buying a scent immediately after the first sniff isn’t advised. Instead, it’s best to test the perfume over time. “Fragrances can evolve over hours, so if possible, test it out and see how it develops,” Constant says. “A scent that starts fresh might settle into something completely different.”
Make It a Duo
“Consider gifting the matching lotion with the perfume,” Moe says. “Moisturized skin will lock in fragrance for long wear, [which is] especially important when using a more natural perfume that doesn’t contain chemical fragrance extenders.”
Remember It’s a Gift
Fragrance can be highly subjective, so it’s important to remember that you’re shopping for someone else—not yourself. Try to consider a scent from their point of view. “Make sure the fragrance is for the other person and not based on your own personal taste,” Medina says.
Take the Time and Place Into Account
“Some fragrances are more suited to certain seasons or occasions,” Constant says. “Lighter, floral fragrances like Marc Jacobs’ Daisy Wild are perfect for spring and summer, while something richer might be better for winter.”
Location Scout
The location has a major effect on how perfumes smell on people. “It’s all related to climate,” Krigler explains. “Someone living in Miami won’t necessarily wear the same fragrance the same way as someone living in San Francisco.” Factors like humidity play a role. “If you are in Colorado, your body won’t respond the same way to the perfume as in Houston,” Krigler says. “Our body [reflects] the environment and our chemistry follows the surroundings.”
Keep It Light
Go big or go home doesn’t necessarily apply here. “Choose a lighter scent profile that isn’t overpowering,” Moe says. “This will ensure the scent is easy to wear and will increase the chances of wearability.”
When In Doubt, Play It Safe
Can’t decide which scent is right? Go for something you already know they love. “A safe bet is to buy a big bottle of something they already have,” Shapiro says. “Everyone loves an upsize!”
Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/choosing-a-fragrance-gift-8738264