Here’s a little guide to the newer scents out in the market now, and I’ve tagged them to personality types, so you’ll look like you put some thought into your gift choices.

Traditionally, one popular go-to when it comes to holiday gift-giving are fragrances and scents. Whether the recipient of the gift is female or male, it’ll be a given that whenever we enter a department store like Rustan’s or SM Store, we’re approached by the sales personnel of the cosmetics and toiletries counters situated near the store entrances. And let’s face it, it’s convenient to start purchasing right then and there, and start crossing names off our holiday shopping list.

So here’s a little guide to the newer scents out in the market now, and I’ve tagged them to personality types, so you’ll look like you put some thought into your gift choices, something I’m certain will be appreciated.

For the male adolescent, young adult, or just young-at-heart and a Marvel fan, these three Marvel scents are ideal, fun options. And don’t be fooled by the fact that the bottles and tin cans are collectibles, as serious perfumers have been assembled to create these scents. The Spiderman EDT has fruity notes, underscored by cinnamon, sandalwood, and Vetiver—fresh and young. The Captain America EDT is citrusy, with a woody balance. The most mature one is the Iron Man, which is citrus-spicy, with notes of pepper and patchouli. I was surprised with how these scents stand on their own.

For the female YA, the career woman, and the one with the carefree spirit, I have the following:

The Irresistible Givenchy Eau de Parfum is the new uplifting fragrance for 2020, something we badly need this year. It’s ultra-feminine and bursting with youthful energy, yet still spells couture. British model Fran Summers is the face of this fragrance. Top notes of pear andf ambrette, with a heart of rose essential and Iris, and a base of Virginia cedar and musk. A lively floral-woody with fruity overtones.

Flower by Kenzo Poppy Bouquet is a 2020 rebirth of a scent first created 20 years ago. This reinvention unites city and countryside, urban and modern, yet it evokes garden and lushness. The Nashi pear introduces the heart notes of Bulgarian rose, jasmine, and gardenia—a floral bouquet. All underpinned by the almond wood base. It’s a scent that speaks of optimism, and a light daytime choice.

If the gift is for a more sophisticated woman, and we’re looking for a heady, evening fragrance, go to Guess Seductive Noir for Women. Top notes of bergamot, sage, and peony, middle notes of iris, jasmine, and muguet, with bottom notes of vetiver, white suede, and vanilla. Here’s one ideal scent for those socially-distanced dinner dates.

For the Man looking for an oriental-woody scent, it’s Seductive Noir for Men. A head of black pepper, pomelo, and nutmeg, a heart of lavender, orange flower, and golden apple, with a base of tonka bean, liquid amber, and sandalwood. This one carries an interesting bouquet, mysterious and exotic, yet warm and comfortable.

And for the confident, adventurous man who isn’t afraid of floral notes in his scent, there’s Gentlemen Givenchy Boisée, a new variant of the Gentlemen line. Fiery wood with the subtlety of iris. Top notes of coriander with black pepper and geranium. A heart of iris with cedar and cocoa, and a bottom of patchouli and sandalwood, creating a strong, masculine wood accord. This one is my personal favorite.

Happy shopping, whether for your own, or on a gift-giving expedition!