A 21st birthday is undoubtedly one of the biggest ones and that’s the only excuse we need to go all out. Which means pulling on our favorite outfits and spritzing ourselves with our most delicious scents.
If that big birthday is coming up for someone special and you’re not sure what to gift them, perfume is always a brilliant choice. Not only is it far more long-lasting than a bouquet of flowers or a box of fancy chocolates, but it’ll also ensure a special bond between the two of you that your special person will remember each time they spritz it.
Looking for the best 21st birthday perfumes for gifting? We’ve rounded up all of our favorites to mark the big day.
Marc Jacobs’ perfumes are timeless yet youthful at the same time. They’re also beautifully versatile without waving goodbye to that ‘special’ element, making them ideal for gifting as a 21st birthday present. If you’re not sure which fragrance to choose from this classic brand, we’re always spritzing Marc Jacobs Perfect by Marc Jacobs. A newer release from the brand, Perfect opens with juicy rhubarb notes and continues with a heady blend of almond milk, cedarwood, and cashmeran.
Ck In 2U by Calvin Klein is a great day-to-day scent and the unisex nature of this fragrance means it blends perfectly with all kinds of looks and personalities. A 21st is a big birthday and offers a great opportunity for your special person to figure out their signature scent to carry them forwards for birthdays to come. Ck In 2U by Calvin Klein is a perfect introduction into the world of scent, blending a subtle sweetness with floral notes.
Some people say a 21st birthday celebration is a step into adulthood and with that comes that whole new stepping stone of growing up. Regardless of whether growing up seems exciting or intimidating, a feminine perfume like Prada La Femme L’eau by Prada promises to sweeten the deal. This gorgeous scent is modern and clean with a fresh floral bouquet of opening notes and a green, slightly earthy undertone.
If you’re struggling to choose the best perfume for a 21st birthday present, you can’t go wrong with Angel by Thierry Mugler. This classic scent was practically designed for special occasions with its fun-loving array of delicious notes. Angel blends patchouli and warm spicy notes with a heavy dash of sweetness and a fruity, almost caramelized finish. It’s a failsafe option that’s endlessly popular with young women.
Chance by Chanel is fresh and exhilarating and everything that a 21st birthday should be. This incredible perfume is one of the best for gifting. Bringing together the prestige of a Chanel perfume with a youthful glow, Chance is musky and powdery but also deliciously modern. Expect top notes of rose, spicy pink pepper, and some citrus with a strong dry down of patchouli and vanilla.
Nothing says ‘time to celebrate’ quite like Tiffany and, if gifting jewelry from this sophisticated brand is a little out of your budget range, a Tiffany perfume is almost as wonderful. Tiffany & Love by Tiffany is one of the most popular scents from the brand, with its citrus and spicy top notes that add a gorgeous finish to any outfit. Its potent longevity means this is one of the most long lasting perfumes, too.
Style icon and International superstar: it’s hard not to fall in love with Ariana Grande and we’ve all spent some time emulating her best looks and watching her performances on repeat. The best way to channel those Ariana vibes on a special occasion is with a spritz of Ariana Grande Cloud by Ariana Grande. A wonderful 21st birthday perfume for gifting, Cloud is fun-loving and sweet, with lavender, pear, and bergamot and a rich heart of whipped cream.
We’ve finished talking you through all of the best 21st birthday perfumes for gifting, which means you can now head over to perfume.com to choose your favorite.
Georgie Darling is a freelance lifestyle and travel writer from London, England. Her work has been published in ELLE, Yahoo, Red, Grazia, and Tripadvisor, amongst others. When she’s not writing, Georgie spends most of her time travelling to new countries and scuba diving. She’s been an avid fragrance lover since a young age and considers Alaïa by Alaïa Paris to be her signature scent.
