Qatar
Fragrant agarwood chips used for incense in Gulf homes.
Myanmar (Burma)
Traditional cosmetic powder made from ground bark, used as skincare paste.
United Arab Emirates
Rich resinous fragrance oil popular across the Gulf.
Bulgaria
I would put Bulgarian rose oil perfume on the list for Bulgaria because it is the kind of thing that feels useful once you are home, not just another airport purchase. Small bottles are best. A local scent, soap or oil feels personal, but it is still easy to pack and usually does not cost airport-perfume money. The reason it works is that it gives you a quick reminder of the trip without needing to keep a fragile ornament safe forever.
Oman
Aromatic resin burned as incense, strongly associated with Oman’s Dhofar region.
Botswana
Light cosmetic oil made from marula seeds, common in southern Africa.
Saudi Arabia
When I think of an easy, crowd-pleasing thing to bring back from Saudi Arabia, oud perfume oil is a good pick because it does not need much explanation when you hand it over. Small bottles are best. A local scent, soap or oil feels personal, but it is still easy to pack and usually does not cost airport-perfume money. I would rate it higher when it is locally made, clearly labelled and easy to use at home, and lower when it is just tourist packaging.
Jordan
This is exactly the sort of thing I like bringing back from Jordan: small enough to fit in a bag, but specific enough to remind you where you bought it. Small bottles are best. A local scent, soap or oil feels personal, but it is still easy to pack and usually does not cost airport-perfume money. It is also the kind of thing you can talk about when someone asks what you brought back, because there is usually a little story attached to where you found it.
France
When I think of an easy, crowd-pleasing thing to bring back from France, Provence lavender soap is a good pick because it does not need much explanation when you hand it over. Small bottles are best. A local scent, soap or oil feels personal, but it is still easy to pack and usually does not cost airport-perfume money. I would rate it higher when it is locally made, clearly labelled and easy to use at home, and lower when it is just tourist packaging.
Maldives
Tropical coconut-scented skincare oil or soap.
South Korea
This is exactly the sort of thing I like bringing back from South Korea: small enough to fit in a bag, but specific enough to remind you where you bought it. Small bottles are best. A local scent, soap or oil feels personal, but it is still easy to pack and usually does not cost airport-perfume money. It is also the kind of thing you can talk about when someone asks what you brought back, because there is usually a little story attached to where you found it.
Jordan
Mineral-rich mud skincare product associated with the Dead Sea region.
Fiji
Scented soap or body products using coconut and tropical fragrances.