I wish everyone celebrating a wonderful Thanksgiving! It’s a usual weekday here in Brussels, but I’m pretending otherwise. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, thank you for being such a wonderful support group, especially in the early days of my transatlantic moving adventure. Your kind messages and thoughtful words helped me pull through the times when I perpetually felt stressed out and anxious.
So, today we have a holiday giveaway. One Bois de Jasmin reader will receive Jo Malone Blackberry and Bay 100ml spray bottle. It’s missing about 5ml that I decanted out for my review.
How it works: You have to be a Bois de Jasmin email subscriber or Facebook follower in order to be entered into the draw. Please leave a comment answering the following questions: “Do you prepare your holiday gifts early, or are you a last minute shopper? Have you given perfume as a gift lately?” Each participant will be assigned a number, and the winner will be selected via a random number generator. Draw is closed; a winner will be announced next week.
Giveaway explanation: anybody from the US or overseas can enter as long as you answer specific questions explained in the contest rules. If a winner does not respond within a week, I reserve the right to randomly pick a runner up. I’m not responsible for items lost by the mail service, and I can’t replace them. Thank you for understanding.
172 Comments
Poodle: Happy Thanksgiving! I’m getting stressed over Christmas because I am usually an early shopper and I’ve barely made a dent in things this year. But I plan on getting everything done in the next few weeks, except perhaps a few stocking stuffers which I don’t mind going out to get later. Someone always gets perfume from me. Often it’s my niece or hubby. I’ve even gotten pet colognes for the dogs. Greta the little poodle got the pet version of J’adore one year. November 22, 2012 at 7:31am
X: Thanks for arranging another Perfume Giveaway.
I usually try to buy gifts one to two weeks before Christmas but almost always ending up doing some last minute shopping. Although this year I’m doing mine earlier because I’m getting stuffs online this year to avoid the shopping crowd to accommodate for the delivery time lag. As for perfume as gifts: I haven’t gotten anyone perfumes yet – probably might get one from the list of gift sets from your last post.
Happy Thanksgiving in Brussels. November 22, 2012 at 7:44am
ula: This year, I started hauling gifts in the summer – if I saw something that I liked (plus a lot of stuff was on sale), I bought it. This way I will have time for more pleasant things than shopping.
As for perfume, every year somebody gets some. This Christmas, it will be my brother, I bought him YSL Jazz, last year it was my mother and she got Theo Fennell, Balmain de Balmain and the year before McQueen’s Kingdom from me November 22, 2012 at 7:46am
Alica: I am an early X-mass gifts buyer and currently I gave fragrance-wise present to my sister – one of L´Occitane scents. November 22, 2012 at 8:17am
Ann C.: Happy Thanksgiving!
I always intend to start my shopping early and often do, but somehow I’m always out there until the last minute. I’m usually still wrapping on Christmas morning.
I rarely give perfume as a gift. I often give my husband little decants. but really that’s more of a present for me than for him.
I’d love to give my niece a fragrance for Christmas. She’s the mother of two boys and expecting her third (another boy). She likes Tresor, I believe. I’ve heard it’s not as wonderful as it once was; can you suggest anything similar? November 22, 2012 at 8:25am
Victoria: Ann, oh, this is a great question! Please post it next week into our Recommend me a perfume thread. Meanwhile, one idea is Rochas Tocade. It has a similar vanilla-rose combination and feels like a warm, generous hug, just like Tresor. November 22, 2012 at 11:20am
Dominic: Hello, I usually start a bit earlier, I think about gifts much earlier so if they need to be ordered online I have enough time to do that. I often give perfume as a gift, to my boyfriend and parents. My mom got Coco last year, this time it’s Dune, my day’s last year was Code and this time it might be sth from Chanel. My boyfriend’s beloved ones are Kouros, AMen, Anteus. I keep his fragrance wardrobe full and ready for any occasion. I am preparing myself thoroughly because I want everybody to be happy with their gifts and I pay a lot of attention to fragrant gifts as all of you I imagine. November 22, 2012 at 8:32am
Ines: I definitely shop early. Actually, I think about it early enough to not have to spend a lot of money on last minute shopping. Or if I see something that might work months in advance, I will buy it.
November 22, 2012 at 8:35am
As for perfumes, I give them but only when I know what a person likes. I have a bottle for my boyfriend already.
Mel: I usually tend to do my shopping early, but preparing the gifts I usually do on the last minute
I think that adds a little bit to the anticipation of christmas. Sitting on my bed, listening to christmas songs and wrapping gifts while the woman in my family start preparing the food. Not that I don’t help with that, I’m not a baker – I can do it, but I prefer cooking and usually christmas morning after church I cook 
Yes I have recently given perfume as a gift. For my sis in law I went to pick up 2 perfumes for her. One from me and one from my mother (as I have a good idea of what her tastes are like). November 22, 2012 at 8:40am
cyndee: I always shop early, think I am done then somehow come up with new ideas for gifts. It seems like I am always doing some shopping up until the last week.
November 22, 2012 at 8:45am
I do not give perfume as I am not certain if a person will love what I choose. Unless it is one that is worn by that person already.
My daughter lives in Stockholm and greatly misses Thanksgiving as it is uniquely an American holiday.
Her first year she found a turkey and did a whole American Thanksgiving dinner and her Swedish husband and his family loved it. It is now an annual tradition for them to all go to Sara and Christian’s home and celebrate Thanksgiving.
A small way to share a bit of love
Lynne Marie: Happy Thanksgiving Victoria! I work in retail and this time of year gets completely crazy for me, so I’ve already done most of my Christmas shopping and will spend part of today wrapping Christmas gifts. Any remaining shopping I do will be either at the bookstore where I work or online in the middle of the night!
November 22, 2012 at 8:49am
I would never try to give perfume as a gift – fragrance is just too personal a choice in my view. My daughter and I do swap samples and decants with each other based on what we think the other “might” like – we are often wrong
Barbara: Happy Thanksgiving, Victoria and everyone!
I’m usually doing everything lastminute, but I know my family’s tastes well and it doesn’t get too stressful.
The last time I gave someone a perfume gift was to my mother for her birthday, a bottle of L’Eau Chloe. November 22, 2012 at 8:56am
rosarita: Enjoy your virtual Thanksgiving, V, and thank you for the generous giveaway.
November 22, 2012 at 8:57am
We made a decision as a family years ago to buy gifts when we see them throughout the year. I have only gifted my mother and daughter with fragrance because I know what they both like. My best friend and I have completely opposite taste in perfume and she thinks my perfume passion borders on slightly crazy, so I know better than to buy perfume for her
solanace: Happy thanksgiving!
I am a bit of an early shopper, but not very consistent at that. I like making some of my own gifts, though. This year my belly is huge, as the baby is due to December 26, but I still managed to prepare a coffee liqueur with carefully selected coffee directly bought from the producer, in the Monte Alegre do Sul hills, folllowing a recipe from an old Venetian book my sister in law brought me from Italy. The recipe is great, simple and perfect, and it is smelling amazing already. Now I’m preparing the labels. (So much fun!!) It is not perfume, but counts as a fragrant gift, right? November 22, 2012 at 9:08am
Victoria: Oh, you are almost there! I’m so happy for you and your family.
I would love a recipe for the coffee liqueur, if you have it on hand. November 22, 2012 at 9:28am
solanace: Thank’s, V! The baby is so active now, can’t wait to see her face!!
The liquor is so easy:
Liquore di caffé
(Dino COLTRO, ‘La cucina tradizionale veneta’, Newton Compton, 1983.)
You put in a jar:
zest of one lemon
1 cm vanilla pod, chopped
150 g ground coffee
400 g alcohol (I used Russian vodka)
Shake well and let it sit for two days.
Then you prepare a sugar syrup, with 400 g sugar and 35 g water. (This part caused me some trouble, as two bathches cristallized, but then I followed David Lebovitz’ tutorial on caramels and it worked out. He recommends a spotless pan, refined sugar, no mixing, low heat, covered pan so that recondensation washes off the crystalls from the pan’s borders). Let the syrup cool, and then mix everthing. Let it sit for another 10 days, giving it a daily shake, and then you filter it using a coffee paper filter. Done. Have a nice evening! November 22, 2012 at 11:53am
Victoria: Thank you very much! This was copied into my recipe book, and I will be trying it out this weekend. My friend who works in Nairobi just brought me some amazing coffee, so this liqueur will be a perfect use for it.
Your baby girl will be a seasoned perfumista in no time, I bet.
November 22, 2012 at 12:00pm
solanace: It is great to hear you have that great coffee from Nairobi. Tell me how it turned out!
As for the little perfumista, I’ll let you know.
For a number of reasons, I love the idea of providing a kid olfatory stimuli, along with the more usually explored visual and musical ones… (Of course, during the first months I’ll have to ‘stay clear’, so lately I have been wearing four fragrances a day, lol!) November 22, 2012 at 1:32pm
Cassieflower: I’ve made a start on my Christmas shopping in the last few weeks. Some of my purchases were online, I got in early before the postal system goes into meltdown. I usually give gifts of fragrance to my daughter and husband, and at least one of my Godchildren. This year so far, there are smellies for my daughter and one Godson. My other Godson will also be getting some when I decide on what to get him. Does anyone think that JPG Fleur du Male is a good choice for a twenty year-old? I think my hubby already has enough to last him for another few years, so he’s not getting any!!! My own choice this year would be Chanel Coco, before they destroy it totally. November 22, 2012 at 9:08am
Nancy: I’ve always been an early shopper, but this year I have to admit I’m dismayed by how early everything is getting underway. I work in retail so I try to be an early shopper, that way, I don’t mind dealing with the hours and stress of others since I am in good shape myself. But I always try to leave one or two things to the last minute to try to get in the holiday spirit, too. Happy Thanksgiving Victoria!! November 22, 2012 at 9:13am
Iva: Happy Thanksgiving and thanks for the giveaway! I’m your classic, cliched, frenzied last-minute shopper.
I found a rare bottle of the discontinued Yves Roche ‘Mimosa’ perfume, which I think holds its own among the niche mimosa-based perfumes, and gave it to a close friend who I know loves mimosa scents. OT, I never know why some perfumes get discontinued? And its always the one I love. November 22, 2012 at 9:17am
Tilda Shalof: not a last-minute shopper, I’m a last-second shopper, buying things I see on impulse that seem made for a particular someone. Not always a good thing, but it’s always worked out to be the perfect thing.
I rarely buy perfume for others as a gift since it is a necessity, not a luxury, just like groceries are essential and I wouldn’t buy flour or butter or eggs for a gift now, would I? Loved your post on White Linen by the way. Thank you. I revisited Pure White Linen and am loving that anew.
Tilda November 22, 2012 at 9:18am
Tammy: Yes I do. Every year in fact! I just did all the presents wrapping actually, and all cards written today!
No don’t often buy perfumes for people (apart from my husband) but do get perfumes as presents from others! November 22, 2012 at 9:18am
Radmila: hi this is a dream giveaway! I love Jo Malone from the minute i tested her fragrances, but do not own any – it’s hard to get in my country of Ukraine,
I am a sporadic shopper – some gifts i can keep for six months for a special person, some i hectically buy the night before.
I have not received fragrance as a gift for a long time. May be this time
Thanks, Radmila, rada76@mail.ru November 22, 2012 at 9:20am
Christy C: Alas, I am a last-minute shopper, and mostly online at that. I am usually up very late on Christmas eve wrapping! I just became instereste in perfumes this year, and have not given any as a gift, though my older daughter may find some in her stocking this year (she is a big amber fan)! I am an email subscriber and a facebook follower of Bois de Jasmin–thanks so much for your wonderful blog.
November 22, 2012 at 9:20am
Sandy C.: Always, and I mean ALWAYS – I wait for the last possible minute. I promise year after year that I’ll get my shopping done early, but that never comes to pass. I end up making a mad rush! I always give fragrance as a gift, because it’s the gift I myself would most like to receive. I got some of Hanae Mori’s Butterfly for my Mom last week (a just-because gift). This year I plan to lay out some big bucks ($245!) for a bottle of BK’s Forbidden Games. It’s gonna set me back, but it’s for a very special person.
Thanks for the giveaways, the great site, and have a happy thanksgiving! November 22, 2012 at 9:22am
Lara Anderson: Happy Thanksgiving! It’s been a busy year so far in the perfume world – lots of sampling, purchasing, swapping, but have learned so much. Even so have already started buying gifts (we normally start in Sept/Oct – off to a late start) and it seems to always make life so much easier. As the sole “perfumaholic” now, I usually get gifts versus give. But dearly miss my sister/sister in law who passed 2 short years ago. Always bought her a new bottle of “Beautiful” every Christmas and miss her every day but especially the look on her face and delight when she opened that “special gift”. So am sending “special extras” to special people this year in her memory. Best to all for a very happy holiday! November 22, 2012 at 9:22am
Portia: I used to be a June Sales shopper but this year I’m so off track and can’t even think what to buy for the people I love. they all have everything they’ll ever need.
Did get my BFF’s Mum a Vintage Opium because she complains that her current formulation doesn’t smell the same.
Portia xx November 22, 2012 at 9:23am
Berengaria: Last minute. Very much so… Our family likes to improvise. Makes us feel more comfortable and relaxed. Do look forward however, to our annual midwinter get-together November 22, 2012 at 9:23am
Frank Masso: I’m almost finished with my Christmas shopping! Lol. I start right after New Years. I mean I don’t go out with a list or anything but always keep an eye out for fantastic finds for those I love. I have purchased perfume as a gift but only for those young enough or open minded enough to be able to start on a magical journey to total bliss. Fragrance can be an adventure. You can learn so much about different cultures and different parts of the world. November 22, 2012 at 9:24am
Anne Sheffield: For me it s all about the atmosphere of x mas. Shop to early and you don t get it…. Shop to late and it’s a frenzy nightmare….. I love going to shops when they are all xmassy, and everyone has that warm shopping glow on….:-) as for scent, I rarely give perfumes away, unless I really know and understand the person’s taste. But I love offering scented body lotions. And I often shop in l Atelier Cologne or l Occitane for them. HAPPY THANKSGIVING LOVELY VICTORIA!!!!! Thank you! Anne November 22, 2012 at 9:25am
sylvie: I wish I were organized enough to shop early! I always give perfume as a gift, most recently Annick Goutal Eau d’Hadrian for my M0m. It’s the only scent she wears. Many thanks! November 22, 2012 at 9:25am
Judy: I used to be very good about buying presents early, even once having all my shopping done by September. But now I try to maximize value, and sometimes that means making purchases in November and December. But everything is purchased and wrapped by at least a week before Christmas. I have given perfume and ancillary products as gifts last Christmas. Other than some of the scented Laura Mercier body products, not sure that I will be giving any perfume this year…unless it is to myself! November 22, 2012 at 9:27am
Cecilia: Happy Thanksgiving everyone !
I try to get my shopping done early, but still end up getting some things at the last minute. I do get perfume for some of my family members. It’s easy because they have signature scents, so I can’t mess that up.
I will be getting myself some perfume, though. I can’t believe I’ve run out of my beloved Cristalle edp. I really love that fragrance. November 22, 2012 at 9:42am
Tina Marie Colombo: I buy some gifts early and some last minute. I go overboard and spend way too much money… but I love buying gifts, so even when I think I’m done, I usually end up buying more. I regularly give perfume (or cologne) as a gift. I think I inherited my love of perfume from my dad, who always had a cabinet full of cologne, so I often buy for him. November 22, 2012 at 9:44am
Eleni: I am terrible – I do most of my shopping on Christamas Eve or even New Year’s Eve (mostly because where I’m based we exchange gifts on New Year’s Eve)! I haven’t given perfume as a gift lately, as I find it too personal a gift. Idid however give a colleague a Korres body lotion and shower gel based on one of their fragrances. I’m also planning to get Eau Sauvage to hubby for Christmas.
Thank you for the give away! November 22, 2012 at 9:45am
LCT: I am neither – my family goes strictly by wishlists that usually are asked for and sent out about the first of December. It seemed less thoughtful when we first started but everyone is happier this way and no one is lying when they say they love it! I gave my husband a bottle of CdG Hinoki for his birthday last year and he loves it. November 22, 2012 at 9:51am
Sneakybetty: Greetings to everyone and a happy thanksgiving!! I always used to be an early shopper,taking my time and really enjoying the search for the perfect gifts for family and friends,including gathering goodies for making some homemade presents too! But – seven years ago this year all my carefully construed plans suddenly changed with the arrival of our wonderful ( and long awaited ) son, Alfie.I thought that Christmas time couldn’t mean more until this amazing little human,with whom I fell in love with instantly,entered our lives.It was only then that I truly appreciated what Christmas really means,the mystery,magic and unbridled joy of children at this time of year,especially when teaching my son about the true meaning of Christmas,that he decided that it would be really great if the baby Jesus was his brother! Anyway I digress,since that joyous year my gift buying has migrated to after 6th dec because I wanted to keep my sons birthday “special” and separate from Christmas.So although the timing has differed,I can honestly say that all the love and thoughtfulness still goes into every gift I buy or make,plus a little bit more because now I’m a mummy.In answer to the second question,I love,love,love to give perfume as a gift,is there anything more luxurious,decadent or indeed thoughtful to give as a gift?, all beautifully wrapped with brown paper and Victorian ribbon.I know I feel so loved and wanted when someone buys me perfume and I must admit it makes me feel very special,especially when I consider that my perfumes are a story of my life. Every single one of my perfumes has an emotional story,whether I bought it my myself or it was a gift. I can remember the story and the places experienced with every one of my fragrances,most of all when my husband bought me Gucci by Gucci in that beautiful,heavy,simple glass bottle from cechoslovakia,and we joked that it was the only perfume which didn’t have a story. That is until 3 weeks later when we discovered that i was pregnant with our son,so it turned out to be one of the best stories of all…….. November 22, 2012 at 9:53am
Rebecca: I am more of a late minute-shopper but I plan early. During the year, whenever I think of something that would be a great gift for someone, I write it down in a list in a GTD app in my phone. Then, when Christmas approaches I read my list and go shopping. Christmas shopping is so much cozier when Christmas is close and all the decorations are up and there are offers etc!
I haven’t given perfume to anyone recently but have received as a gift. It’s fun as I might not have chosen that particular one myself but really grow to like it after a while. November 22, 2012 at 9:56am
Sylvia: 1.As a family we decided to hand make all of our gifts this year, and I already know that for me it’s going to be the least stressful Christmas season ever.
November 22, 2012 at 9:57am
2. I don’t give perfume as gifts to anymore. Nobody else is into it but me.
Steve L.: Thanks for the draw Victoria. I’m pretty organized so I get most of my shopping done online in November and early December. I save the “stocking stuffers” for actual retail store shopping. As for perfume…absolutely. My better half gets 1 or 2 bottles each year. Lucky man! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! November 22, 2012 at 10:14am
Rikke: I think about the presents I am going to buy for a long time, but always end up buying them at the last minute…
I gave perfume as a present last Christmas, but usually end up keeping it for myself…..(-: November 22, 2012 at 10:16am
Irina: Thank you for this generous giveaway
Happy Thanksgiving to all those celebrating
1.I generally try to prepare my gifts early and have everything ready well before the holidays
2. no, no perfume as a gift- i’m too weird in my choices and can’t bring myself to buying” regular scents” as gifts November 22, 2012 at 10:16am
Ksenija: Wow, how nice of you to organize another giveaway in such a short time.
As for the contest questions, for my closest friends and family, I plan presents months in advance. Usually, I also buy them much before the festive events too.
I haven’t gine perfumes lately (in last 6 months or so), but I am planning to shop next week (as soon as I get my paycheck) a special perfume for my mom’s 60th birthday which is in January. November 22, 2012 at 10:17am
nushechka: I am an early gifts buyer/
I have given perfume as a gift for my mum November 22, 2012 at 10:25am
ChristyTB: Hello Victoria!
Happy Thanksgiving! Its a very usual day also in Germany.
–Do you prepare your holiday gifts early, or are you a last minute shopper?
I always think about gifts an advance to be sure to give the best one and not the one, I could buy in the last minute.
–Have you given perfume as a gift lately?
It was Strenesse Strehle I gave to one of my readers in my last giveaway;)
Thansk for your blog, Victoria!! November 22, 2012 at 10:27am
KathyT: Happy Thanksgiving! I tend to get my shopping done by mid December, but I always panic and run out on Christmas Eve for last minute gifts. It is tradition for me to give my niece a bottle of perfume for Christmas, but no one else really cares about it. My daughter is beginning to wear fragrance, so I will be adding her to the perfume list. November 22, 2012 at 10:27am
may: I shop early because usually I take my time to find gifts, instead of randomly buying any gifts. I have given a perfume before, an Avon brand though as I am a student with limited budget
November 22, 2012 at 10:28am
Kimberly Dean: I ALWAYS do my Christmas shopping last minute and almost always do it online! I do know exactly what my family and friends is into so it doesn’t usually take me that long. For very, very close family I sometimes plan a bit ahead.
As far as perfume, unless someone has repeatedly complimented my perfume and I feel VERY confident they will love it, I refrain from gifting perfumes. I will however my cologne for the hubs
November 22, 2012 at 10:32am
Shaney: I am a horrible last minute shopper, but that’s primarily due to the fact that I go visit family for the holidays and can’t fly with gifts! I haven’t given perfume as a gift in a long time, but I did give my sister a scented creme probably two Christmases ago (Laura Mercier…something with ‘lune’ in the name that she loved…now discontinued). Happy thanksgiving! November 22, 2012 at 10:39am
Tina Renee Barker: Happy Thanksgiving! I’m a bit of both. I have bought a few gifts early but I will be doing some last minute shopping as well! I just bought my sister-in-law’s favorite perfume set -
Chanel No.5. It’s a Christmas tradition! November 22, 2012 at 10:41am
Elizabeth: I try to plan ahead but usually end up shopping late. The last perfume I gave as a present was a purse spray of Grand Neroli to a friend. Happily, she liked it! November 22, 2012 at 10:41am
Brooke: Happy Thanksgiving! I always did my shopping earlier and often picked up gifts during the year as I stumbled across them. However, these last 3 years, I have been buying so much more over the Internet and avoiding the mall during the pre-holiday rush. I have also been baking for my coworkers which means a small last minute rush at the grocery store and lots of time at the oven.
I usually won’t give perfume as a gift unless the recipient specifically asks for it. Sadly, my family doesn’t share in my fragrance enthusiasm. November 22, 2012 at 10:41am
hellokitty_girl: I feel better to see that I’m not the only one who waits till the last minute.
)
I bought Bath Body Works Cherry Blossom for my cousin. November 22, 2012 at 10:47am
Lana: 1. I’m an early shopper. And sometimes I need to buy something in addition to the main gift the last moment – to refresh the X-mas sense. 2. I gave Eau Sauvage as a gift to my Dad for his birthday recently November 22, 2012 at 10:49am
Elizabeth: I always give perfume as a gift at Christmas. I have three daughters who love it. I work in retail so I am always last minute shopping. Have always wanted to try Jo Malone but was out of my reach. The last perfume I gave as a gift was Pink Sugar, the girls love it. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I will be working Moonlight Madness. November 22, 2012 at 10:51am
Amy Orvin: Yes, I always do my shopping early. I really like to start in the summer and then just collect over time. I don’t feel so stressed like when I wait to do everything later. I never give perfume as gifts because I always end up keeping it for myself. I am a perfume junkie.
Thank you for the giveaway! I am an email subscriber as 2dogs5catscrew@att.net November 22, 2012 at 10:53am
Elena: Happy Thanksgiving! We have our regular cranberry sauce and your spicy recipe on hand for today, plus another 45 pounds of various foods! I guess some people would call me a last minute shopper, but I always get it done. I have never given perfume as a present. My brother is the only person whose taste I know well enough, but we don’t exchange, only for our mutual kids. I hope you at least get to enjoy a little cranberry sauce tonight. Thanks to you for this blog! November 22, 2012 at 10:54am
Renata: I feel very thankful for your blog! Happy Thanksgiving! I do my shopping in advance, because we travel for holidays and I hate crowds. I rarely give perfume as gifts, but I give candles and scented body products. The last one was to my best friend, and it was a candle by Diptyque. November 22, 2012 at 11:01am
Lauren B: Happy Thanksgiving to you as well!
I start my holiday shopping early– in fact, I’ve already bought my one big gift for my SO! I do most of my shopping online b/c I’m not a fan of malls, etc.
The last time I gave perfume as a gift was about 2 years ago- it was an Estee Lauder White Linen give set. November 22, 2012 at 11:08am
SoirdeParis: I always do my shopping at the last minute; terrible I know! It’s just that it can take a lot of effort and money, especially when Christmas is such a hectic time anyway.
I love love love receiving perfume as a gift, it’s my favourite present. But unless I know that someone is as in to it as I am, I am a bit hesitant to buy it for someone. I don’t know what scents they enjoy, or how valuable perfume is to them as a present. November 22, 2012 at 11:08am
Mel: I pretty much shop all year long for birthdays and Christmas. Last year you mentioned you were giving friends the EL Private Collection Jasmine and White Moss body creme so I bought it for my mother this year. I’ve practically finished all my shopping for Christmas already – except for a few stragglers but your post yesterday sealed my niece’s deal for Christmas – they’re getting the Penhaligon’s gift set. A jewelry store in my neighborhood weirdly sells Penhaligon’s. Oh, and I’m making your hot and spicy cranberry sauce today to jazz things up here in California. Thinking of you in Belgium!!! November 22, 2012 at 11:09am
Laurinha: I shop all the time! Joke aside, whenever I see something I think might work as a present , I tend to buy it on the spot, whether I already know whom I mean it for or not . Yes, I am a hoarder…!
And it’s been a while since I gave perfume as a present to someone other than myself, something which I shall be rectifying very soon!
Thank you for the draw, and Happy Thanksgiving! November 22, 2012 at 11:17am
Cyndi: Happy Thanksgiving to you!!
For the past few years, I’ve started my shopping early. Waiting until the last minute really stressed me out, and then I’d end up wrapping my gifts late on Christmas Eve. Not a good or relaxing atmosphere for me to say the least.
Yes, I give perfume as a gift but only to people I know will really appreciate it. For several years I’ve been giving my mother Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle – her favorite! November 22, 2012 at 11:29am
Suzanne M.: Several years ago my family agreed that we wouldn’t exchange gifts but would rather make contributions to a favorite charity instead. So I do only very minimal shopping for a few small items and that shopping tends to be late. I am relativey new to perfume and have only given perfume as a gift on a few occasions when I was sure the person receiving the gift would enjoy the fragrance. Good hint is when the person has told me “you smell fabulous!” Thanks for the giveaway and be safe and warm in Brussels. Thank you also for a wonderful blog – I learn so much and look forward to your morning messages. November 22, 2012 at 11:46am
Kristina K: Sadly I am a last minute shopper
The last time I gave someone perfume as a gift was to my boyfriend for his birthday several months ago and it was Jean Paul Gaultier Kokorico! He loved it 
November 22, 2012 at 11:53am
ellenb: Thanks for the give-away! This year, I completed my Christmas shopping on November 20, before Thanksgiving. It feels peaceful! I purchase perfume samples for my family and put them in Christmas stockings. November 22, 2012 at 12:01pm
Raluca: Victoria, thank you for the giveaway and all your wonderful posts and guidance on perfumes. For the past 7 years I had a very demanding job and the busy season was around the holidays so I shopped on the 23rd and the 24th. My new job, in the same field, is not as demanding but I still haven’t done any holiday shopping. However, I will do it probably in mid-December.
Regarding perfumes as gifts, I do give perfumes as gifts. The last time I gave perfume as a gift was to my mom in September/October. I had promised to buy her Opium once I got a new job and that’s what I did. November 22, 2012 at 12:03pm
Stacey: Thanks for the draw! I enjoyed this scent when I tested in Nordstrom a couple months ago. I have gotten better and not so last minute at gift shopping. I don’t usually give perfume as a gift unless I know the person actually wants it. I did give a bottle of L’Occitane Neroli (the current version) after a friend oohed and aahed at my vintage version she tried once. And actually, I almost never ask for perfume as a gift because I buy it for myself plenty all year long! November 22, 2012 at 12:13pm
Andrea: Early shopper. I’m giving my 97 year-old mother Roger & Gallet’s Fleur d’ Osmanthus for Christmas this year. My dad would buy me perfume for Sviati Mykolai. I especially remember Faberge’s Tigris that came with fragrance and dusting powder. Loved that! November 22, 2012 at 12:15pm
Michele: I usually do a mixture of early purchases and last minute shopping. I have fond memories of rushing through Macy’s at 3:00 on Christmas Eve with my mom trying to buy great last minute gifts for the family. It was crazy, but the energy in the mall was so festive and cheerful! As for perfume as gifts, I’m always reluctant. Fragrance is so personal, with the exception of my niece who loves everything , I would not take the chance unless its someone’s signature scent. I am so lucky that my 84-year-old father buys me a fragrance of my choosing for Christmas. I am so thrilled for such a perfect present! Happy Thanksgiving everyone. November 22, 2012 at 12:19pm
Sherry: I usually start to do Christmas shopping at the beginning of December. Sometimes, if I see something extra special that I know that someone would like, I buy earlier. Most of the time, I’m not shopping at the last minute. On to another subject. I gave my mom a perfume from Avon, for her birthday. She was thrilled. She is 76 years old, and remembers all the vintage Avon scents. My mom and I both love scents from yesteryear. I’m also planning on buying my sister and my best friend perfumes for Christmas. They also have a passion for fragrance, as I do. Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving!! November 22, 2012 at 12:29pm
Figuier: Wow, what a great giveaway! I’m somewhere in between last-minute and early – I usually shop early December, but if I see something that seems perfect for a particular friend or family member I usually buy on the spot. Perfume – I have given it as a gift in the past, but only when I knew that the giftee liked/wanted a specific scent. Smelly bath & body products, for some reason, seem like a less risky option, so I often go for them over proper perfume. November 22, 2012 at 12:31pm
Kelly stacy: Happy Thanksgiving ! I usually shop early but end up getting a few last minute gifts closer to Christmas. I’m thinking of getting my mom perfume this year. November 22, 2012 at 12:44pm
mridula: This is a lovely scent. I got a little spritz at Nordstrom and did find it juicy at first and then grown up a little further in. I tend to be a last minute shopper mostly because I am careful to not buy too much. Starting early can result in over consumption, I think. I’ve received perfume as a gift in the past but rarely given perfume because of the fear it wouldn’t be liked. I was eyeing the gift sets you pointed us toward in your last post and thinking I might shop for a christmas present for myself this year. November 22, 2012 at 12:46pm
breathesgelatin: Oh, I’m a last-minute shopper for sure. I always wait and wait. I’ve gotten a little more proactive with my daughter, because some of the toys she wants may sell out if I don’t move quickly. But for everyone else? Totally last minute, and I love it that way. I love going to the stores a few days before Christmas. It’s fun.
I have given perfume lately quite a bit – mostly to my husband, who I’ve initiated into our hobby. I don’t think I’ll be giving any perfume gifts this Christmas though, unless it’s a home fragrance or something. But as a last minute shopper, I wouldn’t totally know yet, right? XD November 22, 2012 at 12:48pm
rosiegreen: Happy Thanksgiving. This year we are exchanging hand made food presents so the only shopping I need to do is for nice wrappings. I have jars of lemon ginger marmalade, lemon zest and fig jam and tomato salsa ready and waiting. In the next couple of days I will be making nectarine jam with rum and brown sugar. I don’t usually give perfume as holiday presents though a couple of years ago I gave my niece a bottle of White Shoulders because it was her mother’s perfume. I also gave my husband a bottle of Mechant Loup for our anniversary in the first year of my perfume obsession. November 22, 2012 at 12:49pm
Tomate Farcie: Instead of retail mania I like to donate to various charities in the name of the recipient (something they are interested in). My dad got the biggest charge out of a donation of a goat to a farmer in Africa! So to answer the question it all has to be done ahead of time! Sorry, no gifts of perfume. November 22, 2012 at 12:51pm
Peggy: I am an unreformed last minute shopper. I do think about it for a while and have an idea of what to purchase, but it is not accomplished until the week before Christmas. I have given my sister perfume–I know what she would like. And I can choose for my son–but no one else! November 22, 2012 at 12:52pm
Mihaela: I’m a last minute shopper by nature, because I can never schedule things and I act on impulse on anything.
About perfume gifting, yes, it’s my favorite kind of gift. I have never gifted a perfume I don’t like or wear myself. I enjoying gifting perfumes to my dear ones and I struggle hard to find something that suits them. November 22, 2012 at 1:05pm
Patt: I try to shop during the year if I find something just right.Otherwise I complete my holiday shopping in December. Since my family and friends aren’t into perfume, I don’t gift it and only hope that someone gives it to me!
Thanks for great giveaway and happy Thanksgiving to those in the US. November 22, 2012 at 1:10pm
Kamicha: I like to do my Christmas shopping early. For me Christmas is time for relaxing – and I try to avoid all pre-xmas stress
. And I often craft at least few gifts, so… …I kind of have to be early…
And yes I have bought scented present recently – my DH got a precious bottle from Guerlain on his birthday this year. He loves it! November 22, 2012 at 1:13pm
Ann-Sofie: Happy thanksgiving everyone!
I make my Christmas shopping during December, and usually things proceed well. I enjoy to buy gifts for my beloved ones, as well as making my own gifts. Sometimes I buy something fragrant, although almost never perfumes, as nobody of those I usually give gifts to appreciate this great human invention. Sigh! However, a few of them delight in fragrant body lotions and scented candles, so that would be some gifts I am planning to give this year. Also, I am going to buy Feminité du Bois as a Christmas gift from me to me.
Thanks for the draw! November 22, 2012 at 1:19pm
Linda: Happy Thanksgiving!
I always prepare early; most of the people on my Christmas gift list are women, so I take full advantage of the Sephora VIB sale. I will gift perfumed body creams and shower gels, but never a straight-up perfume because I feel that it’s very difficult for to get it right- perfume is so dependent on taste. I do love receiving perfume as a gift, though! November 22, 2012 at 1:27pm
Geneviève: Hello Victoria! What a good subject for a contest! i loved reading the other’s comments!
“Do you prepare your holiday gifts early, or are you a last minute shopper? : No, I never prepare them early. I usually buy them between the 15 and 24 of december… But, I always find what I’m looking for! What helps is that I think of it in december and take two weeks for seeing if it’s a good gift, and then looking for it in the mall!
“Have you given perfume as a gift lately?” Yes, for my mom’s birthday I gave her all the stars perfume bottle I receive over the years and never really wore them. Because I’m young people think that I would prefer the Paris Hilton perfume better than my beloved Shalimar, so I received a lot of them. My mom who always loved those fruity scent was really delighted about it!
Thank you for making a such interesting blog! I read it every weeks! November 22, 2012 at 1:29pm
Geneviève: And I’m a facebook follower and email subscriber
November 22, 2012 at 1:30pm
Katherine Baluta: I buy gifts throughout the year and I have a special drawer for them. Around Halloween I make a list of everyone I want to give a present to, and check it against the gift drawer. Then I can still look for something delightful without feeling rushed.
I met a young lady going through some rough times, who’s moved in with a friend to try and put her life back together, just like me only twenty years younger. I found out she loves niche perfumes (she’s a Goth girl) so I went through everything I have and made her a decant, and put it in a frou-frou black box with a bow. I don’t have much money these days, but I’m still relatively wealthy with things, and this felt so right.
If I were to give a full bottle as a gift, I’d want it to be one I was sure of – maybe go to the perfume counters together and try some on and note the ones best liked.
Thank you for the draw. I’ve learned so much reading your blog! November 22, 2012 at 1:35pm
Merry: Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Every year I try to buy gifts early, but I usually end up buying many of them a week or two before Christmas. My mom loves Kai and recently ran out of her roll-on, so I’ll definitely be picking some up for her. November 22, 2012 at 1:52pm
paola: Unfortunately I’m a last minute shopper because I don’t have much time. I’ve been working in a chemist shop for the last ten years and usually I work till 7pm on the 24th of December….
Yes, I’ve recently bought MANIFESTO for a friend of mine; just the day before reading Victoria’s not enthusiastic review… November 22, 2012 at 2:12pm
Victoria: But it is a well-made perfume, and the packaging is beautiful. I’m sure that your friend will enjoy it. November 22, 2012 at 2:16pm
d3m0lici0n: I buy Xmas gift way before all the chaos at the malls, like in october or so. I also buy perfumes, I already bought a Carnal Flower as a gift for my wife. November 22, 2012 at 2:20pm
Melanie D: I am definitely not a last minute shopper. I start early. I only buy when I see great deals. I imagine that if I were to shop last minute, it would cost me a great deal more money, and I’d give people items they wouldn’t really want.
I tend not to giveaway perfume as gifts. I find it’s pretty hard to perfumes away, since it’s impossible to tell what scent someone would like. You run the chance of disappointing the person! Of course, if you know what perfume a person LOVES, then I’ll it. But in most cases, i’d be guessing November 22, 2012 at 2:26pm
Undina: Dear Victoria,
Happy Thanksgiving to you! It’s great that you’re trying to keep this hholiday: as we travel through life and the world, we should get richer on special days adding new places’ holidays to those that we had before, not replacing them.
I already have a FB of this perfume so no need entering me into the giveaway but I still want to answer your question: I’m trying to get presents in advance but it gets harder and harder (because time runs faster and faster
). November 22, 2012 at 2:27pm
ziuhey: Happy Thanksgiving! We don’t have Thanksgiving in Hong Kong except the “Thankful Week” of a popular department store where people get all excited and shop like crazy during the week for only 10% off!
I am definitely a last minute shopper as I have so many items I wanna buy for my beloved one and I couldn’t decide until the last minute! But mostly I prefer making something for them by my hands, something small, like a leather card holder.
I didn’t give out any full bottle as a gift recently but I did an experiment on one of my male colleague – I brought a perfume and let him try everyday until he picked his favourite one! He liked Voyage d’Hermes first but changed his heart when he met Avignon of Comme des Garcons. But his full-bottle love is L’Ombre dans L’eau! Surprise! It smells so good on him!!! I made a decant for him from my small decant and that was the most wonderful perfume experience to me in 2012, coz I don’t have many perfume-holic friends and it fell so good to convert one!
I’d love to join the draw for the Jo Malone too, thanks!! November 22, 2012 at 2:42pm
Sonia Sidebottom: I usually buy gifts early and yes I have given perfume as a gift recently. November 22, 2012 at 2:51pm
Roberta Vommaro: Hi Victoria, Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanks for the draw.
I am a last minute buyer… I have tried to plan to go shopping in advance, but I always end up buying gifts on Christmas day (!).
As for the second question, I have actually given quite a few perfumes as gifts lately, specially to my family in Brazil. Since the price of a bottle of perfume in Brazil is ridiculously expensive (multiply the regular price in the US by 3), my family always ask me to bring some bottles when I come visit them (I live in Canada now). I mostly buy mainstream perfumes (people seem to like them more, or at least know them more), but I bought a bottle of Serge Lutens Fleur D’Oranger to my mom a few months ago and she loved it! It is a shame that they don’t sell in Brazil (and the shipping cost is a joke, should she choose to buy it online)… November 22, 2012 at 2:59pm
Deb: I have good intentions every year, but in reality I end up a last-minute shopper most Christmases.
I buy fragrances for my mum – I think she trusts me to buy her fragrances she’ll enjoy. Oh, except for when I was 8 and bought her Jovan Musk. That bottle stayed full for a long time.
I don’t buy perfumes for my sisters though – our tastes don’t converge. They like sweet and fruity concoctions and I just don’t. November 22, 2012 at 3:02pm
Theresa: Happy Thanksgiving, Victoria and perfume lovers everywhere! I just tried the blackberry/bay fragrance at Nordstrom’s last week and found it very yummy – like something I would like to drink! It would be a good fragrance to wear today, to blend with the yummy savory smells of the big feast.
To get to the question, I think about presents early but don’t actually get them until December. I like to celebrate one holiday at a time. Since my family doesn’t need anything, I try to give gift certificates to events I know they would enjoy – concerts or musicals or the ballet or whatever. That way we have a shared outing, and it doesn’t take up any space. It also supports the local arts groups which need all the help they can get.
Now my question – what fragrances (if any) are you wearing today? I chose “Omnia” because it is quiet, but rich, and has some edible notes with the vanilla/saffron, whatever it is. November 22, 2012 at 3:09pm
Andrea: I’m wearing Chanel Coco today because it always makes me feel glamorous. November 22, 2012 at 5:15pm
Andrea: Happy Thanksgiving, V and fellow (American) Perfume Lovers!. I hope that everyone will have a wonderful day of family, friends, food and thankfulness.
I do shop early, starting in September generally. By this time of year, I am mostly finished with my shopping and then I focus on wrapping, shipping, etc so I can be through by the time my kids are out of school. I don’t want to “waste” their break dragging them shopping and to the shipping store! A trick I’ll pass along to other moms: I set aside one bag for each child and add their presents to it as they arrive; same with their stockings. That way I know if I am “even” in each child’s gifts, and I don’t need to “scramble” on Xmas Eve. Having the stocking items sorted saves so much time!
As for perfume, I have already sent my mom Tatiana, which I tracked down as a “blast from the past”. I also gott her favorite, Sung, and Memoire Liquide lotion and perfume in Vacances. My stepmom is getting (among other things) lotion from Memoire Liquide in Fleur. And, embarrassingly, I purchased a perfume for cats as a joke for my aunt, who has many. It’s called “Oh My Cat”. Yes, I am serious. November 22, 2012 at 3:17pm
Domestic Goblin: I prefer ordering the majority of Christmas presents online in November and then write Christmas cards and buy last minute ideas in December. I have gifted three people with perfume recently: L’interdit by Givenchy for my mum; Beautiful by Estee Lauder for a friend and Eternity by Calvin Klein for another friend. November 22, 2012 at 3:30pm
Andrea: Hello from Hungary:)
I’m a typical last-minute shopper, I always promise myself, that I will buy all of the presents in November, but I can’t. I always give a perfume present someone. November 22, 2012 at 3:36pm
Nicole: Happy Thanksgiving to all.
I try and buy gifts throughout the year, as and when good deals come up. I always buy something scented for my three daughters, there is always beautiful French or triple milled soaps, and this year they are all receiving perfume. My youngest adores Avon Imari Seduction, and it really suits her, my middle, is a little more difficult, but she really likes ‘clean/musky/skin’, so I’m thinking J.Lo Glow, and my eldest loves YSL Cinema. November 22, 2012 at 3:46pm
Maureen: I usually start shopping just before Thanksgiving. The selection is usually good and the stores aren’t too crazy yet. I do try to buy most gifts at small, local shops, but for my 8 year old, sometimes I need to brave the ‘big’ stores.
I don’t typically give fragrance, but I did give some in the past month. My son’s teacher is having surgery with a rather long recovery, so I got her some samples of favorites for exploration while she is healing. I told her I’m not like most women, I don’t cook or ‘craft’, so I couldn’t offer those things–but I do know fragrances. I was happy to have something to offer! November 22, 2012 at 3:46pm
Phanie: Nowadays,most of the stores have Christmas decorations anyway straight after Halloween
So,my Christmas shopping may start as early as November.I ‘d rather avoid last minute rush
and throng
I may buy a perfume for my boyfriend.In this case I would appreciate your precious recommendations
Thank you for the draw November 22, 2012 at 3:54pm
Jessica: I shop throughout the year for the perfect pressies! I love giving and receiving perfume and recently gave a scented gift to a friend for her birthday. It was Vanilla scented with a glittery cream. She adored it!
Happy Thanksgiving! November 22, 2012 at 4:05pm
Jeff Berbert: I tend to be both. I have a few things already, will pick up others here and there and then a few days before Christmas Eve I will hit the mall, just that one time, for one big blowout day to get everything I still need.
I have been buying fragrances the past 3 years as gifts, for my sister in law and for my youngest son. He has become much more fragrance conscious lately. November 22, 2012 at 4:16pm
Absolute Scentualist: Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate it and happy Thursday to those who do not.
Thank you for the draw, Victoria. My children actually picked out a bottle of Nautica Blue for Mr. Ab. Scent’s birthday yesterday. It was difficult because there weren’t many testers available, so I did a blind test of spraying three or four fragrances and letting them choose what was in their gift budget and what they liked the most. It is a lovely fragrance and not too “locker room/Eternity” which Mr. Ab. Scent prefers to avoid with good reason.
Giving fragrance as gifts is a pretty frequent event in our house and in my circle of friends, who blame me for their recent interest in all things smelly. I try to be subtle about obtaining the sorts of scents they might like but keep the receipts just in case. November 22, 2012 at 4:44pm
Absolute Scentualist: Oh, forgot to add that I like to do most of my shopping ahead of time but save a bit for all the lovely gift sets and packaging that often arrives during the holidays. November 22, 2012 at 4:45pm
Margo: Wishing you a very happy Thanksgiving, Victoria. I lived in the US for a couple of years and celebrated some forever memorable Thanksgiving holidays. I love to buy gifts throughout the year as I see them. Hopefully the right thing for the right person. As for perfume, I didn’t buy, but gave my sister (who had worn the same scent for 24 years) a sample of Diptyque Volutes, which she then went on to buy
November 22, 2012 at 5:03pm
silverdust: Being worried about the economy, I’ve been picking up stocking stuffers as I’ve found them throughout the year for my teenaged daughters. The bulk of my shopping I take care of early on, but there are always a few last-minute items.
The only perfume I’ve given as gifts were to a fellow perfume aficianado. I got lucky on evil bay and got a couple I greatly admire — but for some reason can’t stand to wear — so I passed them along. November 22, 2012 at 5:33pm
Amer: Last minute? I am a last second shopper! Every year I shop my last Christmas gift just before the shops close on Christmas eve. It doesn’t really matter how early I start thinking about my gifts. I can’t make up my mind without the pressure of time.
Yes I have given perfume as a gift for a friends birthday a few weeks ago but this was a rare exception to my golden rule. I am sorry to say but I have decided to only give perfume to people I am not very close with (so I can afford a full bottle of something inexpensive and “likeable” that I won’t have to really like myself). There is usually a clash of taste. I’d rather let them get what they like than go into the trouble to choose for them something I would see as unique only so they would have to bring it back to the shop. I have better luck with books and clothes. November 22, 2012 at 5:34pm
Caroline: I always say that next year I will prepare my holiday gifts early & it never happen.
I actually gave my mom perume for her birthday in early November. I actually got her a big bottle of Coco Noir — when I tried it, it wasn’t a me fragrance at all but I could tell that she would like it. November 22, 2012 at 5:43pm
Patricia R.: I think I am a last minute shopper, although I start early each year, get snuggled with first few presents and then stop. This is an annual scenario, so the majority of my shopping I panic and do the last week.It doesnt leave much space for the plans with internet shopping as it usually is too late.
I haven’t give perfume as a present since February, that was two 30 ml bottles for my mum. November 22, 2012 at 5:45pm
Christine L.: As the years pass, I’ve become more like my husband who has habitually shopped on Christmas Eve. Intense, full court shopping…that’s what it is.
As far as gifting fragrances, I do that often but only for those people whose taste in fragrance I already know. It’s a joke in my family, “If it smells horrible on me, It will smell fabulous on my sister.” Other than my sister, I gift fragrances to my Mom & my daughter but then I know what they like. I would not give a gift of fragrance to someone whose taste in scent I didn’t know. It’s a very personal gift and I want to get it right. November 22, 2012 at 5:55pm
Janet Pearson: Blessings to you. Just had a Delicious turkey dinner with lots of everything. I used to only shop on Christmas eve, but now I have grand kids in London and in Germany and in California; so I have to shop early and mail gifts. I usually give clothes. I give my husband Brut; he calls it the “essence of man” and he won’t wear anything else. He buys me perfume for Christmas…after I tell him what I would like. I just love reading what you say about them…Thanks for being my friend on FB. November 22, 2012 at 6:23pm
Jorge Coura: I usually buy holiday gifts early in case I have to give a personal touch to it. And fragrances are always winner when it comes to offer as a gift for a friend or relative you know well. November 22, 2012 at 6:32pm
sherapop: I have always been a last-minute shopper. Thank goodness the world has evolved to make this socially acceptable. (-; In the past, I have even purchased magazine subscriptions on the holiday itself, with an email notification. I may have to change that, though, since now many magazines are being given away for free (apparently to keep the subscription numbers up so as to lure in big advertisers…).
I rarely give perfume as a gift. Only if I already happen to know that the person loves that particular perfume. Otherwise it’s like spinning a roulette wheel!
Thanks for having this draw, and Happy Thanksgiving! (-; November 22, 2012 at 6:49pm
Moonchime: I am a last minute kind of shopper. I LOVE to give fragrances as gifts, and I love to receive them as well. Happy Thanksgiving!!! November 22, 2012 at 7:35pm
maggiecat: I try to prepare for Christmas early, as the end of the college term takes up a lot of my time during the holiday season. I hope to get a good start this weekend. This year, some gifts will wait until we go to Florida to see my mother and my son, who live near one another – it might be easier to shop once I’ve seen them (and my son is fun to shop with!) November 22, 2012 at 7:41pm
andi: I shop randomly, here and there for the perfect things. I love to give perfume to my daughter, as often as possible! November 22, 2012 at 8:08pm
Rebecca: We usually pick names for gift giving. I love giving fragrance as a gift. It’s fun to match a person to a particular scent and see if the match works! November 22, 2012 at 8:15pm
Patrycja: I am an early shopper and I think I have given perfume to at least one person each Christmas ever since I was a teenager. This year I will be giving perfume to my sister and my mother.
November 22, 2012 at 8:56pm
Ferris: Hello Victoria,
No I never prepare my Christmas gifts early. Seems like I’m always running behind getting things together. I start off the year reminding myself to shop throughout the year gathering gifts, via sales and other occasions, as to alleviate the stress and crunch time of Christmas mayhem. This philosophy soon falls to the wayside and I am left scrambling all over town for gifts and my sanity! So this answers the next question as to being a last minute shopping; I am guilty as charged.LOL I have given perfume as a gift recently. If by recently you mean Mother’s Day 2012, then the answer is triumphant YES! I gave my mother a scent of Mary Kay, can’t recall the name. It was a 1 oz eau de Parfum and a solid perfume contained in a silver pendant you wear around your neck . If I recall what the name of it I will post it. Thanks for the giveaway Victoria! November 22, 2012 at 9:48pm
Chi Nguyen: Hi Victoria,
Wish you and all the Bois de Jasmin’s readers a happy Holliday!
Christmas is not our traditional holiday but we do celebrate it as an occasion. Me and my family are not Christian so we don’t give each other gifts on Christmas. But back in the days when I was in school, my classmates and I used to give each other greeting cards. I love go shopping for greeting cards beforehand and this used to be my favorite activity. I like looking at the colorful and various designed cards, picking the prettiest or funniest cards to give them to beloved friends. I’ve never given perfumes as gifts, but I will certainly do it someday if the receiver is important to me and if s/he is interested in scents. November 22, 2012 at 10:49pm
E. Lime: Thanks for this opportunity! I am an early shopper, and I tend to buy online so that I can ship things to the state where we’ll be traveling to celebrate the holidays. I have never actually given perfume as a gift, since up until recently, I didn’t know very much about it and didn’t feel confident picking things out for people. It’s still difficult, because it’s such a personal choice! November 22, 2012 at 10:49pm
ann: I usually start making all these plans for gifts for everyone but somehow I am still really late. Haven’t given anyone perfume as a gift lately November 22, 2012 at 11:04pm
pomusthafa: my gift is not in particular occassion whenever iam coming from abroad giving to gift my close relatives and friends . iam getting atleast 6or 8 bottle of perfume everyyear and also giving 6 or 8 perfumes every year . November 22, 2012 at 11:04pm
Sophie C: Thanks for the draw! I’m a total last-minute scrambler, hoping that inspiration strikes best when backed into a corner…and I just donated my little bottle of Juicy Couture’s Dirty English to the hubby, as it smells better on him! November 22, 2012 at 11:12pm
Tiff: Early shopper. Already bought the mother-in-law, Chanel Coromandel based on a review here. She loves fragrances. Last year I bought her the new Bottega Veneta and David Yurman. Her favorite perfume is Magie Noire so I am always asking sales people for recommendations based on that. Its so much fun shopping for others and then seeing if you got a fragrance purchase right. My favorite holiday by far. November 22, 2012 at 11:31pm
Claudia: I’m a last minute shopper and I gave Diva to my mother last Christmas. She passed away in March. November 23, 2012 at 12:05am
TaffyJ: Oh I’m a last-minute shopper only because the gift information for the kids is relayed to me so late! Of course, all the hot toys can only be had for an arm and a leg then.
Last Christmas, I gave the BF Bulgari Black. Not sure it was his cuppa tea.
Thanks for the giveaway! November 23, 2012 at 12:08am
Lindaloo: Some years I try to start early (especially if buying for kids as toys get sold out), but usually I end up buying my gifts last minute. I think this method was re-inforced one year when I had been ill and I ended up shopping the morning of December 24 at small stores in my neighbourhood. That kind of concentrated thinking (and limited selection) actually resulted in great choices for all my family and friends. I think when I have more time or hit the department stores or malls I get overwhelmed by the options.
Most recent perfume gift was for my sister — some Jo Malone Grapefruit.
Thanks for the draw opportunity. And Happy Thanksgiving to everyone celebrating (and may you survive Black Friday). November 23, 2012 at 12:24am
Riri: I’ve been a really good shopper this year, and bought a couple of Fragonard and Diptyque solid perfumes for my sister and friends. November 23, 2012 at 1:12am
Yile: I tend to buy them last minute!
because gift ideas change over time, and so buying them too early increases the risk of it becoming an “obsolete want”! November 23, 2012 at 1:20am
Yile: sorry i forgot to reply the second question! Have not yet given a perfume as a gift, but planning to do so this year!
November 23, 2012 at 1:21am
Andrea: I try to listen to family and friends throughout the year – and then note their wishes in my little notebook or occasionally buy presents far in advance and store them (sometimes I forget and find them years later). I never give vouchers – unless people explicitly ask for them. Also I try to keep December stressfree and get as much done in November as possible. Never really works out. Biggest problem is the Christmas mail. Always late with that.
I’d love to give scents – but live in stubborn signature scent surroundings. Kind of takes the fun out of perfume gifting. The last perfume I gifted was a bottle of Caron’s Yatagan for my husband. He loves it, I love it….and we had run out of it. November 23, 2012 at 1:51am
Civava: I always say to myself, I have to start to buy gifts at least in november, but never manage to do so. I always shop at the very last moment. I rarely give perfume as a Christmas gift, I rather do that for someones birthday. November 23, 2012 at 1:58am
Jamie Brigham: I am a little of both. I do most of it early and then I realize I forgot someone or something and then I am off scrambling around.
Facebook Fan of Bois de Jasmin
Jamie Brigham *FB Name* November 23, 2012 at 2:31am
Dubaiscents: Since I live in Dubai and all of my family is in the US, I do most of my Christmas shopping online and usually I get it done really early. I bought a lot of things back in July and had to take photos so I wouldn’t forget (since they are back at my parents house). I only give perfume as a gift I my mom who I know will appreciate it as much as I do (Mona Di Orio’s Rose was the latest gift for her). I have been saving up my free samples to put in my sisters stockings though
. November 23, 2012 at 2:36am
Steph: I always tell myself that I will get the shopping done early but typically, I’m a last minute shopper. This year I’ve been better and am about halfway done with shopping. As far as buying perfume for someone, I recently bought my dad Yves Saint Laurent ‘La Nuit de L’Homme’. I’m also buying something for my sis but have yet to decided what November 23, 2012 at 3:00am
Selica: wow…my first giveaway ever!!
but what is still the same is the moment I wrap my presents up in: Christmas Eve, before starting cooking the dinner for my family….The Eve is my favourite day of the year!!! This is the 1 Christmas I bought perfumes as gifts: Atelier Cologne discovery set for my mom, ad the 2 L’Artisan Coffret Noel, one for my dad and one for my sister! Still looking for inspiration for my husband!!! November 23, 2012 at 3:41am
I haven’t a specific habit in buying Christmas presents….it depends on ideas, time, requests
Deanna G.: I’m an email subscriber.
I always shop early & I haven’t given perfume as a gift recently. November 23, 2012 at 3:43am
eminere: Almost always last minute for me. The last time I gave perfume as a gift was actually last year! November 23, 2012 at 4:11am
Rahoka: Almost always last minute for me too because I like to shop around and compare prices . November 23, 2012 at 5:09am
Amy M.: Thanks for the giveaway! I plan ahead and have all sorts of ideas for gifts for my sisters and girlfriends. My brothers and husband, on the other hand, are much difficult to buy for and therefore that becomes a last minute frenzy! I often give perfume to my sisters. Last year I received a bottle of Violet Blonde in my stocking! Happy Thanksgiving, all… November 23, 2012 at 7:04am
Malik Al-Sayf: Thanks for the giveaway! I’m more of a last minute person and i haven’t given perfume as a gift recently November 23, 2012 at 7:21am
joaquim: I always think what to buy very soon but i’m a late buyer (I’m a bit lazy, guilty) and I neeeveeer give perfume as a present, it’s a very personal choice, one time I had a bad experience giving perfume and…nevermore!
Thank you for the draw! November 23, 2012 at 7:51am
Metka: I try to buy Christmas presents quite early. I buy randomly – when i see something interesting and quite personal for my family and friends. December is the time for decorate and wrap this presents – make them even more personal.
Yes, i like to buy perfume to closest friends and family. This year I will be giving perfume to my husband – Penhaligon’s Quercus. Last year i gave a perfumed creme to my best friend. November 23, 2012 at 8:29am
Lucas: Such a generous giveaway! Thank you for hosting it!
I always buy gifts few weeks earlier to avoid the crowd, especially before Christmas. And yes, I give perfume as gifts too. November 23, 2012 at 9:47am
Janet in California: I tend to do a little all year but have a hard time waiting for Christmas and tend to give them right away! More shopping in December. This year my new 15 yo step- granddaughter is getting perfume, I just can’t decide which one. November 23, 2012 at 9:56am
candy loving: i buy year round ! Gaaaaa !
and im definately buying Perfume as gifts this
Christmas . November 23, 2012 at 10:29am
Thai: I buy perfumes online, and you know, near holiday you can get a lot of good deals from online stores. Actually, it all depends on the time I figure out deals on different perfume websites.
BUT I have an American boyfriend whose nose is no longer functional but is willing to buy me almost anything (thanks God I only like perfumes and nail polishes) so I always ask him around 2 months before any holiday. That way he can order things online, get them shipped to the US, he himself comes back to the US, bring my stuffs all the way to Asia
November 23, 2012 at 10:54am
Mer: We don’t do holiday gifts
just birthdays, and random presents when we feel like it. I am a huge proponent of presents out of the blue, just when you see that little something that is screaming someone’s name. Why wait? it is more of a surprise this way. November 23, 2012 at 11:22am
Charlotte: Happening thanksgiving everyone!
November 23, 2012 at 12:02pm
I Usually get about planning My gifts a month ahead, Since Im manic about getting the right gift for everyone, I hate just having to grab something thoughless on the run!
Got My hubbie a bottle of cool water for fathersday, it is one of his staples, that was run running out. Wasnt the funniest shopping round as for scent, But since he was happy about it, guess Ill have to be too
Alex: Happy thanksgiving Victoria!
We don’t celebrate thanksgiving in Spain yet, though its becoming more known and maybe in a couple of years it will be popular like Halloween.
We do celebrate Christmas though in a big and festive way, and as much as I like the festive spirit I just can’t do with the massive crowds on the streets and out shopping, so I never leave it for last minute. I like to buy my presents in advance so I can have time to find everything, and leave only little last minute details for the day or two before. Therefore I’m never overwhelmed and there is usually something for me as well! As for perfume, yes I did, 3 months ago as a present to my mother, it was Un Rose Chypree! November 23, 2012 at 1:10pm
Isabeau: Wow great giveaway Victoria!!
I buy gifts all year through, and I love to buy gifts abroad! But the day before I always think I need more gifts and buy some as well!
I bought my 17 year old daughter a bottle of Diamonds she loves it so she was really happy with it! November 23, 2012 at 4:04pm
Clarissa: I love shopping early so I can prepare well and being in an area where I go into shops and check their online offers is a bonus. I often give scented products or perfumes. The online vendors who sell recanted scents are also a godsend! For instance, I am putting a surprise package together for a family member who is unaware of scents our grandmother loved: Gallet’s Blue Carnation and Arden’s Blue Grass. I am also trying to put gift packages together of scent samples that might reflect the perfumes worn in the Downton Abbey era, along with the video sets. And of course, this is the time of year I treat myself! November 23, 2012 at 4:30pm
Cynthia: I wait until the very last minute. I has gotten worse over the years that I now wrap presents on Christmas morning. This year I have tried to buy gifts as I saw them but now I just cannot remember where I put them all! The closest I have gotten to fragrance gifts would be candles. November 23, 2012 at 4:49pm
Daisy: Thanks for the giveaway opportunity, Victoria!
Blackberry and Bay is perhaps the only Jo Malone to have ever won my heart, and I would be very happy to be entered in the draw!
I tend to start planning Christmas gifts early. If I see something in August, I usually grab it. Saves me from overexposure to Christmas music too
I haven’t gifted perfume lately, and generally will only do it if I know the person’s taste exceptionally well (like my mother), or if someone had a signature (one of my closest friend’s wears Madame Rochas).
Thanks again, V! November 23, 2012 at 7:51pm
Elisa: “Do you prepare your holiday gifts early, or are you a last minute shopper?”
Both! I buy some things early but always end up scrambling for stuff at the last minute too.
“Have you given perfume as a gift lately?”
Yes, I gave my boyfriend a larger bottle of a Liz Zorn patchouli scent that he loves. He was almost out of the purse spray size he’d been using.
Happy Thanksgiving V! November 23, 2012 at 8:13pm
Full of Grace: Wow, thank you for the opportunity for this USA gal. I usually get my presents early and add as needed if another “hostess” gift is necessary. And I bought some perfume for my 15 year old granddaughter from L’occitane, a peony scent. November 23, 2012 at 8:44pm
Hui: I’ve always been an early Christmas gift-shopper – better prices and less anxiety. And I’ve never given perfume as a gift. I think it’s such a personal choice that’s it’s too difficult to give someone perfume unless you know them really really well. November 23, 2012 at 9:10pm
Elisabeth: I try so hard to get my shopping done early but I always find myself scrambling for a couple gifts at the last week! I gave my Dad’s girlfriend Elizabeth Taylor White Diamonds last year for Christmas. November 23, 2012 at 9:34pm
Bluepinegrove: I try to make most of my gifts. I sew clothes, quilts, bags, and such, and sometimes I crochet gifts. I used to keep a gift drawer and stock it with things I purchase on trips, but I don’t travel so much these days. I don’t give perfume as gifts because my friends don’t wear it! November 23, 2012 at 9:41pm
Dawn: I always enjoy this blog so much. Thank you! I shop throughout the year. Whenever I see something great, I get it and save it, as a gift for anyone or for someone I know would love it. I keep all these in a drawer, some wrapped with names. This way I can enjoy the season without feeling rushed or a financial pinch. Of course some things are always last minute. I used to buy perfume for my mother when I was little. I’ll have to reconsider scents as gifts. November 23, 2012 at 9:51pm
OperaFan: Dear V -
No need to add me for the draw – I just want to say its such a pleasure to read this blog. You write beautifully and I always come away learning something new or gain a new perspective on something old. I’m glad that we (as privileged participants) have been able to return favors from time to time.
As far as shopping for gifts go, I’ve gone from an early shopper, accumulating things year round to belated giving. Having a child and a full time job has really put a crimp in that dept. I also rarely give perfume as gifts unless I know for sure the recipient would appreciate. When I do give fragrances, it tends to be bath and body products. L’Occitane and Casswell Massey make wonderful products for this purpose. November 23, 2012 at 11:04pm
Carolina L: I’m a last minute shopper. Always been, always will.
November 24, 2012 at 12:32am
I have gifted my mom with Jasmin Rouge and I’m hoping to be able to get her the discontinued La Haie Fleurie. She lives in Argentina we only see each other twice a year. She’s a perfume fanatic like me and is always thrilled with my choices for her since she doesn’t have access to niche.
I’m actually really hoping I will get the Jo Malone for her, blackberry being one of her favorite notes. Please enter me in the draw!
Thanks
Canadianpetite: Wow – thank you for the giveaway! I’d love to own a bottle of JM.
I am so bad at finding the right gifts for anyone. This year, when I find a good deal, I try to match it to the proper person. I also bake which garnishes the most comments so I try to decide on recipes in October and start baking in November. Of course, no matter what I do, there always seem to be several mad dashes to the mall during the last few days before Christmas!
My sis-in-law and a good friend each “bathe” in their own signature perfume which sometimes can be find at a discount so I stock up during the year and have given a bottle for their birthdays and yes, Christmas. Before my mom passed away, she told me about my dad’s favourite cologne, so now I’ve promised myself to continue my mom’s tradition of gifting him a bottle for Xmas. November 24, 2012 at 12:58am
CP: Thanks for the giveaway! I usually figure out/shop for gifts early. I’ve never given perfume though – too hard to figure out personal tastes. November 24, 2012 at 1:19am
tasa: I enjoy selecting the gifts for the people closest to me and usually take my time with it, meaning that I have to start fairly early. So I am very nearly done at this point, just a few things to actually pick up that have already been selected and set aside, and I am looking forward to it! November 24, 2012 at 3:34am
Lubaska: I am usually late gift shopper, many times doing shopping in the last day before Christmas… I ve already gifted my sister, her husband and niece by perfumes, also couple of my best friends and I have also prepared 2 pieces of cologne for this coming Christmas time. Thanks for giveaway! November 24, 2012 at 4:44am