Aromatic gifts for every fragrance lover
Scents stimulate memories. Your body is a repository of senses, where a vast array of long-forgotten thoughts and feelings are stored. And while sometimes it is in our best interest to leave them be, other times, it is a delight to indulge in reminiscing.
Some people are more inclined to embrace scents as a vehicle of enrapture. They allow themselves to be transported to a different time in their lives, to memories that are not always easily retrieved—early childhood visits to a grandparent’s house, a favorite family restaurant, or even one’s first friend.
Whether the person you are gifting it to loves a good perfume or is more inclined to subtle scents, there’s something in this guide for them.
1. From Jo Malone to Scentsmith
The most obvious choice is to go with perfume, and there are countless good options. One of the most recognizable luxury fragrances is Jo Malone. It’s an elegant gift anyone would love, especially if they’re into modern classics.
Scents such as Nutmeg and Ginger, Seasalt and Bergamot, and English Oak and Hazelnut are among the brand’s bestsellers. These perfumes are made for layering, making it a fun opportunity for your friend to discover their own personal blend.
If you want to opt for a local perfumery, Scentsmith is a more affordable option. They offer a wide selection of scents, ranging from floral to woody to oriental, and beyond.
The good thing is that these brands are not exclusive to perfume, as they also carry hand cream and diffusers.
2. Hand soap from Aesop
Another nice gift is a bathroom staple. Many people take pride in their guest bathroom, and if you’re one of them, then you’ll understand that a good hand soap goes a long way.
Aesop is quite pricey, but anything that encourages people to wash their hands is always a good investment.
Aesop’s Reverence and Resurrection hand soaps are infused with an earthy scent that emphasizes an appreciation for nature. It also utilizes ethically sourced ingredients that will gently cleanse and even exfoliate your skin, leaving your hands feeling smooth and supple with every wash.
3. Linen sprays from L’abondance
Linen sprays may not be a common gift choice, but they’re what any homemaker would need. Sometimes, sheets don’t always stay fresh, but with a couple spritzes of linen spray, it’s as if your bedspreads are newly laundered once again.
L’abondance has just the thing. What’s nice about their linen sprays is that they come in many scents—such as vanilla, bergamot, and even matcha—and work on furniture and other fabrics. It’s a thoughtful present for anyone who has an upholstered couch or a well-loved throw blanket.
4. Incense and candles from Saan Saan
If you’re looking for something that doesn’t require direct contact with skin or any given surface, incense and candles are a wonderful alternative.
What makes products from Saan Saan delightful is that they’re distinctly Filipino. Saan Saan draws its scents from observations in culture, places, and lived experiences. Candles are more low-maintenance, but you may also want to consider hand-dipped incense.
Kung Tag-araw is one of their most popular fragrances, and it captures the warmth and nostalgia of a sunny day.
5. Potpourri or eucalyptus
Lastly, potpourri or eucalyptus make for far more understated choices, but they still offer fragrance that can easily lift the atmosphere of any home. They can even serve as both an air freshener and a centerpiece.
Potpourri—a mixture of dried flowers, spices, herbs, and essential oil—either comes in sachets you can place in cabinets or drawers, or decorative bowls to leave on display. This is something you can purchase at Common Room or even Ikea.
On the other hand, eucalyptus can be arranged as part of a bouquet or on its own. Eucalyptus offers many health benefits that make for a thoughtful gift, such as sinus relief and stress reduction.
While a bundle of eucalyptus in one’s living room is a pleasant addition, a bundle of eucalyptus in the shower is surprisingly uplifting. Hanging eucalyptus in the shower uses hot water steam to transform your ordinary bathing into a natural aromatherapy treatment. It is known to aid in breathing, relaxation, and muscle care.
