Valentine’s Day is upon us—and whether you’re in a long-term partnership, in a butterflies-inducing situationship, in your self-love era, or somewhere else on the spectrum, the ideal gift is something that feels personal to your loved one.
And what’s more personal than a signature scent? Now, I know what you’re thinking—buying perfume for someone else is risky (how will I know if what smells good to me smells good to them?). But that intimacy element is exactly what makes perfume the ideal Valentine’s Day gift—and there’s science to back it up. Research shows that fragrance has the power to elicit major emotional responses and associations, in part because processes smell in the amygdala and the hippocampus (the regions that regulate emotion and memory).
This Valentine’s Day, be bold and gift someone on your love list (that’s your S.O., your besties, and yes, you, too) a new scent—and look no further than Walmart for tons of options from the internet’s favorite brands. Notes of cedarwood and jasmine from Marc Jacobs, check. Dolce & Gabbana’s ever-classic Light Blue, check. A bottle from Ariana Grande for all the Glindas in your life, check (and cue the hair flip).
Beyond the wide selection of luxe scents at Walmart, the too-good-to-be-true price tags are giving major heart eyes. Translation: You can take the risk of getting personal this Valentine’s Day without any major financial investment. Tut tut, smells like love.
Originally $110
Floral notes of pomegranate, magnolia, and peony mix and mingle with musk, mahogany, and amber in this eau de toilette that boasts more than 5,000 five-star reviews. And the millennial pink shade and romantic crystal bottle? Very seasonally appropriate.
Originally $110
For another blushing pink option that’s flowery, long-lasting, and subtle enough to wear every day, try this fresh combination of patchouli, iris, and vanilla while it’s more than 80 (yes, 80) percent off.
Originally $100
If summer at the beach had a scent, it’d be this mix of bergamot, rosemary, grapefruit, and incense. This all-gender elixir has been a cult favorite since it debuted in the early 2000s—so consider it a safe bet for even the most particular person on your list.
Originally $62
‘Tis the season of Wicked, and what better way to celebrate than with a sweet scent from Ari, pop icon turned perfumer turned Oscar nominee? With bursts of blackberry and bergamot, her fragrance is formulated to evoke playfulness (peep the bottle’s big pink puff), daydreaming, and flirtation.
Originally $107
Ease the mid-February freeze with notes of fresh fruit. Bitter orange, crunchy pear, and tropical cactus flower combine for a spritz that’s bright, fresh, and totally timeless. Grab it for someone who's young at heart while it’s more than 60 percent off.
Originally $125
Keep the 60-percent-off train rolling with this bedazzled flask of rhubarb, daffodil, and jasmine. Jacobs’ mantra—“I am perfect as I am”—was the inspiration behind this fragrance, and it’s the perfect sentiment to share with the people you love the most this Valentine’s Day.
Originally $168
Bobbi Brown says this perfume “smells amazing and is the perfect gift for that special someone,” and BB makes the rules. The high-quality formula of tuberose, ginger, and honeysuckle is hard not to love (especially at $100 off), and the minimalist bottle will look so classy on anyone’s vanity—so maybe snag it for yours.
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