You know someone well enough to want to give them perfume, which means you already have context. You’ve seen the way they move through the world, the moments they light up, the moods they tend to live in.

Perfume isn’t about picking something pretty. It’s about translating all of that into scent. And no, you don’t need to be a fragrance expert to do it. You just need to pay attention to a few things that already live in your orbit.

Understand Their Daily Life First

You don’t need to know what’s in their top notes. You just need to know how they spend a Tuesday.

Start with the ordinary. Where do they go? What’s their energy like? How long are they out during the day? These clues matter more than whether they said they like “fruity scents” one time.

Here’s how to read between the lines:

• Always on the move? Look for light, clean fragrances that won’t get heavy over time. Citrus, or soft florals wear well in heat or long days.
  
  

• Office or formal setting? Go for something subtle and close to skin, like powdery musk's or sheer woody florals.
  
  

• Homebody or introvert? Comforting lavender, saffron, or patchouli often feels like second skin.
  
  

• Night owl or event-goer? You can explore bolder notes like amber, oud, or spicy blends that bloom after dark.

How to Guess Their Taste Without Asking

Sometimes, the clues are in the background. Things they don’t say but consistently gravitate toward.

You can piece together someone's scent preference just by observing what they already enjoy outside the perfume aisle. It’s subtle, but it works. Ask yourself:

• What candles do they burn? Soft and powdery or warm and spicy?
  
  

• What does their shampoo, body wash, or lotion smell like?
  
  

• Are they into gourmand things like vanilla, honey, coffee?
  
  

• What kind of fabric textures do they wear: cozy knits or sleek minimalism?
  
  

• Do they go for neutrals or bold colors in outfits?

The vibe they’re drawn to in other products will often mirror their perfume comfort zone. 

Playing It Safe: Discovery Sets and Classic Notes That Work

If you want the gift to feel safe but not boring, discovery sets are the smartest route. They let the person explore a curated range of scents at their own pace, often from the same brand. Plus, they’re beautifully packaged, easy to gift, and perfect for people who like options.

When in doubt, aim for tried-and-tested base notes that suit most skin types:

• Oud: Surprisingly versatile when softened with rose, vanilla, or tonka bean
  
  

• Florals: Especially peony, jasmine, or neroli, which feel polished but easy to wear
  
  

• Musk: Clean or creamy musks tend to blend with the wearer’s skin instead of overpowering
  
  

• Amber or sandalwood: Smooth, mellow, and warmly received across all age groups

Where to Start? Hayati Makes It Easier

If you're looking for a brand that actually makes perfume gifting less stressful, Hayati covers all the essentials. Their perfumes come with sample vials, so the person can test before committing. They also offer discovery sets if you’d rather gift options than guesswork. Still unsure? Their return and exchange policy is flexible, which means you won’t be stuck if it doesn’t land perfectly.

Plus, every fragrance on their site has real reviews, not just generic blurbs. You’ll also find a genuinely helpful blog that walks you through different scent profiles, occasions, and even mood-based recommendations.

Start with Hayati because a well-chosen scent should feel personal, not pressured.