Almost all my favorite holiday memories are from childhood. After rousing one another out of bed, my brother and I would race downstairs to see what Santa had left under the Christmas tree. Ripping through the wrapping paper was a thrilling moment of delight, one that’s extremely difficult to replicate as we get older.
One way to rekindle that joyous feeling is through scent. Fresh pine needles, peppermint candy canes, citrus-infused baked goods: scent is essential to the holiday experience, something that Jo Malone London knows very well. Neurologically, the emotional center of our brain, the amygdala, is directly linked to our olfactory bulb, the part of the brain that processes smell–this explains why scent is often the most powerful trigger of emotional memories. That’s why a mood-enhancing fragrance, like the Orange Bitters Cologne, Pine & Eucalyptus Diffuser, or Ginger Biscuit Candle are perfect gifts for the season—they can invoke warm childhood memories or create a sensorial backdrop for new ones.
In case you’re in need of a little inspiration, I pulled together a few of my favorite Jo Malone London scents that will make incredible gifts (for others or as a treat to yourself). Whether your giftee is a fragrance buff or new to the world of cologne, there’s something for everyone.
Orange Bitters Cologne
The bright orange opening note dries down to a slightly earthy, woody scent in this fragrance, thanks to its sandalwood base. The citrus scent doesn’t lean too bitter, nor is it too sweet—it’s a great balance of both, reminiscent of a perfectly crafted cocktail you’d drink at a holiday soiree. It’s a mood lifter that pairs well with cold winter weather.
Pine & Eucalyptus Home Candle
Don’t have a fireplace? Consider this candle the next best thing. Pine and eucalyptus come together to create a rich, warm, and festive scent that will last for hours. Close your eyes, inhale, and you’ll be transported to a British countryside right out of a Jane Austen novel.
Scarlet Poppy Cologne Intense
Perfect for cozy days, this light and creamy base is combined with scarlet poppy to create a complex scent that isn’t overpowering. An enigma wrapped in an aroma, this is a distinct fragrance that’ll linger long after you leave the room.
Cologne Collection
Wrapped in gingerbread-inspired packaging, this gift set features five fragrances that you can mix and match to fit any mood or personality. English Pear & Freesia is a crisp and clean floral scent; Wild Bluebell is a white floral with hints of spicy and sweet notes; Wood Sage & Sea Salt evokes the memory of walking along a beach on a cloudy day; Lime Basil & Mandarin is a bright citrus deepened by woods; and Peony & Blush Suede is a floral cologne grounded by a musky base.
Pine & Eucalyptus Diffuser
A reed diffuser adds ambiance and sets the mood, all without being a fire hazard. The uplifting blend of warm pine and refreshing eucalyptus is a cozy fragrance to fill your home with, and it’s bound to put everyone in a great mood.
Ginger Biscuit Home Candle
The Ginger Biscuit candle is reminiscent of the scent of your childhood kitchen when gingerbread cookies are being baked in the oven, thanks to ginger, cinnamon, and roasted hazelnut notes. It’s sweet and spicy without being too sugary—consider it a more refined version of the gourmand scents you wore as a kid.
Christmas Cracker
This Christmas cracker is almost too good to unwrap, but what you’ll find inside is even better. There’s the Wood Sage & Sea Salt fragrance, English Pear & Freesia body & hand wash, and Lime Basil & Mandarin hand cream. They all come in TSA-approved sizes, which means you can bring these simple luxuries with you whenever or wherever you’re traveling this season.