Perfume for dad: a gift that is not another aftershave

We are an independent retailer, and every note, rating and price below comes from the product pages. For the wider gift picture, read the FAAN perfume gift guide.

What dads actually like

We cannot know your dad, so ask three small questions before you buy. Does he wear a scent now, and which? Does he like sweet, fresh, woody or smoky? Does he want people to notice his scent, or not? Many people who have worn one scent for years are happiest with something that does not announce itself. If he wears nothing, start quiet.

If you can, look at the bottle on his shelf. Notice whether it is citrus-fresh or something darker. A gift one step bolder than what he knows is a nice surprise. A gift three steps bolder is a risk.

Quiet, woody and dry options

Qasida Al-Badr is calm, dry and a little powdery. Bergamot, nutmeg and cardamom open it. Iris, sage and cedarwood sit in the heart. Vetiver, tonka, vanilla and patchouli close it. It is listed for daily wear and the office, for autumn, winter and spring, and it is unisex. Strength and longevity are both 3 out of 5, so it sits close and stays calm. It is the one we would give to most fathers.

Qasida Sahm is listed for him: mango, lemon and ginger first, then lavender and cedar, then oud and leather. It is 3 for strength and 4 for longevity, €56.99. A good option for a dad who likes a classic masculine feel with a fruity start.

One bold option

If your dad likes strong scents, one of these is worth the risk.

• Qasida Dunes: olibanum, black and white pepper, then patchouli, cypriol and leather, ending in sandalwood and labdanum. It is peppery, smoky and dry, rated 4 out of 5 for strength and longevity. A cold-weather scent.
• Amjad Honour: frankincense, cardamom and saffron over oud, amber and vanilla. An Extrait rated 4 for strength and 5 for longevity, and one of our best sellers. It is resinous and rich. Two sprays are enough.

Both are for autumn and winter. A bold gift suits a dad who already owns a few fragrances. If he does not, stay with Al-Badr.

Gift note ideas

A card turns a bottle into a story. A few lines you can borrow:

• "Dry and calm, like you. Bergamot and cardamom first, cedar and vetiver at the end."
• "For the days you wear a jacket and the evenings you wear a good shirt."
• "Two sprays. Try it on a Sunday first."

Add the notes. If he does not like it, he will know why. See FAAN perfumes for men and perfume gifts for him and for her for more ideas.

Delivery for Father's Day

Father's Day is on different dates: in the Netherlands it is the third Sunday of June, and in Germany it is Ascension Day (Vatertag). Orders to the Netherlands take 3 to 6 working days in total: 1 to 2 for processing and 2 to 4 for transport. To the rest of the EU it is 5 to 8 working days: 2 to 3 for processing and 3 to 5 for transport. Order at least two weeks before the date to be safe. Shipping is free in the Netherlands from €75. If a bottle shows as sold out, ask to be notified on the product page, and browse all fourteen bottles.

FAQ

Is perfume a good gift for dad?

Yes, if you pick something calm and add the notes on a card. It is personal and useful.

What if he does not like it?

You can withdraw within 14 days of receiving the order while the seal is intact. Once the seal is broken, the right ends.

What size is the bottle?

200 ml, a generous gift. It lasts a long time.

Related reading

• Perfume gifts for him and for her
• FAAN perfume gift guide
• FAAN Qasida Al-Badr review: calm, dry and powdery