Are Candles An Appropriate Gift?

Table of Contents

The Popularity of Candle Gifting

According to the National Candle Association, candles remain a popular gift choice for many occasions. In a survey, 76% of candle purchasers said they view candles as an appropriate gift for the holidays. 74% see them as a good housewarming present, while 66% think they make a nice hostess or dinner party gift (Source). The global candle market was valued at $6.37 billion in 2022, and is projected to reach $10.30 billion by 2030, demonstrating the continued demand for these giftable items (Source).

With candles being given for birthdays, holidays, hostess gifts, and more, it’s clear they remain a gifting staple. But are they always an appropriate present? Let’s explore the pros and cons of gifting candles.

Pros of Candle Gifts

Candles can make thoughtful, personal gifts for several reasons. Candles are versatile enough to work for a wide range of recipients and occasions. Certain scents, colors, shapes, or decorative elements can be selected to match the recipient’s preferences and interests (Ralphs Orchard, 2022). This allows the giver to put care into choosing a candle that feels specifically tailored to the recipient. Candles are also enjoyable sensory items that create ambiance and experiences in one’s home. Unlike some utilitarian gifts, a scented candle elicits an emotional response and atmosphere. Giving candles shows an understanding of the recipient’s need for self-care, relaxation, and experiences within their personal space.

Furthermore, quality candles are created with care using natural ingredients, appealing to the handmade artisan gift movement. Custom-blended scents or decorative vessels add a unique, bespoke touch often lacking in mass-produced gifts. Candles make suitable gifts for a wide range of budgets as well. Affordable to high-end candles exist to accommodate different financial situations when choosing a gift (Malaware, 2022). This range makes candles versatile for gift-giving among friends, co-workers, and family members.

Cons of Candle Gifts

While candles can make great gifts in the right context, they also have some potential downsides to consider:

They can seem impersonal or generic – According to an article by the LA Times, candles are sometimes seen as a “basic” or unoriginal gift that doesn’t demonstrate much thought or effort from the giver. Some recipients may feel like candles are the “easy way out” compared to a more tailored, meaningful gift.

They might not align with the recipient’s needs or preferences – Before gifting a candle, it’s important to consider if the recipient actually enjoys and uses candles regularly. If not, a scented candle could simply take up space and go unused. Opting for a more customized gift shows you care about the recipient’s unique interests.

Certain types could irritate allergies or sensitivities – Candles often have strong scents, so gifting one with an overpowering fragrance could cause issues for people with allergies or scent sensitivities. It’s best to know the recipient well before gifting a scented candle.

There’s a risk of started fires – Though rare, there is always a safety concern when gifting candles, as they present a fire hazard if left burning unattended. This may make some recipients uncomfortable having one in their home.

Candle Gift Etiquette

When selecting a candle as a gift for someone, it’s important to consider proper etiquette regarding price range, scent selection, and packaging. An ideal candle gift demonstrates thoughtfulness about the recipient’s preferences and needs.

In terms of price, candles can range from very inexpensive to quite luxurious. For a close friend or family member, spending $15-$50 on a high quality candle in a beautiful container is often appropriate. For acquaintances or colleagues, a candle in the $10-$25 range works well. Expensive, luxury candles around $100 are best reserved for very close loved ones or as a lavish gift for a special occasion.

Choosing the right scent also requires some insight into what fragrances the recipient enjoys. Opt for universally crowd-pleasing scents like vanilla, lavender, citrus, or clean cotton for those whose preferences you don’t know well. If they love baking, try a sugary bakery scent; for nature lovers, an earthy forest or ocean breeze. Taking note of scents they wear in perfumes or lotions can provide guidance.

Attractive yet practical packaging is ideal for a candle gift. Tins or glass containers with secure lids allow for mess-free storage between uses. Decorative boxes, gift bags or wrapping paper help present the gift beautifully. Adding a personalized card with a warm message makes it extra thoughtful.

Following basic etiquette around price, scent, and packaging elevates a simple candle into a heartfelt gift.

Types of Candles

There are many types of candles to choose from when selecting a candle gift. Some of the most popular options include:

Scented Candles – These candles have added fragrances to give off a pleasant aroma when lit. Popular scented candle options include floral, fruity, baking, and seasonal scents. Scented candles can help create a relaxing or inviting environment.

Unscented Candles – For those who prefer candles without added scents, unscented candles are a good option. They allow you to enjoy the ambiance of a lit candle without any aroma. Unscented candles are ideal for those sensitive to scents.

Pillar Candles – These tall, cylindrical candles are a classic candle style. Pillar candles look elegant and make great gifts. They come in a wide range of sizes, colors, and scents.

Votive Candles – Votive candles are small, round candles usually set in glass containers. Their small size makes them versatile to use in candle holders, on tables, or in groups. Votives are affordable and available scented or unscented.

Other Candle Gift Ideas

In addition to candles themselves, there are some other creative candle-related gifts to consider:

Candle holders come in a wide variety of styles, colors, shapes and materials. A beautiful candle holder, like a sculptural glass or ceramic piece, can be displayed even when not holding a candle. Candle holders often match a friend or family member’s decor. They are available at various price points. Decorative or unusual candle holders can make a lovely, thoughtful gift
(Source: https://www.pinterest.com/ideas/candle-bags/925149969369/).

Wax melts are small cubes of scented wax that are warmed in a melter to fill a room with fragrance. These melts come in an endless array of scents, like floral, bakery, spa and seasonal smells. Wax melt lovers will appreciate a gift basket or set of their favorite scents or novelty warmers. The gift can be customized to the recipient’s taste.
(Source: https://luxebougie.com/candle-gift-ideas-for-every-occasion-from-birthdays-to-housewarmings/).

Pre-packaged candle gift sets take the guesswork out of candle gifting. Sets may include candles, melts, holders and other coordinating accessories. Sets are available in themes like relaxation, motivation, or seasonal celebrations. A candle lover is sure to enjoy receiving a matching, ready-to-give candle gift set.

Gifting by Occasion

Candles can make great gifts for certain occasions throughout the year. Here are some of the best times to give candle gifts:

Birthdays

For birthdays, a scented candle customized with the recipient’s name or birthdate makes a thoughtful present. Go for their favorite scent like vanilla, lavender, or citrus. Present the candle gift beautifully wrapped or arrange it in a basket with other small treats.

Holidays

Holiday scented candles like pine, peppermint, or spiced cider are festive gifts during Christmas, Hanukkah, or winter celebrations. Arrange red, green, or gold candles in a decorative tin or jar tied with ribbon.

Hostess Gifts

When invited to someone’s home for dinner or a party, a scented candle is a classic hostess gift. Choose an inviting scent like cinnamon bun, fresh laundry, or apple pie. Add a handwritten note thanking them for their hospitality.

Making It Personal

One of the best ways to make a candle gift special is by personalizing it. There are a few key ways to customize a candle gift:

Custom labels – Many candle makers offer the option to add a custom label with the recipient’s name, a special date, or a meaningful quote or message. This adds a personal touch. For example, see this customizable birthday candle on Etsy (https://www.etsy.com/listing/1552613211/birthday-gift-candle-customized-candle).
Custom scents – Selecting a scent meaningful to the recipient makes a candle gift more thoughtful. Consider their favorite flower, season, food, or memory.
Unique containers – Placing a candle in a one-of-a-kind container like a pretty etched glass or ceramic holder gives a handmade feel. Or reuse a container special to the recipient, like an antique jar.

Taking the time to customize a candle really shows care and makes the gift more memorable. A personalized candle becomes a keepsake representing your relationship.

Candle Gift Alternatives

If you decide candles aren’t the right gift, there are plenty of other unique and thoughtful options to consider instead. Here are some candle gift alternatives to think about:

Ceramic tumblers or mugs – These are great for coffee or tea lovers and allow them to enjoy their favorite hot beverage in style (https://www.sheknows.com/living/slideshow/1841512/gifts-for-everyone/).

High quality linens or sheet sets – Who doesn’t love cozy bedding? Nice sheets or linens make a luxurious and useful gift (https://www.sheknows.com/living/slideshow/1841512/gifts-for-everyone/).

Personalized decor – Consider a customized piece like a framed print or photo, embroidered pillow, or engraved trinket box. Add a personal touch without gifting a scented item (https://www.womansday.com/relationships/family-friends/g4548/personalized-gifts/).

Food gifts – Try a gourmet food basket, cheeseboard, fancy olive oils, artisanal honey, or other edible indulgences. These let them enjoy a tasty experience (https://www.marthastewart.com/1510185/food-gifts).

Pampering kits – Pamper them with a gift basket of luxe bath soaps, lotions, face masks, candles, cozy socks, chocolate, and more. Choose unscented options (https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/gift-ideas/g4598/diy-pampering-gifts/).

With so many gift ideas to pick from, you can find a thoughtful option that suits their style without necessarily gifting a scented candle.

Conclusion

In summary, candles can make thoughtful and meaningful gifts if chosen carefully for the recipient. Consider the occasion, the person’s preferences, safety factors, and any sensitivities to scents or flames. Quality candles like soy, beeswax, or natural wax candles tend to be safest and longest-lasting. Pairing candles with other items can create a more well-rounded gift. Presentation is also key – choose attractive jars, boxes, or bags to elevate the gift. While candles are classic, versatile options, also consider candle alternatives like essential oil diffusers, scented soaps or lotions, or warm lighting like salt lamps if appropriate. The most important thing is putting care and effort into choosing a gift that fits the recipient’s interests and brings them joy.