Perfume as a gift: how to pick the scent and size and not overpay per millilitre

What to look at

• The scent they already wear: the safest choice is the same scent or another from the same line. Look at the bottle in their bathroom.
• Type: eau de parfum (EDP) is usually stronger and lasts longer than eau de toilette (EDT); for someone who wears light scents EDT is safer.
• Volume: 50 ml is a gift to try a new scent, 100 ml for a scent they know and wear. A larger bottle is cheaper per millilitre.
• Price per millilitre: the total (goods plus shipping) divided by volume; the only way to compare sizes and shops.
• Sample: a 5 ml sample with a gift helps when you are unsure, but it is the dearest per millilitre.
• Packaging: a gift box and cellophane; an unboxed tester is cheaper but less suitable as a gift.
• Label data: volume, batch number and period after opening must be on the pack under the EU cosmetics regulation.

Price bands today

The lowest band holds samples, scented wipes and accessories. The middle band holds 50 ml bottles and smaller gift sets. At the top are 100 ml bottles and brand perfumes.

Example: one scent, three sizes

Bracketed prices are today's totals. Divide them by the volume to see what a millilitre costs.

When the scent is not liked

Online goods can be returned within 14 days of delivery without a reason. For perfume, though, shops often point to the exception for sealed goods that cannot be returned for hygiene reasons once unsealed; an unopened perfume in intact film can be returned.

So keep the gift in its cellophane until you are sure, and keep the receipt. Some shops voluntarily offer a longer window for gifts.

Common mistakes

• Picking a scent by your own taste instead of what they wear.
• Comparing a 50 ml and a 100 ml bottle by the sticker, not per millilitre.
• Buying perfume from an unrated shop; fakes are a bigger risk with perfume.
• Opening the cellophane before you are sure the scent is liked.
• Ordering a few days before Christmas without counting the delivery time.