52 of the Best Candles to Gift This Year

Amy Gordon
Amy GordonContributor
From the garden to the kitchen to the bedroom, Amy can't stop herself from constantly switching up the style in her living space. When she's not working as a writer and editor, you can (try to) find her traveling the world, hibernating with a great book, and swimming with sea…read more
Nikol Slatinska
Nikol SlatinskaShopping Writer, Home
In my role at Apartment Therapy, I'm most passionate about making my home look beautiful and organized and helping our readers do the same — often at a discount. Although I cover my fair share of newsy pieces, my work focuses on long-form service articles that help our audience…read more
updated Nov 23, 2024
Apartment Therapy received compensation for this post, which was written and edited independently by our editorial team.
Post Image
Credit: Daria Minaeva/Shutterstock

Is it just us, or do candles make everything better? No matter how busy life feels, lighting a candle is one of the simplest ways to create a calming and meditative atmosphere right at home. Naturally, when it comes to events and celebrations, candles make a great gift. Not only do they evoke all the senses and come in beautiful packaging, but each candle’s aroma is unique and exciting. With so many options out there, you can get creative when choosing a scent or vessel that speaks to a friend or family member’s personal style, hobbies, and interests.

Whether you’re on the hunt for a candle to wrap up for a holiday gift, bridal shower, engagement party, or another occasion, the following picks smell just as nice as they look — simply pair ’em with a chic box of matches and you’ve got a winning present. Read on for a treasure trove of chic and unique candles our editors are fired up about right now (pun most definitely intended).

From our partner
HomeWorx by Slatkin + Co. Apple Pie Cookie Candle
$30$15

Ever see a candle with a name that sounds so good, you want to eat it? That's how we're feeling about this Apple Pie Cookie candle, which is a bestseller on QVC. Boasting more than 980 five-star ratings, the Slatkin + Co. find is actually available in a seemingly endless number of appetizing scents, including Cinnamon Sugar Marshmallow, Banana Maple Pancakes, and Espresso Martini. If you're having a hard time narrowing it down to just one, get multiple!

$15 at QVC.com
Foraged Wildberry Large Jar Candle
$34

One of Voluspa's newest releases, the Foraged Wildberry candle is at once tart and berry-fresh, while also scenting your home with notes of amber for that cozy autmumnal feel. It's hand-poured in California using a clean-burning proprietary coconut wax blend, and it comes in a wide variety of sizes.

$34 at Voluspa
Half Baked Pumpkin Smash Candle
$34$27

Snif is a master at coming up with niche, thoughtful fragrances. For fall, it has re-released a fan-favorite: the Half Baked Pumpkin Smash candle. Encased in a chic ribbed vessel, the scent features scrumptious notes of cardamom, brûléed orange, whiskey accord, and salted maple. Be sure to check out the Half Baked Apple Cider Smash candle, made in collaboration with Half Baked Harvest's Tieghan Gerard, while you're at it.

$27 at Snif
From our partner
Allswell 2-Wick Spa Candle - Calm
$13

Walmart shoppers can't get enough of this affordable yet luxurious candle, which will make your giftee's home feel like a high-end spa. The scent is characterized by notes of coconut, citrus, and amber. What’s more, the 15-ounce size offers a burn time of 60 hours, which is incredible, espeically considering the price.

$13 at Walmart
Peanuts Bundle
$84$71

We wait all year for brands' fall and winter holiday collections because they usually evoke those warm and fuzzy feelings of childhood nostalgia. Case in point: P.F. Candle Co.'s new Peanuts collection. The line features three diverse scents that you can shop separately or in this bundle. But let's be honest — the main draw here is that adorable Snoopy packaging.

$71 at P.F. Candle Co.
Lumira Arabian Oud Scented Candle
$80

Lumira's Arabian Oud perfume is so good, you'll want your entire home to smell like it. And with this candle, it can! The scent arrives in a chic black vessel and burns slowly and subtly, so it won't overpower the space. But the payoff is totally worth it; we have a feeling your giftee hasn't smelled anything quite like this elevated fragrance.

$80 at Neiman Marcus
FRIENDS Central Perk Candle
$35

The FRIENDS lover in your life is bound to get a kick out of this candle. With notes of espresso, coffee, brick, caramel, steamed milk, vanilla bean, mocha, sugar cane, and heavy cream, the Central Perk candle is a delectable coffee-scented candle designed to transport you to the iconic Greenwich Village coffeehouse that served as the gang’s favorite haunt. Could this gift be any more perfect?

$35 at Homesick
Grove Co. “Homemade” Soy Candle
$17

One of the best fall activities is baking sweet treats, and once it’s time to wash all those mixing bowls, you can light this candle. It has notes of vanilla, brown sugar, and sandalwood, it’s made of plant-based ingredients and essential oils, and it’s cruelty-free. Your loved one will also love lighting this cozy and comforting candle during sunset and unwinding with a cup of tea.

$17 at Grove Collaborative
Botanik Candle - Heirloom Tomato
$42

Tomato candles were a surprising trend this year, and we understand if you're hesitant to try one. But the sleek green vessel of this Botanik candle is unignorable, and you'll also find its scent to be fresh, rich, and green. Don't be shocked if you feel instantly transported to a verdant garden upon sniffing it.

$42 at ABC Carpet & Home
Caldrea Sea Salt Neroli Candle
$24$23

Caldrea makes some of our favorite toxin-free surface cleaners for the home. With this Neroli-scented candle, you can follow up your cleaning routine with a divine fragrance that'll make your surroundings feel that much more spotless. At under $20, this candle is one of the best budget-friendly options we've come across.

$23 at Amazon
Firewood Ceramic Candle
$48

For those who prefer a deeper, smokier fragrance, get this Firewood-scented candle. It'll imbue their space with a smooth blend of cardamom, nutmeg, and cedarwood. With winter coming up, there's no better pick to mimic the smell of a crackling fire.

$48 at Apotheke
Royal Pine Deluxe
$36

Gift them the ultimate winter candle with Vacation's Royal Pine Deluxe candle. Pre-packed in a gorgeous gift box, this candle features the brand's signature Three Pine Blend of Balsam pine accord, Siberian pine needle, and imported Norwegian spruce, resulting in a candle that is, as the brand states, "The pinnacle of pine-scented candles."

$36 at Vacation
The Candle in Odd Woods
$68

An important part of every holiday gathering is the decor, and this woodsy-smelling candle makes an excellent tabletop addition. It contains notes of cedar leaf, tobacco flower, cypress, and palo santo, which combine to create a smoky but entirely pleasant smell. And of course, the soy candle is encased in East Fork's beloved stoneware.

$68 at East Fork
Diptyque Baies Candle
$74

Nothing says “luxury” like a high-end candle, and Diptyque is well-regarded as the best of the best. This Baies scent — featuring fruity and fresh notes of roses and blackcurrant — is universally loved and among their most popular, making it a near-guarantee that your recipient will also be a fan.

$74 at Neiman Marcus
Banana Pudding Candle
$48

Boy Smells’ Banana Pudding candle is inspired by the super popular dessert from NYC’s iconic Magnolia Bakery. A blend of beeswax and undyed coconut, the editor-loved candle has top notes of creamy banana and elemi; middle notes of jasmine petals, davana, and cardamom; and base notes of cedar, patchouli, and guiaiac. Translation? It's subtle yet complex, light but slightly smoky — everything you'd want in a candle made to model one of the most iconic desserts.

$48 at Boy Smells
REPLICA Beach Vibes Scented Candle
$70

REPLICA candles are always a flex and not too overwhelming, making this beachy number a surefire crowd-pleaser. It's the perfect present for the friend who wishes it was perpetually summer. You might even grab the matching perfume to create the ultimate scent gift set!

$70 at Sephora
Champs de France Candle
$36

Rifle Paper Co.'s designs are so dainty and feminine, and we're not just talking about the brand's notebooks. This lavender-scented candle is beautiful in a delicate way and will transport your bestie to the South of France. The packaging is so pretty, too, they won't want to throw it away.

$36 at Rifle Paper Co.
ROOT Sugared Grapefruit Candle
$26

One candle that never fails to make us smile is ROOT's Sugared Grapefruit candle. In fact, one of our editors discovered the scent on a family trip and fell in love with its warm, citrusy aroma. ROOT also has other scents available on QVC, including Lavender Vanilla and Coastal Sunrise.

$26 at QVC.com
Harlem Candle Company Speakeasy Luxury Candle
$48

Charm someone with a dark glass-held candle that evokes the mysterious, hidden charms of a speakeasy with notes of cardamom, Bourbon, plum blossom, tobacco, and palo santo. Best of all, it's made in the USA by a Black- and woman-owned company.

$48 at Amazon
Bottomless Mimosas Candle
$34

Few things are as fun as brunch and mimosas, except for this candle. It leads with juicy notes of blood orange, bergamot, and grapefruit, plus a hint of earthiness to really feel like you’re enjoying your brunch cocktail outside on a sunny day. It’s available in three sizes, including a travel tin, a standard jar, and a boxed tumbler.

$34 at Anecdote Candles
Williams Sonoma Fleur de Sel Candle
$25

Help your loved one add a subtle pop of color to their countertop by gifting them this charming Williams Sonoma candle. Characterized by notes of verbena, lily, and sandalwood, it's a seaside escape without being too on-the-nose beachy. Plus, it has a burn time of 30 hours!

$25 at Williams Sonoma
Cardamom Milk Candle
$40

Otherland has some of the most deliciously scented candles, but Cardomom Milk has to be one of their yummiest ones. Inspired by a mug of frothy milk laced with freshly crushed cardamom, the warm scent is the perfect blend of spicy and savory.

$40 at Otherland
Tortoise Glass Candle - Vetiver Oud
$32

After an easy and design-forward West Elm gift idea? This glass tortoise candle perfectly illuminates the pretty pattern whenever it’s lit. Soothing scents of ozone, jasmine, incense, oud, vetiver, tonka, and jasmine petals add to the allure, too.

$32 at West Elm
Black Blaze Green Curl Curl Candle
$50$35

Add a sculptural touch to your living area with this modern curved candle. In addition to its eye-catching silhouette, we were also drawn to the candle's pretty seafoam green color. You can set the candle directly on a table or place a decorative tray underneath if you want to be extra careful. Regardless, this large structured decor piece is sure to be a real compliment-getter.

$35 at SSENSE
David Statue-Inspired Candle
$26

There are busts, and then there are… candle busts of Michelangelo’s David, handmade by The Cali Candles. A bestseller for a reason, this soy wax piece looks worthy of a museum — or, you know, your bedside table. Bring this home in any color and a variety of homey scents.

$26 at Etsy
Being Frenshe Palo Santo Sage Reset Candle
$11

Ashley Tisdale's Being Frenshe line for Target might've gone viral for its enticing bodycare scents, but the collection also includes some pretty fabulous candles. The Palo Santo Sage scent is earthy, woody, and has bright notes of eucalyptus, ylang ylang, and cleansing palo santo. The blend aims to bring you back down to earth and help you achieve a relaxing environment.

$11 at Target
Honeycomb Porcelain Bee Candle
$75

You might be familiar with Williams Sonoma's best-selling Honeycomb collection, which includes this adorable hive-shaped candle. It lends color and texture to any surface with its honeycomb pattern and gold accents. And of course, the candle smells amazing, to boot, with its notes of lilac, vanilla, and clementine.

$75 at Williams Sonoma
Anecdote Candles Comfort Zone
$26

Give your recipient the gift of a perfect zen moment with this beautiful hand-poured candle by Anecdote. According to its packaging, it smells quite literally like the joy of missing out (with notes of coffee and cedarwood). It would make the coziest stocking stuffer or winter birthday gift.

$26 at Amazon
Rosemary & Bergamot Soy Candle
$45

Inspired by Mediterranean landscapes, this inviting candle boasts vibrant notes of lily, musk, vanilla, and, of course, bergamot and rosemary. It's perfect for people who dream of summer all year long, no matter how dreary it gets outside. Pick up a full size, or opt for one of the smaller trios.

$45 at Fernweh
Ojai Lavender Candle
$24

Love the taste of a refreshing lavender lemonade? Well, you can enjoy it in candle form, too. This scent features the scent of Ojai, California's famous lavender farms, and channels the orange groves and mountains found in the area, resulting in a beautiful herbal citrus scent that's both relaxing and invigorating.

$24 at P.F. Candle Co.
Made In Kitchen Candle 3-Piece Set
$147$89

Designed specifically to fight kitchen smells, Made In's Kitchen Candles are a triumph any candle lover will love having in their cooking space. Coming in three scents — Zest of Lemon, Pinch of Salt, Tear of Basil — you can buy them individually or gift them in a set of three for the ultimate feel-good (and smell-good) gift.

$89 at Made In
Black Currant 3-Wick Soy Candle
$40

If you know your giftee is into fresh, fruity scents, be sure to hit up Public Goods' candle section, where you'll find this plastic-free, upcycle-ready soy candle. The Black Currant scent smells fruity in a sweet way, while earthy notes add complexity. We also love its acacia wood lid, hence the plastic-free element.

$40 at Public Goods
Literie Parade Morning Candle
$40

If your giftee can't get to NYC to see the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in person, this Literie candle is the next best thing. It's inspired by the hot chocolate that chilly paradegoers drink as they watch the action from the sidelines, and it features illustrations of the famous star-shaped balloons.

$40 at Macy's
Starter Set
$74

If you have a family member or friend who’s sustainably minded, they’ll love a gift from Siblings, an impressive brand that’s dedicated to creating candles with natural coconut wax and plant-based packaging that’s 60 percent compostable. We love their Starter Set, which features a brass vessel that your giftee can use over and over again, along with the brand's best-selling scent: No. 1, a mix of rose, citrus, and oakmoss.

$74 at Siblings
"I'd Love To But, My Dog Said No" Candle
$38

Forget FOMO — this candle is perfect for the dog-parent-meets-homebody, with 80 hours of burn time to enjoy during a quiet evening on the couch. It features bold and energetic floral scents mixed with lavender, sage, pine flowers, tobacco, and vanilla, among other intoxicating notes they’ll get lost in for hours.

$38 at The 125 Collection
Flipping Tables Candle
$45$27

Have someone on your list who is obsessed with the "Real Housewives"? Any fan would be thrilled to receive a candle from Literie's Bravo-inspired line. Flipping Tables is a tribute to one of the most iconic New Jersey moments, but others, like Go to Sleep! and Nine Lemons in a Bowl, reference other shows in the franchise.

$27 at Literie
Happy Hour Candle
$35$26

It's always Happy Hour with this scrumptious candle from Brooklinen. It's made from a soy-coconut wax blend, with notes of citrus, cedar, rosemary, and eucalyptus. Pair it with a bottle of wine or booze for a themed gift they'll absolutely love — even better if you can enjoy it together.

$26 at Brooklinen
Pop Champagne Candle
$58

This gorgeous rose gold candle would make the perfect housewarming or holiday gift for a friend who just moved into a new place. It looks just as pretty as it smells, with notes of pink grapefruit, raspberry, and French cassis, among other ethereal scents. You could also purchase this one for yourself (we aren’t above a self-gifting moment) and place it on your nightstand or bathroom for a feminine, metallic touch.

$58 at Jonathan Adler
Lulu Fresh Linen Candle
$15

Made with eco-friendly soy wax, this budget-friendly candle is vegan and paraben-free, so you’ll feel good about gifting it. The black-and-white packaging is also clean and minimal, so it’s a versatile décor item that could be put on display just about anywhere. It’ll make your recipient’s home smell like a fresh batch of laundry.

$15 at Amazon
Wild Tomato Vine Soy Candle
$33

Add some ambiance to your kitchen — without completely confusing your tastebuds — with this garden-scented candle. It smells uncannily like a fresh-from-the-vine tomato in the peak of summer, lending a light and early scent to any space.

$33 at Lockwood
National Park Tin Candle, Yellowstone
$34

Looking for a gift for your favorite adventurer? Look no further than this national park-themed candle from Terrain. You can choose from a selection of flames that nod to some iconic nature destinations (think: Joshua Tree, Yosemite, and our favorite, Yellowstone). Each is scented with wilderness-inspired notes like pine needles, damp earth, and moss for a totally immersive experience.

$34 at Terrain
Aesop Aganice Aromatique Candle
$110

For the friend who's obsessed with the scent of Aesop's cult-favorite hand soap (which is probably like, everyone), consider this super-luxe candle. Formulated with vegan-friendly ingredients, it combines sophisticated notes of cardamom, mimosa, and tobacco for a sultry, yet subtle, scent. It's perfect to light on a lazy Sunday in bed or during a romantic date night.

$110 at Aesop
Hand-Poured Terrarium Candle
$27

How special are these hand-poured poppy and cactus candles? If you have a friend who loves to collect plants or has their own garden, they’ll love these miniature candles with a base that’s made from pure soy wax. The designer uses a soy blend to craft the cactus, succulent, and floral designs by hand with an artistic inspiration that’s rooted in nature and vibrant colors.

$27 at Uncommon Goods
Voluspa Baltic Amber Large Jar Candle
$34

Voluspa candles are always a favorite — especially when notes of sandalwood, vanilla, and cedar are involved. The Baltic Amber candle is poured by hand and features a special coconut wax blend with all-natural wicks that burn up to 90 percent cleaner than a 100 percent soy wax version. Its caramel color offers an extra-warm glow, upping the cozy atmosphere the candle lends to the space it's in.

$34 at Voluspa
"This Candle Smells Like Me Season" Travel Candle
$30

We are huge fans of The 125 Collection, and the brand recently launched travel-sized candles that make perfect gifts. The "This Candle Smells Like Me Season" candle is a fantastic present for someone on your list who likes to take the comforts of home with them on the road. Snag it in the best-selling Lavender + Sage scent.

$30 at The 125 Collection
Floral Marshmallow Candle
$49

Beloved on TikTok for its perfumes, Dossier also boasts a candle line that's also super popular. The collection is entirely vegan, clean, and cruelty-free, and features on-trend scent notes like spicy amber and delicate orchid. One of our favorites is the Floral Marshmallow candle, which boasts hints of marshmallow, jasmine, amber, and vanilla for a cozy candle you'll want to light every day. (Bonus: This scent is inspired by Killian's Love, Don't Be Shy perfume which is also rumoured to be Rihanna's go-to scent...and who doesn't want to smell like RiRi?)

$49 at Dossier
Capri Blue Volcano Capiz Medium Jar Candle
$40

Is there anything we can say about Anthro’s signature, best-selling candle that hasn’t already been said? Volcano is a tropical, fruity scent that quite literally never gets old. It helps that the vessels it comes in are stunning, which means it can double as a stylish piece of decor, as well.

$40 at Anthropologie
Fresh Coffee Soy Wax Candle
$20

Our editors can’t get enough of this well-loved, non-toxic candle with rave reviews. This scent is perfect for coffee drinkers or anyone who just likes the smell of freshly brewed beans. It features invigorating notes of caramel crème and mocha latte paired with Kona coffee, sugar cane, rum cream, and citron peel.

$20 at Amazon
Boy Smells Cedar Stack Candle, 8.5 oz
$48

Don’t let the embossed pink carton fool you: Cedar chips, dried tobacco, peppercorn, and dried ginger are at the core of this candle's calming-meets-masculine persona, which makes any space feel both modern, yet familiar. Coconut and beeswax are blended with a braided cotton wick to offer about 50 hours of burn time.

$48 at Nordstrom
The Tarot Trio
$145$85

Your giftee can find their future in the flames of this tarot-themed candle set from the popular Birthdate Co. candle company. Made with black soy and coconut wax (and poured into an equally chic black glass vessel), the trio comes with a booklet that walks you through setting an intention, meditating (with the help of guided prompts), and interpreting the charm that emerges in the wax after a few hours burning. Even if your loved one isn't into mysticism, they'll still appreciate these beautiful scents, which include everything from cassia root and vetiver to oud, cannabis, and allspice.

$85 at Birthdate Candles
NEST Almafi Lemon and Mint Candle, 8.1 oz.
$48

The name of this elegant candle speaks for itself. It’s infused with notes of zesty lemon, orange bergamot, and fresh mint to transport your giftee right to the Amalfi Coast. It’s offered in three sizes — votive, classic, and three-wick — so you can choose the best option for them based on the size of their home. If they’re limited on space, three small votives always look nice when arranged together.

$48 at Nordstrom
Geode Candles
$44

Talk about a hidden gem! These showstopping candles feature a blend of natural waxes that replicate the sparkle and depth of authentic geodes. Choose from Amethyst, which smells like natural bergamot and violet, or Aquamarine, which offers an aroma that’s full of fresh salt air. Best of all, your recipient can still use the vessels once the wax is gone — all they’ll have to do is insert a tea light into the center to keep the sparkle alive.

$44 at Uncommon Goods

And Don’t Forget the Accessories…

Skeem Design Glass Match Cloche
$36

Skeem Design’s glass cloche, A.K.A. a candle’s best friend, is the perfect candle accessory to invest in. The elegant, hand-blown glass container is made specifically for matches and designed to replace those not-so-display-worthy matchbooks and lighters. Store matches in the cloche container, strike them against the on-bottle flint to light, and show the cloche and candle off on a mantel or coffee table.

$36 at Amazon
Waves Brass Candle Snuffer
$30$25

The science behind this gorgeous brass candle snuffer is simple: It not only extinguishes a lit candle, but also prevents soot, smoke, and wax debris from infiltrating the living room.

$25 at CB2
Electric USB Lighter
$16$14

Ever go to light a candle, only to find out your lighter is all out of fluid? With this rechargable (yes, rechargable!) USB lighter, your giftee will get a longer-lasting flame — and you'll be doing the Earth a favor.

$14 at Amazon
Glass Candle Warmer Lamp
$40

Any candle-lover will be thrilled to get this candle-warming lamp as a gift. Instead of burning candles, it warms them with a small heat lamp and lets their aroma float around without any smoke. It also generally makes each candle last longer. Read our full review for more details.

$40 at Amazon
Paddywax Candle Wick Trimmer
$17$15

A new candle wick is usually about 1/4 inch long, but to prolong the life of a candle once it's lit, the wick should be cut each time to ensure a smooth, clean burn. This brass wick trimmer from Amazon is just $21 and is effective and sleek.

$15 at Amazon

More to Love from Apartment Therapy