Luxury fragrances are set to be the sixth-best-selling item this holiday season, moving up from eighth place in 2011, according to an annual survey of holiday purchases by consumer group NPD.

“Fragrance is having a second banner year,” said Karen Grant, NPD vice president and senior global industry analyst.

“This holiday will not be just about the latest gadget or smartphone. Consumers are seeing fragrance as a sweet treat for themself or someone special.”

According to NPD, during the first 10 months of 2012 (January to October), total prestige fragrance dollar sales in department stores in the United States were nearly $1.8 billion, with over 27 million units sold.

It’s apparently men who are driving the growth, with men’s prestige fragrance gift set sales doubling in growth compared to 2011.

Top 5 best-selling prestige fragrance brands in the US

January – October 2012

1 Coco Mademoiselle
2 Acqua Di Gio Pour Homme
3 Bleu De Chanel
4 Light Blue
5 Chanel No. 5