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The Ultimate Mother’s Day Fragrance Gift Guide

The best gift is one that reflects your relationship.

Written by Deanna Pai
Offset by Shutterstock

While the mom in your life might be thrilled with any gift at all, it’s worth going above and beyond when you’re shopping for Mother’s Day. After all, parenting is hard work. But figuring out the best Mother’s Day gift can be tricky at best, since it’s something we usually do year after year — and flowers only go so far.

Instead, what can help is using your unique relationship and their individual qualities to point you in the right direction. These can translate to gifts that feel truly tailored to them, like a brand-new signature scent that they can’t get enough of. Fragrance is especially thoughtful; since it’s so closely tied to emotions and memories, it can make for a gift that stays with them for years to come. With that in mind, we’ve teamed up with Sephora to bring you truly thoughtful Mother’s Day fragrances based on the mom you know and love. Scroll ahead for these no-fail picks.

For The Sweet Mom

For the mom in your life whose oven is constantly on preheat or who always volunteers to bring dessert, consider gifts that speak to their sweet side and nourish the soul — such as these gourmand-inspired fragrances.

KILIAN Paris Love, Don't Be Shy
Sephora
While this warm, velvety fragrance is technically a floral scent, it delivers layers of sweetness with notes of marshmallow sugar accord and vanilla absolute. Together, they make for a scent that’s luxurious and indulgent, but not over the top.
Kayali Yum Pistachio Gelato
Sephora
Kayali’s newest scent is inspired by the eponymous sweet treat, pistachio gelato. It features notes of pistachio, whipped cream, vanilla, and cotton candy for a delicious pay-off. Trust us: this sweet amber vanilla fragrance is bound to become mom’s new go-to scent.
Valentino Donna Born In Roma Intense
Sephora
While less is usually more, that's not the case with vanilla, which has that familiar warm, lightly sweet scent that research shows can be legitimately calming. In this bold fragrance, it's paired with jasmine and benzoin (which lends body and warmth) for a moodier feel.

For The Classic Mom

The mom who loves a classic, whether that’s a crisp, white button-up shirt or a spring garden full of tulips, is bound to love similarly floral-inspired gifts. After all, what’s more classic than florals for Mother’s Day?

Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia
Sephora
Whether or not the mom in your life actually grows gardenias, any green thumb will appreciate this sunny floral scent. It enhances the delicate fragrance of gardenia blossoms with notes of solar jasmine, pear blossom, and brown sugar for a joyful feel.
Marc Jacobs Daisy
Sephora
It might be called Daisy, but this floral fragrance gets its juicy, addictive brightness from strawberry. It leans more floral than fruity, however — thanks to white violets and jasmine — for a fresh, light, and overall easy-to-love scent.

Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb
Sephora
What makes a classic fragrance? Staying power, which this iconic gourmand floral has in spades. It's been around for years, but the heady, intoxicating blend of jasmine, rose, and orange blossom — grounded in patchouli, no less — still feels modern and fresh.
Carolina Hererra Good Girl Blush
Sephora
A bright, happy riff on Carolina Herrera's original Good Girl fragrance, this scent is light and citrusy, like a sunny weekday morning. Juicy bergamot gets a powdery edge from peony for a weightless, super-feminine floral that will stay with them all day.

For The Mom Who Could Use A Vacation

Whether they’re a new mom, a parent to teens, or an empty nester, all moms deserve a little R&R. If a week at the beach isn’t in the cards, bring the beach to them with a fresh solar scent — a.k.a. those inspired by the warmth and brightness of sunlight — or not-so-poolside cocktail.

Maison Margiela ’REPLICA’ Beach Walk
Sephora
The magic is in the name: Inspired by the salty breeze and balmy feel of the seaside, this fragrance brings the sun out with a blend of bergamot, lemon, and spicy pink pepper. At its heart is heliotrope (a sun-loving bloom), coconut milk, and milk to replicate the scent of sun-soaked skin.
TOM FORD Soleil Blanc
Sephora
Like a luxury resort in a bottle, this fresh solar fragrance is meant for the sophisticated mom. Spicy cardamom and rich ylang-ylang are reminiscent of a lazy day outdoors, while the floral amber keeps it smelling unabashedly feminine.

For The Mom Who’s Your BFF

The mom in your life can be a built-in buddy, always up for a phone call or down for an annual life chat. Nothing warms the heart quite like it, which is why a similarly comforting and familiar gift, like a cozy scent or scarf, can do the trick.

Glossier You
Sephora
Glossier is the mark of a cool mom, especially in the form of the brand's flagship fragrance — a warm, gender-neutral scent infused with sparkling pink pepper, salty ambrox, and powdery iris root. It smells like your skin but better, making it unique to the wearer.
Prada Paradoxe
Sephora
You know that warm, fuzzy feeling after a good heart-the-heart? That's the vibe of this floral fragrance, which is imbued with amber and musk for extra intensity and coziness. It’s both comforting yet surprising, like coming home to find a homemade dinner waiting for you.

For The Bold, Confident Mom

While motherhood can come with worry and self-doubt, the combo of time, practice, and a solid sense of self can anchor the mom who’s confident in who they are — both as a mother and a person. Treat them to a signature scent that’s as fearless and unapologetic as they are.

Yves Saint Laurent Libre
Sephora
For the mom with a rebellious streak, look no further: Inspired by freedom, this bold, floral fragrance pairs lavender and orange blossom with musk for some edge. It smells a little different on everyone once it dries down, making for a lingering scent that's as distinct as they are.
Fenty Eau de Parfum
Sephora
A new mom herself (with another on the way), Rihanna’s Fenty Eau de Parfum celebrates floral notes with a warm, velvety blend of magnolia, Bulgarian rose, and geranium. It's anchored by musk and patchouli for a sensual and bold vibe.

For The Mom Who Is Impossible To Shop For

Maybe they have everything — or maybe you’re not exactly sure what they’d love more. Either way, gifts that leave the choice up to them, like a set of bestselling fragrances, are your best bet for a guaranteed win this Mother’s Day.

Sephora Favorites Deluxe Perfume Sampler
Sephora
Scent can be personal, so if you're not 100% sure, opt for this thoughtful sampler. It offers mini bestsellers like Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia and Marc Jacobs Daisy, as well as a bonus candle. Then, once they pick a fave, they can get a full-size version at no extra cost.