Choosing a gift of Aromatherapy can be difficult. We often get stuck with worry about if they will like the smell and overlook the overall experience of the blend or product. When choosing a scent we usually begin with fragrance groups: Floral, Citrus/Fresh, Warm & Spicy, and Woody/Earthy. Keep in mind that you are not limited to one group, many of my blends rest in the “in-between” space, allowing individuals to pick-up scents of particular preference to them. While we can generally categorize individual oils, as soon as we blend them together the synergy of the blend becomes greater than each individual oil and the experience will be different for each of us. I think this is what actually makes it easier to choose online rather than in-store. In a Perfumerie or Apothecary we may be tempted to buy something based on our own opinion of the scent and how it makes us feel. While it is admirable to want someone to have something that you enjoy or that elevates your mood, it is important to keep in mind how differently each of us experience scent & taste. Cilantro is a perfect example: for some it is a fresh green herb and others experience soap!
I have compiled a short list of questions to ask yourself when choosing for another, or even for yourself if you are trying something new. You may not know the answers to every question and that’s okay. If you don’t know the answers to any of them it may be wise to stick with the generally beloved Lavender. You will notice that each answer has more than one option, compare among the answers you get and see if there is one constant, this should be your choice. If you are still comparing between a couple options review the Scent Profiles below, which one reminds you the most of your recipient?
As always please feel free to reach out if you have questions, I am happy to help!
How do they move through their day?
The Daydreamer
This person may not finish every task they start today, but they do have the best of intentions as they flit from one creative idea to the next.
The Multitasker
This person may be typing an email, texting a friend and participating in a conference call all at the same time. They may handle this with ease, or become frustrated/overwhelmed.
The Night Owl
This is the person you avoid talking to before they’ve had their morning coffee. They will move methodically through each task and will often end up working late to finish.
The Alpha
This person wakes up before their alarm and does 5 things before breakfast. They are probably your boss.
What is their drink of choice?
Black coffee/Americano
An obvious choice for this person is the Coffee Body Scrub and Body Butter. For other products try Immerse and Radiance
Latte or sweetened tea
Herbal Tea
Whiskey
Champagne
How do they spend their free time?
What is their favorite ice cream?
Coffee: (check out the Coffee scrub) and Immerse and Calm
Boutique flavors like Lavender or Pistachio: Calm, Harmony and Pure Lavender of course!
I hope you found this guide helpful! Please reach out if you are having trouble deciding or if there are medical concerns to consider.
Harmony
Especially helpful for all genders during overwhelming and emotional times. This grounding blend of citrus and sage is meant to bring the mind and body back into balance.
Organic Essential Oils:
Cypress, **Clary Sage, Bergamot, Lavender and *Jasmine
*Please note that Jasmine can interfere with the production of breastmilk and for that reason this blend is not recommended during late term pregnancy or breastfeeding.
**Please note that Clary Sage can encourage regular menstruation and for that reason this blend is not recommended for people who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
Lavender may be the most recognized calming oil in the world. For me the aroma immediately conjures imagery of vast hillsides dotted with mounds of lavender, swaying in the summer breeze off the coast. I can almost hear the bees buzzing away!
Lavender is a common favorite. It is safe for use in all stages of life and is a well-received gift for expecting families.
Calm
Just what it sounds like… blended to calm the mind and ease the stress of the day with a light floral and citrus scent. A wonderful scent for linens and bedtime diffusers
Organic essential oils:
Mandarin, Sweet Marjoram, Lavender, German Chamomile and *Jasmine
*Please note that Jasmine can interfere with the production of breastmilk and for that reason this blend is not recommended for late term pregnancy or breastfeeding mothers.
Revive
Lemon, Spearmint and Rosemary are a pleasant addition to any morning routine or when you need a mid-day lift without the caffeine or extra calories. Keep one in your car for a refreshing scent on the go or a pick-me-up when stuck in traffic.
Organic Essential Oils:
Lemon, Rosemary, Black Pepper and Spearmint
Radiance
A warm citrus blend that evokes the feeling of a cat stretched out in a sunbeam. A lovely scent for laundry and room diffusers as well.
Organic Essential Oils:
Lemon, Sweet Orange, Helichrysum and Nutmeg
Immerse
Ginger, Frankincense and Sandalwood blend for a deep, spicy scent for grounding and meditation. A perfect addition to your daily mindfulness practice.
Organic Essential Oils:
Clary Sage, Ginger, Frankincense, Sandalwood and Clove Bud