How to Buy Fragrance as a Gift

How to buy fragrance as a gift

Melanie Caplan is one of the foremost fragrance experts in Canada. Having worked at some of the most famous luxury retailers in the UK and in Japan, she has an extensive knowledge of fragrances, ingredients and how perfumes are composed. She has a remarkable talent for finding the ideal fragrance for any client, a feat she accomplishes by asking questions about their lifestyle, tastes and interests. We’re thrilled to have her as Scent Lodge’s National Fragrance Trainer. We recently sat down with the charismatic expert to learn how to best buy scent as a gift.

Scent Lodge: To start, we know that you worked in the U.K. selling fragrance for many years. What was it like selling perfume during the holidays in London?

Melanie Caplan: Absolute insanity…The UK loves fragrance. You smell it everywhere on the streets and on the Tube. So, the holidays are a big selling season. The Brits go out a lot more than we do here in Canada. It is more of a social way of life (think pub at lunch AND after work) and fragrance is part of their everyday wardrobe.

SL: Have there been any really memorable customers you have helped during the holidays buy fragrance?

MC: Oh yes, I had a client that would come every year and an ENTIRE collection of a new maison. He loved it to be packaged in a big, beautiful box. I used to go and buy gift boxes in advance and have them ready for him. He always shopped on Christmas Eve. Another client would come each Christmas to purchase the entire Bvlgari Eau Parfumée Thé Vert (green tea) and Thé Blanc (white tea) collections. I remember a lovely husband and wife who would come to buy for each other. And there were two sisters who came every year and made it a day of shopping with lunch and champagne. They would then come to the counter to see me and select something for their mum and themselves. Sooo many more!

HOW TO BUY FRAGRANCE AS A GIFT

SL: Okay, here is the big question. Where do you start when looking to buy a fragrance as a gift?

MC: The best place to look is to the person you are gifting…do some sleuthing…you could say, “I just bought a new fragrance” and describe it to them. Then ask, “what do you wear or like”? I always recommend you give some thought to their personality and lifestyle. This will give you clues as to what fragrances they are most likely to love.

SL: What fragrances in your experience are fool-proof for gifting? The fragrances you have found that everyone loves?

MC: Omnia Crystalline is universally loved. Everyone loves that scent as it is so light and clean. I have fallen in love with the latest Oscar de la Renta New York as it is so modern and feminine. Donna Karan Cashmere & Palo Santo is also one you can’t go wrong with. For super sexy, I recommend Atkinsons Oud Save The Queen (a global bestseller). In terms of Bvlgari, the Allegra Fiore d’Amore is a soft, fruity-floral and Baciami for seduction and passion.

SL: What fragrances do you consider ‘hidden gems’ that make wonderful gifts?

MC: Definitely, the Atkinsons collection in general…it is a niche perfumery brand but not out of reach financially. I have recently fallen in love with Clive Christian X Feminine (my guilty pleasure). I loveeeee Mine Perfume Lab Carme and Bois 1920 Oro Rosso. These are fragrances I can’t stop smelling when I wear them.

Melanie Caplan’s Fragrance Recommendations for Everyone in your Family:

What fragrances would you recommend for a teen girl? MCM Crush, Versace Dylan Purple, Oscar de la Renta New York

What fragrances would you recommend for a teen boy? Versace Eau Fraiche (as it is light and teen guys tend to overspray) or Versace Eros Eau de Toilette

What fragrances for a mom? Versace Bright Crystal for day or Crystal Noir for night

What fragrance for a dad? Montblanc Explorer (every man should own this one), Versace Eros Energy, Bvlgari Man In Black Eau de Parfum or Wood Essence, Coach Open Road

What fragrance for a grandmother? Atkinsons Rose In Wonderland, Coach Wild Rose, Donna Karan Cashmere Mist, Versace Dylan Blue Pour Femme (any of my faves as I am a mom and grandmother myself)

What fragrance for a grandfather? Montblanc Legend, Atkinsons James or 24 Bond Street, Mine Perfume Lab Shamrock or Good Morning Sir

Melanie Caplan

---

More Scent Lodge Stories You Might Enjoy