The decorations are up, the tree is sparkling, and Christmas gifts are at the forefront of all our minds. So, in true festive spirit, we’ve created our very own 12 Days of Fragrance countdown, featuring the twelve best scents of the season. From cult classics to sleek new favourites, this is your go-to guide for giving a meaningful gift that they’ll treasure all year.

Do Perfumes Make Good Christmas Gifts?

In our opinion,  absolutely yes! Fragrance is one of those rare Christmas presents that feels both personal and luxurious- it’s a little moment of self-care wrapped up in a bow. And with so many gorgeous scents landing this year (including some seriously exciting new launches), Christmas is the perfect time to treat someone to a fragrance they might not buy for themselves.

Day 1: Prada Paradoxe Intense (For Her):

Let’s start strong. Paradoxe Intense is one of those modern classics that women fall in love with instantly. Bright citruses entwine with jasmine florals, against a warm, amber-rich heart, for a slightly mysterious and incredibly wearable feel. It’s the ideal Christmas gift for someone who likes their everyday scent to feel a bit grown-up and sophisticated- and it looks simply stunning on a dressing table, too.

Day 2: Montblanc Explorer Extreme (For Him):

For the man who loves the great outdoors (or simply smells like he does). Explorer Extreme is bold, refined, and beautifully balanced. Opening with a burst of zesty bergamot, its aromatic woody heart soon develops, with patchouli and moss giving a rugged feel before the warmth of leather glows forth with an ambery edge. A great pick for the traveller, the dreamer, or the guy who’s always planning his next big adventure.

Day 3: Paco Rabanne Fame Gift Set (For Her):

This one is pure festive glamour, with glittering mango and bergamot top notes and delicate jasmine flowers dancing playfully over a sultry olibanum and sandalwood heart. The Fame Christmas gift set combines a full-size eau de parfum and a travel-sized miniature, plus the packaging is so chic it barely needs wrapping. A guaranteed hit for the most glossy, fashion-forward woman in your life.

Day 4: Valentino Uomo Born in Roma Gift Set (For Him):

If he’s the stylish and suave type, this is the Christmas gift for him- featuring a full-size and travel-size eau de toilette, and matching shower gel. Uomo Born in Roma has that effortlessly refined vibe: aromatic, masculine, and thoroughly modern. Mineral accords and salt give a breezy, cool opening that contrasts elegantly against the warmth of a ginger heart. Its woody, vetiver-rich base anchors it in an earthy sense of calm that’s perfect for day-to-day wear and special occasions alike.

Day 5: Moncler Pour Femme (For Her):

This fragrance encapsulates everything great about winter. Like stepping outside on a cold Alpine morning, with powdery snow accords, bright, light heliotrope, and an aromatic cedar and amber base. Crisp, luminous, and softly sweet; if she loves cosy winter escapes, cashmere jumpers, or anything “quiet luxury,” she’ll adore this fragrance.

Day 6: Davidoff Cool Elixir Oud Aromatique (For Him):

A new twist on an iconic classic, this version of Elixir layers deep, smoky oud with delicate rose and lavender florals, creating something striking and rich, but surprisingly wearable. A great Christmas gift for charismatic men who favour deeper, darker evening scents.

Day 7: Jimmy Choo I Want Choo (For Her):

Ultra-feminine and undeniably alluring, with juicy peach and mandarin glimmering atop a jasmine and lily heart. A soft, sweet vanilla base adds a warming glow that’ll take you from day to evening with ease. A bold, sparkling Christmas gift that’s guaranteed to earn compliments.

Day 8: Calvin Klein Euphoria (For Him):

A polished, easy-to-wear fragrance, ideal for men who prefer something subtle but irresistible. Invigorating spices of peppercorn and ginger are set against a refreshing verdant heart of sage and black basil. Its redwood and suede base has a tactile, enticing quality, for an overall effect that’s gentle yet unmistakably masculine.

Day 9: Lancôme La Vie Est Belle Gift Set (For Her):

Classic and uplifting, this much-loved fragrance genuinely feels like happiness, bottled. It’s perfect for mums, sisters, godmothers, or anyone who deserves a big festive “thank you.” Inspired by natural beauty, it features juicy pears and sharp blackcurrants that zing atop a heart of iris and orange blossoms. Sweet, nutty praline and tonka bean provide a smooth, comforting base that’s universally appealing. And with a full and travel-sized bottle plus a matching body lotion, this Christmas gift set is sure to delight.

Day 10: Hugo Boss Bottled Night (For Him):

A fresh-meets-dark masculine scent that’s perfect for evening wear, and its universal appeal means it's a great Christmas gift option if you’re unsure what to buy him. Bitter birch leaves and violet make for a cool, green opening, energised by cardamom and lemon leaves. Its musky wood-rich base is irresistibly seductive, while vanilla gives softness to its rugged appeal.

Day 11: Burberry Her Eau de Parfum (For Her):

If she loves sweet, creamy, modern scents, Burberry Her would make a lovely Christmas gift, one that feels effortlessly chic. Succulent berries and citrus fruits create a vibrant opening burst, while delicate jasmine and violet florals offer a soft femininity to a base of aromatic woods and warming vanilla-musk. It has that “London cool girl” energy: confident, carefree, and playful- a brilliant pick for anyone creative and dreamy with an urban edge.

Day 12: Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Elixir (For Him):

If you’re looking for a statement-maker, this is it. Le Male Elixir takes the iconic original and turns the intensity dial all the way up. Cool, herbaceous mint and lavender rush forth atop a sweetened heart of incense-like benzoin and vanilla. The honey and tobacco base is warm and sensual, glowing with an unmistakable aura of masculinity. Incredibly long-lasting, it’s the kind of fragrance that makes an impression the moment you walk into the room- an ideal Christmas present for any gentleman who loves a deep, seductive signature scent.

Why Perfume Makes Such a Thoughtful Christmas Gift

Fragrance taps into memory, emotion, nostalgia, and personal style, and each scent develops uniquely with our own distinct body chemistry. Little wonder, then, that perfumes have remained one of the top Christmas gifts in recent years; they feel indulgent and truly meaningful. 

Fortunately, giving designer scents doesn’t have to mean splurging. At Perfume Direct, our team handpicks authentic luxury fragrances and offers them with exceptional discounts, so you can treat the people you love without blowing your festive budget. 

As the big day draws closer, there’s something truly magical about finding that one perfect scent: the one that feels like it was made just for them. Whether you're choosing a signature fragrance, a little luxury treat, or a show-stopping perfume selection box, we hope our Christmas gift countdown has sparked some festive inspiration.

From bestselling fragrance gift sets to niche favourites, you’ll find every featured scent- plus hundreds more- right here at Perfume Direct. Here’s to a very Merry Christmas filled with warmth, wonder, and beautiful fragrance.