Mother’s Day Fragrance Gift Sets

Finding a Mother’s Day gift isn’t always easy. And yes, we know, it’s a gesture often pushed to the last minute. (Especially for the Step Monsters, but we won’t go there.) Luckily, with a Shoppers Drug Mart in every neighbourhood, grabbing Mom a luxurious and affordable little something is easy. Even if you’re doing so at the eleventh hour. The best part? The uber-drugstore offers a slew of fragrances that come packaged up for the occasion with a special extra—an extra like a gorgeous makeup bag which might just double as a clutch, a rollerball version of her favourite spritz or even a beautiful soap or bracelet. Two gifts in one, we say. You’ll will extra points, for sure.

We recommend you gift both the perfume and the extra to Mom—but we wouldn’t judge if you decided to keep that little something for yourself.

Here, a sampling of the Mother’s Day gifts that caught our fragrance-minded eye, and nose.

SAVOUR THE SCENT
Valentino Valentina is an inspired fragrance—beautiful and feminine with notes of jasmine, tuberose and orange blossom—made infinitely more complex with the addition of white truffle. This is for the mom who’s looking for something more unexpected than a predictable floral. With the purchase of any fragrance from the Valentina collection at Shoppers, you receive a Valentino toiletry bag that would double as an evening clutch given its sophisticated, retro-chic frame styling.
Valentina Gift Set, $115, www.shoppersdrugmart.ca

Read more about truffles.

ONE FOR THE ROAD
Black Opium is an update on Yves Saint Laurent’s beloved classic from the Seventies. This modern take on the original—with familiar notes of orange blossom, patchouli and cedarwood—is still moody and rich. The addition of a coffee accord adds drama and warmth, a great pick for the mother who appreciates the classics, but is always looking forward. The Yves Saint Lauren Black Opium gift set includes the eau de parfum in the 50 ml bottle and also a 10 ml travel size—ideal for tossing in one’s purse and the way out the door.
Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Gift Set, $92, www.shoppersdrugmart.ca

BEAUTY LOVER
Prada Candy is a great gourmand scent with notes of caramel, musk and vanilla, plus zingy masculine cedar. It’s a charming and powerful spritz for the mother who’s confident in her style, with a sweet side.
The Prada Candy gift set comes with the Parfum and Prada Candy lotion. Or, if you purchase any large size Prada Candy spray (minimum $115), you receive the Prada Candy makeup pouch as an exclusive gift.
Prada Candy Gift Set, $96, www.shoppersdrugmart.ca