The holidays are fast approaching, which means cosy nights spent watching ‘The Holiday‘ with a hot chocolate in hand, just because! As you think about how to make your loved ones’ big day special, it’s also the right time of year to start planning. We’re here to help you with all things sustainable gifting if you’re planning on surprising someone eco-conscious with a special gift!
Some of the most heart-warming and memory-invoking aromas are found in the notes of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg associated with Christmas. These ingredients are guaranteed to give you a festive feeling regardless of whether they are used as a hero ingredient or combined – especially when found in Christmas perfumes.
Our roundup of the best classic festive scents and the fragrances they live in is perfect for you if you love rich, warm scents associated with the holidays.
- Tips to reduce waste
- How to find the perfect sustainable Christmas gift
- Our top sustainable Christmas gift picks:
- D by Diesel
- Scandal Pour Homme by Jean Paul Gaultier
- Alien Goddess by Mugler
- My Way Intense by Armani
- Acqua di Gio by Armani
- Eilish Eau de Parfum by Billie Eilish
- Good Fortune by Viktor & Rolf
- Daisy Ever So Fresh by Marc Jacobs
- My Way Floral by Armani
- Black Opium Illicit Green by Yves Saint Laurent
- Invictus Platinum by Paco Rabanne
- Man Aqua by Jimmy Choo
- Gentleman Reserve Privee by Givenchy
- This is Him! by Zadig and Voltaire
- Bad Boy Cobalt by Carolina Herrera
- Best Classic Perfect Scents and the Fragrances Sustainable for Gifting
Tips to reduce waste
When looking for the perfect present for a loved one, always examine the product packaging to confirm that it is recyclable and/or created from recycled materials. Once the festivities are finished, the receiver will be able to recycle properly.
Look for gifts that may be utilized again and again. Refillable scent bottles, for example, are a perfect example of sustainable gifting since they allow the receiver to keep topping up their original bottle, eliminating waste. Bonus points if their distinctive smell is refillable; that way, you may be sure that this is a present they’ll treasure long after the holidays are over!
If your gift-wrapping sessions usually end with reams of discarded wrapping paper, ribbon, bows, and glitter, we recommend looking for recyclable wrapping options or leaving it to the professionals with our free in-store gift wrapping service, or for a small fee if you order online. You might also be interested to know that all of our gift bags and wrapping paper are made from FSC-certified sustainable sources and can be recycled!
How to find the perfect sustainable Christmas gift
Before you go looking for a sustainable Christmas gift that checks all the boxes, here are some helpful hints on what to look for:
Ingredients sourced in a sustainable and ethical manner, such as through forest preservation programs or community-benefiting initiatives.
Hint: Before selecting your gift, check the packaging or head over to the product page on our site for more information.
Brands that are actively working to reduce their environmental effect by developing more ecologically conscious product and packaging choices.
Choose scent formulas that are ‘intense’ or stronger. Why? Because a little spritz here and there goes a long way, the lucky recipient will be able to enjoy their new scent for a longer period of time!
Our top sustainable Christmas gift picks:
D by Diesel
D by Diesel gets a yes for sustainability from packaging and bottle design to ingredient composition! This is why:
- The D by Diesel box and bottle are also recyclable, and there is no cellophane on the outerpack to help decrease waste. What about an eco-friendly Christmas gift? We believe so!
- In addition, the glass bottle is manufactured from 25% recycled materials, and the carton is created from 55% recycled cardboard.
- Captivating aroma components like as Madagascan vanilla and lavender from Provence have been acquired sustainably for Diesel.
- Its formula is completely vegan.
- It’s refillable, which means the original bottle may be used again and again. When using a 150ml refill with a 50ml refillable bottle, for example, the ‘eco-designed’ bottle is reported to save 45% glass, 43% cardboard, and 75% metal (when compared to 4 x 50ml bottles).
Scandal Pour Homme by Jean Paul Gaultier
With the new refill design of Scandal Pour Homme by Jean Paul Gautier, you may now spray sustainably.
- Because of the bottle’s eco-friendly refilling design, you can decrease waste while also saving money. Isn’t he a genius?
- The supplied 200ml refill bottle will fill your 50ml, 100ml, or 150ml bottle without spilling a single drop! This method of refilling consumes 59% less glass, 46% less plastic, 89% less metal, and 64% less packing by weight! Allow the performance to begin!
- The formulation is completely vegan and cruelty-free (yay!).
Alien Goddess by Mugler
This enticing aroma (and matching bottle) is intended for individuals who are in tune with their body, spirit, and, of course, the environment.
- As you may have observed, we adore refillable fragrances here, so we had to include Alien Goddess by Mugler among our top sustainable gift options. You would save 61% of plastic, 47% of cardboard, and 51% of glass if you choose a 30ml bottle and a 100ml refill bottle over four new 30ml bottles.
- To make things even easier, you can refill your Alien Goddess bottle with the Mugler Fragrance Fountain, which is available in select places.
- The irresistible scents of Madagascan bourbon vanilla have been farmed in a sustainable manner.
My Way Intense by Armani
Not only is Armani‘s My Way Intense a stunning aroma, but it’s also making waves in the perfume market for its environmental credentials.
- Of course, it’s refillable! You can save 64% of plastic by using a 50ml bottle and a 150ml refill bottle instead of four new 50ml bottles. Not only that, but carbon emissions will be decreased by 60%.
- All components are recyclable, making it the ideal recyclable present for the environmentally concerned buyer or receiver.
- Madagascan vanilla is intentionally sourced from local organizations, which contributes to the revenue of Madagascan communities.
- The spray and refill container are constructed of recycled glass, plastic, and metal, respectively, while the exterior packaging is made of recycled card.
Acqua di Gio by Armani
Discover why Acqua di Gio by Armani has rightfully been referred to as a ‘fragrance for the future’.
– The refillable bottle champions waste reduction, and we’re big fans! Refilling a 75ml bottle with a 150ml refill as opposed to buying three new 75ml bottles will save 43% of glass and 67% of metal.
– With sustainably harvested ingredients like clary sage and patchouli, this scent is a stellar example of an eco-friendly Christmas gift that ticks all the boxes.
Eilish Eau de Parfum by Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish‘s debut fragrance, Billie Eilish Eau de Parfum, truly stated “go big or go home,” and we’d expect nothing less from the scene-stealing pop star. It’s as seductive and, dare we say, catchy as a melody from one of the singer’s chart-topping songs, from the gilded-bronze bust bottle to the strong notes of red berries, rich chocolate, and creamy vanilla. If you have a difficult-to-please Gen Z’er on your Christmas list, this will put you in their good graces.
Good Fortune by Viktor & Rolf
We’ve been waiting for a new perfume formulation from Viktor & Rolf for years, and they’ve delivered (and then some) with Good Fortune. The appealing smell is focused on crystals and pleasant sentiments, thus, the manufacturer describes it as ‘bewitching.’ It’s off to an intriguing start with a unique combination of fennel (yep, like the plant, supposed to ward off malevolent spirits) and gentian flower—and that’s before a strong jasmine superfusion kicks in to steal the show. The company describes it as ‘bewitching,’ and we believe they have created another irresistible cult classic – Flowerbomb fans will be fascinated by it.
Daisy Ever So Fresh by Marc Jacobs
If the person you’re purchasing for is difficult to read (say, your stylish sister or finicky niece), keep it light and airy. Daisy, the latest edition of Marc Jacobs‘ famous scent, is one of our favorite new Christmas scents. Daisy Ever So Fresh is more brightly colored than its predecessors, with powerful notes of mango, rosewater, and cashmere wood, yet it still has a light and airy character that’s ideal for all-day use. It’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
My Way Floral by Armani
My Way Floral by Giorgio Armani’s Perfume is “love at first spritz,” inspired by the “life-affirming thrill of a first meeting.” A vibrant floral fragrance with orange blossom at the opening, a heart of tuberose, and a little vanilla thrown in for good measure. What’s more, the finest part is? All ingredients are sourced with care, and the recyclable container is refillable. You’ve got to appreciate a scent that does good and smells good!
Black Opium Illicit Green by Yves Saint Laurent
If you’re looking for a gift for someone who is exquisite, daring, and sensual, look no further than Yves Saint Laurent‘s newest Black Opium, Black Opium Illicit Green. It has enough zest to put a spring in her step (and make passersby green with envy! ), taking the alluring coffee and vanilla notes from the original scent and spinning them in pear harmony, green mandarin essence, and fig.
Invictus Platinum by Paco Rabanne
Looking for a gift for a sports fan with a competitive streak? Paco Rabanne‘s Invictus Platinum is a triumphant gift that will earn you many karma points. This smell is equal parts fresh and woody, with notes of absinth, grapefruit, lavender, mint, and patchouli—the ideal post-gym aroma for your brother, lover, or BFF.
Man Aqua by Jimmy Choo
If the season’s wintry feelings—think hot chocolate, nutmeg, and crackling fires—don’t appeal to him, Man Aqua by Jimmy Choo will be like a refreshing plunge in the sea. Its top notes of grapefruit and cardamom clash with the base notes of patchouli and salty moss, with the sea accord in the core tying it all together. The end result? a woody aroma that is invigorating and light, making it ideal for day-to-night use.
Gentleman Reserve Privee by Givenchy
Look no farther than Givenchy‘s Gentleman Reserve Privee for the stylish guy about town who can wear a three-piece better than James Bond himself at Christmas. The newest addition to the best-selling line-up takes things to the next level with the strong scent of whiskey absolute, fusing two olfactory worlds for a unique result. It has a rich, woody aroma that screams “greatest Christmas gift ever.“
This is Him! by Zadig and Voltaire
Want to make your present memorable? Zadig and Voltaire‘s standout This is Him! is a strong display of rock and roll passion, making it memorable for all the right reasons. Nathalie Lorson, the perfumer, created it to “reflect the duality between strength and confidence, between vibration and addiction,” which explains the powerful combination of zesty grapefruit and smoky incense that draws your attention from the first spray.
Bad Boy Cobalt by Carolina Herrera
Whoever said that lightning never strikes twice has evidently never met Carolina Herrera. This newest drop in the Bad Boy collection provides us additional “electrifying” energy, giving us a new certain sell-out with Bad Boy Cobalt. It’s an energizing play of contrasts for the man who doesn’t play by the rules, with fresh notes of pink pepper and lavender at the top, evolving into a floral geranium heart, and settling on a smoky cedarwood base.
Best Classic Perfect Scents and the Fragrances Sustainable for Gifting
Ginger
Born in Roma Yellow Dream Uomo by Valentino
If the smell of gingerbread at Christmas makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside, you’ll want to add Valentino‘s Born in Roma Yellow Dream Uomo to your wish list faster than you can say “Santa has arrived.” The heart’s warm and spicy gingerbread accord is well balanced by a base of gentle and smooth vanilla, making it the perfect winter warmer. On the other hand, its rush of fresh and exotic top notes makes it a popular and adaptable perfume that deserves a spot in your scent collection all year.
Twilly Dhermes Eau Ginger by Hermes
Ginger smells are usually popular in the fall and winter seasons because they offer an important richness and depth to a fragrance that is especially appreciated when the temperature outside lowers. Ginger pairs beautifully with delicate, gentle flowers, as shown in Hermes‘ Twilly d’Hermes. Spicy ginger, heady tuberose, and earthy sandalwood combine to make a Christmas perfume you’ll want to reach for again and again.
Cinnamon
Alien Fusion by Thierry Mugler
Alien Fusion pushes sensuous fragrances to new heights, and we wouldn’t expect anything less from the house of MUGLER. Traditional winter notes of cinnamon and ginger emerge at the top, followed by a strong core of tuberose and a long-lasting creamy base. Christmas perfumes are often associated with memories, and we guarantee you’ll never forget the first time you smell it, especially if you’re wearing it during your holiday festivities!
Spicebomb by Viktor & Rolf
Spicebomb by Viktor & Rolf is your passport to the ultimate winter aroma! From its fresh, spicy top notes to its semi-sweet leathery base, the fresh and spicy perfume exposes its masculinity from every viewpoint! There’s no mistake the cinnamon that comes through right away, and its effect is amplified by the addition of leather and tobacco in the dry down. So, whether you’re looking for a Christmas perfume for a loved one or for yourself, the OG Spicebomb by Viktor & Rolf will be a hit!
Myrrh
Pure XS by Paco Rabanne
If there is one time of year when we think about myrrh, it has to be Christmas! Synonymous with The Nativity, you’d be excused for not understanding that its warm and woody perfume also appears in fragrances. Other festive scents, such as ginger and cardamom, are present in Pure XS before the myrrh comes through in the base. It’s beautifully blended with smooth vanilla, making this one of the most addictive and appealing scents on our shelves!
Velvet Orchid by Tom Ford
Tom Ford‘s Velvet Orchid is the follow-up to the ever-popular Black Orchid, and it’s as glamorous and lavish as you’d expect from anything Tom Ford! Consider the top notes to be rum and honey, the heart to be their signature blend of black and velvet orchid, and the base to be a warming, seductive blend of rich myrrh, sandalwood, suede, and vanilla. But that’s not all (we did say the formula was lavish); this Christmas perfume also has floral notes! In so many ways, it’s opulent, seductive, and warming.
See more Tom Ford’s perfumes
Frankincense
La Nuit Tresor by Lancôme
Once reserved for Kings and Queens, frankincense gives an extraordinary quality to whatever scent it graces, including La Nuit Tresor by Lancôme. The woody scent mixes an aroma of incense with layers of delightful sweetness to produce a perfume that is great for date night throughout the holiday season!
Y Eau de Parfum by Yves Saint Laurent
Y Eau de Parfum by Yves Saint Laurent is intended to create an impression by balancing elegance and masculinity. It has a woody perfume with fresh fragrant notes of ginger and delicious green apple. The elegance continues in swaths as juniper, geranium, and lavender are introduced before unveiling our Christmas note, frankincense, in the base with warming Tonka beans, vetiver, and smoky woods. Scent-sational!
Nutmeg
Autumn Vibes by Maison Margiela
Have you ever been kicking through crunchy fallen leaves while watching the final rays of the day steam through trees, hoping someone could bottle that aroma and feeling? Maison Margiela has done just that with Autumn Vibes! Taking a mix of autumnal (and festive) notes that make you feel warm, toasty, and soothed, such as nutmeg, cardamom, pink pepper, and woody and earthy accord, you’re transported right to that lovely time of year in just one spritz!
L’Eau D’issey Pour Homme
Issey Miyake‘s L’eau de Lessy Pour Homme offers more surprises than a Christmas advent calendar! Top notes of bright and citrus yuzu and mandarin might lead you to assume this is a summer perfume, yet the warming entrance of nutmeg and cinnamon awaits you in the heart. When combined, this spicy combo is nothing short of spectacular. Following the enveloping hug in the center, you are taken to a powdery, rich, and always unforgettable woody base.
Cardamom
Gardenia Cardamom by Banana Republic
Cardamon gives a sweet yet spicy tone to a Christmas scent and works nicely when mixed with floral notes, as shown in Banana Republic‘s Gardenia Cardamon. It stuns with the addition of cardamom, amber, and driftwood to produce a stunning aroma great for Christmas parties, dates, and even the big day itself!
Legend Red by Montblanc
Montblanc‘s dynamic Legend Red fragrance will elevate your fragrance collection. Cardamom is paired with zesty blood orange and grapefruit, giving the opening a spicy contrast, demonstrating how flexible a favorite Christmas note can be. A combination of clary sage and juniper berries in the heart, as well as a woody freshness in the case, fill out this powerful and exciting male Christmas scent.
Clove
Toy Boy by Moschino
Moschino‘s Toy Boy, a unique and energetic fragrance that perfectly combines fresh florals and spicy notes, will bring out your playful side. The top notes are zesty bergamot, juicy pear, and earthy nutmeg, followed by a heart of deeply sweet and woody clove and a bursting bouquet of rose. This scent is frequently described as distinct, and they are not mistaken!
Coco by CHANEL
Coco by CHANEL is as complex and interesting as it gets in the perfume world; it grabs your attention the moment you remove the cap and smell its spicy, amber scent. Is it for the faint of heart? No, it isn’t. Will it, however, transform your typical Christmas celebrations into a memory you’ll cherish for the rest of your life? We’re certain of it! At first, nose-tickling pepper, rich rose, and sweetness greet you before cloves, orange blossom, and jasmine join the olfactory experience. The joys of sandalwood, silky vanilla, and amber then create a pleasant, lasting scent on your skin that will ALWAYS feel like a treat as it dries.