CaFleureBon Holiday Gift Guide 2011+ Think Outside the Bottle Draw

 

What smells like heaven on you often ends up in someone else’s ’re-gift’ pile, so as fragrance fanatics, we rarely recommend giving the gift of perfume or cologne for the holidays, unless the recipient specifically asks for it; if you know your giftee-to-be's fave fragrance, so does everyone else. Does anyone really need 12 bottles of their favorite fragrance under the tree or piled next to the menorah? (Christmas and  the 5th day of Hanukkahh  fall on the same day in 2011- December 25, 2011) Do not despair…"Scent-a Claus" is here.  Editor in Chief Michelyn Camen's Holiday Gift Guide will surely please even the pickiest perfumistas, fashionistas, and discriminating connoisseurs.

Light my Fire:  Romantic, sensual or contemplative  fine candles are  always aromatic…and mood enhancing.

 

Editor's Pick: D &L Co. Botanical Candle in Green: this fresh mix of basil,clover and geranium leaf make the Essence of Green DL & CO candle an ideal gift. Packaged in pleated tissue in a silk hat box with a satin ribbon bow. The DL & CO candles are made from a patented blend of soy, maple and palm wax infused with essential oil for a heavy scented, slow burn.

Editor's Pick: BelleFleurNY Mayan Tuberose is Sensuality  molded in wax…. Mayan Tuberose is composed of Tuberose, Gardenia & Ylang Ylang warmed with Amber Vanilla (Net Wt. 7.5 oz / 210 g. Burn time: 45-50 hrs Made in the USA) creates a sexy setting.BelleFleurNY

 

Say it with flowers: Not just any flowers..flowers that bloom on a vase or arrive  every season to your home.

 

 

 

Seasonal Bouquets: Meredith Waga Perez of BellefleurNy  designs "designer" blooms that arrives at your door. As a poet once said, "The earth sings in flowers and so will you". Winter Spring Summer and  Fall  all you have to do is call… 

I am a curator for AHALIFE.com and although I didn't  discover the Kosta Boda Rose Tattoo Vase I love its sleek Swedish silhouette and fanciful eco friendly painting by artist Ludvig Lodgren.

For Him :

Editor's Pick: Polina Lopytanska of Fraganceandart emailed me that  La Collina Toscana Maremma's Tobacco After Shave is so sexy she is giving it to her husband for Christmas.

Love and Pride – Unisex Black and Stainless Steel Braided Leather Bracelet I loved this braided bracelet so much I bought it for my husband for Hanukkah, proving Real French men wear  bracelets.

 

 

For Her:

From my private collection of Hermes scarves-  Perfume bottles adorn Flacons  (65ml of handrolled hems silk perfection) . You can find beautiful Hermes scarves that have been gently used  and rare (this one dates from the late 90s) at a good price on my friend's Peter Nitz's site mention CaFleureBon and  he will ship to you free of charge).

 

Editor's Pick Glitter, sparkle and shine with song bird and celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann's  "perfect pair"- Glamorous Life and Good Girl Gone Bad. All Deborah wants for Xmas is to hit 2,000 followers on twitter@deborahlippmann

Tea for Two:

 

Editor's Pick: Miller Harris Thé Fumé Tea  is a smoky tea with hints of Indian spices and Vanilla Bourbon from Madagascar. Never drink alone…invite a friend for a cuppa. MinNewYork

"Translating Zangvil into tea was a delightful aromatic journey, resulting in an elegant and subtle white tea with a surprising tenacity. This fine white tea has an unusual aromatic profile that is floral, slightly fruity (peach/apricot like) and hints of woodsy, spicy notes and lingering vanilla. It can be re-steeped up to 7 times without losing its beauty"-Ayala Sender of  AyalaMoriel 

L'Objet du Desir:

 

L'Artisan Parfumeur's Amber Balls are at the top of my list as a personal holiday gift. Designed and created by mother and daughter in Paris, these are the ultimate artisnal gift, handcrafted from terra cotta. They waft a beautiful amber scent that lasts about a year, and the refillable scent "crystals" can be purchased separately.

www.lartisanparfumeur.com

 

 

  

 Soap Operas:

 

 Editor's Pick:  Apothia  Soul Body Wash  African ginger, rich mahogany, deep taboti wood, grains of paradise from the brand that visionary retailer Ron Robinson built (sulfate and paraben free). RonRobinson.com

 

Jo Malone Nutmeg & Ginger Bath Oil When British facialist Jo Malone wanted to thank clients for their patronage, she created and gifted them with Nutmeg and Ginger body oil, and thus a fragrance company was born. Aromatherapists claim that nutmeg has both addictive and aphrodisiacal properties… we just love how our skin feels post-bath: soft, silky, and wafting amour. JoMalone.com

 

Editor's Pick: Atelier Cologne Soaps:  I got up on a soap box to extol the scents of the six soaps:Orange Sanguine, Trefle Pur, Grand Neroli, OOlang Infini, Bois Blonds and my favorite Vanille Insensee

 

Editor's Pick: Providence Perfume Co. Amber Cream:  The perfect finish after your bath or shower. Lightly sweet and honeyed, this creamy botanical oil helps repair skin with nourishing benzoin and resins used for centuries by native cultures to help heal and replenish. This layers well with all your favorite resinous fragrances. Silky Smooth….

 

 

 

Editor's Pick: Scented Aura Reading by Yosh Han Yosh is well known as a perfumer, but she is also a clairvoyant and reiki master  who offers intuitive insights and personalizes fragrance from her Evanescent Collection by reading your aura and chakras. Readings vary in length and scope. All you need is an open heart and questions about love, prosperity and life transitions.

 

 

For private in-depth readings, please inquire about appointments, in person or by phone (20 minutes for this draw). inquiries@eaudeyosh.com

 

 

 -Michelyn Camen, aka MC SCENTA

 

The draw works as follows:  ONLY  Editor's picks for draw. Since it's the holiday we will notify YOU!!! Please leave a detailed comment on which of the gift guide  recommendations you love and  write your letter to MC SCENTA on which draw prize you would like by December 8, 2011 and we will announce it so our elves can can get it under your tree.

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44 comments

  • Wow, many fun gift ideas in here, I agree perfume should not be given as a gift unless the person asked for it specifically. I love the Light my fire idea, candles are fun to give, but again i think you need to know what scents a person prefers as i do not like any sort of fruity candle in my house. Some florals are not my style either. It has to be something neutral, green is my style. I think anything scented is harder to give. Gift Cards from advertisers on here would be a great choice. In any case here it goes: Dear MC SCENTA i would love for you to consider bringing me D &L Co. Botanical Candle in Green, i love candles as they make my home smell wonderful, especially in the winter time and i live in cols State. (nack up consideration Deborah Lippman polishes, those are great and so fun to wear)

  • That Hermes scarf is gorgeous!!! I am drooling a little but it wont affect my typing.
    I still have not tried Deborah Lippman polish, but I tried her remover and it was really good.
    Buying scents for your friends for the holidays is a mistake I have made many times. Whats good for the goose may not suite the gander.
    I did come up with a great plan for buying scents for loved ones. I asked my mom the favorite scents of her youth and some she recalled her own mother wearing. With the help of a few fellow perfumista elves. My mom will have a collection of her past favorites just as a small way to help her bring her memories to life. When I told her about it she was overwhelmed and overjoyed.It made me feel very warm inside. Which brings me to my wish list for MC Scentsa.

    Dear MC Scentsa,
    I have been a very good girl this year…with a few small exceptions here and there:)no need to mention those mishaps:)

    I am a Tuberose freak.I ask for Tuberose items on my list every year. This year is no exception. I would smile as brightly as the flame I would light on my new Belle Fluer NY Mayan Tubersoe candle if I were to recieve it.
    I know that it is better to give than to recive and I will not pout if my name is not pulled out.
    Thanks you MC Scentsa and all elves for your generosity and kindness.
    May you also all have a wonderful Holiday and New Year:)

  • Each gift guide has been helpful, to many things happening that should not be, have put me behind in my preparation for the Christmas Season. I loved the L’Artisan Parfumeur’s Amber Balls, I will be checking them out.
    Dear MC SCENTA, Tough choice but considering all that has been going on lately I would love to receive the Scented Aura Reading by Yosh Han Yosh. I think I need a lift.

  • I really like this gift guide there’s a lot of variety to please people will all tastes.

    Dear MC SCENTA, I tried to be a good girl this year and I hope I am on your nice list. I wish La Collina Toscana Maremma’s Tobacco After Shave for my husband because he’s been a very good boy this year.

  • Z. Boudreaux says:

    Oh although there are several (so so many) perfumes that someone could get me they would indeed need to ask which ones they were I would love the Providence Perfume Co. Amber Cream but I don’t think that trumps your amazing Hermes scarf- Perfume bottles adorn Flacons was that on the draw? If not I’m going to have to start hunting for that one out in the interwebs.

    Thanks for you continued generosity MC Scenta. 🙂

  • I was just purchasing some gifts today, and I am happy that CaFleureBon provided some extra inspiration.

    I will certainly be checking out the stanwells site for some gorgeous candles. Botanicals are the best, at least to my taste.

    I was already planning on picking up a few new scarves for myself, and that Hermes flacon scarf is wonderful! I love vintage accessories.

    I would like to whisper to MC Scenta that Jo Malone’s Nutmeg and Ginger Bath Oil would be very welcome in my stocking!

  • Aha! Since Jo Malone is not an editor’s pick Dear MC Scenta, if I may, I would love to change my choice to the DL & Co. green candle.

  • Dear MC. Scenta,

    I love flowers I wish you could send me some, instead I would like the Scented Aura Reading by Yosh Han Yosh.
    Thank you MC Scenta!!!

  • my scarf is not for sale, but as I wrote check out or email Peter Nitz as he is a good source for out of print and rare hermes scarves
    Thank you to our elves re sponsors

    Happy holidays
    MC Scenta

  • Dear MC Scenta,
    Considering my absolute love for tuberose, can I please send BelleFleurNY Mayan Tuberose my way?
    Thanks so much!

  • Dear MC SCENTA,
    I have tried very hard to be good this year and not so obsessive about perfume 🙂 but great blogs like CaFleureBon make that quite difficult! I would love the Scented Aura Reading by Yosh as I feel it would enhance my yoga practice.

    Have a “scent-sational” holiday!

    Brigitte

  • Dear MC Scenta:

    I own (and LOVE!) that Hermes flacon scarf (although a different colorway)==I would love the scented aura reading by Yosh. For me she embodies the spirit of the season. Thanks, Sara

  • What a lovely carefully curated collection! I want everything on the list. Thank you for including our Amber Cream body oil. The teas are as beautiful looking as tasting. A quick nod to the D&L candle: I purchased my Mum a set of the D&L. green candles for mothers day and she swore they were the nicest most fragrant candles she’d ever experienced. Thank you and Happy Holidays.

  • well… nothing like grandiose coveting first thing in the morning! gift guide? yeah… i want everyone to give me these gifts! *laugh*

    dearest mc scenta,

    while normally i don’t write to you, as we both know my naughtiness is well refined and rehearsed daily with shows at 3pm, 7pm and a midnight showing on weekends- here goes:

    see that bottle of Amber body oil by Providence Perfume Co? i gotta have it see? see? i’ll just DIE if i dont! see? is that what you want? a chrismachannukah death? eight days of sitting shiva and a black christamas tree? huh? you want that on your hands? huh? i know this would look bad on your resume, and certainly wouldn’t attract more kids to sit on your lap or spritz you with perfume or whatever it is you kids do in the mall.

    granted, i am sure you’re more used to pleading and justifying than an out right death threat… but you know… whatever works.

    LOVE, einsof.

    ps: here are tickets to the midnight show… you know… cause i am not above a bribe either. just saying. no shame in my amber game.

    *WINK*

  • Dear MC Scenta,

    I love that Hermes scarf and the L’Artisan amber balls are fab. I would love the after shave for my boyfriend or the amber cream body oil for my daughter.
    Thanks.

  • I love all recommendations, I think they are very sensible and can be used by just about anyone! (well, in my case perhaps I am less wild about aftershave since I don’t have men in my life that shave). I think it is great idea to give for holidays soaps, body products, and home scents. This year I’m giving my sister in law a Penhaligon’s set of shower and lotion, I hope she’ll enjoy it.

    Dear MC Scenta,
    thank you for letting us all play at a wonderful space that CaFleurebon is. I love laying here more than anything else! I’ve been a good girl this year, I got in a lot of good work and a lot of good play. Please, could you get the Atelier soap set under my tree? I promise to share with my husband who was really a good boy this year as well! Many thanks!

  • Dear MC Scenta,

    I had no idea Yosh was also a clairvoyant and reiki master. What a combination of gifts. I would love to win a scented aura reading with her. Especially at this stage in my life. I’ve recently moved, and am in career/life transition. I wouldn’t call it a midlife crisis, but it’s definitely a time of change. I’ve started taking an herbalist class with a local herbalist, and have found a great community of like-minded people on a similar healing, seeking path. Part of our class is transforming a vacant urban lot here in Philly into a new herb garden. I’ve been spending many hours there with this large community of people, mostly women. All of these women know their full astrological charts! I only knew my sun sign all these years, but it made me go look up my moon sign and ascendent. I’m a Virgo with Cancer moon and Scorpio ascendant. My sister is also a Virgo, but with a Capricorn moon and Libra ascendent. No wonder we’re the same but different.

    Then last night I was reading the Scent Horoscope on Fragrantica where 12 of Anya McCoy’s scents were mapped to signs. Virgo was mapped to Amberess, which truly resonated with me. The first moment I sampled it I felt so immediately grounded and attuned to it. Nothing out of balance. I immediately ordered it after sampling it.

    Which is all to say I have no idea if Yosh’s scented aura reading is going to be related to either of my recent awakenings. All I know is I’m now certainly a believer in scent connections to something deep and energetic and much bigger than anything my rational mind can comprehend. I am open to possibility.

    Thank you, MC, for your commitment to natural perfumery. I really appreciate how you’ve brought it into the spotlight, featured on its own at times, and also mixed in with everything else scent related, where it stands on its merits.

  • Dear MC Scenta,

    Thank you, Scenta, for such nice presents!

    Since I am a soap ho, I would love the Atelier soaps. I love the scents of those fragrances but cannot wear them well, so the soap sounds like the perfect solution.

  • Dear generous Mc Scenta!
    I realize ’tis the season for giving, but if I were to receive the incredible
    L’Artisan Parfumeur’s Amber Balls, I promise I will display them for all who come to my home to appreciate! I’ve been on an amber quest since the weather turned cold and these look amazing!
    My second choice would be the Love and Pride – Unisex Black and Stainless Steel Braided Leather Bracelet for my husband.
    See, I’m back to a giving mood already!

  • Dear MC Scenta,

    All the suggestions are great. Thank you very much for these ideas! I would love to see those L’Artisan scented terracotta balls. They are beautiful and make an original gift. It’s true that we shouldn’t bring perfumes if we don’t know someone really well.

    As I think I have been a good girl and my husband has been even a better boy I’d love to have the Botanical Candle in Green. I’m sure that we both would love the natural scent and it would make us feel like we were in the countryside. I always try to create an outdoors ambient at home.

    Thank you very much!

  • Hi McScenta,
    Sorry, I posted above and named non editors picks. Sooooo, instead I would love to win the Editor’s Pick: Providence Perfume Co. Amber Cream. I will keep to my amber theme.
    Thank you for the heads up. Guess I’m going to have to treat mysef to a purchase of the L’Artisan amber balls!

  • Dear MC Scenta,

    Tis the season for ambery accords. What a dreamy morning to wake up with Amber balls or Amber Body oil to re-energize the soul and skin. While I’ve been a good boy for most of the year, I know of a little snow princess I’d want to share either one with!

  • JAntoinette says:

    Dear MC Scenta,

    Slip a sable under the tree for me, I’ve been an awful good girl 😉 But honestly, I have been drooling over those Belle Fleur candles since I heard about them on CaFleurBon. Did I mention that my husband is part Mayan? No joke, he is native Guatemalan on his daddy’s side – minus the human sacrifices – I think. Maybe that BelleFleurNY Mayan Tuberose candle will awaken something primal, Merry Christmas to me, giggle!

    Thanks for sharing the love with all of us perfume- obsessed souls and Merry Christmas to all.

  • Dear MC Scenta,

    I’d love to receive so many of these gifts! Especially the monthly bouquets, how glamorous. But of the editor’s picks, I most hanker after the tuberose candle — though I buy myself perfume all the time, I rarely splurge on fancy candles. I buy them for others instead and live vicariously.

    Happy holidays!

  • donna s kopenhaver says:

    Dear MC Scenta,
    What I want for Christmas is La Collina Toscana Maremma’s Tobacco After Shave, so I can give my husband of 20yrs. a gift he so deserves. we will have no presents under the tree, because of what is called a Government and there is not enough money.(luckily we have no kids)

    So if you could find it some where in your present bag to drop off this small gift for my wonderful husband I would be grateful..
    Thank You reading my Wish. xoxo

  • Dear MC Scenta, It is cold, wet and miserable here today so that Miller Harris The Fume Tea is looking pretty good to me! Although it all looks fabulous. All meet my criteria for a great gift, things you don’t really need but would love to have!

  • You will notice I did not comment on being good 😉 By the way are there any of us who hasn’t liked bad boy’s?

  • Dear MC SCENTA,

    La Collina Toscana Maremma’s Tobacco After Shave is what I’m craving…..to smell on my darling husband, that is. He deserves it and I’m sure he wouldn’t mind me following him around like a lost puppy! Please drop it under our tree this year!! Smooches!

    xo~ K. Elizabeth ~ox

  • HappyHolidays from Canada’s west coast {BC} After coming across the “Think Outside the Box” promo i must say I was virtually transported to the most lovely place, quietly having drifted away to this magical, alternate universe, veiled in a world of mindblowing, yummy scent. As i perused the editors picks and let my imagination take me even further away, I found myself fixated on the green DL@Co’s Botanical Candle in green that is packaged in the pleated tissue in a silk hat box with the satin ribbon bow. What an absolutely devine description on the product, and I am thinking what pleasure I would get out of it over the holiday season and into the New Year. Thankyou for the opportunity to participate in this promotion and I will be following you on twitter in future as there are many items i wish to explore in the future. Sincerely, cindy e

  • Love Love LOVE the Hermes scarf! That’s the present I’d like to open, dearest MC Scenta. Thanks so much!

  • Dear MC Scenta,

    I have tried to be a good girl this year, and it has been a rough year for me. Since it’s been kind of a hellish year, this perfumista would appreciate some end-of-year pampering to bring some good “juju” into the new year for herself. I would take anything on that list up there, but I especially would enjoy the Providence Perfume co. Amber cream or the yowza Hermes scarf! And I’ll be sure to set out some extra special cookies and milk for you this year. 😉

  • Dear MC Scenta
    I love the idea of the botanical candle in green but since everyone seems to love it, I would select the wonderful amber cream. Amber gives me such a sense of warmth, companionship and pleasure.

  • Dear MC Scenta,

    I was bad, really bad this year. I know I promised I will get better but I am a weak person. Please forgive me I was worse than last year.

    I know I don’t deserve any gifts but If you decide to forgive me and spoil me with ” little” something I would be happy to receive anything you want to send me. All your gift ideas are great. Some of them will be in included in my Xmas shopping list: the Amber cream from Providence, the Jo Malone Nutmeg and ginger oil, D &L co Botanical green candle.

    I know you can read my mind and already know that the Mayan Tuberose from BelleFleurNY and the Amber balls from L’artisan would be a great gift for myself. Just saying. 🙂

    Also, if you decide I deserve nothing I will still feel spoilt reading your posts on CFB everyday.

    Thank you McScenta.

  • Dear MC Santa,

    You’ve already been extraordinarily generous to me this year, but if you find it in your heart to bestow one more gift I would love to win the Miller Harris Tea. A cardamom spiced tea smoked over cinnamon sounds intoxicatingly wonderful.

    However, best gift of all is all the thought, work, care and intelligence you put in this blog. Thank you, MC Scenta!

  • Dear MC Scenta,
    I misspelled your name so I guess I am on the naughty list again. Well if you like bad boys maybe a bad speller will warm your generous heart as well. lol

  • Thank you for the great ideas, I just love l’artisan amber balls, so I’m just not sure I could manage to buy them for somebody else. And what a scarf, lucky you:-)
    I would say when it comes to spending too much money on perfume, I’ve been BAD! But apart from that I have of course been (smelling) good 😉
    So dearest MC Scenta, when you ride your reindeer sleigh over my roof please send some Miller Harris smokey tea down the chimney to me this X-mas, and I’ll promise to do better next year.
    Happy holidays

  • Dear MC Senta,

    One of the joys of parenthood is to see your children happy. In order bring a smile to my young adult son’s face, I would love to give him the black leather and stainless bracelet. It is so cool and unique, it would be a welcome surprise (it’s not something on his list!).

    Happy holidays!

  • Dear MC Scenta,

    Oh, L’Artisan’s amber balls! I admire* them each and every time I see them in the shop, the gorgeous engravings, the rich amber aroma, the satisfying heft. It would be the most delightful holiday treat to discover one under my nose this holiday season.

    Warmly & appreciatively,
    Elizabeth

    *Speaking of being on the naughty side of Santa’s list, I did write fondled instead of admired here first, but then thought everything that came after ‘fondled’ and ‘balls’ would perhaps be read in a different light! 😉

  • hotlanta linda says:

    MC Santa, baby!, The Providence Amber Creme sounda WARM – which is just what yt needs! 🙂 Thank you for the contest, and ease up on your workload so you can enjoy the holidays~~

  • Oh, I hope i am not too late! I think the Kosta rose tatoo vase is just beautiful but I would have to be very good to receive that!

    So Dear MC Scenta, I would love to find a bottle of the Providence Perfume Co. Amber cream under the Christmas tree. My poor old skin is suffering from horrid hospital treatments and lavishing some care on it with scented oil sounds just the thing.