If you do not know someone’s taste, look for clues first: what they already wear, what candles and soaps they buy, and whether they like strong or subtle things. If you have no clues at all, choose a fresh or soft floral scent in a smaller bottle. That gets you most of the way. The rest of this guide explains how to read the clues.
Step 1: Look for clues
You know more than you think.
- Check their shelf. If you can see the perfume they use, the name tells you a lot. You can buy the same one, or one from the same fragrance family.
- Notice what else they buy. Someone who buys vanilla candles and coconut body lotion probably likes warm, sweet scents. Someone with lemon hand soap and eucalyptus shower gel probably likes fresh ones.
- Think about how they dress. This is not a rule, but people with a minimal, clean style often prefer fresh scents, and people who love bold colour or vintage clothes often enjoy richer, more unusual perfumes.
- Ask someone close to them. A partner, sibling or best friend will usually know.
Step 2: Understand the fragrance families
You do not need to learn perfume vocabulary. These four families cover almost everything:
| Family | Smells like | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh | citrus, green leaves, sea air, tea | daytime, summer, people who like “clean” |
| Floral | rose, jasmine, peony, lily | romantic gifts, most occasions |
| Warm and spicy (often called oriental or amber) | vanilla, amber, cinnamon, incense | evenings, winter, people who like bold |
| Woody | cedar, sandalwood, vetiver, moss | people who like calm, earthy scents |
Many perfumes mix two families, for example a “fresh floral” or a “woody spicy”.
Step 3: Pick the strength
- Eau de parfum (EDP) is stronger and lasts longer. Good for evenings and winter, and for people who like their scent noticed.
- Tualettvesi (EDT) is lighter. Good for daytime, office and people who prefer subtle.
If in doubt, choose the lighter option. A scent that is too weak is easier to live with than one that is too strong.
Step 4: Choose the size
For a first gift, a smaller bottle is the smart choice. If they love it, you know what to buy next time. If they do not, it is not a waste.
Safe choices for a blind gift
- For women: a fresh floral or a soft, clean musk.
- For men: a fresh citrus or a light woody scent.
- Unisex: citrus, green tea or light woody scents work for almost anyone.
What to avoid
- Very heavy or very sweet scents, unless you know they like them.
- Copying your own perfume. What smells great on you can smell completely different on someone else’s skin.
- Strong scents for people who work in healthcare, schools or kitchens, where fragrance is often discouraged.
Make it personal
A perfume can feel a little anonymous on its own. Add a handwritten card. Our Estonian birthday wishes can help with the words, or design a photo card to go with it.
Browse our fragrances. The Estonian version of this guide is also available.
Frequently asked questions
Is perfume a good gift?
It can be one of the best, if you choose with a few clues in mind. If you know nothing about the person's taste, a fresh or light floral scent in a smaller bottle is the safest choice.
What is the difference between eau de parfum and eau de toilette?
Eau de parfum has a higher concentration of fragrance oils, so it is usually stronger and lasts longer on the skin. Eau de toilette is lighter and often fresher, which makes it a good everyday or daytime choice.
What is the safest perfume to give someone?
Fresh scents (citrus, green, aquatic) and soft florals suit most people and most occasions. Heavy oriental or very sweet gourmand scents are more personal and riskier as a blind gift.
How can I find out what perfume someone likes without asking?
Look at what is already on their dresser or bathroom shelf, notice which candles, soaps or body lotions they buy, or ask a close friend or partner.
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