How to choose a perfume gift
Perfume is personal, which makes it a tricky gift. These steps make it much less of a gamble.
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Look for clues first
- What does she wear now? Note the bottle name if you can see it, and look up its family and notes.
- What other scented things does she like: candles, soaps, flowers?
- Does she wear perfume daily, rarely, or not at all?
- Has she mentioned any scent she dislikes, or any sensitivity to fragrance?
Gift options with less guesswork
A discovery or sampler set, so she can choose.
A travel size
of a perfume she already loves.
A gift card
to a retailer that sells perfume, which lets her test in person.
A matching body product
from a perfume she already wears.
If you choose a full bottle
Stay within the family she already wears, choose a smaller size, and keep the receipt. Ask the retailer about its return policy for opened fragrance before you buy.
Things to avoid
- Guessing a very strong or unusual scent for someone you do not know well.
- Choosing a perfume for how you want her to smell, rather than what she likes.
- Fragrance gifts for anyone who has said they react to scents. Some people with asthma, migraine, or scent sensitivity react to fragrance. If you are pregnant or have a medical condition, ask your doctor before using a new product.
Wrapping and keeping
Most perfumes contain alcohol and are flammable. Keep them away from flames and heat, and out of reach of children. Store the gift somewhere cool and dark until you give it.
FAQ
Related guides
General information, not medical advice. Patch test new fragrances and stop use if irritation occurs. See a doctor about skin reactions or breathing concerns.
Read the label
What the words on the box do and do not tell you.
