ÇaFleureBon 2014 Holiday Gift Guide + Ten Best Perfume Presents to Give or To Get Draw

cafleurebon holiday perfume gift guide 2014

Holiday BUY BUY BUY email blasts started inundating my inbox while I was still nibbling on Halloween candy.  If you are a regular reader of CaFleureBon you know I don't believe in blind buying perfume as a present unless it is a much-wanted bottle and I have reservations even then.  You may think you know what they want, but  true perfumistas are likely to spring for that bottle without telling you it’s off of their “Must…Have…Now” list. Of course, they are already onto the next acquisition, most likely something  unobtainable  and found only in Dubai. Want proof? The lovely ideas on what to gift me from our Black Friday Twisted Lily  $50 Gift Certificate post are perfumes I either own, or sorry to say, are scrubbers on my skin.

Now that I have discouraged you from giving fragrance as a holiday gift, it is time to think outside the bottle. This year‘s 2014 Holiday Gift Guide includes my top ten scented ideas that will please even the pickiest perfume peeps including me.

Best Perfume Gifts That Aren’t Perfume

Palais des Thés pure indulgence yuzu tea

Le Palais des Thés Pure Indulgence “Le Yuzu

I have noticed that many perfumistas love cats and tea. Since surprising someone with a new kitty is chancy, go for the tea. Not Lipton, but an extraordinary tea from Paris, scented by a trained perfumer Le Palais des Thés Pure Indulgence “Le Yuzu”. I sampled this and the aroma is divine (I was tempted to use it as potpourri) but it’s not just the Yuzu scent that makes this special; the Shincha green tea itself is a rare 'Grand Cru' Japanese tea.  5.9 oz $109.00

lavender-spray april aromatics

April Aromatics All Natural  Lavender Room and Body Spray

The Holiday season isn’t always the most wonderful time of the year (unless you are in the audience of the Ellen Degeneres show); it can be stressful and overwhelming. Getting a good night’s sleep doesn’t come easily even when you are exhausted.  Nix the Ambien and spritz your pillow with April Aromatics All Natural  Lavender Room and Body Spray. Award winning Perfumer Tanja  Bochnig uses several different lavender essential oils from all over the world for an aromatic sleepy time blend. You know the neighbor that throws wild parties at 3:00 am? Knock on the door, spray the room and you’ll get some rest 4 oz    €22.00

rebel and mercury 100 percent botanical candles no 1 vetiver cocoa

Rebel & Mercury Botanical candle in No 1

Perfumer Nikki Sherritt Lewis’s botanical candles have achieved cult status under her own brand Rebel & Mercury as well as for other perfumers (Mandy Aftel). No 1 is my favorite with its cocoa coated jasmine and vetiver scent that fills a room without being overwhelming.  Each candle is handcrafted using a proprietary organic coconut wax blend sans Soy, Palm or Paraffins. With a burn time of over 55 hours and veggie coated cotton wicks for a clean burn Rebel and Mercury will change the way you think about natural candles. Best of all they are refillable 9.5 oz $50.

Nicolai parfumeur createur un metier d'artiste book paticia de nicolai cafleurebon

Nicolai parfumeur –createur, un métier d’artiste by Patricia de Nicolai

One of the people I admire most in all of perfumery is Patricia de Nicolai.  She was and is a pioneer and role model for women perfumers all over the world. In celebration of her 25th anniversary as an independent, Mme has written a book Nicolai parfumeur –createur, un métier d’artiste. It is unique among the many perfumery books as it is part biography, part history, and most definitely a call to recognize perfumery as an art.  The hardcover book is self published, written in both French and English and is filled with rare photos.  In addition to insights into Mme’s life and mentors there are wonderful photos and commentary including her childhood and Guerlain bloodline, her husband and partner Jean Louis Michau, the Osmotheque and the importance of perfume blogs (ÇaFleureBon is mentioned as one of the top two most influential American sites, which left me gob smacked) to small artistic independent perfumers and perfumeries. It is a beautiful book to own, to read, to gift and to treasure. €20.00

eau de italie travel kit

Going away for the holidays?  A week’s stay in Italy’s luxurious Le Sirenuse would be a dream vacation … but if Positano’s finest resort isn’t on the itinerary Eau d’Italie Travel  Kit  is perfect for your getaway. Four essentials are packaged in a carry-on approved transparent pouch, and contain  bath and body products in a travel-friendly 75 ml size, plus a sachet of 30 gr. bath salts for a luxury soak when you step off the plane or after the relatives  finally leave. All are perfumed with the hotel’s signature scent; the  earthy, incense laced citrus fragrance created by Bertrand Duchaufour for owners and Eau d’Italie’s Creative Directors Marina Sersale and Sebastián Alvarez Murena.  €34,00

belle fleur palo santo Diffuser-FN

Belle Fleur Palo Santo Room Diffuser

If you have visited my home there are Belle Fleur candles in every room.  So I couldn’t have been more thrilled when 2014 Fashion Group Award Winners- Rising Star Beauty and Fragrance recipients, Tony and Meredith Perez quietly launched a line of nine Belle Fleur perfumed room diffusers composed by superstar perfumer Jerome Epinette. It  was tough to choose just one but I am recommending Palo Santo for the holidays; a one of a kind scent with notes of ylang–ylang, styrax, guaiac, violet leaf and copal. Not only is the scent magnificent and created with 15 percent high quality essential oils, but it fills a living space as well as their signature candles.  What differentiates the new Belle Fleur room diffuser from others I have tried is the thickness of  the reed sticks which hold more oil and allows scent to waft through even a very large room without clogging, which means you never have to flip the reeds. 5.6 oz/$96

GiftingPureNaturalDiva natural sugar scrub body butter and bath salts

There are times when “making time” to pamper your body is the greatest gift of all. Natural Perfumer Tania Rueben of Pure Natural Diva Botanicals  All Natural Sugar Scrub ($45),  Immerse Bath Salts ($30) and Whipped Body Butter($35) in the decadent spiced vanilla and sandalwood musky Diva scent is a 3 step "in home spa" Get it for the Diva on your list, which might just be you.  100% Natural, Vegan, Sulfate, Paraben, Phthalate & Cruelty Free

tiiziana terenzi spicy snow home fragrance pebble cafleurebon cyber monday paolo terenzi

Tiziana Terenzi Ambience Stone diffuser  Spicy Snow

One of the most memorable perfumers I met this year is Paolo Terenzi of Tiziana Terenzi  who is a third generation chandler, utterly charming, and gifted.  Along with his sister Tiziana he  creates complex and musical scents that seem to magically float in the air. One of the most unique gifts in this holiday guide is the Ambience Stone diffuser hand made in porcelain, which as Paolo poetically told me, contains the “breath of the stone”.   Spicy Snow which is redolent of cool spices and warm gourmand notes is my personal favorite. Paolo also mentioned that this particular scent has aphrodisiac effects for those who are near it, so skip the mistletoe and go for the stone. $100 USD and available at Barneys New York

 

Who is that whispering but Michelyn, ÇaFleureBon is a perfume blog, and you HAVE to put in perfume? You know who you are, so simmer down and I will.

ormonde jayne solid perfume compact cafleurebon

Ormonde Jayne solid perfumes!!!

How much do we love Ormonde Jayne fragrances?  So much that I would guess some of our readers own at least one or two. This holiday I am going for the gold. Uber luxe solid perfumes, tucked in a mirrored faceted gilded compact.  The solid formula has an added opalescent sparkle that shimmers on the skin. I chose the iconic Ormonde Woman ,  the first fragrance by Creative Director Linda Pilkington in collaboration with Geza Schoen and released in 2002.  With its overdose of hypnotic black hemlock absolue blended with grass oil, coriander, jasmine absolute and sandalwood, Ormonde Woman was ahead of its time and  is a fragrant gem that will dazzle the most discerning scent connoisseur. If not just send it to me. The solid perfumes are so new that they are not on the website at the time I am writing this, but they are at Ormonde Jaynes London Shoppes and should be onsite soon. Osmanthus, Tolu and Ta’if are also available in solid. To be fair Tolu, the plush oriental with sweet amber and orange blossom is my personal favorite so you have a choice. Price: £110.00

les nombres d'or mona di orio discovery perfumes kit cafleurebon best holiday perfumes

The Les Nombres D’Or Discovery kit Mona Di Orio

Every perfume lover should own at least one fragrance from Maison Mona Di Orio’s Signature Collection by Mona di Orio.  Mona di Orio was one of the world’s most talented young perfumers.  Her joie de vivre, passion and olfactory chiaroscuro is why we loved Mona and why she is a modern legend. If you have never smelled her Oud, (renamed Oud Osmanthus), then you have missed out on one of the best oud perfumes ever created.The Les Nombres D’Or Discovery kit has eight 5ml rollerball scents includesVetyver, Eau Absolue, Vanille, Tuberouse, Ambre, Cuir, Musc, Rose D’Etoile d’Hollande. Although it doesn’t include Oud… I have connections.

–Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief

christmas be merry

 

This year every perfumed gift in the guide is part of a draw. Ten gifts for ten readers.

WORLDWIDE The Les Nombres D’Or Discovery kit and a sample of Oud

WORLDWIDE: April Aromatics All Natural  Lavender Room and Body Spray ALL NATURAL

WORLDWIDE:  A signed copy of Patricia de Nicolai Nicolai parfumeur –createur, un métier d’artiste

EU, USA and Canada : Tiziana Terenzi Ambience Stone diffuser in Spicy Snow

EU, CANADA AND USA:Ormonde Jayne Ormonde Woman or Tolu solid perfume compact

EU CANADA AND USA Eau d’Italie Travel  Kit

USA  Le Palais des Thés Pure Indulgence Le Yuzu  tea

USA ONLY All Natural Sugar Scrub ,  Immerse Bath Salts and Whipped Body Butter ALL NATURAL

USA ONLY Belle Fleur room diffuser Palo Santo

USA ONLY No 1 candle by Rebel and Mercury ALL NATURAL

falala

 

To be eligible for our scentabulous 2014 best fragrance gifts please leave a comment  about someone in your life who really deserves a  great holiday gift and why, where you live and as many of  the 10 you would hope to win with at least one being all natural.  Creativity counts, so one reader who leaves the comment that represents the true spirit of the holiday will win one of their choices.  Two members of the CaFleureBon team and me are the judges. Draw ends December 5, 2014

We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

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51 comments

  • Joaquim says:

    This year was a hard year for many many people, we’re are so lucky here at home, things could go worst, but my mother always loved to take care of her skin and the smell of our home, last year I’ve made a few candles but…well, obviously they weren’t great, she uses the money of hes Christmast gifts for make gifts to the family, so I think that she deserves not only some of this gifts, she deserves all and more, but since there’s a list, here are my choices for her:

    – Tiziana Terenzi Ambience Stone diffuser in Spicy Snow
    -Ormonde Jayne Ormonde Woman solid perfume compact
    -April Aromatics All Natural Lavender Room and Body Spray

    I’m in Spain (EU)
    Thank you for the draw!

  • Patty P. says:

    My best ever perfume sharing friend deserves a gift related to perfume in return for her generosity. 🙂 USA

    To win: The Les Nombres D’Or Discovery kit and a sample of Oud, A signed copy of Patricia de Nicolai Nicolai parfumeur –createur, un métier d’artiste, Eau d’Italie Travel Kit

  • Stevie Wilson says:

    One of my very good friends is now living in Atlanta. She broke her ankle and as a personal trainer, that was a crimp in her work. It got better but she had a set-back and the MD said crutches. That made life difficult since the elevator has not been working for the last month and she can’t get out to work. So she’s in a bit of a jam.
    She’s a huge fan of ambient scents and bath scents and she likes fragrances that help lull her to sleep or uplift her mood. She’s also a vegetarian and eats as clean as they come.
    If that wasn’t enough, her mom has been having mini-strokes so has to go into assisted living since there is no one able to move in or able to check on her during the day since my friend broke her foot in September.

    I would love to get her the following items to give her more of a Christmas holiday that she deserves!
    I live in Los Angeles…. so me getting out to help her isn’t really an option. especially since she can’t navigate 3 floors of outdoor stairs.
    Here are the items I would choose to win to gift her:

    April Aromatics All Natural Lavender Room and Body Spray ALL NATURAL ( make her bedroom more soothing for sleep)

    Tiziana Terenzi Ambience Stone diffuser in Spicy Snow for her being able to get motivated and not feel stuck in her apt

    Le Palais des Thés Pure Indulgence Le Yuzu tea so that she has something warm and indulgent

    All Natural Sugar Scrub , Immerse Bath Salts and Whipped Body Butter bath products to make her feel like she isn’t completely stuck.. that there are some benefits to being in that apt
    No 1 candle by Rebel and Mercury ALL NATURAL .. for when she can’t sleep

    This person I have known for a long time. She deserves the assist and would love the products. I just want to get her back on her feet though she can’t get downstairs to work.

  • JoAnne Bassett says:

    I have a wonderful lady friend who is always helping people. She supports people’s business, always encouraging others and smiling. This is what it means to me to give…from the heart and everyday…not just at the holidays. I am in the US.

    A signed copy of Patricia de Nicolai Nicolai parfumeur –createur, un métier d’artiste

    USA ONLY No 1 candle by Rebel and Mercury ALL NATURAL

    Le Palais des Thés Pure Indulgence Le Yuzu tea

    USA ONLY All Natural Sugar Scrub , Immerse Bath Salts and Whipped Body Butter ALL NATURAL

  • julesinrose says:

    The person I’d most like to give a special gift to this year is my 94 year old mother-in-law. The problem is is that she isn’t accepting gifts. She says this is her law year on the earth and she’s giving away all her possessions.

    She’s been the giver of some of the funniest gifts. She’s saved every greeting card she’s ever received, and since she turned 90 she started recycling them. One might get a card with a name crossed out and yours written in. She cuts ’em up and puts ’em back together. She makes angels out of candy wrappers and takes apart all sorts of things and makes little tableaus. Christmas gifts might be recycled shopping bags with who knows what in them, each meticulously thought out but always on the verge of ridiculous, and she knows it. She has always laughed so hard. She often exclaimed, “I spent a dollar!” Someone once said, “Is that all I’m worth to you?” and she said, “I can’t buy you anything as priceless as what you’re worth!” So, in the end, she has taught us all that it really is the thought that counts. I think I can’t give her anything, but she told me that marrying her son was the greatest gift she’s received. Now, that comment was a real gift!! In spite of this, she (and I) do love gifts and she’d say “Go for it,” so I’d like:

    #1. (and it’s on my real wish list!!!) Patricia de Nicolai Nicolai’s book!!! Signed, no less! Wow!!

    Also, The Les Nombres D’Or Discovery kit and a sample of Oud, Ormonde Jayne Ormonde Woman solid perfume compact, and the All Natural Sugar Scrub, Immerse Bath Salts and Whipped Body Butter.

    Thanks for the very generous draw and having us write about people we love (and for the great tip about why not to buy a particular fragrance, Michelyn)! Cheers! 🙂

  • Ceil Shissler says:

    How fun it would be
    To gift my despondent friend
    With one of these treats

    I would love to gift him with the Pure natural diva botanicals (All natural), or Le palais des Thes tea, or the ambiance stone diffuser. He has had many losses this year and I would like to bring him some cheer at the holidays. I am in Ohio in the US.

  • Nemo says:

    I have many wonderful people in my life who deserve wonderful gifts, lucky me 🙂 At the top of my list is my lovely significant other, who has helped me through all the ups and downs of the last few years, hugging me even when I’m at my least huggable. I would love to win any of the prizes. I am in the US.

  • fazal cheema says:

    I used to think relationships are determined by blood connections. When I came to America, I needed a little assistance with lectures due to a particular reason and I was assigned Bonnie as my helper. Over time we formed good relationship and even after I have graduated from college, we have remained in touch. I went through lot of ups and downs but she always supported me and her support really served to keep my morale high…Now her mother who is American Indian has been diagnosed with Alzheimer and few things have made me as sad as this news over the last two years. Bonnie has taught me that sincere relationships are not determined by blood connections but mutual admiration and respect for each other and no one deserves a holiday present more than her.

    For this lovely draw, my preferences will be

    1. Mona Di Orio Discovery Set
    2. Patricia Nicolai’s book (if only it is in English since I don’t speak or read French)
    3. Belle Fleur perfumed room diffusers

    I am in the US

  • cdb73110 says:

    Easy….100% my Mom. My mother has a rare disease called Myoclonus. I moved from Dallas back to Oklahoma to take care of her. I have been doing so for quite sometime now. This disease has changed her entire life and mine. The disease acts like narcolepsy with seizure like symptoms. Sometimes can be brief and sometimes can last for days. She can’t go out alone, she cannot drive, she has severe depression and she has trouble remembering things. She tries to keep strong for me and not a day goes by she doesn’t thank me one way or another. It would be great for her to win something for a change and to look forward to something special. I try to do all I can for her but sometimes the simplest of things can seem so much. I’m her rock and she is mine. Love ya Mom.
    I would choose for her the Mona di Orio set for the wonderful and beautiful person that she is. I also know she enjoys lavender so I would choose April Aromatics Lavender Room and Body spray. In the USA. Happy Holidays everyone. Thanks for your generosity once again.

  • Sun Mi says:

    Though its hard to shop for her, I think my mother really deserves a treat this year. Within the last year her church has really grown (she is a pastor), and though she is extremely passionate about her work, she has taken several trips away from her congregation this year. For one, my parents came cross country to visit me on the day my son was born, and stayed with me for 3 weeks so I could get acclimated to life as a mother. Then just a couple months later she flew to Korea and stayed for several weeks to help her sister recover from cancer surgery. She’s always putting everyone’s needs above her own – truly beautiful on the inside and out.

    For this draw, I’d love:
    – Mona Di Orio Discovery Set (!!!!!!)
    – Ormande Jayne Solid Perfume
    – Rebel and Mercury Candle
    – Belle Fleur room diffuser
    – April Aromatics Room Spray
    – Sugar Scrub, bath salts, whipped butter.

    Thanks so much for this generous draw, I’m in the US

  • jiminy says:

    As I was reading through the entry and saw the tea and the lavender spray, my first thought was that my girlfriend would enjoy either of those – especially the lavender spray as she has had trouble sleeping and asked me a few days ago what scent would be calming as we were about to go out for dinner (I suggested lavender and yang).

    Anyway, she saves lives on the regular (she works in a psychiatric emergency room in the VA) and although that would sound as rewarding as it can be to most, it comes with a whole lot of stress some unnecessary (bureaucracy and people trying to play the system) and some necessary (this is an ER we’re talking about, after all).

    I’ve already planned a pretty awesome gift for her, but these would be perfect complements for it.

    Choices for the draw are:

    – April Aromatics room spray.
    – Le Palais des Thés Pure Indulgence “Le Yuzu”

    Thanks for this! I am in the US.

  • Suzinn says:

    Thank You for So much information and nice publicity too. CaFleurebon is such a wonderful blog (even tho spelling it is a dyslexic’s nightmare)!
    I feel greedy asking for more because amazingly I’ve won several draws this year but why not one more before the end of the year since I am asking for another person in my life.
    My love of 22 years is a sweet, sensitive, supportive genius who is Always there for me and makes sure I have breakfast everyday (which IS important). He also designs and creates beautiful things for our home whenever I ask (tho it may take awhile to finish). Most importantly he is so patient with me and that is truly a gift! Sharing my life with him has taught me the true meaning of partnership.
    I live in the US and my choices are:
    Tiziana Terenzi Ambience Stone diffuser
    Ormonde Jayne Ormonde Tolu solid perfume compact
    The Les Nombres D’Or Discovery kit Mona Di Orio
    April Aromatics All Natural Lavender Room and Body Spray
    Rebel & Mercury Botanical candle in No 1
    Le Palais des Thés Pure Indulgence “Le Yuzu

    Thank you again! BePeace…

  • d3m0lici0n says:

    My wife for sure, she is really brave and deserves a lot of stuff this year. Early in March she had a big surgery and diagnosed with cancer, it was really though for both of us, after the surgery recovery she went through chemotherapy, then hair loss and feeling tired and down, after eight months the whole journey is over, she is getting better, hair is growing back, a second chance. Just in time for the holidays. I love her so much .
    I would love to win for her

    The Les Nombres D’Or Discovery kit Mona Di Orio
    April Aromatics All Natural Lavender Room and Body Spray ALL NATURAL
    Rebel & Mercury Botanical candle in No 1 ALL NATURAL
    Ormonde Jayne Ormonde Tolu solid perfume compact

    Thanks Cafleurebon for another year of awesome reviews and draws. And for all the interesting interviews and articles.

  • Sandi L says:

    If the EIC was nibbling on Halloween Candy, I would love to know what her choice was 😉 There are many special people on my list ALL of them truly deserving but I would have to say my oldest daughter. She is always doing for others usually going without for herself. The past several months have been more challenging than normal. A mothers love to rescue a child from the depths of addiction and depression has certainly taken a toll.
    My choices for her are
    Tiziana Terenzi Ambience Stone diffuser
    Rebel and Mercury #1
    Belle Fleur Room Diffuser
    Ormande Jayne Woman Perfume Compact

  • sillage8 says:

    A few weeks ago a woman friend of mine with a very sick husband and autistic child had a terrible, violent episode of mental illness. She had a history of mental illness and had been hospitalized before, but the pressure facing her family was overbearing and she snapped in the worst way.

    My thoughts keep returning to her this holiday season, and what I wish for most is peace for her and the rational, loving woman I know she is when the unpredictable difficulties of life aren’t breaking her spirit. Everyone’s life is worth so much more than our worst moment of weakness.

    Thank you for listening, and may all of you have a joyous, bright new year.

    I’m in the USA:

    Tiziana Terenzi Ambience diffuser
    Ormonde Jayne Woman
    Mona Di Orio The Les Nombres D’Or Discovery kit
    All Natural Sugar Scrub, Immerse Bath Salts and Whipped Body Butter

  • einsof says:

    ok, so all Grinch-ing aside, even though there’s a part of me which wants to swoop down on this Who’s-whoville of delicious choices and take them all to my tiny hearted mountain top… i shall grow my heart a few sizes and remember someone is more deserving. >;)

    That someone is my retiring pharmacist. perhaps an odd choice, certainly the man isn’t dying or deprived… but he has been more than a dispensary of medications for my family and me. He has called personally when situations were dire (who does that anymore?!) He has found programs to provide medicine when it was not covered or we could simply not afford it.

    He has been an intermediary between difficult doctors and even more difficult patients (nurses, by the way, are HORRIBLE patients. we know too much and we are NOT afraid of doctors.)

    I have watched him give gracious time and complete compassion to the people in line ahead of me. He has treated everyone of us with dignity and privacy regardless of anyone’s malady.

    He is a shining example of how to use your life in service to others. He is MORE than my pharmacist, he was a confidante, a source of knowledge and a genuinely smiling face behind the counter.

    i live in the us and here would be my choices for the well deserved retiree:

    April Aromatics Lavender Spray (he certainly has earned his relaxation.)

    Rebel & Mercury candle #1 (to return the light & warmth he has spread)

    Patricia de Nicolai’s book (um… ok, because i want it. sue me.)

    Mona de Orio’s Nombres d’Or Collection (because he’s made of gold himself, and i figure any husband could use some help in picking a truly precious gift for his wife.)

    thank you for the very thoughtful gift guide, and it’s delightful humor! i was laughing out loud. 🙂

    good luck everyone!

  • Kathryn says:

    I have a dear friend undergoing her second brain operation on a malignant tumour shortly following the holiday season. This Christmas I plan to spoil her and spend much of this festive time with her as this may be her last year with us depending on the operation and her recovery. I plan to gift her a perfume, so if I did happen to win this competition everything would be forwarded to her.

    I live in Australia and I would like to win either the Les Nombres D’Or Discovery Kit or the April Aromatics Natural Spray or the signed copy of the Nicolai parfumeur book.

  • alica says:

    I would deservedly gift my dear mom and dad who did so much for me. Moreover I would gift my dog, soooo faithful whatever happens 🙂

    I live in Slovakia, EU and would choose Eau d´Italie travel kit or Les Nombres D’Or Discovery Kit.

    Many thanks!

  • Steve A says:

    My SO who deserves a great holiday gift because she smells so good wearing perfume and I like to smell it on her. (I’m sure the book smells good too).

    In the US, my picks – 1. Les Nombres D’Or Discover, 2. Ormonde Jayne Woman, 3. Patricia de Nicolai’s book

  • Connie says:

    My close friend and hopefully boyfriend once he graduates deserves a gift. He’s helped me through hell and back this year and has been amazingly kind through everything. He’s a pleasure to talk to or not to talk to, simply to be around. He’s helped me with improving my ballroom dancing (he competes a few levels higher than my partner and I). I’m getting him one of those reading pillows so that he can be more comfortable (Because he was complaining about his arms getting tired when he reads in bed) and because I love pillows. Hoping that over break I can get him to read Perfume: The Story of a Murderer with me, long distance. We’ll see. 🙂
    I’m in the US and would pick the Mona di Orio.

  • Devon H says:

    Loss tends to color the holidays a vivid shade of dreary gray (been there, still doing that) and I am praying this season for two people in particular, that some light and love and a special Christmas will happen for them: my perfumista friend Erica and of course for dear Tama Blough. Erica has within the last 2 months lost both her brother and one of her brothers-in-law in separate car accidents weeks apart. I wish I was a millionaire and could take care of all their funeral expenses (her parents are gone and thus it falls to her), to ease her burden just a little. And dear Tama (whom I miss reading here at CFB), who has been on my mind a lot (I’m sure the case is so for many here). I am thrilled for the fundraiser’s success, and I hope she is surrounded by love this holiday season, and pure comfort, both physical and mental/soul, as much as can be expected. My heart breaks a million times over for both of them. They deserve so much loveliness in their lives. <3

    On my Christmas list would be:

    Les Palais des Thés Pure Indulgence "Le Yuzu"
    Ormonde Jayne Solid Perfume in Tolu
    Mona Di Orio Les Nombres D'Or discovery kit
    Tiziana Terenzi ambiance stone diffuser
    Rebel + Mercury Botanical Candle No. 1
    Eau de Italie travel kit
    Belle Fleur Perfumed room diffuser in Palo Santo
    Pure Natural Diva all natural sugar scrub, Immerse bath salts, and whipped body butter

    Thank you CFB! And a love and light filled happy holidays to you and yours.

  • Gillian says:

    My friend deserves a great gift. She is a wonderful mom, and is always trying to do the best thing for her children. They’ve been having a lot of money struggles this year, and will probably have to sell their house. She’s also been trying to pick up different jobs to bring in a little more income. Anyway; It’s a really difficult situation, and she definitely deserves a present.

    I live in the US.

    I would love to win:
    The Les Nombres D’Or discovery kit and a sample of Oud.
    Tiziana Terenzi Ambience Stone diffuser in Spicy Snow.
    Ormonde Jayne Ormonde Woman or Tolu
    Eau d’Italie Travel kit
    All Natural Sugar scrub, Immerse Bath Salts and Whipped Body Butter.
    Belle Fleur room diffuser Palo Santo.

    Thank you. 🙂

  • maneki says:

    There are so many deserving. For example, this autumn I’ve been working in a group with many people who can’t work full-time due to pains or illnesses and therefore have problems finding jobs. They’re all kind, creating a positive, welcoming atmosphere for newbies, filled with laughs and chitchat. They sure do deserve a gift, and why not some everyday luxury to relax and forget about aches and money struggles this christmas!

    I live in the EU and would be interested in winning:
    ~The Les Nombres D’Or Discovery kit and a sample of Oud
    ~Ormonde Jayne Ormonde Tolu solid perfume compact
    ~April Aromatics All Natural Lavender Room and Body Spray
    ~Tiziana Terenzi Ambience Stone diffuser in Spicy Snow

  • Timea says:

    I love my mother very much. She is a wonderful lady. I can’t buy for her anything because I have not job. But she deserves every good thing.

    To win: The Les Nombres D’Or Discovery kit and a sample of Oud

    April Aromatics All Natural Lavender Room and Body Spray ALL NATURAL

    A signed copy of Patricia de Nicolai Nicolai parfumeur –createur, un métier d’artiste

    Tiziana Terenzi Ambience Stone diffuser in Spicy Snow

    Ormonde Jayne Ormonde Woman or Tolu solid perfume compact

    Eau d’Italie Travel Kit

    I live in Europe.

  • Laurentiu says:

    My mother deserves a great holiday gift because she is my sun on a rainy day, the light of my life, because of her brown eyes, the snow that slowly will shine on her dark hair, because she is quiet as a woman full of wisdom who knows the value of words, because of the way she gazes at the first raindrops on the ground, for her food which is the best I have ever eaten, because of her warm Christmas cookies, for the joy of decorating the Christmas tree, because she is the first to get out when it starts to snow to build a snowman, because of all the memories I have with her, for I remember her how young and beautiful she was when I was little and I did not have the awareness, but I always felt the connection, I felt her being there ready to protect me, for the things I wrote and for those that I can not fully express in words and because I miss her.
    I hope I will see you soon!

    I suppose my mother will be happy with any of the above, but given the fact that she lives in Europe, the best for her would be any of the following: Tiziana Terenzi Stone Diffuser, Discovery Kit from Mona di Orio or Lavander Mist by Tanja.

    Thanks for the draw!

  • Missi B says:

    For me it’s my mum that deserves a great holiday gift. She has always been there for me when a I needed someone but unfortunately I can’t say I’ve always been a great daughter. There are some things I would have done differently know and I know she has forgiven me.
    I think she would enjoy: Mona di Orio discovery kit, Ormonde Jayne Tolu, April Aromatics Lavender Mist.
    I am in the EU.

  • Cindy says:

    My younger sister is a volunteer in an animal rescue shelter
    She takes such care of the absurd dogs and cats selflessly
    I would love her to have the ormonde Jayne tolu compact the Mona di Orio travel kit and the no 1 candle
    Happy holidays

  • Francesca says:

    I’ve been reading these and actually everyone deserves to win! I have my mother, 93 yes and loving perfume who’s given a life of service to being a mom and grandmother, others I know for whom this kind of prize would light up their lives. I actually felt overwhelmed by the responses here but hey..My heart goes out to ‘cdb’, the subscriber above here whose mother has a rare disease called Myoclonus. I felt gutted to read about it so there’s my ‘vote’. I’d like her mom to have this experience of a beautiful perfume for Christmas. My choice for her since she’s in the US is Ormonde Jayne Ormonde Woman or Tolu solid perfume compact. I personally am International

  • julesinrose says:

    I hope it’s okay to write here that we are all deserving. Every one of us will have troubles and we all know people who are dealing with so, so much. Suffering is part and parcel of the human condition. It’s just that we usually keep these things to ourselves or only share them with our closest intimates. My heart bursts open for all of you – all of us, really. May we all find solace and joy in our relationships, and in the beauty of fragrance. Happy holidays to everyone!!! 🙂

  • Ccc says:

    This was a difficult year for many. I could easily say it wasn’t too good for myself either but I know many of my friends had it worse. Without getting into details , I know 2 people that deserve a great holiday gift. One because it might be her last Xmas gift and the other one because she always gives to others without expecting anything in return. I am lucky to know them both.

    My choices are
    Tiziana Terenzi Ambience Stone diffuser ( great great gift!)
    Rebel and Mercury #1
    Belle Fleur Room Diffuser
    MdO discovery kit

    Happy holidays and better times.

  • Cynthia says:

    I would love to gift my sister with the Mono di Orio perfume gift, as an introduction to great perfumes. She is such a giving, generous person, but by necessity lives a fairly frugal life. Perfume is an extravagance she does not believe she can afford. She is so generous in her love and support to me, I would like her to begin to understand this obsession I have with perfume. As for me, I would be happy with any of the gifts listed. I am in the US. Thank you for the holiday draw!

  • Donna Spiegel says:

    I have a friend and co-worker who so deserves not only many of these beautiful offerings, but a spa day for her and her husband. The reason being is she takes care of everyone else, gives, gives, gives…she has had lots of tough life things happen to her and is still someone that is there for you. She really has gone through the mill with you name it. Her daughter is a diabetic, her sister has special needs and she is always taking care of them, while not allowing much time for herself. Her husband lost his job a couple of years ago….like I said, you name it. She always manages to smile through the tough times and I always say that she would be perfect for one of those TV “spa for a day” giveaways.

    as for me – I would love to win from my secret Santa:

    The Les Nombres D’Or Discovery kit and a sample of Oud
    A signed copy of Patricia de Nicolai Nicolai parfumeur –createur, un métier d’artiste
    Ormonde Jayne Ormonde Woman or Tolu solid perfume compact
    Le Palais des Thés Pure Indulgence Le Yuzu tea
    Belle Fleur room diffuser Palo Santo
    No 1 candle by Rebel and Mercury ALL NATURAL

    I’m in the US and thank you so much for the lovely gift ideas and offerings this wonderful holiday season.

    much love and compassion to all.

    🙂

  • London says:

    My mother deserves something amazing just because she spends her whole year thinking about everyone else and she will do much the same on Christmas Day cooking and organising for all of us. She would love the Nicolai book or the stone diffuser, Tolu, Eau d’Italie or April Aromatics

  • Joseph says:

    After reading such sad posts of illness and suffering
    I was totally depressed but it is a part of life I would give the Mona do Orio set , the rebel and mercury candle , the Palo Alto diffuser, the Eau ditalie travel set or the ormonde Jayne in tolu to my wife who is a flight attendant and has to work through New Years. I will miss her and she will be helping travelers feel more comfortable on full flights

  • carole says:

    I have a neighbour who took early retirement from the RCMP. This gentleman had spent years working with psychiatric patients at the local hospital, His calm and stable presence is infectious and he does such good work every day of the year, just like he did with the RCMP. When a relative of mine was suffering under the burden of mental illness he never ever judged-just helped and helped and helped.
    The Mona di Ori sounds wonderful, as does the Ormonde Jayne, and the AA lavender spray and the Patricia Nicoli book (the english version!)
    Thank you for making me think 🙂

  • Jeannie 07 says:

    The person who really deserves a great holiday gift is my mother because she is the “hero” of our household and family since she puts up with each family member’s weird temperament. And not only that, she is the most loving and caring person I have ever met not only for family and friends but for every human being she is always willing to help and make a change in a person’s life in any way she can. I personally call her with the nickname “Dalai Lama” because she is always in a nirvana state of mind peaceful and humble in sick of the true meaning in life which according to her sayings is humane solidarity and prosperity.
    I live in EU and in case I win I would to experience the following:
    Les Nombres D’Or Discovery kit and a sample of Oud
    April Aromatics All Natural Lavender Room and Body Spray all Natural
    Tiziana Terenzi Ambience Stone diffuser in Spicy Snow
    Ormonde Jayne Ormonde Woman or Tolu solid perfume compact
    Eau d’Italie Travel Kit

  • Cliff says:

    My Dad is the most selfless person I know he is a vet and helps in the local va
    He also employs vets on his business because they have trouble getting a job
    He would love the terenzi pebble in spicy snow and the April aromatics lavender spray
    They both sound zen

  • Ferris Egoiste says:

    The person in my life that deserves a great Holiday gift is my mother. She is the most selfless, and most giving person I know and has sacrificed so much so that all of her children could have all the opportunities that life has to offer. There is no gift in the world that could replace what she has given to me. Im in the US .if I win I would love to have either of the following

    1) Ormonde Jayne Ormande Tolu solid perfume compact
    2)The Les Nombres D’Or Discovery kit and a sample of Oud
    3)April Aromatics All Natural Lavender Room and Body Spray ALL NATURAL
    4) No 1 candle by Rebel and Mercury ALL NATURAL

  • Lyubov says:

    My mum deserves the greatest gift. She gave shelter to me and my daughter when I split with my husband. She gave me courage to finish my thesis, and look for a job. She takes care not only of the kids in the hospital , where she works as a pediatrician, but she braces us all with her love and giving soul. This year, her mother, and my Granny had a heart attack, and many things changed. I am trying to be the bestest of daughters, but I am still not sure that I would ever be as strong as she is, and I doubt that I could ever make it up to her. Most probably, I would do my best to grow my daughter into a good person.
    I live in Bulgaria (EU) and I can qualify for:
    The Les Nombres D’Or Discovery kit and a sample of Oud
    A signed copy of Patricia de Nicolai Nicolai parfumeur –createur, un métier d’artiste
    Tiziana Terenzi Ambience Stone diffuser in Spicy Snow
    Ormonde Jayne Ormonde Woman or Tolu solid perfume compact
    Eau d’Italie Travel Kit
    Thank you for the draw!

  • Amy K says:

    A friend just lost her job and has a small child, so she deserves some special Christmas magic this year. I would love to win any of these prizes, but my top choices would be the No. 1 candle, the All Natural Sugar Scrub, or Tolu. Thanks and happy holidays! I’m in the US.

  • Tina says:

    I would like to give a gift to my friend who is living with her parents because her husband is substance abuser
    She has 3 kids and deserves something special
    I would like to give her the Mona do Orio set, the Palo Alto diffuser, the lavender mist, the candle in no 1 or ormonde Jayne
    Thank you so much for a chance

  • Mujo says:

    The person who I would love to receive a gift for and who absolutely derserves it is my oldest sister. She engages everything in her life with an enormous optimism, she never complanes and is extremely thoughtful. My sister is my role model and my best friend. I wouldn’t know what to do without her. I know she would be happy with everything I will bring her, but I think she will be very happy receiving the Lavender room and body spay from April Aromatics, the Mona di Orio Discovery kit, the Tiziana Terenzi Stone diffuser Spicy Snow or a bottle of Ormonde Woman. I’m in the Netherlands. Thanks for this opportunity.

  • Elia says:

    My dad is always the gift giver and rarely gets any, his birthday is a November birthday and I keep thinking I’ll roll a bd gift into a Christmas gift but I’ve not made a good gift in a while, this year I’m shopping early and I hope to get a great gift for a man who has given me so many.
    I’m in the EU and I’’d love: the Mona Di Orio Discovery Set, the Ormande Jayne Solid Perfume or the April Aromatics Room Spray

    Happy holidays

  • Cynthia Richardson says:

    After reading the above comments, I am reminded of how blessed I am as are the important people in my life. We are healthy, employed, housed and loved. We have received much and I hope you consider another who really deserves a great holiday gift. I live in the US and would love to try
    The Les Nombres D’Or Discovery kit and a sample of Oud
    Tiziana Terenzi Ambience Stone diffuser in Spicy Snow
    Eau d’Italie Travel Kit
    Le Palais des Thés Pure Indulgence Le Yuzu tea
    Belle Fleur room diffuser Palo Santo
    No 1 candle by Rebel and Mercury

  • mim says:

    Sorry for the ramble, this one made me reflect and keep coming back.

    There are so many people who all deserve comfort and recognition!
    It is both heart-warming and heart-wrenching to read about people enduring suffering and caring for others who are in need. I especially liked comments like einsof’s about members of the community who are considerate, constant presences touching many people’s lives.

    Thinking through what I know about the lives of those closest to me, I feel envious. Everyone has their challenges of course, but mostly I see people living fulfilling happy lives, traveling the world, having babies, earning degrees, building careers. Maybe not all at once. Probably I am the one they would think of as needy.

    I want to give people things not because they suffer and therefore ‘deserve’ a reward (alleviating that suffering is different) but because I want to share my time and focus, and give them things I picked out for them to enjoy. Whatever their circumstances, I am grateful they give me the opportunity to give– to give and receive appreciation and not pity.

    Add one more to the mother bandwagon, because my mother really does take care of her family and put them first, sometimes to the detriment of her own needs (would try to schedule her for a Yuzu tea party)…but I would add my father as well.

    He is dealing with a great deal of stress, job insecurity, shaky health, and being the primary breadwinner with my youngest sibling still in the single digits and with special needs. Sometimes I focus more on the flaws in our relationship and forget to be mindful of the bigger picture, and grateful, and compassionate.

    The holiday spirit for me is reminding myself to admire the people in my life, especially my dad. To say thank you, to say you do your best and it is enough, to say I see your pain and I’m here for you. More of a gadget guy than fragonerd though.

    Happy Holidays everyone!

    I’d be happy with any of these (and happy to share!) especially:
    OJ Woman compact
    The Les Nombres D’Or Discovery kit and a sample of Oud
    Les Palais des Thés Pure Indulgence “Le Yuzu

    All Natural Sugar scrub, Immerse Bath Salts and Whipped Body Butter.
    Belle Fleur room diffuser Palo Santo.
    No 1 candle by Rebel and Mercury ALL NATURAL
    Eau d’Italie Travel Kit

    USA

  • Ginny M says:

    This is going to be rather a different entry from most of these here, but the person I would most like to see get a wonderful gift is the woman the man I love has recently left to be with me.

    He was married for 27 years to her (together for 31; they have one grown daughter and one almost-grown son), but I knew him before, as a friend. Theirs was always a difficult relationship; she can put on a good show in public, but in private would take out all her anger, frustration and pain on him. She despises and vilifies me, and sees me as the woman who destroyed her happy home: She’s not capable of understanding that a strong marriage is unassailable.

    I cannot bring myself to match her fury with my own, so I would, if I could, give her the gift of Peace. (I would also give her a job, not simply because her not working is a financial strain on the man I love, but because she needs a reason to get up every day.) See? I told you this would be a weird entry. But for the past 9 months she has been the woman with the greatest effect on my life, and her unhappiness is affecting TMIL and his children, whom I have yet to meet–I’d love to send her a dose of joy!

    I live in the U.S. and I’d most like to win: Les Nombres d’Or Discovery Kit, Ormonde Jayne woman compact, the Palo Santo room diffuser, No. 1 All Natural candle, Spicy Snow diffuser.

  • Holly F. says:

    I have been wracking my brain trying to come up with the perfect gift for a woman who has become an integral part of my life this past year. While I would be considered a mentor to her, she has helped me just as much, in so many ways. Our friendship has taught me how powerful it is to give back. I live in the U.S and would like to win The Les Nombres D’Or Discovery kit and a sample of Oud or April Aromatics All Natural Lavender Room and Body Spray ALL NATURAL. Thanks for the draw!

  • Omer m says:

    I believe when the world is coming to end, aliens invading the land or man vs man wars happening, a person can absolutely always rely on his mother. She is a force to reckon with. They have enormous amount of love and care to nurture us and a wrath which is so strong and powerful that is beyond the worlds. My mom is my sweet heart. Her struggles, love and care have made me realize that we have to struggle, thrive and sacrifice to gain love and success but more to provide for others. She truly deserves many many gifts and presents. And a lot of happiness. She recently got B+ in her English learning ESL class which is super amazing.
    I would pick for her
    Mona di Orio discovery set
    OR April Aromatics spray
    Thanks USA