Esquire has this Father's Day wrapped up with the best fragrance gift ideas
Don't succumb to socks this Father's Day
FATHER’S DAY GIFTS CAN BE TRICKY. Socks feel like surrender; whisky is a gamble; another gadget risks being left in the drawer. Fragrance, though, is different. It’s personal without being prescriptive, a little luxury that turns everyday moments into something memorable. It also lets dad know that you really get him, that you really understand who he is.
The trick is finding the right one. Some dads lean towards the outdoors, preferring notes of smoke, woods and a hint of salt air. Others want polish, something that pairs well with a great watch and a new wardrobe find. There are dads who secretly love a sweet note of vanilla or spice, and those who prefer crisp green scents that feel like a clean start. Whatever the style, there’s a fragrance that fits.
This year, think of fragrance as a way of capturing who he is. Or giving him permission to try on a new version of himself. A spritz before work, a cloud before dinner, a memory sealed in scent. As Father’s Day gifts go, it’s hard to beat. And if nothing else, you’ll finally be spared the annual ritual of pretending to love novelty cufflinks.
The best fragrances to buy dad for this Father’s Day
Creed, Oud Zariän
The distinguished dad
The latest addition to the Creed family, Oud Zariän layers rare oud with saffron and incense, creating a fragrance that’s equal parts forthright in intensity and intrigue in its sillage. It’s not for everyone, but that’s the point. For Father’s Day, it’s a statement gift for dads who like a fragrance with a commanding presence.
Le Labo, Osmanthus 19 Kyoto
The rare-find dad
Le Labo’s City Exclusive range hits just in time for Father’s Day. Available worldwide for one month of the year, the 2025 addition is Kyoto, aka Osmanthus 19. Osmanthus is an aroma all on its own: peach, leather, incense but here it’s mixed with musks and green tea. A surpsiringly subdued number from the New York brand, but a subtle reminder that fragrance doesn’t always need to shout. Good for the dad who also likes a good book.
Amouge, Timber
The luxurious outdoorsman
Resins, smoke and polished wood – Timber by Amouage evokes a forest in the densest, richest possible sense. No wood for the trees, but rather an abstraction of wood as an aroma by being an amalgamation of all things woody. Only this one is wrapped up in plush vanilla and cocoa, sanding off the harsh edges into something smooth and smoked.
Les Indemodables, Vanille Havane
The gourmand dad
Vanille Havane is the epitome of Big D Energy, when the D stands for decadent. Rich vanilla, spiced tobacco and smooth rum notes, it’s the perfect Father’s Day fragrance for dads who appreciate indulgence with restraint, turning warmth and sweetness into a refined signature.
Aesop, Vivere
The green thumb dad
Virere is crisp, green and refreshing. A fragrance that cuts through noise with clarity. Notes of vetiver, basil and galbanum make it herbal yet refined. A perfect Father’s Day choice for dads who prefer something subtle, close to nature yet distinct. Probably likes to grow his own vegetables, prefers a weekend spent in the garden and lots of minerality in his wine.
Goldfield & Banks, Tales of Amber
The “not a regular dad, but a cool dad“
Australian-born, globally admired: Tales of Amber takes golden resin, iris and praline and turns them into something effortlessly contemporary. It feels grounded yet forward-looking, making it an ideal Father’s Day fragrance for dads who balance tradition with a modern outlook. Distinctive, confident, and quietly stylish.
Prada, Paradigme
The young at heart dad
The latest release from Prada, Paradigme layers resin, incense and florals into a crisp, architectural scent. Elegant but lacking pretension, it’s perfect for the dad who values design, detail and understated confidence. Buried beneath the familiar opening is the signature avant-garde streak that is Prada’s DNA.
Eight & Bob, Original
For the history loving dad
This fragrance has history – allegedly the signature scent of the late JFK. A blend of citrus, woods and subtle spice once, Original remains timeless, understated and sophisticated. For Father’s Day, it’s an ideal fragrance for dads who believe style is about consistency, not trends. Reliable, elegant, and endlessly wearable.
Penhaligon’s, The Cut
The stylish dad
Sharp citrus, peppery spice and a daring edge – The Cut is modern British perfumery at its best. It feels bold yet wearable, perfect for the dad who is on a first name basis with his tailor or knows the difference between a notched and peak lapel. A Father’s Day fragrance gift that celebrates flair without excess.
Bvlgari Le Gemme, Sahare
The flashy dad
From the sculptural bottle that looks like a Roman column to the fragrance itself that smells like an ancient rose garden, Sahare is perfect for those dads who enjoy their share of spotlight. Ta’if rose wrapped in desert spice and warm amber, Sahare is opulent and warming as liquid gold.
Parfum d’Empire, Mal-Aimé
The wild card dad
A green, herbaceous eau de parfum built around Corsican inula, a plant once considered a weed. It’s sunny and warm, with rose‑honey facets and an earthy, almost salty undercurrent. Surrounding notes of thistles, nettles, brambles and roots add texture and depth, while iris and woody musks anchor it beautifully. A quietly rebellious scent: under-loved, under-estimated but unforgettable.
Ex Nihilo Blue Talisman Extrait
The bold dad
An intense incarnation of the OG Blue Talisman, the extrait is futuristic perfumery. Bright aldehydes meet musk and amber woods that seem to prolong the wonderful, fresh fruit opening notes of pear, bergamot and orange forever.
Dries Van Noten Bitter Splash
The puzzle-loving dad
A sharp yet soft citrus-leather blend that surprises at every turn. Juicy grapefruit and pomelo open with invigorating freshness, while powdery orris and carrot seed warm things up. The trail settles into supple leather, vetiver and cedar. A sophisticated duality of light and matte that feels effortlessly playful and intriguing.
Paco Rabanne Million Gold Elixir Parfum Intense
The gold class dad
If your dad’s the sort to rock a Rolex Submariner, this one’s for him. The olfactive equivalent of blazers and signet rings, Million Gold opens with sparkling yellow mandarin, immediately demanding attention with vibrant freshness. At its heart lies a creamy, indulgent vanilla entwined with cedar and warm resin. Rich and irresistible.
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