Gift Ideas for Perfume Lovers (That Are Not Perfumes)

Written by Kristina Kybartaite-Damule

The holiday season is just around the corner, and so is the craze about gifts. While it can sometimes be challenging to pick the right thing for your loved ones, it becomes a little easier if the receiver is a perfume lover. And although gifting perfumes is not advisable (tastes are very personal, after all), here are some ideas that will make any perfume fan happy – it would make me happy for sure.

Photo credit: Unsplash

Scented Candles

Trudon candles

There’s nothing like a good candle filling a room with the most beautiful scents. While some might say it’s literally burning money, I argue that it’s a true luxury. The important part is finding candles that not only smell great but are also high-quality and diffuse well. (Oh, how frustrating it is when a candle that is supposed to smell amazing is burning right next to you and you still can’t smell a thing unless your nose is practically in the flame!)

Besides, luxurious candles often have beautiful designs that add an elegant touch to any interior.

My personal favorite brands are Trudon (classic and aesthetically pleasing), Diptyque (minimalist designs and incredible scents), and Rigaud (a subtler option but very high quality). While most of my favorites are on the pricey side, I also enjoy the 3-wick candles from Bath & Body Works – a more affordable option, especially during sales. However, note that their scents tend to be very strong and might be overwhelming for more sensitive noses.

Home Diffusers

Santa Maria Novella diffuser

Beautiful home diffusers are another great option. Who doesn’t enjoy a home that smells great effortlessly? This works especially well for smaller spaces, and the scent is usually more subtle.

You can choose between electronic diffusers, which require only water and a favorite essential oil, or stick diffusers. For electronic diffusers, I like The White Company’s model – it’s powerful and made of ceramic, so it looks like a decorative vase. If you prefer stick diffusers, my all-time favorites are from Santa Maria Novella. Their scents are delightful, and they last forever. You know how most diffusers evaporate in just a few weeks? Not this one. I bought mine more than two years ago, used it in a very hot climate, and still have some liquid left from the 250 ml bottle. It’s an investment, yes, but totally worth it.

Scented Pencil Set + Scented Notebook

Mizensir pencils

This is a less obvious gift – and one that surprises in the best way. I stumbled upon a scented pencil set on the Swiss brand Mizensir’s website and loved the idea immediately. The house is well-known for its perfumes and candles, created by master perfumer Alberto Morillas. Their three pencil sets each have their own scent and are made in collaboration with Caran d’Ache, an icon of graphic craftsmanship. Isn’t that luxurious?

And if a box of pencils feels too small, add a scented notebook, also available on Mizensir’s website. While it might sound strange – who smells their notebooks?! – trust me, it makes a difference. I still remember how my scented diary smelled when I was a child twenty years ago. I believe anyone who loves beautiful scents will appreciate this unique gift.

Hand Cream

Les Eaux Primordiales hand cream

This is an easy yet effective gift. While hand creams are primarily meant to moisturize the skin, everything changes when they smell beautiful. If you know the receiver’s favorite perfume, a hand cream in the same scent will definitely earn you bonus points. But if you don’t, don’t worry – most perfumed hand creams smell wonderful and offer a small moment of olfactory pleasure while taking care of hands.

Besides, depending on the brand, hand creams can be a more affordable option. My personal favorites, besides the ones from Chanel and Dior, are from Les Eaux Primordiales, Byredo, and the Korean brand Le Persona.

Tea

TWG Tea

While tea isn’t directly related to perfume, it can still make a great gift for perfume lovers. After all, we taste mostly through smell – if you don’t believe me, remember how little you can taste when you have a stuffy nose.

I’m not talking about ordinary supermarket teas – look for artisanal tea houses that offer special blends. Tea can become a true sensorial experience. I was never a big tea fan (I’m more of a coffee person), but when I discovered TWG Tea, my perception changed entirely. Their selection is huge, the blends are unique, and the scent that bursts out when you open a new pack is incredible. They also offer a wide price range, from affordable to extremely luxurious.

Car Diffuser

Diptyque Car Diffuser

If the person already has a beautifully scented home, a great-smelling car gadget might be the next best thing – especially if they spend a lot of time driving. Entering a car that smells perfect is always a small joy for me, whether it’s my own car or an Uber.

The challenge is finding a diffuser that doesn’t smell cliché and lasts longer than two hours. My current favorite is from Diptyque – it smells amazing and looks fabulous. However, note that it’s more practical in colder climates, as the heat makes it evaporate much faster than I would like to admit.

Gift Coupon

This is the most obvious gift for a perfume lover: a gift coupon for their favorite perfume store. It’s rarely safe to gift a fragrance unless you know exactly what the person wants. So if you still want to treat them to a perfume, this is the best way to do it.

While it may sound boring, trust me – we, perfume lovers, always appreciate it. Our perfume wishlists never end, and it’s always wonderful to get something we truly enjoy.

Disclaimer: This article contains no affiliate links or sponsorships. All product suggestions are my own independent recommendations.