I’m not going to call anyone out, but I will say there are a handful of people in my inner circle who make holiday shopping stressful—not because they’re difficult people but because they have irritatingly great taste. In years past, I’ve had more gifting-related breakdowns in shopping malls than I care to admit, all in a quest to find the perfect presents for the people who matter most to me.
I pride myself on my gift-giving abilities, so the stressful process is always worth the joy that comes on the other end. But this year, I’ve decided to put my sanity first and change up my shopping approach. What’s my strategy? I’ll be focusing on the one thing all my people have in common: really good style. The only thing missing from their near-perfect ensembles is a fragrance to pull it all together. The good news is Sephora‘s expertly curated selection of scents makes it surprisingly easy to find exactly what you’re looking for in a pinch—even for the most challenging people on your list. Keep scrolling for nine standout fragrances that would make exceptionally good presents for anyone with impeccable taste. (Even the bottles are just as chic as they smell.)
Dior fragrances are iconic for a reason. Miss Dior has been around since 1947 and has seen many iterations since then. The easiest way to describe the latest take is like a colorful bouquet. It just gives off happy energy because it’s bursting with fresh blooms including roses, lily of the valley, peonies, and irises. Anyone who appreciates style would love looking at the luxe bottle on their vanity.
I won’t lie: This had me hooked from the second I smelled it. It’s a bit woody and earthy but still mysterious. My not-so-secret secret for stepping up a super-basic outfit is by wearing a scent that’s a total conversation starter. With notes of sage, geranium, and sensual wood, this one does all the talking.
There was a time when I couldn’t go on social media without seeing this scent dominate my feed. It’s a true fashion-person staple. It’s equal parts chic and edgy, and the notes of black coffee, vanilla, and white flowers create a totally unique aroma.
This is Prada’s latest fragrance launch, and it doesn’t disappoint. The triangular-shaped bottle is reminiscent of the brand’s logo, and it’s very, very chic (with a capital C). For the people on your list who live for those small details, this scent is where your attention should be. It’s sweet yet sophisticated, and that’s largely thanks to the notes of pear, tangerine, neroli, amber, and musk (which adds a nice layer of warmth).
This is the ultimate pick-me-up, a year-round garden party you don’t want to miss out on. It’s the most joyful blend of pear blossom, white gardenia, jasmine, brown sugar, and patchouli. It’s sweet, fun, and perfect for those who want to make a statement any time of year.
This scent is pure fun. Let’s start with the bottle. It’s designed with the classic Valentino stud, which is inspired by the architecture in Rome, and the scent itself takes cues from Roman street style. It has notes of sparkling blackcurrant, jasmine flowers, and bourbon vanilla—it smells sophisticated with an undeniable edge.
Every fragrance brand has its most popular scent, and for Marc Jacobs, Daisy is it. It’s the fragrance. It’s light, fresh, and versatile. You can give it as a gift to a teenager or someone in their 50s, and they’ll both be equally thrilled. It takes a special blend to achieve that versatility, but with notes of strawberry, violet leaves, jasmine, and sandalwood, it’s one of the special scents that does.
Honestly, this might be the most universal fragrance on the list. It’s simple, but it’s a real crowd-pleaser. This scent can both remind you of the most perfect summer nights and warm you up during the dead of winter. Calabrian bergamot is fresh, juicy, and hits you with full force, but amberwood leaves a woody trail that can only be described as a warm hug.
If you’re looking for a gift for someone who has a hard time committing to one fragrance, this is your answer. It comes with 13 sample-sized fragrances ranging from fruity florals to warm and sweet gourmands. What’s the best part? Once they’ve tested each scent and found a favorite, they can take the included scent certificate to any U.S. Sephora store or Sephora.com to redeem a full-size fragrance from the set at no extra cost.
