ComScore
style

The 20 Best Fragrances For The Holiday Season

Time to smell good for the holidays

ONE37pm editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. You can learn more about that process here.
fragrances for the holiday season mobile
Saks, Macy's, Ulta

Holiday season? Is that you playa? Apparently we've blinked and we're now on the cusp of having to worry about what we're going to get our girlfriend, boyfriend, and all of our other loved ones for the occasion. You may be struggling once again to figure out what you should get the individuals in your life, so we're here to help you out. If your loved one is a fragrance enthusiast, you might want to consider buying them a new scent as their gift this year. There's all different types of fragrances out there ranging from breezy summer scents, to scents specifically meant for the winter. Whether its the Montblanc Explorer 2 pc Set ($79.99) or the iconic Coach Blue 2 pc Set ($108 - $160), these are the best fragrances for the holiday season that you can explore.

RELATED: The 12 Best Cologne Gift Sets of 2023

The Best Fragrances for the Holidays, at a Glance:

1. Montblanc Explorer 2 pc Set

Screen Shot 2023 10 19 at 7.38.47 PM
Macy's

The Best Overall

  • Top Notes: Bergamot, Pink Pepper, Clary Sage
  • Middle Notes: Leather, Haitian Vetiver
  • Base Notes: Ambroxan, Akigalawood, Indonesian Patchouli Leaf, Cacao Pad
  • Sizes: 3.3oz, 0.250z
  • Type: Eau De Parfum

Described as being an unconventional woody and fruity fragrance with Bergamot, Vetiver, Patchouli, as a blend of top, middle, and base notes respectively along with other notable ingredients like Ambroxan, Leaf, and Cacao Pad this is a great scent that will automatically enhance any outfit. Along with the standard 3.3oz bottle, you also get a travel size version of the fragrance along with a deodorant stick for a good measure.

SHOP NOW AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE, $79.99

2. Coach Blue 2 pc Set

Screen Shot 2023 10 19 at 7.45.01 PM
Macy's

Also Great

  • Top Notes: Lime, Absinthe
  • Middle Notes: Black pepper, Ozonic Notes
  • Base Notes: Amber, Cedar
  • Sizes: 3.3oz, 1.30z
  • Type: Eau de Toilette

Coach Blue is always a go-to for cologne, and they have a jumbo set that consists of Fougère Watery fragrance that contains powerful notes like Lime, Black Pepper, and Cedar. Along with the standard 3.30z bottle, you also get a travel-sized version that weighs in at 1.3oz as well. Both of those combined should last your loved one for most if not all of the year.

SHOP NOW AT MACY's, $160

3. Jimmy Choo Man 3 pc Set

Screen Shot 2023 10 19 at 7.51.08 PM
Ulta Beauty

The Best Fragrance for Him

  • Top Notes: Aromatic, Fruity, Woody Notes
  • Middle Notes: Honeydew Melon, Pink Pepper, Pineapple Leaf, Lavender,
  • Base Notes: Patchouli, Suede
  • Sizes: 3.3oz, 1.0z
  • Type: Eau de Toilette

Fresh, charismatic, and modern, if you enjoy smelling like Lavender, Pineapple Leaf and Patchouli, then this is the cologne for you. In addition to the 3.3oz and 1oz travel size bottle that's nicely packed in, the set also comes with an aftershave balm for an added touch that will keep you smelling oh so good year-round.

SHOP NOW AT ULTA BEAUTY, $108

4. Coach Dreams Sunset

Screen Shot 2023 10 19 at 7.57.08 PM
Ulta Beauty

The Best Fragrance for Her

  • Top Notes: Bergamot, Pearl Ice Cream
  • Middle Notes: Jasmine Sambac, Magnolia
  • Base Notes: Tonka Bean, Vanilla
  • Sizes: 2oz, 0.25oz
  • Type: Eau de Parfum

A warm floral fragrance inspired by free-spirited adventures, the Coach Dreams Sunset comes with a regular sized perfume and a travel-sized perfume that should last the lady in your life some time and make her very happy. Sometimes all a woman wants is to smell great, and with this set she'll definitely be doing that.

SHOP NOW AT ULTA BEAUTY, $85

5. Kate Spade New York 3 pc Set

Screen Shot 2023 10 19 at 8.03.17 PM
Kate Spade

Also Great

  • Top Notes: Citrus, Bergamot, Wild Strawberry
  • Middle Notes: Rose Essence, Freesia
  • Base Notes: Ambroxan, Cashmeran
  • Sizes: 2oz, 0.25oz
  • Type: Eau de Parfum

A blend of citrus, bergamot, wild strawberries, rose essence, and plenty more deliciously fruity flavors that smell wonderous, this set from Kate Spade is full of divine feminine powerful energy that will instantly put a little pep into your lady's step. She'll smell amazing, and then you'll have to give yourself a pat on the back because you got her it.

SHOP NOW AT KATE SPADE, $105

6. Jimmy Choo I Want Choo 2-Piece Set

Screen Shot 2023 10 19 at 9.53.46 PM
Ulta Beauty
  • Top Notes: Peach, Mandarin Orange
  • Middle Notes: Red Lily, Jasmine
  • Base Notes: Vanilla
  • Sizes: 3.3oz, 1.3oz
  • Type: Eau de Parfum

A sparkly floral fragrance infused with Velvet Peach, Mandarin Orange and Vanilla notes to name a few, Jimmy Choos I Want Choo fragrance set is one of romance. Boosting a regular 3.30z bottle and a travel-sized version, the fragrances are beautifully packaged in a red glittery box which is right in line with the holiday theme.

SHOP NOW AT ULTA BEAUTY, $142

7. Dolce & Gabbana 5 pc. Mini Fragrances Gift Set

Screen Shot 2023 10 19 at 9.59.15 PM
Amazon
  • Top Notes: Violet, Orange, Bergamot
  • Middle Notes: Coffee, Pear, Iris, Orange Blossom
  • Base Notes: Rose, Caramel
  • Sizes: 0.67oz Each
  • Type: Eau de Toilette

A five-piece fragrance set from Dolce & Gabbana? Thee Dolce & Gabbana? Enough said. Dolce & Gabbana 1 Le Bateleur, Dolce & Gabbana 3 L'imperatrice, Dolce & Gabbana 6 Lamoureux, Dolce & Gabbana 10 La Roue De La Fortune, and Dolce & Gabbana 18 La Lune are all of the fragrances that make up this set, with each coming in a 0.67 bottle.

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON, $95.95

8. Tom Ford Fabulous

Screen Shot 2023 10 19 at 10.06.12 PM
Neiman Marcus
  • Top Notes: Lavender, Clary Sage
  • Middle Notes: Leather, Bitter Almond, Vanilla, Orris
  • Base Notes: Leather, Tonka Bean, Cashmeran, White Woods, Amber
  • Sizes: 50ml
  • Type: 8.50z

Have we lost our mind putting a $1,300 fragrance on here? Perhaps, but this isn't just any fragrance—it's Tom Ford F*cking Fabulous. You know how hard it is to get your hands on this scent nowadays? Containing top notes of Lavender and Clary Sage, middle notes of Leather, Bitter Almond, Vanilla, and Orris, and a mixture of base notes that include Tonka Bean and Amber, the fragrance smells phenomenal. Plus, it's Tom Ford F*cking Fabulous.

SHOP NOW AT NEIMAN MARCUS, $1,300

9. Versace Eros

Screen Shot 2023 10 19 at 10.12.17 PM
SHOP NOW AT AMAZON, $66.98 / Amazon
  • Top Notes: Mint, Green Apple, Lemon
  • Middle Notes: Tonka bean, Ambroxan, Geranium
  • Base Notes: Madagascar Vanilla, Virginian Cedar, Atlas Cedar, Vetiver, Oakmoss
  • Sizes: 3.40z
  • Type: Eau de Toilette

Sexy is what this fragrance is. Even the name is sexy. While Versace Eros is a tad bit on the stronger side, it has relatively sweet undertone mixture consisting of madagascar vanilla, tonka bean, and green apple. As we said, Eros represents all things confidence, seduction, and playfulness making this a really fun flirtatious scent. The scent can be layered and isn't super powerful meaning you can wear it in all settings.

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON, $66.83

10. Versace Bright Crystal

Screen Shot 2023 10 19 at 10.19.14 PM
Sephora
  • Top Notes: Yuzu, Pomegranate, Ice
  • Middle Notes: Peony, Lotus, Magnolia
  • Base Notes: Musk, Mahogany, Amber
  • Sizes: 0.3oz - 6.7oz
  • Type: Eau de Toilette

Versace Bright Crystal is the smell of satisfaction. Inspired by a mixture of Donatella Versace's favorite floral fragrances, and blends of refreshing chilled Yuzu, Pomegranate, and Ice as its top notes, mingled with soothing blossoms of Peony, Magnolia, and Lotus Flower as its middle, and Musk, Mahogany, and Amber as the base notes to round it out, making this a fragrance that smells incredible.

SHOP NOW AT SEPHORA, $32 - $145

11. BVLGARI Men's 5 pc. Fragrance Gift Set

Screen Shot 2023 10 19 at 10.26.36 PM
Macy's
  • Top Notes: Violet Leaf, Lotus, Bergamot, White Pear
  • Middle Notes: Vetyver, Woodsy Notes, Cashmere Wood, Sandalwood, Amber, Cypriol Oil 
  • Base Notes: White Honey, Musk, Benzoin, Tonka Bean
  • Sizes: 0.170z Each Set
  • Type:  Eau de Toilette

Talk about a bargain. Some folks may not be the biggest fans of smaller sets, but in our opinion it’s a great way to sample scents so you can know what you’ll like in the future. Included in the BVLGARI Men's 5 pc. Fragrance Gift Set is Pour Homme Eau de Toilette Mini, Man Glacial Essence Eau de Parfum Mini, AQVA Eau de Toilette Mini, and the Man Wood Essence Eau de Parfum Mini. Like we said...a bargain.

SHOP NOW AT MACY's, $74

12. Chanel Chance Eau de Toilette

Screen Shot 2023 10 19 at 10.19.14 PM
Sephora
  • Top Notes: Patchouli, Pink Pepper, Pineapple, Hiacynth, Iris
  • Middle Notes: Lemon, Jasmine, Rose
  • Base Notes: Patchouli, Musk, Vetiver, Vanilla
  • Sizes: 1.2 - 3.4oz
  • Type: Eau de Toilette

A fruity-floral fragrance that creates a soft whirlwind of happiness, fantasy and radiance thanks to notes like Pink Pepper, Iris, Jasmine, Rose, and Vanilla. Sounds heavenly. There's three different size bottles to chose from with the Chanel Chance, with prices ranging from $90 - $140.

SHOP NOW AT SEPHORA, $90 - $140

13. Tommy by Tommy Hilfiger

Screen Shot 2021 11 29 at 1.19.48 PM
Tommy Hilfiger
  • Top Notes: Lavender, Mint, Grapefruit, Bergamot
  • Middle Notes: Cranberry and Rose, Cranberry and Apple
  • Base Notes: Cactus and Amber, Cottonflower
  • Sizes: 3.4oz
  • Type: Eau de Toilette

When in doubt, go with a classic. The original Tommy Hilfiger scent is a tried and true scent that has been serving men well for decades with its note mixture of Lavender, Cranberry and Rose, and Amber to name a few. Add the affordability into it, and this is a tried-and-true iconic staple that needs to be in every scent lovers closet.

SHOP NOW AT TOMMY HILFIGER, $41.40

14. Gucci Bloom Acqua di Fiori Eau

Screen Shot 2023 10 19 at 10.42.16 PM
Ulta Beauty
  • Top Notes: Galbanum Leaf, Cassis, Bergamot, Lemon
  • Middle Notes: Honeysuckle, Tuberose, Jasmine, Lily-of-the-Valley, Freesia
  • Base Notes: Musk, Iso E Super, Sandalwood.
  • Sizes: 10z - 3.3oz
  • Type: Eau de Toilette

Celebrating the joy of energy and youth, the Acqua di Flori scent mixes Galbanum and Cassis buds with a hint of the original bloom scent along with other sweet notes like Honeysuckle, Jasmine, and Sandalwood to get a really delicate and beautiful scent that is quite memorable. You get the option of three different sizes to choose from with prices ranging from $85 - $138.

SHOP NOW AT ULTA BEAUTY, $85 - $138

15. Dior Sauvage (For Him)

Screen Shot 2023 10 19 at 10.47.57 PM
Dior
  • Top Notes: Pepper, Calabrian Bergmot
  • Middle Notes: Vetiver, Patchouli, Geranium, Elemi, Sichuan Pepper, Lavender, Pink Pepper
  • Base Notes: Ambroxan, Cedar and Labdanum
  • Sizes: 1.0oz, 3.4oz, 2.0oz, 6.8oz
  • Type: Eau de Toilette

With radiant top notes of Calabrian Bergamot and Amberwood, you’ll definitely smell like the outdoors—but in a good way. Not only is Dior SAUVAGE a sexy scent, it's actually one of the most sexiest scents of all time. We've heard you actually turn into Johnny Depp when you spritz it on a few times, but don't quote us on that.

SHOP NOW AT DIOR, $68 - $175

16. Ariana Grande Cloud Eau de Parfum

Screen Shot 2023 10 19 at 10.51.30 PM
Ulta Beauty
  • Top Notes: Lavender Blossom, Juicy Pear, Bergamot
  • Middle Notes: Crème de Coconut, Indulgent Praline, Vanilla Orchid
  • Base Notes: Sensual musks, Creamy Blonde Woods
  • Sizes: 1.0oz - 3.4oz
  • Type: Eau de Parfum

Ariana Grande is always in the holiday spirit, and her “Cloud” fragrance is certainly an excellent gift for the ladies in your life. Inspiring, dreamy, and playful, “Cloud” is mood-lifting positive fragrance that contains a wonderful mixture of Lavendar Blossom, Crème de Coconut, Vanilla Orchid, and more.

SHOP NOW AT ULTA BEAUTY, $45

17. Armani Acqua Di Giò

Screen Shot 2023 10 19 at 10.59.56 PM
Armani
  • Top Notes: Lime, Lemon, Bergamot, Jasmine, Orange, Mandarin Orange and Neroli
  • Middle Notes: Cyclamen, Coriander, Violet, Nutmeg, Rose, Mignonette, Jasmine, Calone, Peach, Freesia, Rosemary, Hiacynth
  • Base Notes: White Musk, Cedar, Oakmoss, Patchouli and Amber
  • Sizes: 1.4 oz, 2.4 oz, 4.3 oz
  • Type: Eau de Parfum

Armani Acqua Di Giò tells the powerful story of the connection between man, earth, and nature. A strong scent inspired by the intensity, mystery, and depth of the deep blue sea that is also humble and powerful, we recommend this as a gift for somebody that's still searching for their signature fragrance.

SHOP NOW AT ARMANI, $155

18. Libre by Yves Saint Laurent

Screen Shot 2023 10 19 at 11.01.11 PM
Sephora
  • Top Notes: Lavender
  • Middle Notes: Orange Blossom, Vanilla
  • Base Notes: Musk Accord
  • Sizes: 0.33oz - 5.07oz
  • Type: Eau de Parfum

Released from the House of Yves Saint Laurent in 2019 by perfumers Anne Flipo and Carlos Benaim, “Libre” is a relaxing floral scent that is sweet, subtle, and sexy with some of the ingredients including: French Lavender, Moroccan Orange Blossom, and Mandarin which all blend together beautifully.

SHOP NOW AT SEPHORA, $34 - $194

19. Calvin Klein Eternity

Screen Shot 2023 10 19 at 11.05.26 PM
Calvin Klein
  • Top Notes: Bergamot, Mandarin Orange, Lemon, Lavender
  • Middle Notes: Sage, Juniper Berries, Basil, Geranium, Coriander, Jasmine, Orange Blossom, Lily-of-the-Valley and Lily
  • Base Notes: Sandalwood, Vetiver, Musk, Brazilian Rosewood and Amber
  • Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
  • Type: Eau de Parfum

We’ve already talked about tried and true go-tos, and Calvin Klein Eternity is yet another one. What originally launched as a woman's fragrance in 1988, Eternity has since taken over as one of the go-to men's fragrances. Mixing together notes like Sandalwood, Vetiver, Orange Blossom, Bergamot, Mandarin Orange, and more, Eternity is yet another scent that smells wonderful.

SHOP NOW AT CALVIN KLEIN, $84 - $109

20. Moschino Toy Boy

Screen Shot 2023 10 19 at 11.10.05 PM
Moschino
  • Top Notes: Italian bergamot, Pink Berries, Elemi, Indonesian Nutmeg, Pear, Cloves
  • Middle Notes:  Neoabsolut Orpur Rose, Flax Flowers, Cashmeran, Magnolia
  • Base Notes: Haiti Orpur Vetiver, Ambermax, Sylkolide
  • Sizes: 50 ml
  • Type: Eau de Parfum

Another unisex scent with an incredibly cute design we might add. The Moschino Toy Boy is crafted with universal natural essences and oils, drawing inspiration from the elements of their very first fragrance release. Italian Bergamot, Flax Flower, and Pink Berries make up the main ingredients, while Vetiver, Opur Rose, and Ambermax top it all off. Did we mention the design? It's pretty neat huh?

SHOP NOW AT MOSCHINO, $76
Did you like this article?
Thumbs Up
Liked
Thumbs Down
Disliked