Cadeaux Parfumés pour les Fêtes : Tendances par Tranche d’Âge
Cadeaux Parfumés pour les Fêtes : Tendances par Tranche d’Âge
11 janvier 2026Reading time: 12 min
Holiday fragrance shopping habits vary widely across generations, revealing distinct preferences and behaviors:
Gen Z: Driven by TikTok trends, they prefer budget-friendly discovery sets and gender-neutral scents like Maison Margiela Replica Bubble Bath. Warm, spicy, and woody fragrances dominate their choices.
Millennials: Focused on self-expression and luxury, they lean towards niche, unisex fragrances and mood-based scent wardrobes. They favor affordable options like minis and travel sprays.
Gen X: Value quality and nostalgia, often choosing full-sized bottles or prestige gift sets. Popular picks include heritage scents like Chanel N°5 and sandalwood-based fragrances.
Baby Boomers: Loyal to classic brands, they prioritize early planning and experiential shopping. Timeless options like Estée Lauder Beautiful and Guerlain Vetiver are top choices.
Key Stats:
88% prioritize scent over price, but 62% consider price critical.
57% of fragrance purchases are under €50.
Discovery sets account for over 25% of Q4 fragrance sales.
Brands like Scento cater to these trends with smaller decants (0.75ml, 2ml, 8ml), offering low-risk ways to explore premium scents without committing to full-sized bottles.
Holiday Fragrance Gifting Preferences by Generation
Holiday Fragrance Trends & Gift Ideas w/ Linda G. Levy | The Ohh Show! with Orlana
1. Gen Z
Gen Z is reshaping how holiday fragrance gifting looks compared to older generations. A striking 83% of this group now incorporates fragrance into their routines - outpacing Gen X (79%) and Baby Boomers (69%). But their approach isn’t about traditional notes like jasmine or sandalwood. Instead, they’re all about "vibes", using terms like "clean girl", "night luxe", or "main character energy" to find scents that align with their aesthetic identities.
When it comes to preferences, warm, spicy, and woody scents with tobacco undertones are taking the lead. Olya Bar, Head of Digital Strategy at Twisted Lily, highlights this trend:
"We’re seeing a strong pull towards warm, spicy, woody fragrance families. Aromatic, tobacco-centric scents are leading the pack. Masculine vanillas are also having a moment".
Popular choices for holiday gifting include Dior Sauvage and Valentino Uomo Born In Roma for men. For gender-neutral options, favorites like Maison Margiela Replica Bubble Bath and Byredo Gypsy Water stand out. This shift towards gender-neutral fragrances is significant - 30% of the global fragrance market now falls into this category, largely influenced by Gen Z’s rejection of binary labels.
Gen Z’s shopping habits are rooted in the digital world. TikTok dominates, with 45% of social-media-driven fragrance purchases starting there. On "PerfumeTok", creators wield more influence than traditional ads, and viral reviews often lead to blind purchases. Teen boys are especially active, with their fragrance spending jumping 26% year-over-year.
Budget is another key factor. A majority (57%) of Gen Z’s fragrance buys are under $50. They often wait for holiday deals or "gift with purchase" offers and lean toward discovery sets, minis (0.75 ml to 8 ml), and travel sprays over full-sized bottles. These formats let them build a "scent wardrobe" without committing to a hefty $300+ price tag. As Olya Bar puts it:
"The purchasing behavior always comes down to the price, projection, longevity and display-worthy packaging. Those are really important things for this consumer".
This is where Scento fits perfectly, offering 0.75 ml, 2 ml, and 8 ml decants of authentic designer fragrances. These gift-friendly sizes align with Gen Z’s preferences, making them ideal for holiday budgets without compromising on style.
2. Millennials
For Millennials, fragrance serves as more than just a gift - it’s a tool for self-expression and an accessible way to experience luxury. In fact, 45% of young consumers use scents to reflect their identity, viewing well-curated fragrances as a gateway to high-end brands without the hefty price tag of couture.
When the holiday season rolls around, Millennials turn to digital platforms for inspiration. About 38% of them rely on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to discover gift ideas. Trends like "FragranceTok" and AI-powered quizzes help streamline their decision-making process, guiding them from inspiration to exploring modern scent options with ease.
This generation gravitates toward unisex fragrances that mix woods, spices, florals, and musk. They also embrace "newstalgia", where classic scents are reimagined with updated formulas, and functional fragrances designed to enhance mood. Women in this group often seek out distinctive blends, while men prioritize premium quality and longevity. Anabelle Holschuh, a Content Expert at Mintel, captures this shift perfectly:
"Luxury in 2025 is about substance, story, and sensory experience... today’s fragrance consumers are seeking something more intimate: craftsmanship, authenticity, and emotional connection."
Millennials also lead the way in self-gifting, reflecting their focus on individuality and experimentation. Budget-conscious options like discovery sets, minis, and travel sprays - priced between $20 and $55 - are particularly appealing. These formats allow them to explore high-end brands without committing to a full-sized bottle. Prestige gift sets, which often include extras like matching lotions or shower gels, make up over 25% of fourth-quarter fragrance sales. Black Friday and Cyber Week deals provide the perfect opportunity for Millennials to treat themselves while shopping for others.
For those looking to build a scent wardrobe that balances experimentation with affordable luxury, Scento offers decants in sizes like 0.75 ml, 2 ml, and 8 ml. These thoughtfully curated options let Millennials explore multiple designer fragrances without waste, making them ideal for both gifting and personal discovery.
3. Gen X
Gen X, currently in their peak earning years, is expected to spend a staggering $15.2 trillion globally by 2025, making them the generation with the highest spending power. When it comes to holiday fragrance gifting, their approach leans heavily on quality, reliability, and a nod to tradition. Unlike younger generations who might gravitate toward discovery sets, Gen X sees fragrance as a timeless and meaningful gift. They often prefer full-sized bottles or prestige gift sets, which frequently include extras like body lotions or travel sprays.
This generation has a particular fondness for heritage fragrances and scents that bring back memories of the 1980s and 1990s. Notes like bold florals, sandalwood, amber, and wellness-inspired scents such as eucalyptus and lavender are especially popular among them. Iconic choices like Chanel N°5 (€172) and Miller et Bertaux’s "In the 80s" Liquid Soap (€54) resonate deeply, not just for their scents but for the stories they tell. As Julee Wilson, Beauty Editor at Large at Cosmopolitan, beautifully puts it:
"Giving someone Chanel N°5 isn’t just gifting a fragrance - it’s gifting a story, a field of jasmine at sunrise, a century of artistry".
This appreciation for legacy and craftsmanship shapes both their gifting habits and the way they indulge themselves.
Despite their love for tradition, Gen X remains pragmatic when it comes to spending. A majority (57%) of fragrance users in this group spend under €50 on their most recent purchase, though Gen X men are slightly more inclined than women to splurge €100 or more. High-income earners among them also find joy in the act of gift-hunting, with 58% describing the search for the perfect present as an enjoyable experience. However, they remain practical buyers, prioritizing clear value and showing a willingness to switch brands if quality falters.
During the holiday season, Gen X often takes advantage of promotions to treat themselves while shopping for others. They also seamlessly blend online research with in-store experiences, emphasizing the importance of physical testers - 60% of fragrance users in this group discover new scents by trying them in-store.
For those looking to enjoy designer fragrances without the hefty €172 price tag, Scento offers decants in sizes like 0.75 ml, 2 ml, and 8 ml. These options provide a budget-friendly way to explore premium scents while staying true to Gen X’s emphasis on quality and value.
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Baby Boomers bring a sense of tradition and loyalty to holiday fragrance shopping. About 24% actively shop during the holiday season, and 22% start their preparations more than two months ahead of time. Interestingly, 36% prefer to skip major promotional events, choosing to shop on their own schedule instead. This thoughtful planning reflects their preference for comfort and familiarity in their fragrance choices.
When it comes to scents, Boomers lean toward timeless classics and well-established brands. They appreciate heritage fragrances that have been subtly updated for a modern touch. Popular choices include rich florals, powdery notes, and earthy elegance, with examples like Estée Lauder Beautiful, Shalimar, and Guerlain Vetiver standing out. Nearly 45% of regular fragrance users in this group stick to one or two signature scents they repurchase consistently. As Anabelle Holschuh from Mintel explains:
"Fragrances that evoke comfort, joy, and familiarity are gaining popularity... Brands are reviving classics... with updated formulas and storytelling that tap into ‘newstalgia’".
Their shopping habits blend tradition with practicality. Early planning often pairs with a strong preference for experiential shopping, where in-person testing builds trust in their selections. While 90% of Boomers shop online, 60% discover new fragrances in-store, highlighting the importance of tactile experiences. Many favor in-store testing to avoid the regret of a mismatched purchase. Department stores remain a favorite destination, with 46% of American fragrance consumers in this age group relying on them.
Prestige gift sets are particularly popular among Boomers, accounting for over 25% of fourth-quarter fragrance sales. These sets often include matching body lotions or travel sprays, making them ideal for recipients who cherish their signature scents. Packaging reflects their preference for "quiet luxury", favoring refined and understated designs. Despite their love for premium products, Boomers remain mindful of value. As Lina Nikols from Coveo notes:
"Baby Boomers are especially cost-conscious, allowing price to heavily influence their entire holiday purchasing strategy".
While 57% of general fragrance users spend under $50, Boomers often shop in the $50–$150+ range within the prestige market. For those looking to explore classic designer fragrances without committing to full-sized bottles, Scento offers decants in 0.75 ml, 2 ml, and 8 ml sizes. These smaller options allow gift-givers to sample heritage fragrances or create custom discovery sets, perfectly aligning with Boomers’ appreciation for quality and their practical approach to spending.
Pros and Cons
Each generation approaches holiday fragrance gifting with its own strengths and challenges, shaped by the behaviors explored in this analysis.
Gen Z stands out for their enthusiasm for trends and their ability to express emotions through scent. They are highly engaged with discovery options like minis and sample sets, which cater to their love of experimentation. However, their quick adoption of trends often leads to impulsive online purchases, making their loyalty less predictable . Gen Z also leans toward body mists and travel sizes rather than committing to full bottles .
Millennials, on the other hand, are driving the niche fragrance movement. They prioritize ingredient transparency and are drawn to wellness-inspired scents. Their preference for "affordable luxury" often aligns with artisanal storytelling. While their focus on ethics and quality is commendable, it can result in longer decision-making times, which may complicate their holiday gifting plans.
Gen X tends to favor traditional sampling methods and remains loyal to established prestige brands. Their gift choices often balance quality with value. However, they are slower to embrace newer trends like scent layering or digital-first discovery formats, partly due to being less influenced by social media. This cautious approach resonates with the even more traditional habits of Baby Boomers.
Baby Boomers have a strong appreciation for heritage brands and are willing to invest in luxury gifts. Many start their holiday shopping early - 22% begin more than two months in advance - to ensure their gifts are thoughtful. However, they often stick to one or two signature scents, making them less inclined to explore newer discovery formats.
Scento offers decants in sizes like 0.75 ml, 2 ml, and 8 ml, providing a way for recipients to explore designer fragrances without committing to a full bottle. This approach caters to Gen Z’s love of trying new scents while meeting Baby Boomers’ expectations for quality and thoughtful gifting.
Conclusion
Holiday fragrance gifting reveals fascinating differences across generations, with each group bringing its own unique preferences to the table. Gen Z views fragrance as a way to express emotions, Millennials gravitate toward niche brands with a focus on transparency, Gen X prioritizes value and quality while sticking with trusted names, and Baby Boomers lean into heritage luxury and signature scents.
Interestingly, 57% of U.S. fragrance users reported spending less than $50 on their most recent purchase, making the leap to a $300+ full bottle a considerable gamble. Discovery formats are stepping in to bridge this gap, offering a way to explore without the hefty financial commitment. In fact, sample and discovery sets made up about 27% of fragrance sales during the 2025 Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday shopping window.
The industry is taking note of this shift. As highlighted by Mintel:
"Discovery sets and paid-for sampling have also become more common, allowing shoppers to experiment with scent without committing to a full-size bottle."
This trend points to a growing appetite for flexible, low-risk ways to explore fragrances.
Brands like Scento are addressing this demand by offering decants in sizes such as 0.75 ml, 2 ml, and 8 ml. For perspective, an 8 ml vial provides around 120 sprays - enough to test a fragrance across various occasions and settings before deciding on a full-size purchase.
These smaller formats are reshaping holiday gifting, turning it from a risky guess into a thoughtful, strategic gesture. They give recipients the freedom to build a versatile scent wardrobe or zero in on their next signature fragrance with confidence.
FAQs
What makes Gen Z’s fragrance preferences unique compared to other generations?
Gen Z sees fragrance as a way to express their individuality, gravitating toward unisex and gender-neutral scents that break traditional norms. They love to experiment, often layering multiple fragrances to craft a signature vibe inspired by what’s trending on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Unlike older generations, who might stick to one or two signature scents, Gen Z’s fragrance journey begins online, shaped by viral content and influencer endorsements.
Their taste leans toward modern, bold blends - think neo-gourmand creations with notes like salted caramel, espresso, or roasted hazelnut. They’re also drawn to earthy, savory elements like rice, matcha, or olive, alongside nostalgic nods to ‘90s classics. For this generation, fragrance isn’t just a luxury item - it’s a part of their daily routine, tied to mood and wellness. They choose scents that evoke emotions, like the warmth of "cozy" or the simplicity of "clean."
Scento’s decant-first model, offering 0.75 ml, 2 ml, and 8 ml samples, fits seamlessly with Gen Z’s exploratory mindset. It allows them to dive into niche and designer fragrances without the pressure of committing to full-size bottles, helping them build a scent wardrobe that’s as unique as they are.
Why are fragrance discovery sets a popular holiday gift?
Fragrance discovery sets have become a hit during the holiday season, offering a curated mix of premium scents in smaller, more affordable sizes. These sets are a practical and enjoyable way to sample multiple fragrances without the commitment of purchasing a full-sized bottle, making them an ideal gift choice.
Younger shoppers, especially, are drawn to the variety and flexibility these sets provide. They tap into the growing appeal of experiential gifting, where the focus is on unique and memorable experiences. Discovery sets strike the perfect balance - they’re thoughtful, budget-conscious, and carry a touch of luxury, making them feel personal yet indulgent.
Why do Millennials prefer niche and unisex fragrances?
Millennials gravitate toward niche and unisex fragrances because they prioritize quality and personal expression over flashy branding. For this generation, perfume isn’t about flaunting a status symbol - it’s about embracing individuality and crafting a personal identity. They are particularly drawn to unique, story-rich scents that feel genuine, often steering clear of the hefty price tags associated with designer labels. Smaller, budget-friendly decants have become a popular way for them to explore these distinctive options without breaking the bank.
Unisex fragrances hold a special appeal for Millennials as they challenge traditional gender norms and offer greater flexibility. These scents provide the freedom to create a curated "fragrance wardrobe" tailored to their mood, style, or occasion. Platforms like Scento, which focus on niche and unisex decants, resonate deeply with their values of authenticity, affordability, and self-expression.
