How to Buy Cologne as a Gift

Although it's not always true, men tend to be less fussy than women about fragrance, so if you don't know what kind of cologne he wears, you might be able to get away with selecting something that you like.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cologne

1. Try to find out what kind of cologne the man normally wears. Ask his wife, girlfriend or sister.

2. Find out if he likes cologne or aftershave best. Some men don't like the heavier and longer-lasting fragrance of cologne, but prefer aftershave, which provides a lighter scent.

3. Buy cologne or aftershave at a drugstore, department store or Web site. (See "How to Buy Perfume Online," which works equally well with cologne.)

4. Don't limit your purchase to cologne. Include both cologne and aftershave, or buy soap, shaving cream or deodorant in the same fragrance. Several items may be available in a "gift set," or you can buy them separately.

5. Check the return policy in case the man doesn't like the cologne you picked.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are in a close relationship with the man for whom you are shopping (wife, girlfriend), you may have good luck choosing something that smells good to you; just make sure it's returnable in case he doesn't like it.
• The price of cologne is extremely variable. You can pay less than $10 per bottle for drugstore-variety cologne, or $50 or more for a designer fragrance.

on 11/22/2005 If unable to discover what specific cologne the person wears, pay close attention to the scent type. If a person wears a fresh, lemony cologne (usually "sport" type), get him something similar; don't get him spicy or musky colognes - he may not like it.