Perfume as a gift: how to pick the scent and size and not overpay per millilitre
This guide helps you choose a perfume for someone else, decide between a sample and a bottle, compare the price per millilitre including shipping and know what to do when the scent is not liked.
Published 8 October 2026 · updated 8 October 2026 · prices in the text are today's
Three picks by budget
From today’s verified prices: in the low, middle and top third, the product with the best forDeal score (popularity, shops, price against the average, ratings). Live prices, total with shipping.
Best middle ground
ANUA Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gél – Gel peeling 120 ml
€23.44
at 1 shop
Compare offers →
The picks side by side
| Model | Total today | Shops | Shop rating | forDeal score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget pick5Five Cosmetic Set, 5 bottles | €8.63 | 1 | 4,3 / 5 · Alza.sk | 44 / 100 |
| Best middle groundANUA Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gél – Gel peeling 120 ml | €23.44 | 1 | 4,3 / 5 · Alza.sk | 46 / 100 |
| No compromiseOrthomovement Upgrade Sport Insole size EU 36 | €26.70 | 1 | 4,3 / 5 · Alza.sk | 33 / 100 |
Prices in charts
Totals with shipping, verified offers only.
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.
| Model | Volume | When as a gift |
|---|---|---|
| Ayat Fakhr al Arab EDP, sample (price being collected) | 5 ml | A small gesture or a scent test |
| Ayat Fakhr al Arab EDP (price being collected) | 50 ml | A new scent they do not know |
| Ayat Fakhr al Arab EDP (price being collected) | 100 ml | A scent they wear |
| Ayat Ocean Blue EDP, sample (price being collected) | 5 ml | A unisex scent to try |
Most popular today
- 1.ANUA Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gél – Gel peeling 120 mlfrom €23.44
- 2.5Five Cosmetic Set, 5 bottlesfrom €8.63
- 3.ORGANIC SHOP Kakao a cukor 250 mlfrom €5.94
- 4.BEAUTY LOOK – Transparent Cosmetic Bagfrom €4.04
- 5.ORGANIC SHOP Malina a cukor 250 mlfrom €6.04
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.
Frequently asked questions
Eau de parfum or eau de toilette?
Eau de parfum (EDP) is stronger and lasts longer, eau de toilette (EDT) is lighter. When you do not know the person well, EDT is safer.
What bottle size?
50 ml for a new scent, 100 ml for a scent they wear; the larger bottle is cheaper per millilitre.
Can perfume be returned?
Unopened in intact film, yes, within 14 days of delivery. Once opened, shops usually refuse under the hygiene exception for sealed goods.
Is a tester a good gift?
It is a full perfume without the gift box; for someone close who appreciates it, yes, otherwise choose the normal pack.
Sources
- Nařízení (ES) č. 1223/2009 o kosmetických přípravcích, čl. 19 (označování), EUR-Lex · checked 08/10/2026
- Směrnice 98/6/ES o označování jednotkových cen, EUR-Lex · checked 08/10/2026
- Směrnice 2011/83/EU o právech spotřebitelů, EUR-Lex · checked 08/10/2026
- Your Europe: Returning goods bought online (cooling-off period) · checked 08/10/2026
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