We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Holidays & Occasions Gifts The 16 Best Candle Gifts We Love The Most Candles don’t have to be boring. By Jamie Fischer Jamie Fischer Jamie Fischer is a commerce writer for Dotdash Meredith with bylines in Real Simple and Southern Living. She has experience writing content for various digital publications including Parents, and is passionate about home, lifestyle, and beauty products. Southern Living's editorial guidelines and Moriah Mason Moriah Mason Moriah is a commerce writer for Southern Living who specializes in reviewing cookware, kitchen gadgets, home decor, and more. Her work has appeared in Allrecipes, Alabama Political Reporter, and The Samford Crimson. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on August 15, 2024 In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Reviews Questions and Answers Why Trust Southern Living Southern Living / Kristin Kempa Candles are both one of the easiest gifts to pick up on the fly, as well as one of the most universally liked gifts when received, especially during the holiday season. With just the flick of a match, they can transform any space into a comfy, cozy retreat that lasts well beyond the occasion. “Candles are unique items that elicit an emotional response from the memories, feelings, and deep connections they embody," says Jasmine Kenner, product development lead for Homesick Candles.To save you some time, we did the hard work for you and found the best, most unique candles out there. In addition to Kenner, we also got expert advice on candle-buying from Kudzi Chikumbu, a candle influencer better known as Sir Candle Man. Charleston Candle Co. No. 12 Southern Magnolia Charleston Candle Co. View On Charlestoncandleco.com You’ll find magnolia trees most anywhere you go in the South, and with this candle, the recipient will get to enjoy the scents of magnolia flowers, peaches, and balsam. You have the option to get the candle in 9 or 4 ounces. Be sure to check out our other Southern-inspired candles to take this candle gift to the next level. Capri Blue Candle Blue Jean Amazon View On Amazon $22 View On Capri-blue.com While it’s important to give gifts to your loved ones on special occasions, it’s also nice to do them a random act of kindness every once in a while. To give you some ideas, we present the Blue Jean candle from Capri Blue. Crisp bergamot, luscious white flowers, musk, and patchouli are blended together to create this memorable candle. Once the recipient is done with using it, they can use the jar to store household items. Homesick Housewarming Candle Amazon View On Amazon $25 View On Homesick.com $20 When a new neighbor moves in, it’s a good idea to give them a housewarming gift to welcome them to the neighborhood. Homesick has created a small but sensational candle that emits notes of water lilies and cotton. This candle has soy wax, a cotton wick, and a 60-80 burn time. NEST New York Holiday Candle Amazon View On Amazon $42 View On Sephora $20 View On Dillards.com From its luxurious packaging to its festive fragrance, this limited edition candle is the ideal holiday gift. It’s a true crowd pleaser, featuring a blend of classic holiday scents including pomegranate, mandarin orange, pine, cloves, and cinnamon, with a hint of vanilla and amber. Available in several sizes, it’s the perfect option whether they’re seeking a subtle decorative accent or an aromatic statement piece that will fill the whole room. Village Apothecary Palo Santol Candle Village Apothecary View On Shopvillageapothecary.com If they’re a fan of candles with a woodsy scent, then they will love this pick. Teakwood, palo santo, leather, and other warm scents blend to create this aromatic masterpiece. When lit, the candle gives off an inviting feel that’s perfect for when company is about to arrive. Made in Birmingham from essential oils and coconut wax, this candle isn’t just warm and inviting— it’s also sustainable. Homesick Latkes and Lights Candle Amazon View On Amazon $37 View On Homesick.com $30 View On Macy's $38 Homemade latkes are a Hanukkah necessity, and this festive candle allows the enjoyment of these special treats beyond eight nights. Filling the room with nostalgic scents of applesauce and jelly doughnuts, this candle adds an extra touch of sweetness to the Hanukkah season. Bellawick Custom Birthday Candle Amazon View On Amazon $46 View On Birthdate.co When their birthday is just around the corner, we suggest gifting them this unique candle. This isn’t your average candle—this one can be customized to their birthday. Along with their birthdate, they can also check out their Zodiac sign, element, and qualities. Regardless of the birth date, each candle has the same scents, which are lavender, cedarwood, jasmine, and mint. Goose Creek Island Bliss Large 3-Wick Candle Goose Creek View On Goosecreekcandle.com If they can’t go on an island vacation, it’s always nice to visualize being there. Goose Creek has crafted a candle that accomplishes just that. This three-wick candle offers scents of citrus, sandalwood, and island waters. Whether they need to freshen up their home or visit the island of their dreams (without breaking the bank), this candle is perfect either way. Besides the candle, Goose Creek also offers a room spray with the same scent. Anecdote Candles Spiked and Spiced Candle Anecdote Candles View On Amazon $32 If they love sipping mulled wine in the winter, they’ll become obsessed with the Spiked and Spiced Candle. The spicy, fruity smells of red wine and cinnamon will create a boozy atmosphere at any holiday party, while the classy gold vessel adds a similarly festive feel. Brooklyn Candle Studio Bali Ecapist Candle Amazon View On Amazon $42 View On Brooklyncandlestudio.com This two-wick candle is a great pick for your friend’s candle collection. When lit, it gives off a floral, smoky, and fruity aroma that gives the room a subtle but lovely scent. As they’re working around their home, they’ll instantly feel at peace by this one-of-a-kind scent that evokes the feel of Bali. Glasshouse Fragrances Night Before Christmas Candle Neiman Marcus View On Amazon $55 This whimsical candle will transport them back to their childhood fantasies, bringing a touch of Christmas magic to their household. Decorated like a picturesque holiday house and scented with blackcurrant, plum, lemon, and lavender, this playful pick serves as both a festive knick knack and a fragrant candle. Apollo Candles Falò / Bonfire Candle Apollo Candles View On Apollocandlesnyc.com Enjoy the comfort and feel of a bonfire inside your home. With this candle, the room will be immersed in scents of birchwood, apple, amber, and many others. Since the candle has a 55-hour burn time, they’ll get lots of use out of it. Vine NB Naturals Christmas Tree Candle with Gift Box Etsy View On Etsy $32 Make any space a winter wonderland with this Christmas candle. The white tea-scented candle features four intricate Christmas tree sculptures that are sure to get them in the holiday spirit. Pottery Barn Seagrass & Verbena Scent Collection Pottery Barn View On Pottery Barn $15 Out of our entire list, this is the only pick that features a candle, diffuser, and potpourri. Whether they’re lighting the candle or setting out the reed diffuser, each piece in this set will give off a calming, earthy seagrass and floral verbena scent. Duet Merry and Bright Candle Duet View On Duetcandles.com Equipped with a cute box of matches and a red bow on top, this three-wick candle is practically made for gifting. Scented with juniper berry, fir, and citrus peel, the candle cultivates a welcoming ambience that will add holiday cheer to any home. You can choose from five dust covers and add a 200-character gift message for an extra-special touch. Thymes Frasier Fir Pine Needle Candle Walmart View On Amazon $34 View On Thymes.com This candle will bring a piece of the outdoors inside, providing their space with a refreshing, woodsy feel. Evoking scents of Siberian fir, sandalwood, musk, and cedarwood, and adorned with a leaf design, this pick will beautifully complement any Christmas tree. Questions and Answers Which types of candles should you give to someone who prefers less powerful scents? If you know someone who is either sensitive to certain smells or just prefers candles with a less powerful scent, it’s recommended that you give them candles that have essential oils. We also suggest buying candles with either soy, coconut, or beeswax. These types of wax are known to produce subtle scent throw, and are better for the air quality within your home. Note that paraffin wax has been known to release more soot and smoke when burned. Paraffin wax candles have a stronger scent throw than other wax types. What are some good gift ideas to give with a candle? While candles are great on their own, there are plenty of ways to go the extra mile and add something special to your candle gift. "The home decor world is your oyster when it comes to gifts that go with candles," says Chikumbu. "You can get trays or hurricanes to hold the candles. You can add intricate candle accessories like wick trimmers, wick dippers, and candle snuffers in a color that matches the recipient's home decor. I personally love gifting candle lamp warmers to help your friends and family get the candle sent with no flame. Lastly, I love sending a coffee table book that people can display a candle on top of." How much should you spend on a candle as a gift? As with any gift, the thought is more important than the price—and there are candles that fit every budget. "Always buy what works for your budget and smells great to you," says Chikumbu. "I love $6 candles and $200 candles." But, "in general, if you want a candle that smells interesting, has a beautiful vessel, and comes from a prominent brand, you need to spend a little more, starting at around $30. But ultimately, it's the thought that counts. Home fragrance is supposed to uplift your space and not break the bank." Kenner agrees: "When determining your budget, base it on the value of that connection. Are you purchasing a candle because it represents something special for you or someone you care for? Choose a price point that feels right to you in order to share that special moment again and again." Why Trust Southern Living This article is written by Jamie Fischer, commerce writer at Dotdash Meredith. She focuses on home and lifestyle products, and helping readers make informed shopping decisions. For expert tips on what to look for in candle gifts, we spoke to Jasmine Kenner, product developer for Homesick Candles, and candle influencer, Kudzi Chikumbu, better known as Sir Candle Man. Moriah Mason, a commerce writer for Southern Living, also contributed to this article. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit