Just in time for gift -giving, Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s holiday collection offers a magical journey for the senses. The house’s co-founder and celebrated perfumer Francis Kurkdjian walks us through the art of gifting scent.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 precious elixirs set

“Choosing the right scent for yourself or a loved one can be challenging sometimes,” shares Francis Kurkdjian. “When it comes to fragrances, the idea of being happy about gifting someone a perfume can sometimes rapidly turn into an ordeal. … The easiest and safest way not to commit a faux pas is to gift your recipient the fragrance that she or he likes. It’s safe, but—let’s admit it—it doesn’t really show your personal engagement!” Kurkdjian recommends something a bit bolder.

From top: Maison Francis Kurkdjian scented candles in Pain d’épices, Mon beau Sapin and Pomme d’amour.

“Fortune favors the bold and the brave, so when you gift , you can say, ‘I picked this scent myself for you, as this is how I envision you,’ or ‘This is a scent I would like you to wear.’ Or you can even say, ‘Every time you put it on, you will think of me, of us.’ Another way that works well is to build your own story between the fragrance of your choice and the recipient of your gift . You can go by the shapes of the bottles, the colors of the fragrance, the brand and, of course, the name of the scent.” He says that scented candles are always a great option. “If you really can’t find the perfect fragrance, think about gifting a scented candle. It is a caring gesture, less intimate and emotionally involved than a fragrance, but which invites the soul on a journey.”