Scented gifts for him: how to choose a perfume he will wear
Ask a man what he wants for his birthday and you may hear "anything is fine." That answer does not help much. A watch, a leather wallet, or a basic skincare set is a safe choice. A perfume is more personal, because choosing one means paying attention to what he likes. This guide explains how to choose a scent for him and suggests three NOTE perfumes to start with.
Why perfume works as a gift for him
A perfume is something he can use every day: at work, at dinner, on the weekend. It also saves him the job of choosing one for himself. Pick well, and the bottle stays on his shelf long after the birthday.
How to choose a scent for him
Start from what he already likes
Think about the smells he enjoys: fresh citrus, wood, or something light and airy. If he already wears a perfume, look up its notes. A new scent from the same family is a safe start.
Think about the weather
Heat makes perfume evaporate faster and carry further. In Saigon's hot months, a fresh, light scent is easier to wear. In the cooler months, a woody scent feels more at home.
Think about when he will wear it
For the office and everyday wear, a soft, fresh scent sits better with the people around him. For evenings out, he can carry something with more depth, such as a woody scent.
Start small if you are unsure
The three perfumes below come in 10 ml, 30 ml, and 50 ml bottles. If you are not sure the scent will suit him, a 10 ml bottle lets him try it before moving to a larger size.
Try it on skin
Spray a paper strip first, then the clean, dry skin of your wrist, holding the bottle 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches) away. Then wait. A perfume opens with its Top notes, settles into its Middle notes, and its Base notes stay on the skin after the others fade. Choose once the scent has settled, not in the first minute.
Three NOTE perfumes for him
All three are Eau de Parfum, designed by NOTE - The Scent Lab in Saigon and made in Vietnam.
At The Sawmill, for a man who likes wood
Top: berries, cedarwood. Middle: Iso E Super, jasmine grandiflorum. Base: sandalwood, tonka bean, musk. A wood scent that stays light, and a good pick for the cooler months. See At The Sawmill.
Lemonmelon, for hot days
Top: lemon, orange blossom. Middle: lavender, melon. Base: cedarwood, amber, musk. The idea came from a hot Saigon noon. See Lemonmelon.
Dance In The Wind, light and airy
Top: bergamot, peach, an airy ozonic note, pink peppercorn. Middle: osmanthus, iris. Base: moss. A light, fresh scent for every day. See Dance In The Wind.
You can see the full range on the NOTE perfume collection page, and more ideas in the NOTE gift guide. Shopping for her as well? Read The Scent of Love: Thoughtful Gifts for Her.
Or give him a session
If he would rather make his own scent, a perfume workshop can be the gift. Book one with 9base at https://the9base.com/.
Where to buy in Ho Chi Minh City
NOTE - The Scent Lab perfumes are sold at three stores in Ho Chi Minh City: 2nd Floor, 42 Nguyen Hue (inside The Cafe Apartment), District 1; 34 Nguyen Duy Hieu, Thao Dien; and 3rd Floor, 26 Ly Tu Trong, District 1.
What each store has on the shelf changes from day to day, so message NOTE before you go, on WhatsApp or Messenger. NOTE delivers to addresses within Vietnam. If you are visiting, buy in store and take the bottle home in your luggage.