Perfume gift sets just in time for the holidays

Hurry, limited-edition fragrance gift sets sell fast because they’re a great gift for every type of perfume lover—young or old, fragrance newbie or aficionado.

The holiday season is the perfect time to give perfume gifts. Perfumes and colognes, scented candles and sumptuously smelling soaps and lotions make great gifts, and many of our favourite brands and perfume houses release limited-edition perfume gift sets, variety packs and beauty boxes at this time of year. Not only can you find great deals then, but you can pick up amazing product combinations that are not usually packaged together.

But, of course, it’s not always easy to decide on the perfect spritz for someone—perfume is, after all, a very personal and particular choice. But if you’ve got a hint of what the people on your gift list like—bath and body gifts, French cologne, modern classics, variety—you can usually narrow in on a gift pack that will thrill their senses.

Here are our picks for perfumed gift packs—just in time for the holidays.

Black and white from Elizabeth and James

Available in both Nirvana White and Black scents, this gift set features an eau de parfum, a perfume oil and a rollerball (perfect for travelling). From the Mary-Kate and Ashley Olson house of Elizabeth and James, this set channels the brand’s commitment to simple and sophisticated pieces. If you’ve got someone on your list who already loves Nirvana Black—or who is partial to notes of vanilla, sandalwood and violet—then this set is guaranteed to please. Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black, $90 ($132 value), www.sephora.ca

Paris is always a good idea, especially à la Atelier Cologne

You really can’t go wrong with an octet of French colognes. This Atelier Cologne gift set houses a sampling of eight of the brand’s fragrances, including the four from the brand’s Collection Azur along with Orange Sanguine, Cedrat Envirant, Pomelo Paradis and Vanilla Insensee. Give to the sophisticated woman on your list who loves European travel as much as she loves variety. Atelier Cologne, $45, www.sephora.ca

Clean never smelled so good thanks to Philosophy

Sometimes nothing smells better then the simple luxury of being clean. Pure Grace by Philosophy is of course a little more complex then just soap and water. Notes of water lily, lavender, bergamot and musk swirl together to create this lovely, light, barely there scent. Paired with a bath and shower gel and a whipped body cream, this gift pack has all the potential for a perfectly indulgent Sunday afternoon. Philosophy Pure Grace Layering Set, $59, www.sephora.com

A fragrance wardrobe c/o Nest Fragrances

The packaging alone makes anything Nest Fragrances a beautiful gift, but rest assured the scents are also fantastic. This gift set features seven Nest scents ranging from dark and seductive (Indigo) to fun and sweet (Passiflora). Buy for the woman who loves the brand but hasn’t had a chance to decide on a favourite. For younger giftees on your list, this perfume pack supplies a terrific entry into the world of perfumery that lies beyond the pop star. Nest Fragrances, $40, www.sephora.ca

Classic simplicity with The Body Shop

The Body Shop’s iconic White Musk is a favourite of many cruelty-free fragrance committed women. And who could blame them? With notes of ylang ylang, basil, rose, iris and of course, musk, White Musk is a velvety and slightly powdery scent that has lingering, sensual florals. The gift set includes the eau de toilette in both a 60 ml and a 10 ml (perfect for traveling), the body lotion and the shower gel. White Musk Gift Set, $40, www.thebodyshop.ca