The ideal gift for a friend, partner, or yourself can be many things. Jewelry is lovely, a gift card for a local restaurant is fun, and something special for the home is thoughtful. On the other hand, the gift of perfume evokes a mood and a memory that can last for years. Read on for a list of the best places to buy perfume in Montclair and Essex County, New Jersey.

Acorn General Store | 41 Church Street, Montclair

Customers can find everything at Acorn General Store. Along with vintage clothing, accessories, locally-made art and decor, this shop sells perfume. Acorn General Store frequently updates its inventory, so there may be different scents available in the coming weeks. As of this writing, the shop sells Bloom’s Eau de Parfum, which has a “clean, bright, and sensual” scent, according to its description, and is made with natural essential oils.

Alchemy Scent Bar | 30 Church Street, Montclair

This shop provides the experience of creating a custom scent, which can be applied to candles, room sprays, body creams, body scrubs, and custom fragrance oil blends. Simply choose your favorite scents from their extensive wall of aromas, and the bouquet specialists will guide you through an engaging process that will lead you to your very own essence. Alchemy also has a premium scent collection reminiscent of famous perfumes worldwide. This Montclair Girl named her distinctive fragrance Mementos.

 Read More: A List of Must-Shop Boutiques in Montclair

Beluved Oil Fragrances + Aromatics | 754 South Orange Avenue, Newark

According to the shop’s website, “fragrance is an accessory that is often overlooked,” which is why the owner behind Beluved Oil Fragrances + Aromatics opened a store dedicated to it. At this shop, Essex County locals can find handmade roll-ons in the scents Amber Gold, Aole Vera, Black Butter, Blue Nile, and many others.

Bluemercury |  30 South Park Street, Montclair

This beauty go-to carries over seven perfume brands. Jo Malone is a long-time store staple and crowd favorite. Ellis Brooklyn Eau De Parfum has a home on the top shelf and is in good company with the likes of Maison Louis Marie and Lake & Skye. Blue Mercury’s store manager, Angela Alberti, wears Sana Jardin’s fragrance Sandalwood Temple, and Vihelm Parfumerie’s Dear Polly is a best seller. Testing perfumes in the store can be overwhelming, so the staff will make samples that clients may bring home to decide which scent works with their body chemistry.

Cosmic Perfumes | 1275 Bloomfield Avenue Building 1 Suite 7, Fairfield

Cosmic Perfumes is the go-to shop for all beauty-related needs. In addition to skincare and makeup, patrons can find a wide selection of perfumes for sale, including highly-favored name-brand scents like Daisy by Marc Jacobs, Secret Obsession by Calvin Klein, and much more.

DollyMoo | 217 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair

This shop specializes in hand-made bath and body products by two sisters inspired by their Greek grandmother. The sisters also make roll-on perfumed oils that embody the magic and love of their grandmother, especially The Evil Eye Perfume, which comes with a small evil eye for protection — just like the sister's grandmother used to do. Classic Aura Oils are also available, and the cult favorite is Amber Moon Aroma Oil.

Houss Freya Apothecary | 205 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair

This apothecary shop is a must-visit destination for fans of the metaphysical. Customers can expect to find crystals, balms, candles, oils, stones, and — of course — perfumes. The Love Witch Perfume, which has a fresh floral scent, is back in stock. According to Houss Freya’s Instagram, “this cult classic is your secret weapon for extreme allure and an enigmatic aura.”

Hyssop Beauty Apothecary | 674 Bloomfield Avenue, Nutley

Hyssop Beauty Apothecary in Nutley is a great spot for those who like custom scents. In a rollerball bottle, customers can choose up to two oils to create their own perfume. Some of the available oils include amber, black pepper, clary sage, frankincense, and gardenia. The shop also provides pre-made scents, such as Fleur de Lune, which has key notes of amber, jasmine, and ylang ylang; Wintre, with notes of fir needle, vanilla, and peppermint; and more.

Meus | 104 Baker Street, Maplewood

Meus is a home and lifestyle boutique that features local artists, jewelry, inspiring gifts, bath and body products, and enticing fragrances. The store has many perfumes, and Marichelle Hills, the owner, is always on hand to help shoppers pick the perfect scent. MG pro tip: be sure to try the fragrance Sweet Do Nothing by D.S. + Durga.

Monty | 12 North Willow Street, Montclair

Monty is a women’s clothing store that supports independent designers, located at 12 North Willow Street, Montclair, and carries two distinctive small-batch handmade perfume lines. Stora Skuggan, made in Stockholm, is as interesting as the beautifully crafted bottles. Be sure to try Pine. It is intoxicating. Atum Fragrance, based out of Austin, Texas, is made by the artist Kristen Scott. Her scents embody her inspirations. Be sure to walk around the corner to visit Mister, Monty's counterpart, and a men’s wear store. There you will find Mihan Aromatics. It is made in Melbourne, Australia, and has a fragrance for everyone’s taste.

See More: Skincuress, Buccal Massage + Facial Expert, to Open in Hoboken

Parcel | 608 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair

This paper and craft store in Montclair sells handmade knickknacks, art supplies, decor, and everything in between. Parcel also sells a perfume line called Olfactory, which comes in the scents Archive, Heritage, and Nostalgia. These Parcel-branded scents come in a 10-milliliter amber glass roll-on bottle.

The Taliaferro | 28 Valley Road, Montclair

Hailing from East Orange, the owner of this perfume shop started his business with the desire “to help clients create lasting memories through personalized fragrance encounters,” as per the shop’s website. Patrons can find all sorts of unisex scents at The Taliaferro, including Room 129, which has notes of cherry, powder, and bubble gum, Queen Harriet, a floral and citrus fragrance that pays homage to Harriet Tubman, and B.E.D (Become. Everyone's. Desire), a scent inspired by “clean sheets, fresh out of the shower intimacy, and a walk through a breezy beach house.”