53 of the Best Candles to Gift This Year

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).

AT Candles to Gift 2021

1. Foraged Wildberry Large Jar Candle

   Voluspa

   $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.

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2. Half Baked Pumpkin Smash Candle

   Snif

   $34

   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.

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3. Peanuts Bundle

   P.F. Candle Co.

   $71.40 (was $84)

   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.

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4. Lumira Arabian Oud Scented Candle

   Neiman Marcus

   $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.

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5. FRIENDS Central Perk Candle

   Homesick

   $34.95

   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?

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6. Grove Co. “Homemade” Soy Candle

   Grove Collaborative

   $17.49

   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.

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7. Botanik Candle - Heirloom Tomato

   ABC Carpet & Home

   $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.

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8. Caldrea Sea Salt Neroli Candle

   Amazon

   $18.90

   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.

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9. Firewood Ceramic Candle

   Apotheke

   $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.

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10. Loewe Small Coriander Candle

    Bergdorf Goodman

    $110

    Loewe homewares are all the rage, so if there's someone on your shopping list you love a little extra, splurge on this dazzling ribbed vessel for them. The fresh coriander-scented candle will become their favorite piece of home decor, and they can even repurpose the branded container after using it up.

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11. Allswell 2-Wick Spa Candle - Calm

    Walmart

    $12.87

    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 plenty considering the price.

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12. The Candle in Odd Woods

    East Fork

    $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.

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13. Diptyque Baies Candle

    Neiman Marcus

    $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.

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14. Banana Pudding Candle

    Boy Smells

    $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.

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15. REPLICA Beach Vibes Scented Candle

    Sephora

    $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!

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16. Champs de France Candle

    Rifle Paper Co.

    $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.

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17. ROOT Sugared Grapefruit Candle

    QVC.com

    $26.23

    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.

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18. Harlem Candle Company Speakeasy Luxury Candle

    Amazon

    $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.

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19. Bottomless Mimosas Candle

    Anecdote Candles

    $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.

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20. Williams Sonoma Fleur de Sel Candle

    Williams Sonoma

    $24.95

    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!

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21. Cardamom Milk Candle

    Otherland

    $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.

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22. Tortoise Glass Candle - Vetiver Oud

    West Elm

    $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.

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23. Black Blaze Green Curl Curl Candle

    SSENSE

    $50

    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.

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24. David Statue-Inspired Candle

    Etsy

    $25.99

    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.

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25. Being Frenshe Palo Santo Sage Reset Candle

    Target

    $10.99

    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.

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26. Honeycomb Porcelain Bee Candle

    Williams Sonoma

    $74.95

    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.

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27. Anecdote Candles Comfort Zone

    Amazon

    $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.

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28. Rosemary & Bergamot Soy Candle

    Fernweh

    $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.

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29. Modern Sprout Glow & Grow Scented Candle Kit

    Food52

    $42

    How's this for a gifting twofer? This interactive kit starts out as a scented soy-blend candle and includes the supplies to turn it into a fully functioning planter after it's done burning. It comes with the candle and container, seeds, plant food, soilless grow medium, and active carbon (aka everything they need to get growing).

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30. Ojai Lavender Candle

    P.F. Candle Co.

    $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.

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31. Mushroom Glass Candle

    Urban Outfitters

    $20 (was $28)

    Have a friend or family member who's big on tasteful style that skews funky? They'll love this mushroom-shaped glass candle, available at Urban Outfitters. Score it in the Nirvana scent, which has notes of patchouli, tonka, jasmine, and nectar.

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32. Black Currant 3-Wick Soy Candle

    Public Goods

    $39.95

    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.

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33. Literie Parade Morning Candle

    Macy's

    $39.99

    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.

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34. Starter Set

    Siblings

    $69

    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.

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35. "I'd Love To But, My Dog Said No" Candle

    The 125 Collection

    $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.

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36. Flipping Tables Candle

    Literie

    $27 (was $45)

    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.

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37. Sandalwood + Pine Needle Candle

    Outdoor Fellow

    $34

    Help your giftee greet the colder months with this fresh, sandalwood-scented candle. It also has notes of citrus, amber, and eucalyptus, calling to mind a lot of pine trees in mid-winter. Customers say the fragrance fills the room without overpowering the senses, and it lingers long after you blow out the wick.

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38. Happy Hour Candle

    Brooklinen

    $29.75 (was $35)

    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.

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39. Pop Champagne Candle

    Jonathan Adler

    $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.

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40. Lulu Fresh Linen Candle

    Amazon

    $14.95

    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.

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41. Wild Tomato Vine Soy Candle

    Lockwood

    $32.95

    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.

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42. National Park Tin Candle, Yellowstone

    Terrain

    $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.

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43. Aesop Aganice Aromatique Candle

    Aesop

    $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.

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44. Hand-Poured Terrarium Candle

    Uncommon Goods

    $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.

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45. Voluspa Baltic Amber Large Jar Candle

    Voluspa

    $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.

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46. "This Candle Smells Like Me Season" Travel Candle

    The 125 Collection

    $28

    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.

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47. Floral Marshmallow Candle

    Dossier

    $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?)

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48. Capri Blue Volcano Capiz Medium Jar Candle

    Anthropologie

    $38

    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.

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49. Fresh Coffee Soy Wax Candle

    Amazon

    $19.99

    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.

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50. Boy Smells Cedar Stack Candle, 8.5 oz

    Nordstrom

    $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.

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51. The Tarot Trio

    Birthdate Candles

    $85 (was $145)

    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.

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52. NEST Almafi Lemon and Mint Candle, 8.1 oz.

    Nordstrom

    $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.

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53. Geode Candles

    Uncommon Goods

    $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.

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AT Best Candle Accessory Gifts October 2021

1. Skeem Design Glass Match Cloche

   Amazon

   $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.

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2. Waves Brass Candle Snuffer

   CB2

   $29.95

   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.

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3. Electric USB Lighter

   Amazon

   $7.99 (was $15.99)

   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.

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4. Glass Candle Warmer Lamp

   Amazon

   $28.99

   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.

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5. Paddywax Candle Wick Trimmer

   Amazon

   $20.98

   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.

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Further Reading

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