How to choose perfume as a gift

Buying perfume for someone else can feel like a gamble. Scent is personal, and you can't exactly ask them to try a few before you buy. The good news is that a handful of clues from their everyday life takes most of the guesswork out.

Look at what they already wear

This is the best clue you have. If you can, glance at the bottles on their dresser, or ask a friend or family member what they wear. You don't need to buy the same perfume again: something from the same family is a safer and more thoughtful pick. Our guide to scent families shows how to spot them.

Match the scent to the person

• Sporty, outdoorsy or practical: fresh and clean scents with citrus and sea notes.
• Romantic or classic: florals built around rose, jasmine or peony.
• Playful or young at heart: fruity scents with berries, peach or watermelon.
• Loves comfort and sweets: vanilla, caramel and other cozy gourmand notes.
• Polished, loves an evening out: warm, spicy or woody scents.

When in doubt, choose a gift set

A gift set is the easiest win. Most pair a full-size bottle with a travel spray, a body lotion or a shower gel, so it feels generous, and the extras help the scent last longer on the skin.

A few favorites from our Gift Sets:

• Coach New York, with a mini spray and a body lotion.
• Dolce & Gabbana Devotion, warm and sweet with orange blossom and vanilla.
• Montblanc Signature, soft florals with magnolia, peony and vanilla.
• Paco Rabanne Invictus, a popular pick for him, in a travel box.
• Lattafa Yara Moi, an easy pick when you'd rather not spend much.

Size and budget

If they already have a signature scent, a smaller bottle of something new is a nice way to let them explore. If you're buying their favorite, go big: a 3.4 oz bottle usually works out cheaper per ounce. When a perfume comes in more than one size, the product page shows the price per ounce for each, so it's easy to compare.

Still guessing? Our scent quiz has an option for gifts. Answer a few questions about the person you're shopping for, and it suggests perfumes from our shelves. Every bottle is 100% authentic, and US shipping is free on orders over $50.