Perfume selection for woman in her 70s

[LonelyFlans]

I've been asked to buy a perfume sampling set for a woman in her early 70s.

She doesn't like floral perfumes but is otherwise open to ideas!

Can anyone recommend something that might be suitable please?

Marks and Spencer are on it when it comes to perfumes these days. Not just floral and they do little sets. Different price points from v cheap ( tenner) to more expensive.

I’m truly not trying to catch you out or be horrible but — does her age have anything to do with it? I would think women in their 70s have as broad and varied a range of tastes as women in say, their forties.

So maybe not a Britney Spears fragrance collection, but pretty much anything else could theoretically be good? What else do you know about her taste?

I too am laughing at the age segregation - but assume you’re indicating you want something sophisticated and relatively extravagant rather than teen brands? (My DM is over 90 and entirely open to perfume discoveries. Currently wearing something Frederic Malle.)

According to your budget I’d suggest any of the very wonderful sample sets / subscriptions from

Bloom Perfumery

Or a set from

Les Senteurs

Penhaligons do beautifully presented mini sets of their popular fragrances.

Penhaligon do interesting sample sets. I've bought them for my son and various girlfriends of his.

Unfortunately for your query they were mid to late 20s and I was early 60s. If you can hang on I can report back in about 7 years time in my case or around 40 years in their case to let you know if we still like them.

Estée Lauder might be another option for quality minis.

You can create your own set from Hermès

Hermès Travel sets

I would factor in the kind of style she’s had over the years in terms of stuff like clothing and house decor — like is she a bit arty and alternative or more mainstream? Is perfume a specific interest of hers or is it more like a hopeful stab at a safe gift? (Which would be fine, asking without judgement but perfume fans might be open to more unusual niche stuff!)

Oh I covet these — I love the ones of theirs I’ve tried.

I think in finding that I might have solved my own problem of what to get my sister-in-law for Christmas this year.

For the OP's query most of Hermès, even the "le Jardin" isn't overly floral.

That's really good points. Most of the replies here assume the recipient will squeal with delight at getting the sample sets suggested (I would, ok maybe not the M&S one) but it could equally elicit a "what? you spent how much on that?" response.

Or even worse- "you bought me 4 tiny bottles of perfume- were they free samples". The posters suggesting the sets know that's not the case , but would you know that if you didn't know the brands?

Thanks all - I'll try to answer some questions:

• I put her age in as I know that some of the perfumes aimed at younger women just wouldn't be up her street at all (sickly sweet or "sharp" smells
• she's specifically asked for this as she wants a new perfume but was completely overwhelmed by the choice when she went into boots - so gave up
• a few years ago I went to a concession in a department store which helped me identify the perfumes I'd like - unfortunately there's nowhere near her that does this kind of thing, and travel is limited for her, it's sadly not an option
• she's generally quite mainstream, so M&S may be a good option

The Perfume Society do discovery sets with a range of different brands in each. I have bought them before and would recommend.

Is her age not just a matter of fact?
I’d state that I’m in my 40s, no problem.

Another vote for the Perfume Society - the sample boxes make great gifts.

Pushing 70 here and would NOT appreciate M&S scent, thanks (unless that's all recipient can afford, in which case it would be received gratefully).

I’d be very disappointed to open an M&S box of perfume - don’t care how keen anyone else might be on the actual fragrance.

Thanks all
I'll check out the Perfume Society.

I'm thinking it might be easier to stick to well known brands (someone mentioned Estée Lauder earlier) but any other recommendations very welcome.

Old people like lavender. True fact.

Beyond perhaps, not being a teen what's her age got to do with her perfume choice?

My DM, aged 87, really rates M&S perfume, and having tried a few on her recommendation she's not wrong. They have some gorgeous scents at a great price, though I agree they aren't terribly exciting as a gift.

A Hermes set is a good call, as is Penhaligons. I have gorgeous travel sets from both. Miller Harris might be worth trying too.

@Gowlett "Is her age not just a matter of fact?
I’d state that I’m in my 40s, no problem."
When you're talking about scent choices? Why?

Same here!

but any other recommendations very welcome

That’s why I recommended two of the most respected perfume shops in the country. Each carrying a huge range of very, very high quality, brands. I have no connection to either but they are specialist places that perfume enthusiasts go back to time and again.

Not sure what else to suggest! 🤷‍♀️

You could wrap the M&S scent in a lovely scarf. M&S do them too.