18 Colognes to Gift This Holiday Season

A reliable fastball of a men’s going-out scent. Up top, it’s fresh and gets compliments without being an attention-grabbing club citrus fragrance. On the dry down, it’s deep and sophisticated without being too fashion-y and cerebral.

This would be my go-to for most guys. I’ve given bottles to my brother (divorced dad in his 40s) and his oldest son (just turned 21). Gets compliments in both age ranges. —Luke Guillory, commerce editor

It’s a classic for a reason. Aromatic and bold. I like to wear it for the important kind of evenings when I need an extra bit of refinement. —Mark Burger, social-media editor

A versatile scent that wears well practically any time of the year. The citrusy notes are potent but not overwhelming. You need only two sprays maximum for this to hit. —Eric Francisco, entertainment editor

Fulton & Roark makes so many delicious fragrances, but Ramble is one of my favorites. It’s inspired by the famous Central Park enclave of the same name, so it’s perfect for any NYC native. The notes of forest air, lavender, and lemon rind create a fresh, woody scent that will transport you to the wilderness. It’s sophisticated and lush, and it works for literally everyone. —Bellamy Richardson, associate commerce editor

I gravitate toward gifting warm, cozy scents and this one feels perfectly timed for the season. With notes of almond, rose and vanilla, this powdery gourmand feels soft and intimate. A touch of honey adds some nostalgic sweetness. —Andrea Ríos, fashion assistant

This is a new favorite of mine I’ve wearing every day. Iris Germanica and vanilla give it a floral sweetness that takes the edge of the manly musc typical of Legend. Plus, it’s hard to go wrong with anything served in a flask. —Bryn Gelbart, associate commerce editor

I really campaigned for this scent during our Grooming Awards earlier this year. It’s insanely wearable. Spice, florals, and citrus top and dry down hit in the warmer months. In the colder months, the warm, earthy heart stands out. It’s soft without being too femme, sturdy without the usual smoke and whiskey smells. I think the difficulty with this fragrance would be finding someone who it doesn’t jive with. —L.G.

Iris Silver Mist by Serge Lutens was first introduced in 1994, and there’s a reason this unisex scent remains so coveted. This fragrance blends the scent of moist, green earth with the light, powdery, and slightly metallic qualities of iris. Let this be your introduction to niche perfumery. —Emma Saxon, fashion assistant

Snif’s new Double Take cologne is one of our new favorite scents—and at $74, it’s a much more affordable option than some of the more luxury picks on this list. With juicy apricot and fresh orange blossom at the top, creamy sesame milk at the heart, and a classic woody base, it’s beloved by everyone in our office who’s tried it. —B.R.

After years of using Ralph Lauren Polo Gold Blend, my wife took me cologne shopping at Le Labo in the West Village, where we spent more than an hour trying out different fragrances. I ended up going with Baie 19, which brings an earthy and refreshing feeling. It paired well with my body smell, which is a huge factor. Le Labo also offers a huge discount with its refill program; you just have to bring your bottle back. —Mike Kim, digital design director

If you know anyone who likes warm scents for the colder months, this new release might just be perfect. The notes of cognac and antique wood make me feel as though I’m sitting in an old home next to a roaring fire with a drink in hand. But it’s not overwhelming or cloying—just inviting. —Jonathan Evans, style director

Woody, rosy, fresh—a bright and sophisticated scent I like to wear all day. Plus, if it’s good enough for Tom Holland, it’s good enough for me. –M. B.

Byredo Mojave Ghost smells effortless, and even my friends who don’t usually like scents always compliment it. The bottle design also makes it perfect to put on display—it looks so chic sitting on a desk or counter! —E.S.

I don’t wear scents on a daily basis, but whenever I spritz one on for a special occasion, it’s always Diptyque. The brand makes the most beautiful yet understated fragrances that are just right, never leaving too heavy of a cast or going unnoticeable. Lazulio is my latest go-to, a more natural scent that is a perfect blend of fresh and classic in a single bottle.

A gift from the brand always stands out thanks to its beautiful packaging. No matter what, the recipient will feel the luxury. Plus, I can bet they don’t have this scent yet. But if you’re not exactly sure what they like, you can play it safe with this discovery set of five scents. —Krista Jones, senior director, commerce and partnerships

Ranger Station is a little perfumer out of Nashville, and as such it’s got a lot of country-music references in the lineup. This one, done with the Waylon Jennings estate, embodies the man himself: gruff, masculine, old-fashioned.

It’s a curveball as a gift because it’s heavy on musk, leather, smoke, and spice. It smells like the Stetson Original my grandpa used. (It smells more like it than the modern Stetson Original does, funnily enough.) But that’s why I love the idea. This type of scent has been lost to time, so these days it’s really, really unique. —L.G.

One of my favorite scents. Versatile enough to move from day to night yet striking enough to leave an impression no matter the hour. The balance of bergamot, musk, neroli, and vetiver is masterful. The bottle—with tinges of art deco influence—is equally sharp. —M.B.

Aside from the grenade casing being so much fun to use, Viktor Rolf’s Spicebomb really booms with its strong combination of pepper and cinnamon. Wears well during the colder seasons and for more formal occasions (despite its aggressive appearances). —E. F.