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A good bottle of cologne is one of our favorite go-to holiday gifts. It feels luxurious and thoughtful, lasts far longer than a box of chocolates, and—if you choose wisely—can become an integral part of his everyday routine. Of course, finding a fragrance he’ll genuinely like is easier said than done. Picking a scent for yourself is hard enough; choosing one for someone else requires a little extra care.
If you can peek inside his cabinet, the fragrances he already owns will offer some useful clues. If that’s not an option, or you’d rather not snoop (understandable), you’ll need to think outside the cabinet (sorry). Luckily, we write about colognes all the time, so we know a thing or two about matching a cologne to the guy. Below, you’ll find some foolproof tips for choosing a scent he’ll keep wearing long after the holiday season ends.
Not Sure? Get a Classic Crowd Pleaser.
When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with one of these popular fragrances from famous fashion houses like Chanel, Dior, Hermès, and Armani, or from perfumeries with cult followings like Le Labo, Diptyque, and Creed. These colognes aren’t too strong, but they’re distinctive enough to impress whoever catches a whiff of his new signature scent.
For the Professional Man: Keep it Clean.
If he works in an office setting, get him a clean, fresh scent that’s appropriate to wear to work—something his coworkers will agree with (or at least won’t be too distracted by). There are plenty of great scents that pair well with a crisp collared shirt and tie. Think lightweight scents with fresh, citrusy notes and maybe some light florals or smooth woods. These are some of our favorite fragrances to wear around the Esquire office.
He Loves Nature? Go Earthy.
Maybe he loves a walk through the woods, hiking up a mountain, or strumming a guitar around the campfire. Or maybe he lives in the city and needs some more nature in his life. Either way, there are plenty of fragrances that take inspiration from the scents of natural landscapes, and they tend to be a hit with most people. From freshly cut grass and soft sandalwood to aromatic herbs and aquatic scents, there’s sure to be a scent here he’ll enjoy.
Lean Into the Season With Something Warm and Smoky.
You can also go the route of matching a scent to the season, and if you’re shopping for holiday gifts, that means it’s about to be wintertime. And winter means warm, cozy colognes with spicy and even smoky notes (but nothing too bold, just in case). Think warm spices, rich leather, smoky tobacco, smooth woods, sweet vanilla, and amber. Any of these are perfect for the colder months ahead.
Or, Let Him Decide for Himself.
Still worried about the risk that comes with picking out a cologne for someone else? We get it. Luckily, many brands sell discovery kits—sets with multiple sample-size fragrances—that are perfect for gifting. Some even come with a discount code or voucher he can use on a full-size fragrance once he picks the one that’s going to be his new signature scent. Plus, the little sample sizes are great for travel.
