Graduation is one of the ultimate symbols for new beginnings – what a better gift than a new fragrance to go along with this new chapter in your loved one’s life.  

We’ve put together this list of women’s fragrances that we think truly encompass the personality of graduates and would make great gifts for recent grads (whether its high school, college, grad school, wherever!)

Marc Jacobs Daisy 

Marc Jacobs has been on a roll with his fragrance collection. He just won the 2009 FiFi Hall of Fame Icon Award, and last year at the FiFi’s, his top selling fragrance, Daisy won Women’s Luxe Fragrance of the Year Award.  In 2008, Daisy also won the CEW Award for Best Women’s Scent.

Back in August 2007, Jacobs told Teen Vogue: “What I really wanted to do was take the joy of youth and put it in a bottle…I love the notion of daisies. But they don’t have a scent. So I had to craft something that reflected the spirit of the flower, with all its heady, whimsical, and sweet connotations.” 

Graduation can be a nostalgic time.  Daisy is perfect as your recent graduate looks back on some fond youthful memories.  

Described as a “floral bouquet” with hints of strawberry, red grapefruit, violet leaves and musk, Marc Jacobs’ Daisy is available as an Eau de Toilette in 1.7oz and 3.4 oz, as a Body Lotion, Body Butter, and Shower Gel.  Combine two, three or all to complete the perfect grad gift!

Vera Wang Princess and Rock Princess

Vera Wang’s Princess chas been a best seller and editorial favorite ever since it launched in 2006. The scent won for favorite women’s fragrance in 2007 in Allure Magazine‘s Reader’s Choice Awards. And, Vera Wang herself, was given the same honor that Marc Jacobs just received at the 2008 at the FiFi Awards (Hall of Fame Icon Award).  Princess is self-proclaimed, “Playful. Unpredictable. Fearless,” three qualities that should envelop the personality of any recent grad.

With the success of Princess, Vera Wang began launching limited edition spin-off fragrances from the original. Last year, the first spinoff was Flower Princess, this year it’s Rock Princess.

Rock Princess is a great graduation gift because the vibe of the entire fragrance from the ad campaign to the rebellious smokey gray bottle design, to the smell itself embody an attitude and personality.

Lori Singer, the Group VP of Global Marketing for Coty Prestige Designer Fragrances told WWD, “The scent brings a hip, rebellious side of the princess to counter…we think every girl can find her own princess.” The brand encourages buyers to do just that. On the perfume’s official website,  you can literally become your own princess. You make up a name, pick out what your castle looks like, and join discussions with other “princesses.”

Vera Wang Princess comes as a Eau de Toilette spray in three sizes (1oz, 1.7oz, and 3.4oz) It’s also available as a Body Lotion, and Body Butter. Discount Beauty Center also has a Four Piece Vera Wang Princess Gift Set, that includes the spray in two sizes, 2.5 oz of the Princess Body Lotion, plus the Princess Foamy Body Polish. Rock Princess is available in 3.4 oz.

Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy

“For Juicy girls who want it all,” this fragrance was an automatic best seller. In fact, sales were down for the Elizabeth Arden fragrance line before Viva La Juicy was launched. According to Barron’s it received the number one market share of new fragrance launches during the 2008 Holiday season, which was surprising considering the economic downtown.  Viva La Juicy also just tied with Gwen Stefani’s Harajuku Lovers Fragrances for Favorite new Fragrance in the Allure Magainze‘s 2009 Readers Choice Awards. 

Don’t expect a fancy website with the bells and whistles like for Vera Wang’s Rock Princess. Viva La Juicy sells itself. It’s a blend of various fruity scents including wild berries, madarins, honeysuckle, and jasmine.

Viva La Juicy comes in two sizes (1.7oz and 3.4oz)