Perfume for Mammies

Unless you are Oedipus or Jamie Barlow I think we'll just play it safe and assume that scent for Mammy as given to her by her adult children should be Nice and Non Sexy. Her husband (or tennis coach) is the man to be giving her seductive scents and despite what Mr. Ray D'Arcy thinks, this is Not That Sort of Website. So with that in mind, what do I recommend?

Any of the family of Lancome Miracle scents (Miracle So Magic!, Miracle (€38.50, 50ml) and Miracle Forever) would go down a treat with any woman who likes spicy florals. Estee Lauder's Pleasures (€36.50, 50ml) is a lovely fresh scent and would be perfect for daytime wear, as would Elizabeth Arden's Green Tea (€20.50, 50ml). Still on an Elizabeth Arden note, 5th Avenue (€34, 75ml) would be a great evening scent for ones' Mama, as would Amarige by Givenchy (€38.50, 50ml). Burberry Weekend (€32, 50ml) is a classic, understated yet sweet scent that won't overpower.

You can't beat Chanel for the Classy Mammy either - what woman wouldn't want to be given Chanel No 5 (€65.50, 50ml) - especially from a son? You'd be the best, most thoughtful boy on Christmas Day. Edging into slightly sultry territory, Guerlain's Shalimar (€31.50, 30ml) is an old fashioned scent that's sweet, seductive and quite powdery. Classy Mammies might also like Dior's famous Miss Dior (€49.50, 50ml) which was created by Christian Dior "to wrap each woman in exquisite femininity". It's got top notes of sage and gardenia, and as the scent develops you'll also smell rose and jasmine.

If your mum likes to smell sweet and fruity, you could oblige her with a lovely L'Occitane scent - L'Oranger Orange Leaves Eau De Parfum (€36.50, 125ml) would be perfect.

The beauty oracle that is Strawberrynet can oblige you with all the above, at fabulous savings of course. [prices are from strawberrynet]
Acqua di Parma would be a great scent to give a classy mammy. Mammies would also be very pleased to receive a Jo Malone fragrance, I think - especially Mammies who read glossy magazines and know what's what. Soir de Lune is Sisley's new fragrance and it's a fruity elegant scent - perfect for Mums. Brown Thomas stockists will oblige you with these scents and expect to pay €50+ for Jo Malone and €75+ for the others.