Home & Comfort

Candles

8 kinds worth knowing, 13 picks, and what to check before you buy.

Representative photo-style image of candles — generated, not a specific product
Representative image, generated

Candles work as gifts for friends, hosts and anyone settling into a new home, because almost everyone burns through them and few people buy good ones for themselves. What actually gets used tends to be simple: a scented candle in a fragrance the person already likes, or a practical pack of votive candles for everyday use. Think about the room it will live in and how strong a scent the person enjoys. A light, familiar fragrance usually beats something bold and unusual. If you're unsure about scent, unscented or natural wax options are the safer choice.

Kind 1 of 8

Candle warmers for jar candle fans

A candle warmer is a lamp or plate that melts the top layer of a jar candle from above or below, so the fragrance spreads without lighting the wick. It suits someone who already owns a shelf of jar candles, or who likes scent in a home office or apartment where an open flame isn't practical. Before buying, check what size of jar it fits, whether the lamp style matches their decor, and whether it has a timer or dimmer. A lamp-style warmer also works as a small accent light, which makes it feel like more than an accessory.

  • Illustration of Candle Warmer Lamp

    Curated pick$25–$50

    Candle Warmer Lamp

    Melts their favourite candles from above — scent and glow, no flame

Kind 2 of 8

Beeswax candles with a warm, natural glow

Beeswax candles have a golden colour and a faint honey smell of their own, with no added fragrance needed. Tapers look lovely on a holiday dinner table, and they suit a host, someone who prefers natural materials, or anyone who finds perfumed candles too strong. Check whether they're pure beeswax or a blend, since labels vary. For tapers, confirm the base diameter fits standard candle holders, or pair them with a simple set of holders so the gift is ready to use.

  • Representative photo-style image of natural beeswax taper candles — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

    Natural beeswax taper candles

    These elegant, dripless candles made from pure beeswax provide a warm, natural glow and a subtle honey aroma, perfect for formal settings.

Kind 3 of 8

Soy wax candles for everyday burning

Soy wax candles are made from plant-based wax and are usually sold in jars or tins. They tend to have a softer, creamier look and suit a friend who cares about where things come from or likes a lower-key scent. Before buying, read the label to see whether it's all soy or a blend, and look at the wick type and container. A reusable jar or tin adds value once the candle is finished, especially for someone who likes to repurpose containers.

  • Representative photo-style image of eco-friendly soy wax candle — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

    Eco-friendly soy wax candle

    Crafted from natural soy wax, this candle offers a cleaner, longer-lasting burn and often carries essential oil-based fragrances.

Kind 4 of 8

Scented candles people actually burn

Scented candles are the classic gift in this category, from a single jar to a themed candle or a holiday trio. They suit almost anyone, but scent is personal, so the best choice leans on what you already know about the person: fresh and clean, woodsy, sweet or seasonal. Check the fragrance notes rather than just the name, and think about room size. A large multi-wick bowl fills a living room, while a smaller jar suits a bedroom or bathroom. A trio lets them try a few scents without committing to one.

  • Illustration of Book Lover's Scented Candle

    Curated pick$15–$25

    Book Lover's Scented Candle

    A candle that smells like old libraries and rainy reading days. Readers get it.

  • Representative photo-style image of aromatic scented jar candle — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

    Aromatic scented jar candle

    This classic gift brings comforting fragrance and a warm glow to any living space, perfect for creating a relaxing atmosphere.

  • Representative photo-style image of large multi-wick bowl candle — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Large multi-wick bowl candle

    Designed for a powerful fragrance throw and impressive visual impact, this large candle is perfect for open-concept living areas or outdoor patios.

Kind 5 of 8

Advent candles to count down December

Advent candles mark the weeks or days before Christmas. Traditionally that means four candles for an Advent wreath, but candle calendars with a small candle behind each door have become a popular take on the idea. They suit families, people who keep seasonal traditions, or a friend who enjoys a small daily ritual. The timing matters most: give it by late November so it can be used from the start. Check the number of candles and whether they're scented, since some people prefer unscented for a dinner table.

Kind 6 of 8

Votives and tealights for easy ambience

Votive candles and tealights are small, affordable-feeling candles meant to be used in quantity: lined along a mantel, scattered across a table or tucked into lanterns. They make a practical gift for a host who entertains often or a new homeowner filling up a space. Check the size, since votives and tealights aren't interchangeable, and make sure they'll fit holders the person already owns. Unscented sets are the most versatile, because they won't compete with food at the table.

  • Representative photo-style image of assorted votive candle gift set — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

    Votive candles

    This collection of smaller, often scented candles allows the recipient to sample various fragrances or create layered scents in different rooms.

  • Representative photo-style image of versatile tealight candle pack — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually under $15

    Versatile tealight candle pack

    A bulk pack of small, versatile candles provides many hours of gentle light for multiple decorative holders or warmers.

Kind 7 of 8

Wax warmers for scent without a wick

A wax warmer heats small scented wax melts in a dish, releasing fragrance without a burning wick. It suits someone who likes to switch scents often, since a single melt can be swapped out in minutes. Some use a tealight underneath and others plug in, so check which kind you're buying and where it will sit. Look at the dish size and how easy it is to clean. Pairing the warmer with a few packs of melts in scents they like makes it a complete gift.

Kind 8 of 8

Citronella candles for patio season

Citronella candles carry a sharp, lemony scent and are mostly used outdoors on decks, docks and patios during summer evenings. They suit a cottage owner, a new homeowner with a backyard, or anyone who spends a lot of time outside in warmer months. As a Christmas gift they're a little out of season, so they work best tucked into a bigger outdoor-living or cottage-themed bundle. Check the container, since a sturdy bucket or tin holds up better outdoors than glass.

  • Representative photo-style image of outdoor citronella pest repellent candle — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

    Outdoor citronella pest repellent candle

    This functional candle, infused with citronella oil, helps create a more comfortable outdoor environment for gatherings on patios or decks.

How to choose candles as a gift

  • Match the scent to something the person already enjoys, like their favourite season, drink or perfume, rather than guessing at something bold.
  • When you don't know their taste, choose unscented, beeswax or a light, clean fragrance that won't overwhelm a room.
  • Think about where the candle will go: large multi-wick candles suit living rooms, while smaller jars work better in bedrooms and bathrooms.
  • For hosts, practical packs of votives or tealights often get used more than a single decorative candle.
  • A candle warmer or wax warmer makes a thoughtful gift for someone who already owns plenty of candles.

Usually safe to skip

  • Very strong or unusual scents often end up unused, because fragrance preferences are personal and hard to guess.
  • Novelty candles shaped like objects or characters tend to sit on a shelf since people don't want to burn them.
  • Tapers or votives in odd sizes can miss if they don't fit the holders the person already owns.

Questions people ask about candles

What scent of candle makes a good gift for someone I don't know well?
Light, familiar scents like vanilla, fresh linen, citrus or a soft woodsy blend are the easiest to like. For a host or coworker, an unscented or beeswax candle avoids the risk of choosing a fragrance they dislike.
Is a candle warmer a good gift for someone who loves candles?
Yes, especially for someone with a collection of jar candles. A warmer melts the wax so the scent fills the room without lighting the wick. Check that it fits the jar sizes they usually buy.
What's the difference between soy wax and beeswax candles?
Soy wax is plant-based and usually carries added fragrance well, so it's common in scented jar candles. Beeswax is made by bees, has a natural golden colour and faint honey smell, and is often sold as tapers or pillars without added scent.

Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.

Everything else

All candles picks

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