The only greater joy than receiving a thoroughly thoughtful gift is giving one. Taking the time and care to select the perfect gift symbolises your gratitude, care and love for the recipient.
In this blog post, we explore the history of perfume gifting to show your appreciation and provide some tips on choosing a fragrance that conveys the right message to your special person.
The History of Perfume as a Gift
The use of perfume goes back thousands of years to ancient Egypt and Rome. Scents made from flowers, herbs, and spices were highly valued and considered a sign of prosperity and power. Even in those times, giving perfume as a gift was viewed as a show of respect and devotion.
In Victorian times, perfumes were valued as an essential part of a beauty regime and were also applied to handkerchiefs, gloves and clothing, as well as cosmetic products for men and women like pomade (think old-fashioned hair gel) and lip balm.
The Language of Fragrances
Perfumes come with their own special language, as each fragrance family conveys a particular message. Let us take a look at what each signifies to help you choose the most suitable scent for your loved one:
- Floral scents: Flowery fragrances convey feelings of devotion and affection and are known to represent femininity and romance. Cast your thoughts to a rose-infused bouquet for the height of passion or a subtle lilly-of-the-valley to portray innocent love.
- Woody fragrances: These warm, rich scents symbolise strength, stability and maturity. Imagine the comforting aroma of sandalwood or the heady allure of cedarwood—a gift that conveys respect and adoration for your recipient.
- Spicy orientals: If you are looking for a confident, sophisticated scent that is bold and captivating, look to rich, exotic oriental notes. Favourite fragrances in this category include the warmth of cinnamon, vanilla or musk and can express your gratitude for the deep connection that you and your loved one share.
- Fresh notes: Be invigorated by the vitality and energy of fresh ocean and citrus scents. Perfumes with these notes are often associated with youthfulness and optimism—an excellently suitable present for a colleague, friend or sibling you are proud of.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Perfume Gift
Before giving the gift of perfume, it is a good idea to do some research and combine this with your intuitive perception of your loved one. First, consider their preferences. Notice what types of fragrances they usually choose. See if they lean towards floral, woody, oriental, or fresh scents. This will help you narrow down the category of scents they will most likely enjoy.
Also, consider the gifting occasion. Is it a birthday? A light, floral perfume makes an ideal birthday gift. A warm, woody fragrance might be better suited if it is an anniversary.
Perfume makes a wonderfully meaningful gift. Take the time to choose the perfect scent to show your love and appreciation. Browse Homage’s range to find a fragrance that can truly express your feelings towards a person you love and admire.