When gift giving becomes stressful, I find myself relying on tried-and-true standbys that feel safe, if not a little uninspired: a spa set here, a candle there, maybe a gift card if I’m really stumped. Of course, I know the best gifts are always thoughtful ones given with the recipient in mind, but I also know having an extra-special go-to gift that feels more elevated than my old staples is a great way to ward off gift-giver anxiety before it gets the chance to set in.

For me, that meant adding the Air Wick Essential Mist Diffuser to my rotation of reliable gifts that always impress. I’m a fragrance girlie whose loved ones share an affinity for beautiful scents, too — but I’d be lying if I said they weren’t tired of being gifted my latest must-have candles and incense. So when I discovered mist diffusers during a stay at a lovely boutique hotel in New York City, a light bulb went off in my head; these devices are the perfect way to marry my favorite gift with a chic upgrade that felt both elevated and unexpected.

On my hunt for a mist diffuser I could use as my new gifting go-to, the Air Wick Essential Mist Diffuser initially stood out for just how sleek it was. With a minimalist matte black design that gently glows as it mists essential oils, it rivals a lot of higher end diffusers while being way more affordable. (That accessible price point also made it possible to stock up for my multiple rounds of holiday gift giving.)

Because the Essential Mist will be a mainstay in your giftee’s home, that sleek design will be especially appreciated. Whether they want to tuck it away in a discreet corner, rest it on a dresser in a guest bedroom, or display it as an objet d’art next to a stylish book stack, the modern diffuser is easy to incorporate into any decor aesthetic. And since it’s portable, they can take it from room to room wherever they want a subtle (or strong — the diffuser’s intensity is adjustable) mist of fragrance.

But here’s the thing: you’re not just giving the gift of something that looks luxe. You also want a mist diffuser with scents that actually smell great too. Luckily, Air Wick’s fall fragrance lineup is packed with all the seasonal favorites — Apple Cinnamon Medley that’ll make their whole house smell like fresh-baked apple pie, Cozy Vanilla & Caramel for the sweet, gourmand lovers, and the eternal star of the season, Pumpkin Spice.

Unlike candles that are one and done, easy-to-swap refills make the Air Wick Essential Mist Diffuser a gift that keeps on giving year-round. After the holidays, they can refresh their home with fragrances like Lavender and Almond Blossom, Hawaii Exotic Papaya and Hibiscus Flower (my personal favorite for instant vacay vibes), or Linen and Petals. Since scents can be subjective, I plan on gifting a few options to make a custom discovery bundle, that way I know my giftee will find at least one they love.

We all know how the holidays — and all the accompanying gift-exchanges — can sneak up on you. If you’re looking for a gift that’ll save you some stress and surprise people in the best way possible, the Air Wick Essential Mist Diffuser does just that. It’s a little luxe, a little practical, and a whole lot more fun than another candle. Plus, it’s sleek enough to pass as decor and versatile enough to fit anyone’s vibe, making it an understated luxury that elevates the everyday, well beyond the holidays.