Fragrance is one of the hardest gifts to buy because scent is so personal. These questions make it far less of a gamble.

• Do they lean warm or fresh? Vanilla, amber and spice read as warm and cosy; citrus, marine and green notes read as fresh and light. Most people already know which camp they’re in.
• What do they already wear? If they have a signature scent, look for something in the same family rather than the opposite — a similar note profile is a safer bet than a totally new direction.
• Day-to-day or special occasion? Lighter, fresher scents suit everyday wear; deeper, longer-lasting ones suit evenings and events.
• When in doubt, go smaller. A travel size or discovery set lets them try it properly before committing to a full bottle — and it still feels like a considered gift.

Buying fragrance as a gift feels risky — these four questions make it much easier to get right.

Get these four right, and you’ve got a much better shot at a fragrance they’ll actually reach for.