‘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.