Perfume as a Gift? Here are 6 Steps to Help You Make the Right Choice

Playing Sherlock

Step 1: understand that this time you are not looking for a fragrance which you would like for yourself. You are trying to tune in to someone else’s nose. You can start with a little detective work. Try to find out which perfumes your loved one has at home, which ones they buy repeatedly, or which ones they would never use. Next, analyse your findings thoroughly. Think about how it’s all related, and maybe you’ll discover their favourite brand or ingredient, or you might find out that your “target” only chooses spicy or maybe sweet perfumes. And suddenly you have something to go on. 

2.Fragrance as a Lifestyle

Notice how we usually describe fragrances: youthful, natural, sophisticated, original… We bet that you can describe your loved ones with similar words. Therefore, try to think more deeply about the recipient and describe their lifestyle, character, what radiates from them, how they dress… 

This will direct you at least to the fragrance family and type or a specific brand. For example, if you're going to give a gift to an eco-conscious loved one, you'll know to look for perfumes containing sustainably sourced ingredients, in eco-packaging and a refillable atomiser. Generation Z will appreciate unisex perfumes which are a hot trend. 

3.A Perfume with a Story

Do you know why all perfumes fascinate us so much? Because they are masters at evoking emotions, associations and memories. Make use of this when choosing a fragrant gift – strike a sentimental tone. Maybe you and the recipient had a wonderful time in Sicily in the shade of the lemon trees, so remind them of it with citrus perfume. Or do they like to remember how, as a child, they used to secretly steal one of their parents’ specific perfumes? Try to find out! This way, you will say a lot more with your gift.

4.More or Less?

Maybe we are stating the glaringly obvious now, but just to be sure: you can get fragrances in various concentrations which, to a considerable extent, determine how strongly the fragrances smell. The lightest are body mists or Eau Fraîche, in the middle is Eau de Toilette, and the highest share of fragrant ingredients are contained by Eau de Parfum. These are concentrations of perfumes. So how can you choose?

Think about whether you can normally smell the fragrance the recipient has on when you are standing nearby. If you can, they probably prefer stronger fragrances. If not, then maybe they prefer more subtle ones, which will also be a "safer" choice if you are choosing a perfume for a normal day at work. 

5.A Safe Bet

Do you feel as if we’ve been talking gibberish the whole time? If the world of perfumes is a mysterious labyrinth for you, take the simplest path through it. Have you given a perfume to this person before and was it a success (you can tell by the fact that it is no longer on the dressing table)? Then feel free to get the same fragrance again!

If you are looking for something new anyway, don't risk getting anything intensive or unusual, choose a light and fresh fragrance as it will be more suitable for everyday use. And one more piece of advice: a small bottle will likely be enough for a first introduction. 

6.Packaging That Will Impress

All set? Excellent, so let’s work out how you are going to give the gift. You will receive every perfume in a lovely box which just needs to be wrapped, but you probably want something extra. Our tip? Have a personal message engraved on the bottle! Or, buy a perfume gift set in which you will also get body lotion, shower gel or aftershave balm with the same fragrance as the perfume. They are super-practical and are great at making the perfume last! 

Stick to these tips and you'll have your presents sorted for next Christmas/Birthday/Valentine's Day. Let them smell nice!