Power of the perfect gift

* AD - products mentioned were gifted for a review

As a grown-up with grown-up friends, gift-giving has evolved. It’s no longer I’m buying something for one of my friends, but rather my husband and I are buying a gift for another couple. A definite shift from my early twenties, when wilder ideas were acceptable and budgets were… considerably tighter.

These days, most of my friends come as a unit. A power couple, to be more specific. When you’re surrounded by driven, successful, and genuinely inspiring people, you have to think carefully about the kind of gift you’re giving. And when I’m unsure—or struggling with couple-specific ideas—I go for the next best thing: perfume.

There are two brands that never fail thanks to their impressive range of incredible scents that won’t break the bank: Armani and YSL. For this post, I’m sticking with the latter. YSL has been absolutely blowing my mind lately, and their selection of fragrances for him is especially strong.

I’ve already spent plenty of time talking about the feminine side of YSL, so it won’t surprise you when I say you can never go wrong with the timeless classic Black Opium. It’s iconic. While it disappeared from the spotlight for a m.oment, I appreciate it even more now—it once again stands out the second you walk into a room.

Libre is another hugely popular release. I love all of the variations… apart from the OG. Well, that’s a lie—I do love the OG, but unfortunately there’s a compound in it that triggers migraines for me. That said, whenever I smell it on someone else, I admire it deeply and wish I could wear it long-term too.

For men, the MYSLF collection is nothing short of divine—especially Le Parfum. It’s the perfect balance of masculine and sporty, yet mature. Fresh, but not shower-gel fresh. It has weight without being stuffy or overpowering. It’s my husband’s current favourite, and I absolutely love smelling this fragrance on him.

I also enjoy the Y collection. It’s slightly lighter, and honestly, I’d consider wearing it myself. (Hi, my name is Veronika, and sometimes I wear my husband’s cologne.)

Ultimately, gifting for couples—especially power couples—is about choosing something that feels intentional, elevated, and timeless. A great fragrance does exactly that: it’s personal without being risky, luxurious without being excessive, and memorable long after the wrapping paper is gone. Whether it’s for them, for him, or for her, YSL offers something that fits effortlessly into a couple’s shared lifestyle. And if you’re ever in doubt, remember: smelling incredible is always a power move.