The 18 Best Colognes to Give as Gifts This Holiday Season
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Fragrance makes a fantastic holiday gift . It's something they can wear every day, a good bottle lasts for ages, and it feels undeniably luxurious . The only catch? Dropping serious cash on a scent they don't actually like would, frankly, suck. Luckily, we're pretty obsessed with fragrance here at Esquire. We've smelled, tested, and worn more colognes than we can count—and we know which ones tend to be crowd-pleasers.
It helps to know what your giftee is into. Do they want something light and fresh they can wear year-round? Something dark and smoky for winter ? Or are they new to cologne, meaning a beloved classic is the safest bet? (And we know the fan favorites by heart.) Whatever their taste (or level of fragrance expertise), we put our heads—and noses—together to find the best colognes to gift everyone on your list.
Tom Ford Ébène Fumé Eau de Parfum
It's just sexy. This fragrance is not one to go under the radar and escape people's attention. From experience, it will draw people in from across the room and ask what you're wearing. A little clichéd but very much tried and tested. It's unabashedly smoky and resinous, which makes for a captivating cloud of mystery. — Alfonso Fernández Navas, senior style and market editor
Ralph Lauren Ralph's Club Parfum
A reliable fastball of a men's going-out scent. Up top, it's fresh and gets compliments without being an attention-grabbing club citrus fragrance. On the dry down, it's deep and sophisticated without being too fashion-y and cerebral.
This would be my go-to for most guys. I've given bottles to my brother (divorced dad in his 40s) and his oldest son (just turned 21). Gets compliments in both age ranges. — Luke Guillory, commerce editor
Chanel Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum
It's a classic for a reason. Aromatic and bold. I like to wear it for the important kind of evenings when I need an extra bit of refinement. — Mark Burger, social-media editor
Issey Miyake L'Eau D'Issey Pour Homme
A versatile scent that wears well practically any time of the year. The citrusy notes are potent but not overwhelming. You need only two sprays maximum for this to hit. — Eric Francisco, entertainment editor
Fulton & Roark Ramble Extrait de Parfum
Fulton & Roark makes so many delicious fragrances, but Ramble is one of my favorites. It's inspired by the famous Central Park enclave of the same name, so it's perfect for any NYC native. The notes of forest air, lavender, and lemon rind create a fresh, woody scent that will transport you to the wilderness. It's sophisticated and lush, and it works for literally everyone. — Bellamy Richardson, associate commerce editor
Giardini Di Toscana Oro e Miele Eau de Parfum
I gravitate toward gifting warm, cozy scents and this one feels perfectly timed for the season. With notes of almond, rose and vanilla, this powdery gourmand feels soft and intimate. A touch of honey adds some nostalgic sweetness. — Andrea Ríos, fashion assistant
Montblanc Legend Elixir Eau de Parfum
This is a new favorite of mine I've wearing every day. Iris Germanica and vanilla give it a floral sweetness that takes the edge of the manly musc typical of Legend. Plus, it's hard to go wrong with anything served in a flask. — Bryn Gelbart, associate commerce editor
Tom Ford Oud Voyager Eau de Parfum
I really campaigned for this scent during our Grooming Awards earlier this year. It's insanely wearable. Spice, florals, and citrus top and dry down hit in the warmer months. In the colder months, the warm, earthy heart stands out. It's soft without being too femme, sturdy without the usual smoke and whiskey smells. I think the difficulty with this fragrance would be finding someone who it doesn't jive with. — L.G.
Serge Lutens Iris Silver Mist Eau de Parfum
Iris Silver Mist by Serge Lutens was first introduced in 1994, and there's a reason this unisex scent remains so coveted. This fragrance blends the scent of moist, green earth with the light, powdery, and slightly metallic qualities of iris. Let this be your introduction to niche perfumery. — Emma Saxon, fashion assistant
Snif Notewrks Double Take Cologne
Snif's new Double Take cologne is one of our new favorite scents—and at $74, it's a much more affordable option than some of the more luxury picks on this list. With juicy apricot and fresh orange blossom at the top, creamy sesame milk at the heart, and a classic woody base, it's beloved by everyone in our office who's tried it. — B.R.
Le Labo Baie 19 Eau de Parfum
After years of using Ralph Lauren Polo Gold Blend, my wife took me cologne shopping at Le Labo in the West Village, where we spent more than an hour trying out different fragrances. I ended up going with Baie 19, which brings an earthy and refreshing feeling. It paired well with my body smell, which is a huge factor. Le Labo also offers a huge discount with its refill program; you just have to bring your bottle back. — Mike Kim, digital design director
D.S. & Durga Cognac Reign
If you know anyone who likes warm scents for the colder months, this new release might just be perfect. The notes of cognac and antique wood make me feel as though I'm sitting in an old home next to a roaring fire with a drink in hand. But it's not overwhelming or cloying—just inviting. — Jonathan Evans, style director
Prada Paradigme Eau de Parfum
Woody, rosy, fresh—a bright and sophisticated scent I like to wear all day. Plus, if it's good enough for Tom Holland, it's good enough for me. – M. B.
Byredo Mojave Ghost
Byredo Mojave Ghost smells effortless, and even my friends who don't usually like scents always compliment it. The bottle design also makes it perfect to put on display—it looks so chic sitting on a desk or counter! — E.S.
Diptyque Lazulio Eau de Parfum
I don't wear scents on a daily basis, but whenever I spritz one on for a special occasion, it's always Diptyque. The brand makes the most beautiful yet understated fragrances that are just right, never leaving too heavy of a cast or going unnoticeable. Lazulio is my latest go-to, a more natural scent that is a perfect blend of fresh and classic in a single bottle.
A gift from the brand always stands out thanks to its beautiful packaging. No matter what, the recipient will feel the luxury. Plus, I can bet they don't have this scent yet. But if you're not exactly sure what they like, you can play it safe with this discovery set of five scents. — Krista Jones, senior director, commerce and partnerships
Ranger Station Hoss
Ranger Station is a little perfumer out of Nashville, and as such it's got a lot of country-music references in the lineup. This one, done with the Waylon Jennings estate, embodies the man himself: gruff, masculine, old-fashioned.
It's a curveball as a gift because it's heavy on musk, leather, smoke, and spice. It smells like the Stetson Original my grandpa used. (It smells more like it than the modern Stetson Original does, funnily enough.) But that's why I love the idea. This type of scent has been lost to time, so these days it's really, really unique. — L.G.
Celine Parade
One of my favorite scents. Versatile enough to move from day to night yet striking enough to leave an impression no matter the hour. The balance of bergamot, musk, neroli, and vetiver is masterful. The bottle—with tinges of art deco influence—is equally sharp. — M.B.
Viktor Rolf Spicebomb Eau de Toilette
Aside from the grenade casing being so much fun to use, Viktor Rolf's Spicebomb really booms with its strong combination of pepper and cinnamon. Wears well during the colder seasons and for more formal occasions (despite its aggressive appearances). — E. F.
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