How to Buy Perfume as a Gift

Fragrance is a very personal product, and choosing it is best left to the person who will wear it. Once you know her preferences, however, a gift of perfume is easy to find and always appreciated.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Perfume

1. Find out what kind of perfume she wears. Ask her during a casual conversation, or do a little sleuthing on your own.

2. Choose a bottle of that fragrance. Choices do not have to be limited to perfume, but can include body lotion, bath oil or personal bars of soap.

3. Buy the fragrance in a store or online. (See "How to Buy Perfume Online.")

4. Check the exchange policy, especially if you have bought a brand of fragrance that you are not sure the recipient likes.

5. Wrap the perfume box, or arrange fragrance items in an attractive gift basket.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are in a close relationship (spouse, boyfriend) with the intended recipient, and if you don't know what fragrance she wears, choose something that smells good to you. Just make sure it can be exchanged if she doesn't share your enthusiasm.
• The price of perfume is extremely variable. You can pay less than $10 per bottle for some drugstore varieties, or more than $100 per ounce for designer scents.

on 11/22/2005 Some people have a severe dislike or may be allergic to fragrance. If you aren't sure, notice if the person uses scented lotions, candles or other perfumed items.

on 11/22/2005 Make sure it is appropriate for the person's age. A younger person usually doesn't like anything too heavy. Also, an eau de toilette or a mist, rather than parfum, is probably better if you are unsure of the person's tastes.