Gifting Cologne Is Tricky, but These 12 Scents Are Universal Favorites (2025)

"Dior Fahrenheit is what my dad has worn since the mid '90s almost exclusively, and he is one of my favorite people on this earth. SO I love giving people this scent so then they can remind me of my dad. Weird, but it's actually the sweetest gesture because I only want the best people to smell like my dad. Duh. Anyway, it's a beautiful blend of smokey cedar and patchouli paired with a touch of honeysuckle, nutmeg, and tonka bean for a rounded sweetness. It's broody and strong, but also has some softness." —BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR

• Key notes: Bergamot, honeysuckle, cedar, sandalwood

"I'm not kidding, my picky mom (she complains about almost every scent being 'too much') has been gifting my dad this cologne for ten years now—and neither of them are sick of it yet. It's a nice spicy scent with a bit of citrus that gives a fresh-out-of-the-shower vibe without being overpowering or headache-inducing."–JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR

• Key notes: Mint, orange blossom, vanilla madagascar

“This fragrance is, quite literally, unforgettable. If you want your giftee to be the best-smelling person in any room, trust me: this genderless scent is it. It’s warm and spicy with unexpected notes of cola and cinnamon that work to make a totally addictive scent. I wish you could spritz it through the screen and smell the magic for yourself—but you’ll just have to take my word for it and know that any Father's Day recipient will be obsessed.” —JH

• Key notes: Cola, cinnamon, cedarwood

"I would tell all of my friends with partners to give this to them because it feels soooo romantic. Kayali founder Mona Kattan actually made this scent for her husband to wear when he walked down the aisle (it's so cute, I can't). It's woodsy but with some musk and jasmine that don't veer too heavy or intense. Also, it feels pretty special: It was originally limited edition, but people begged for Kayali to bring it back because everyone loved it so much."—BG

• Key notes: White musk, sandalwood, cedarwood

“My husband absolutely loves this scent so I always get him a restock, whether it’s Father’s Day, a birthday, or holiday. It smells fresh and strong without being overpowering. It's just a great classic men's fragrance, even if your guy isn't super into cologne."—LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR

• Key notes: Citrus, sandalwood cedar

"It's the quintessential woodsy scent that's been duped time and time again, but the original will forever one of my favorites Yes, it's chock-full of sandalwood and cedar for that fresh chopped wood scent, but it's also blended with warm amber and spicy cardamom that help it smell a bit more perfume-y than legit wood to me."—BG

• Key notes: Sandalwood, cedar, cardamom

"If you're looking to gift someone a fresh scent, this long-wearing fragrance smells like the dreamiest clean laundry—crisp and comforting. The notes of pear and soft florals like jasmine and peony add just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering its minimalist vibe. And yes, it seriously lasts all. day. long."—JH

• Key notes: Pear, musk, jasmine

'An eagle-eyed TikToker spotted this Parfums de Marly scent in the background of one of Bad Bunny's thirst traps, and it's become one of my fave scents for men since. It's the perfect balance of spicy and floral that anyone is sure to be obsessed with."—SARAH MABERRY, COMMERCE WRITER

• Key notes: Apple, bergamot, pepper

"IMO, there's something so comforting about this Ralph Lauren pick. Combining zesty grapefruit, bergamot, and cranberry with warm amber and coffee, it smells like being wrapped up in a flannel blanket on a crisp winter morning. Smelling this on your man's sweater on a cold day is otherworldly—but it's light enough to wear throughout the warmer months, too."—LAUREN GRUBER, ASSOCIATE COMMERCE EDITOR

• Key notes: grapefruit, bergamot, amber

"I’m obsessed with Tom Ford Ombre Leather on my boyfriend, it’s a great spicy and rich scent with a very slight gourmand note that I love. It actually lasts all day on him and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants their partner to smell amazing for hours on end."—HANNAH OH, SHOPPING EDITOR

• Key notes: Black leather, violet, jasmine

Inspired by icy mountain air, Bvlgari's Glacial Essence combines juniper berries with Alaskan cedar for a crisp, clean scent. "I got this for my husband ages ago and it has become his signature scent! It's a really nice balance between woody and fresh and is long-lasting without being overpowering—I cant stand colognes that enter the room before the person does, if you know what I mean."—MACKENZIE DUNN, COMMERCE MANAGER

• Key notes: Juniper berry, cedarwood, sandalwood

"Even if he doesn't consider himself a ~cologne guy~, there's a strong chance he'll still like this one. Case in point: my picky brother chose this exact scent on his wedding day because it's one of the only colognes that doesn't give him a headache. Its subtle yet long-lasting combination of bourbon vanilla, orange blossom, and amber is oh-so-smooth and great for everyday wear."—LG

• Key notes: Orange blossom, spicy black pepper, vanilla Bourbon