When picking out Christmas gifts in the Fragrances section of department stores, it would do well to keep in mind that if the recipient is someone in her or his 20’s or early 30’s, we should choose a fragrance that’s airy & lighter, one with a fresh outlook & disposition. Here’s a guide to what’s currently available for the younger market; as there are still distinct types within the category of ‘younger.'

For the young lady, the sophisticate who’s well into her career, or is well-versed in fashion and lifestyle, the Vera Wang Embrace line, inspired by intimacy & emotion, is an ideal choice. There are four variants, Periwinkle & Iris, Rose Buds & Vanilla, Marigold & Gardenia, and my personal favorite, Green Tea & Pear Blossom. Top notes of Pear Blossom, Green Tea & Bergamot, with Middle notes of Freesia, Peony & Orange Blossom, and Base Notes of Musk, Cedar & Sandalwood. It’s floral woody, with a fresh citrus influence. This one is subtle, yet charms; and requires one to get up close to appreciate the scent.

The man about town, the urbane young gentleman will appreciate dunhill Century Blue. This is a Woody Aromatic that’s confident, without being overpowering. The Head is Mandarin Orange, Bergamot & Black Pepper, with a Heart of Iris, Neroli, Ginger & Styrax, and the Bottom is composed of Ambroxan, Sea Salt, Oak Moss & Patchouli. I give this high marks for longevity, with a sillage that knows how to be noticed, without calling undue attention to itself.

Here’s an unusual choice; but one that would be ideal for couples to take with them on their trip to the beach or for that weekend getaway. Berdoues 1902 Ylang & Flour de Sel is a floral/aquatic scent that surprisingly, is for both Women & Men. It’s sweet, yet musky. It’s got Salt, Sea Notes, Ylang-Ylang, Musk, Jasmine & Amber. It’s fresh and intoxicating in a good way, works wonderfully in a tropical climate, and known how to linger, while giving great value. It’s not that well-known a French brand here, so this family-owned fragrance house could be a unique favorite. You’ll have to head to Rustans.com, Zalora, or Beauty Bar online to find this brand.

Tonino Lamborghini Essenza would be my choice for the sporty, fast-living, young man who’s into motor racing and/or the sea. Inspired by the Italian Mediterranean coast, its surprisingly airy & subtle. Top notes of Lemon, Apple & Lychee, Middle notes of Orange Blossom and Freesia, and Base notes of Teak, Cedar Wood, Vetiver and Amber make for an accord that’s clean, invigorating and masculine; yet bursting with the freshness of crisp citrus & the earthiness of the woody elements.

As for the young woman (or man) who likes to experiment, to mix & match, I would recommend Solinotes. They’re marketed under the dominant Heart note that carries the different variants, but they’re relatively inexpensive, and it’s recommended that you blend two to three of the individual scents to create your own customized mixture. And don’t be fooled by its apparent simplicity, as each bottle is an accord unto itself. The Yuzu has a Head of Lemon & Bergamot, a Heart of Yuzu, Tangerine & White Flowers, and a Base of Oak Moss & Patchouli - so it’s a unique Citrus Aromatic on its own.

The Cerisier (Cherry) is a Floral Fruity with Top notes of Cardamom, Lemon & Mandarin Orange, a Middle of Cherry, Rose & Raspberry, and a Bottom of Apple & Musk. It’s the happy discovery of blending these ‘SoliNotes’ that’s part of the fun.

And finally, for the man who still cherishes the child in him; the Marvel Superheroes line are no joking matter. The Captain America gift set comprises of the Eau de Toilette, an After Shave Balm, and Shower Gel. The fragrance is actually a mature Woody/Citrus scent that combines Woody notes, with Vanilla, Orange Blossom, Petitgrain, and Bergamot. So don’t be fooled by the packaging or the Captain America shield bottle design, there’s serious consideration and intent in this fragrance set, and it’s not for kids.