The right gift choices are thoughtful gestures that delight our loved ones, a token of care and consideration that can transform an ordinary moment into a cherished memory.
Sometimes we choose an extravagant and opulent gift just because we can, and sometimes we realize that —hey!— the simple gift matters, too.
Scented candles look like understated, harmless gifts you’d be able to give your coworker. In truth, scented candles have greater ability such as to create ambiance, evoke emotions, and add warmth to living spaces. Gifting candles are perfect choices for delighting your loved ones with straightforward yet thoughtful and delightful gestures.
How To Choose the Right Candle Gift
Unlike conventional candles, the scented candle variety is imbued with fragrances catered to a specific need, such as an energizing and uplifting scent for invigoration, or a festive scent to mark holiday celebrations; an intentional, well-chosen candle can create a lasting impression when given as gifts.
Candle gifts come in all styles, shapes, and sizes, from classic pillars and votives, to intricate sculpted candles and eco-friendly coconut wax creations — each type of candle serves a unique purpose, making it easier to find the perfect gift for your loved ones.
Pillar Candles
Elegant and versatile, pillar candles are ideal for creating a warm and inviting ambiance in any room. They come in various sizes and colors, making them suitable for both everyday use and special occasions.
Votives
Compact, portable votive candles are usually no larger than your palm, perfect for adding a cozy glow to a room or creating a romantic atmosphere during an impromptu candlelit dinner.
Jar Candles
Jar candles get their name from being encased in decorative jars or containers. Jar candles are scented, so they do not only provide a warm glow but also release captivating fragrances that can transform the ambiance of a space.
Tealight Candles
Versatile and affordable, tealight candles are ideal for creating a soft, flickering glow in space-saving settings, as subtle centerpieces at home or outdoor gatherings.
Sculpted Candles
Photo by Iulia Cozlenco from Getty Images
Crafted into intricate shapes and designs, sculpted candles can be mistaken for true works of art. Sculpted candles in homes serve as decorative pieces and conversation starters.
Plant-based Wax Candles
Eco-friendly and long-lasting, plant-based wax candles, such as coconut waxes or rice bran waxes, are an excellent choice for those who encourage sustainability and are into clean-burning candles.
The Candle Gift Guide
Though it may seem like an easy selection, most people can’t get it quite right when it comes to choosing a candle gift. If you plan on getting one in the near future, here’s some quick pointers that might help you decide on the best one.
- Fragrance: Scent is the heart and soul of a candle, steering or steeling your emotions when need be — always choose fragrances that evoke positive emotions or creates a desirable ambiance, whether it’s fruity, floral, or woody.
- Wax Type: The wax of a candle does more than hold the wicks in place. Different wax types offer varying burn times and scent throw, and have different degrees of environmental impact(s). For example, soy wax candles are an alleged eco-friendly choice that is understandably costly, while paraffin wax candles are considered toxic but often more affordable.
- Candle Holder or Jar: The vessel in which the candle is presented can add an extra touch of elegance or whimsy when placed at home, or as an aesthetic side piece in the office.
- Occasion/Season: Is the candle gift for a special occasion, such as a birthday, anniversary, or holiday? Is it for an outdoor summer event, or for a fall wedding? You’ll need to consider choosing a candle that aligns with the celebration, occasion, or season, like choosing a festive fragrance for holidays like Christmas and so on — warm, spiced orange scented candles are very out of place at a spring lunch.
- Personal Touches: A fast favorite for gift decorations, adding a personalized touch, such as a handwritten note or a customized label, can make the gift even more meaningful and memorable.
The Candle Gift Guide: Candle Gift Sets
Candle gift sets —sometimes considered a triplet gift— are a fantastic option to provide a cohesive and elevated gifting experience. These sets often include a combination of candles, complementary accessories, and other thoughtful items, creating an exciting and indulgent gift experience.
You might have come across a “Spa-Inspired” candle gift set, which contains one or two aromatic, luxurious scented candles with bath salts, a loofah, and a plush robe for the ultimate relaxation experience.
Then there are the home fragrance sets: A delightful selection of votives in complementary fragrances like cinnamon and sandalwood, or tea tree and eucalyptus; a jar of either of these can bundled along with reed diffusers or room sprays, to create a harmonious scent throughout the home.
Seasonal candle sets celebrate the changing seasons and mark holiday festivities, with its collection of candles featuring more nuanced scents, such as pumpkin spice for fall or fresh citrus for spring.
If you so desire, all these candle gift sets can be beautifully paired with a matching candle snuffer, wick trimmer, or decorative tray for a cohesive and stylish final presentation.
The Candle Gift Guide: Tips for Presenting Candle Gifts
The presentation of a candle gift is a deciding factor for an overall positive experience — an extra touch of thoughtfulness and imagination can go a long way for a candle gift presentation.
- Wrap It Beautifully: Get creative and choose wrapping paper, ribbons, or boxes that complement the candle's color or theme, creating a visually appealing package. For a more elaborate presentation, assemble a themed gift basket featuring the candle, along with other complementary items like cozy blankets, gourmet treats, or relaxation essentials. Nobody will stop you from combining all those elements if you want to, to create a unique candle gift.
- Include a Heartfelt Note: It’s only a few words, but a handwritten note expressing your thanks and sentiments, or the thought behind the gift makes it even more meaningful and memorable than a hastily-packaged gift.
- Add Complementary Accessories: If candle accessories were not included in the initial gift purchase, consider adding some yourself, such as a wick trimmer, snuffer, or decorative tray — oftentimes candle accessories have to be bought later on, so you’d get brownie points for giving a complete gift right from the start.
Conclusion: Spreading Joy with Candle Gifts
Every now and then, we might need a gentle reminder to take it slow, to temporarily step outside of a world that moves too quickly for our liking — the simple act of gifting a candle can serve as a gentle reminder to slow down and appreciate the little moments that bring joy and tranquility.
In circumstances where you'd be celebrating a milestone, expressing gratitude, or simply spreading warmth and light, a thoughtfully chosen candle gift can be a cherished token of your affection and spread joy to your loved ones.
Start the change towards conscious candle gifting, and watch as your loved ones bask in the glow of your thoughtfulness.
