The best-selling fragrances of Christmases past (and present)

A Look Back at Christmas Fragrance ‘Legends’ with Perfume Direct

Over the years, certain fragrances have become staples under the Christmas tree; with several iconic perfumes consistently topping the charts during the festive gifting season.

Perfume Direct has delved into the history of best-selling fragrances of Christmas past. The research shows the iconic perfumes that defined each decade and Perfume Direct’s experts explain why they’ve remained festive favourites, continuing to dominate ‘wish lists to Santa Claus’ year after year.

“By analysing sales data, industry reports and consumer surveys, we’ve taken a journey through the festive scented years, exploring which fragrances topped the popularity charts and which continue to reappear under the Christmas tree long after they first became a festive favourite,” says Jonny Webber from PerfumeDirect.com

“We’re also predicting which iconic perfumes and aftershaves from Christmases past we expect to see as top selling gifts in 2024.

“From Chanel No. 5, which has been a beloved Christmas gift since its release in 1921, to Paco Rabanne’s 1 Million for men, there are some clear favourites that the nation gift year after year.”

The UK’s most gifted fragrances over the past six decades:

1970s

1. Chanel No. 5 – A timeless classic, this perfume was the must-have perfume of the 1970s. With its blend of floral aldehydes and warm vanilla notes, it’s no wonder that this timeless fragrance has captured the hearts of millions. It continues to be a Christmas bestseller, making it a must-have for those looking to give a classic gift.
2. Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche (1971) – A bold fragrance for the modern woman.
3. Charlie by Revlon (1973) – A fragrance synonymous with the ’70s, embodying the era’s feminist movement.

1980s

1. Dior Poison (1985) – An intense, daring scent that defined the ’80s.
2. Chanel No. 5 – Continued to be a top seller.
3. Calvin Klein Obsession (1985) – Known for its deep and intense fragrance.

1990s

1. Calvin Klein CK One (1994) – A unisex fragrance that became an instant hit with its fresh and clean scent.
2. Chanel Allure (1996) – A sensual and sophisticated fragrance that was very popular in the ’90s.
3. Jean Paul Gaultier Classique (1993) – A striking and distinctive bottle with a floral-oriental scent.

2000s

1. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle (2001) – This became a huge hit and continues to be one of Chanel’s bestsellers.
2. Dior J’adore (1999) – With its rich floral composition of jasmine, ylang-ylang, and rose, J’adore captures the essence of luxury gifting. Introduced in 1999, it has maintained its place as a festive favourite due to its elegance and association with opulence.
3. Armani Code (2004) – A sophisticated scent for men that became a go-to gift during the holidays.

2010s

1. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle – Continued its reign as a top seller.
2. Dior Sauvage (2015) – A fragrance that quickly gained popularity among men and became a holiday favorite.
3. Marc Jacobs Daisy (2007) – This fresh, youthful fragrance stayed relevant through the 2010s.

2020s (up to 2023)

1. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle – Remains a top choice for many during the holiday season.
2. Dior Sauvage – Still dominating the market for men’s fragrances.
3. Yves Saint Laurent Libre (2019) – Gained traction as a powerful, modern fragrance for women.

Jonny adds: “What’s interesting about our research is how many perfumes, which were actually launched more than 40 years ago, are still among our best-selling products over the past five years; many we expect to be the chosen gift for friends, family and loved ones again this Christmas.

“These include the ever-popular Thierry Mugler Alien, Jimmy Choo Blossom and Illicit, and Elizabeth Arden Red Door for women; and Hugo Boss Orange, Hugo Boss Bottled Night and Mont Blanc Legend Spirit for men.

Many unisex fragrances will also be wrapped under the Christmas tree once again this year – including Tom Ford Black Orchid, Gucci Mémoire d’une Odeur, Acqua Di Parma Colonia Eau de Cologne, Byredo Gypsy Water and Calvin Klein CK One.

Whether it’s the nostalgia of a signature scent or the excitement of discovering a new favourite, these best-selling perfumes remain an integral part of festive gifting traditions year after year.

To learn more, please visit www.perfumedirect.com

Image Credits: Perfume Direct