Perfume gifts are rather hit or miss unless you already know what fragrance the recipient likes. Here are a few scented ideas that might work for someone on your list:
The Fresh Index Fragrance Chronicles: 15 5-ml bottles for $125. Available at eluxury with free shipping (if you order by 12/14) using code WISH.
The Maison de la Vanille sampler set: 5 15-ml bottles with a refillable atomizer. $35 at luckyscent.
A burning lamp from Parfums de Nicolaï. I have always wanted one of these — are you listening, Santa? $99 includes one refill (I'll take Vétiver de Java). Available at aedes.
For the budding perfumer: a mini perfume organ from Molinard with 20 essences to mix-your-own for 59.50€. The offer is for members only so you will need to register on their website.
And for stocking stuffers: Fizzmo bath balls in White Chocolate Moose or Sugar Plum Fairy, $2.70 each at ebubbles.
More gift ideas to follow in the coming days...
Good grief, R! When I teased you about not posting on weekends, I didn't expect you to turn out just for me!! ;-D Mind you, look who checked out the site 'just in case'…
BTW, I'm currently studying for a marketing qualification, and I'm using the perfume industry for my assignments. And one piece of research that intrigued me is the Parfums de Nicolai make most of their money from home fragrances (Maharadjah is the big seller, apparently) (and they have hundreds of outlets in France and Italy – never knew that). In fact, the home fragrance market seems to be huge for lots of niche houses. I think Serge may be missing a trick here!
Nice to 'see' you on a Saturday!
N, had meant to start doing holiday gift posts last week, but as always am running behind — I really am a slacker! I used to post on weekends way more than I do now, and since about the same number of people come by, there ought to be something new to read, right?
I knew home fragrance was a growing market, but never would have guessed that PdN made most of their money that way. Would love to see SL candles although I probably couldn't afford them
These are lovely ideas. Especially the bath bombs – sometimes it gets tricky trying to figure out inexpensive treats to stuff into a stocking that aren't crummy. Very nice.
K, still trying to find a fragrance-related stocking stuffer for $1. Haven't found it yet
I am in the alternative fragrance industry. We have created a successful niche market for alternative fragrances. We closely monitor the fragrance industry and quickly respond to any hot trends by manufacturing a similar product in less fancy packaging for about a fraction of the price. This has allowed people of all walks of life the luxury of enjoying the latest, hippest and newests scents without weighing down heavy on their consciences.
We are having a hard time deciding on new men fragrances 2006, any suggestions?
Do I understand correctly that you're asking which new men's fragrances are worth duping? I'm afraid I have no idea.
Michael's craft stores have some cute little travel candles in tins that aren't bad at all for a buck. They're not as nice as some of the fancier ones, but I wouldn't snub my nose at them. They're perfectly sized for the bathroom, actually. And Pre de Provence makes great mini-cake versions of their soaps that sell for 79 cents where I live, and as you know, I'm a huge fan of their linden blossom soap.
K, great ideas (love Michaels), and one for you: the Roger & Gallet Gentle Nature linden soap. Pricey at around $8.50 but a huge bar and it lasts a long time — got one as a gift and it is now dh's favorite.
Another set of great ideas from you dear R!
Hugs!
R — I may never experience many of the items you're listing, but I do appreciate your posting of them — it's fun to see the packaging, the trends, etc. I hardly ever go into stores or cruise the online “beauty” and fragrance sites, so the visuals are quite fun.
VanillaGirl (love your name!) — what types of home fragrancing products have been most in demand? I'm considering reed diffusers. ines, and, of course candles, yes?
Thanks N!
A, I may never experience them either…but it has been fun looking around online, and way easier than braving the malls.
Thanks for those ideas. I registered with Molinard and I am thinking of ordering that mini perfume organ. It seems like it would be fun to experient with making some homemade scents!
If you get it, do come back to comment — would love to hear if it is a worthwhile investment!
You bet, I think I will ask for it from Santa
The more I think about it, the more I want it.
What oils/essences does the organ come with? I can't get the website to work for me properly!
Tigs, this is all it says:
“It's dsigned to help you create your own original fragrance, by imagining secret mixes using the 20 essences provided.”
I looked at the French version too…no more info than that!
Very informative! I've been wanting to kind of put my own together, but I'm not sure the best places to order the essences from. Do you ever make your own perfumes, R?
Tigs, I don't, but highly recommend the Yahoo Natural Perfumery newsgroup — great resource for DIYers:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/NaturalPerfumery/