Perfume makes a special, thoughtful gift for a birthday or Christmas, but there are hundreds of different perfumes to pick from. Decent scents aren’t cheap, so it’s important to get it right, but a perfume is much more than its bottle.
So what do you need to think about before you pick a perfume for someone else?
How to pick a perfume as a gift for someone
Scent is of course a highly personal and subjective choice – what one person could happily bathe in may turn another’s stomach and vice versa – which makes it very hard to pick for someone else. So how do you go about it? The steps below will assist you in picking the perfect perfume for someone special.
1. Understand their preferences
The first and most crucial step in choosing a perfume as a gift is understanding your recipient’s preferences, as perfume choices are deeply personal and can vary greatly from person to person. This might involve a little undercover research!
Fragrance Categories
Perfumes can be categorised into different fragrance families, which are briefly described below. To pick a perfume for someone else as a gift, first take a peek (or ask their family to take a photograph of!) their existing collection of perfumes or think about any scents they’ve mentioned liking in the past. Look up the scent on a reliable retail site such as parfumdreams, and it will tell you what the fragrance category is for each perfume they already own and love.
Once you know which fragrance category they fit into, you’ll have a better idea of what they might like.
a. Floral
- Features scents derived from various flowers like roses, lilies, and jasmine.
- Ideal for those who prefer a fresh and feminine scent.
- Subcategories: Single floral, floral bouquet, and aldehydic florals.
b. Oriental (Spicy)
- Contains warm and exotic scents like vanilla, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Suited for individuals who prefer bold and sensual fragrances.
- Subcategories: Soft oriental, woody oriental, and floral oriental.
c. Woody
- Characterized by earthy and woody notes such as cedarwood and sandalwood.
- Ideal for those who appreciate a natural and grounded aroma.
- Subcategories: Dry woods, wet woods, and oriental woods.
d. Citrus
- Features refreshing and zesty notes from fruits like lemon, lime, and bergamot.
- Perfect for a light and invigorating fragrance.
- Subcategories: Citrus aromatic and citrus floral.
e. Green
- Comprises herbal and green notes like grass, mint, and basil.
- Suited for those who enjoy a fresh and revitalizing scent.
- Subcategories: Green floral and green fruity.
f. Fruity
- Contains sweet and juicy fruit notes like apple, peach, and berries.
- Ideal for a playful and vibrant aroma.
- Subcategories: Fruity floral and fruity chypre.
Do they have a signature scent?
Some individuals have ‘signature scents’ they wear consistently and if you smell it while out and about, it will remind you of that person. If you know the recipient has a favourite perfume, finding a similar fragrance within the same family or by the same brand can be a safe bet. You can check out the notes (top note, heart note and base note) of their favourite perfume/s, and pick out a perfume which contains similar notes.
Consider allergies and special requirements
If your recipient suffers from allergies to any ingredients for example plant extracts such as lavender, then do make sure you check this before you purchase! If they happen to be vegan, then ensure that the perfume is suitable for them. There is a list here of some great vegan fragrances.
2. What’s the occasion?
When picking out a perfume as a gift, the occasion should influence your choice. Is it a birthday, anniversary, or a special holiday gift? Consider the following:
When will it be worn?
Perfumes can be categorised as ‘daytime’ or ‘evening’ fragrances. Daytime scents are usually lighter and fresher, suitable to be worn all day without being cloying or overpowering, while evening fragrances tend to be richer and more intense. Match the perfume to the time the recipient is likely to wear it. If it’s a birthday gift and they have a big party coming up, then that could be the perfect time to wear it.
What time of year is it?
Different seasons often call for different scents. Light, citrusy fragrances are excellent for spring and summer, while warm and spicy scents are better suited for autumn and winter. Choose a perfume that aligns with the current or upcoming season so that they’ll have a chance to wear it!
3. Research brands and read reviews
To make an informed decision, research perfume brands and read online reviews. Each brand has a distinct style and reputation. Some are known for their floral compositions, while others excel in oriental or aquatic fragrances.
Online reviews and recommendations from perfume experts can provide valuable insights into the quality and longevity of a particular perfume.
4. If possible, test the perfume
Before making a final decision, if possible it may be worth trying to test out the perfume yourself, particularly if your taste is similar to the recipient’s. Visit a local stockist such as a large department store to test samples of the fragrances you’re considering.
a. Smell the scent
Spray a small amount of the perfume on a test strip or your wrist. Allow it to settle for a minute before smelling it. Pay attention to the initial top notes, the middle notes that develop as the scent evolves, and the base notes that linger.
b. Assess longevity
Longevity means how long the scent lasts on your skin. Perfumes have varying degrees of longevity, and this is an important factor to consider, especially if the recipient prefers fragrances that last all day.
c. Consider the dry-down
The dry-down phase is when the perfume has fully settled and the base notes are prominent. Make sure you like the scent (or that your friend or family member will!) before and after.
5. Ask an expert for help
If you’re still uncertain about your choice or want expert guidance, consult with someone who knows their perfumes and will know how to select the right perfume for somebody else. Many high-end department stores have knowledgeable staff members who can help you select the perfect perfume based on your recipient’s preferences and personality. At the very least they will be able to suggest popular fragrances for you to try out.
6. Keep the receipt
Lastly, always keep the receipt when purchasing a perfume as a gift.
While your intentions when giving any gift are sincere, the recipient’s taste may still differ; try not to take this personally. It’s really hard to pick out the perfect perfume for someone else and we are all different after all!
Most shops and online stores will happily exchange an unopened scent should they decide that ultimately, it isn’t the one for them. Including a gift receipt with their present will allow them to exchange the perfume for one they prefer without any awkwardness.