From a bestselling scent reimagined as a body oil to unexpected takes on oud and tobacco, Maison Crivelli makes fragrance gifting feel a little less predictable.
Fragrance is one of those gifts that feels all the more personal when you get it right. But if you’re buying for someone who already has a perfume collection that could rival a department store, finding something that feels genuinely new can be tricky. This is where Maison Crivelli comes in.
The French fragrance house has built its reputation on unexpected combinations and scents that don’t necessarily follow the rules. Think rich, distinctive compositions with a twist, designed to evoke a feeling or memory rather than simply smell pretty. And for anyone who loves discovering something a little different, there’s plenty to explore this festive season, from a new way to wear a bestselling fragrance to candles that bring your favourite scents into the home.
Whether you’re shopping for the friend who always gets asked what she’s wearing or looking to add something new to your own fragrance wardrobe, these are the names I’d have on your radar.
Hibiscus Mahajád Body Oil
You know when you find a fragrance you love and wish you could wear it in more ways than one? Maison Crivelli has taken that idea and run with it, introducing a 100ml scented body oil inspired by its bestselling Hibiscus Mahajád.
The original fragrance is known for its bold, opulent blend of hibiscus and rose, softened by vanilla bean, leather and musks. It’s a rich combination that feels anything but ordinary, and this new format offers another way to enjoy that familiar scent beyond your usual spritz.
I’m always drawn to products that make the everyday beauty routine feel a little more indulgent, and a scented body oil fits neatly into that category. There’s something lovely about bringing fragrance into another part of your getting-ready ritual, whether you’re layering your scent or simply want to make the process of getting dressed feel a little more luxurious.
For the Hibiscus Mahajád devotee, this feels like a natural addition to the collection. And if you’re looking for a gift that feels more unexpected than another bottle of perfume, it’s one to keep in mind.
Maison Crivelli Hibiscus Mahajád Body Oil, 100ml.
Please note: Hibiscus Mahajád Body Oil is currently sold out but will be restocked in 2027. Check Maison Crivelli’s website for the latest availability.
Tobacco Carnaval
For the friend who never wants to smell like everyone else, Tobacco Carnaval deserves a place on your list. The second creation in Maison Crivelli’s Olfactory Mysteries collection, this highly concentrated extrait de parfum was developed with perfumer Quentin Bisch and centres on tobacco leaf.
Its inspiration is just as evocative as its name. Founder Thibaud Crivelli drew on the memory of a vibrant celebration, filled with music, shared excitement and those unpredictable moments when the energy of a room becomes almost tangible.
Tobacco is a particularly interesting note for the colder months, bringing depth and richness to a fragrance. This is one for someone who enjoys a scent with character and isn’t necessarily looking for something light or traditionally pretty. If your usual perfume rotation leans towards the more distinctive end of the spectrum, this is certainly worth a sniff.
It’s also a good reminder that fragrance gifting doesn’t have to mean playing it safe. Sometimes the most memorable choices are the ones you might not have picked at first glance.
Maison Crivelli Tobacco Carnaval, 50ml, £220; 100ml, £375.
Musc Nurāsana
Some fragrances get compliments, and then there are the ones people actually stop you to ask about. Musc Nurāsana falls into the latter category for me. It’s one of my most complimented scents, which, if you’re anything like me, is always a pretty good sign when deciding whether a fragrance deserves a place in your collection.
Inspired by the sensation of stretching on a terrace in the first light of morning, the scent centres on musk, with Damask rose, incense, bergamot and tonka bringing freshness, softness and warmth to the composition. It has that lovely balance of feeling fresh and luminous while still having enough depth to leave an impression.
I particularly like that it doesn’t feel like an obvious choice. The bergamot gives it brightness, while the tonka adds a subtle warmth that makes the overall scent feel beautifully rounded. It’s the sort of fragrance that works just as well for everyday wear as it does when you’re getting ready for an evening out.
If you’re shopping for someone who loves discovering fragrances that other people might not immediately recognise, I’d put this one on your list. And if you’re buying for yourself, consider this your little nudge to try it.
Maison Crivelli Musc Nurāsana, 50ml, £205; 100ml, £360.
Hibiscus Mahajád Eau de Parfum and Candle
If subtle isn’t quite the brief, Hibiscus Mahajád makes a stronger statement. Inspired by the unexpected contrast of sipping hibiscus tea in a bustling gemstone market, the fragrance brings together flamboyant hibiscus and rose with vanilla bean, leather and musks.
The floral notes give it its bold character, while the vanilla and leather add depth and warmth. It’s rich, distinctive and unapologetically opulent, making it a natural choice for someone who likes their fragrance to leave a lasting impression.
And then there’s the candle. I’m always a fan of a gift that extends beyond the dressing table, and pairing a favourite fragrance with its home-scent counterpart feels like a particularly lovely way to do that. It’s the kind of present that feels considered without being overcomplicated, especially if you already know the recipient loves the scent.
If you’re buying for someone who has a signature perfume and rarely strays from it, the matching candle is a good way to introduce something new without asking them to change what they already love.
Maison Crivelli Hibiscus Mahajád Eau de Parfum, 50ml, £205; 100ml, £360. Candle, £70.
Oud Maracujá Eau de Parfum and Candle
Oud can sometimes feel like a fragrance category in its own right, but Oud Maracujá takes the familiar note somewhere rather more unexpected. Created in collaboration with perfumer Jordi Fernandez, this extrait de parfum contrasts the tropical freshness of passion fruit with the richness of oud.
That interplay is what makes it interesting. The fruit brings a vibrant, almost thirst-quenching freshness, while oud provides a deeper, more enveloping counterpoint. Rather than leaning entirely into the smoky, woody side of oud, the composition plays with the tension between the two.
For the person who has already explored the more familiar names in perfumery, this is an interesting alternative. It feels distinctive and a little adventurous, without relying on an unusual note for the sake of it. If your gift recipient likes fragrances that spark a conversation, Oud Maracujá is a strong contender.
The matching candle brings that same sense of escapism into the home, making the pair a lovely option if you’re looking to give something a little more substantial.
Maison Crivelli Oud Maracujá, 50ml, £220; 100ml, £375. Candle, £70.
So, what would I choose?
The best fragrance gifts aren’t necessarily the ones everyone recognises. They’re the ones that feel personal, whether that’s introducing someone to an entirely new scent or finding a different way for them to enjoy a favourite.
For the person who loves a bold, statement-making fragrance, Hibiscus Mahajád is an obvious place to start, while Tobacco Carnaval and Oud Maracujá are worth exploring if they prefer something richer and less predictable. Musc Nurāsana, meanwhile, is the one I’d personally point you towards if you want a fragrance that feels fresh, warm and quietly distinctive. It’s earned its place in my collection for a reason.
And don’t overlook the body oil and candles. Sometimes the best gifts are the ones that take something familiar and make it feel new again.
Because when it comes to fragrance, it’s not always about finding the next big thing. Sometimes it’s about finding the scent that makes someone stop, turn around and ask, what are you wearing?
