Perfume is a thoughtful and luxurious gift that can convey personal affection and style, but selecting the right fragrance for someone else can be challenging. Perfume is deeply personal, as it connects to one’s personality, preferences, and even memories.
Here’s a guide to help you find the perfect perfume gift for others, ensuring your gift is both thoughtful and well-received.
How Can I Know What Perfume They Want?
Smell and other sensory preferences
If you’re buying perfume for someone and you know them well, you likely have a sense of what to buy from scents they’ve worn or commented on. This will give you a sense of which ingredients, textures, projections and dry downs to pursue or avoid. If you don’t know, don’t hesitate to ask them (or someone close to them if your gift is a surprise).
Other sensory preferences
Our senses link together to inform our perception of the world so by pleasing the non-olfactory senses, you can help your perfume gift be well-received. For example, if the person you’re gifting is a fan of a certain food you can get them a scent that smells like that food. If they prefer the warm or cold, you can get them a spicy and heavy scent or a wet and light scent for a cooling effect. You can play on colour psychology, choosing a scent evoking the favourite colour of the person you’re gifting.
Culture and values
Take the time to ask the person you’re gifting about how they see the world, and buy perfume as a gift with this in mind. This will show thoughtfulness and problem solving, particularly if they have a hard time finding perfume that works for them because of their values. For example, halal and vegan perfumes may be harder to find on the high street but they show respect and affirmation to someone practicing.
Sensitivity
If you’re getting a perfume gift for someone with allergies, go out of your way to procure a hypoallergenic perfume for them. Check with them personally, or with someone who knows them well, to ensure all ingredients will be safe for them and residents in their household.
Identity & Life Events
The person you’re gifting may be part of a marginalised group, for example a person of colour or member of the LGBTQ community. If this is the case, perfume celebrating or made by their community is a fun way to celebrate and support an important facet of who they are.
Personality & interests
If your loved one is known for a particular personal trait, or you like a trait about them, you can choose a scent that evokes it. For example, a bold or daring person may take to our own scent SNAPPED. If your loved one has a nickname, you can choose a scent with the same name. If your loved one defines themselves through certain interests, such as fandoms and horoscopes, you can try a themed perfume.
Origins, goals & life events
If the person you’re gifting identifies strongly with where they were brought up, for example a proud Yorkshireman, you can get them a scent that connects with their roots. If they have a certain goal in life- for example, a friend who wants to visit Japan- you can get them a perfume inspired by the goal they wish to achieve. has a strong connection with their
Use cases and life events
If the person you’re gifting is someone from work, or who identifies strongly with their work, it’s important that the scent you buy can fit the professional tone. Ask them questions about their job and what their workplace is like. The same applies to family and casual use. If your gift is to celebrate a milestone, think of something outside the box to mark the occasion and signal the shift and growth in their life.
What If I Need a Last Minute Perfume Gift, Or Still Can’t Choose a Perfume?
Diversify to hedge your bets
If in doubt, get a tester set and allow the person you’re gifting to choose what works for them. This is also a great method if you have a smaller budget, offering the novelty of more scents for a lower price. Larger sets can cover multiple recipients for gift sharing events like Christmas or Eid.
Bespoke expertise
If you have a larger budget, a bespoke perfume can offer the person you’re gifting a unique and thoughtful experience. While the design process takes time, this is still something that can be announced and gifted with short notice.
Gift card
If you truly don’t know what to get, or if the person you’re gifting prefers cash or the choice of their own gifts, gift cards can be a quick way to offer value and choice.
How Do I shop for Gifting Perfume?
Set a budget
Perfumes range from affordable options to high-end luxury fragrances. Set a budget that matches your intentions and the recipient's tastes. You don't need to break the bank to find a quality fragrance.
Decide on a size
Perfumes come in various sizes, from small rollerballs and travel sprays to larger bottles. A smaller size might be ideal if you're unsure about their preferences, while a full-sized bottle is great if you’re confident in your choice.
Test before you buy
When possible, visit a store to test the fragrance before purchasing. Smell it on a scent strip first, and if it seems promising, test it on your skin to see how it develops over time. Perfume reacts differently with each person's skin chemistry, so testing is key.
Buy from reputable sellers
To ensure authenticity and quality, purchase from reputable retailers, either in-store or online. Avoid discount websites that might sell counterfeit or expired products. Department stores, brand boutiques, and well-detailed online perfume shops are safe bets.
How Do I Personalise My Perfume Gift?
Presentation matters
The way you present the perfume can make the gift feel extra special. Most perfumes come in beautiful packaging, but you can add a personal touch. Use elegant wrapping paper or a gift bag that matches the occasion. A personal note explaining why you chose this fragrance adds a sentimental touch.
Consider a gift set
Perfume gift sets often come with matching body lotions, shower gels, or mini versions of the perfume. These sets add extra value to your gift and enhance the overall experience for the recipient.
Offer an exchange option
If you’re unsure about the fragrance, include the gift receipt discreetly so they can exchange it if needed. This shows you care about them getting something they love.
When Do I Tactfully Gift Perfume?
Timing and occasion
Perfume is a great gift for many occasions—birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or just because. However, the level of intimacy in gifting perfume can vary. For instance, it’s more appropriate for close friends, family members, or a romantic partner than a casual acquaintance.
Consider cultural sensitivities
In some cultures, perfume is a common gift, while in others, it might have specific connotations. Be mindful of the recipient’s cultural background when gifting a fragrance.
Final Tips for Gifting Perfume
Trust your instincts
Sometimes, going with your gut feeling can lead to the perfect gift.
Plan ahead
Perfume shopping can take time, especially if you want to test scents, so don't leave it to the last minute. If ordering online, be pessimistic about delivery times- there’s a chance your delivery could be delayed or lost.
Be thoughtful
The more you consider the recipient's likes and dislikes, the more likely your perfume gift will be a hit.
Conclusion
Buying and gifting perfume can be a deeply personal and cherished gesture when done with care. By understanding the recipient’s preferences, testing options, and thoughtfully presenting the gift, you can make your perfume gift a memorable and appreciated surprise.
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