The holidays are a time for giving and receiving gifts as tokens of affection, appreciation and celebration. When choosing presents for friends and loved ones during the holiday season, consider giving the gift of scented candles. Scented candles make thoughtful, personalized and budget-friendly gifts that can help spread holiday cheer through the power of fragrance.
Why Give Scented Candles as Gifts?
Scented candles are a classic gift choice for many reasons. The soothing glow and aromatic scent of a candle creates an ambiance of warmth and relaxation. Scented candles are available in a diverse array of fragrances, allowing you to select options tailored to your recipient’s tastes and preferences. Floral, fruity, spicy, fresh, woodsy – the possibilities are practically endless. With some knowledge of the recipient’s favorite smells, you’re sure to find a scented candle they’ll appreciate.
The range of styles, shapes and sizes of scented candles also allows for customization and creativity when gift giving. Simple pillar candles, ornate glass containers, travel tins – you can find just the right candle vessel to suit the occasion. Thoughtfully choosing a scented candle in a style that aligns with the recipient’s aesthetic is a way to make the gift more meaningful and useful.
Scented candles also make great gifts because they can be used and enjoyed over a long period of time. A high quality scented candle may burn for 60-80 hours or more! With proper care and storage when not in use, a scented candle can provide months of lovely illumination and fragrance. A gift that continues giving long after the holidays end is always special.
Holiday Scent Trends and Ideas
Scented candles not only make sensible gifts, they allow you to add a festive touch of holiday spirit through strategic fragrance selections. Many candle companies release special seasonal scents perfect for holiday gifting. Classic Christmas tree, gingerbread, spiced cider and pine forest scents capture the essence of the season. For non-traditional recipients, consider candles with unconventional holiday scents like frosted cranberry, sugar cookie, marshmallow fireside and winter rose.
The December holidays are not the only time for scented candle gifts. Unique candle fragrances can enhance celebrations year-round. Floral and citrus scents work well for spring and summer gifting. Warm vanilla, maple and autumn leaf scents match the cozy vibes of fall. There are even candle scents that conjure specific events or interests like birthday cake, champagne, coffee house, seaside retreat and more. With a vast range of scented candles to explore, you’re sure to discover interesting options to delight candle lovers on your gift list.
If you want to get extra creative, consider combining a scented candle with complementary gift items for a complete spa, relaxation or fragrance-themed gift set. Soaps, lotions, bath bombs, essential oils and aromatherapy accessories all pair nicely with scented candles. You can also source decorative candleholders, matches, lighters and candle snuffers to enhance the candle experience. Presenting candles alongside related accoutrements shows you put thought and care into a well-rounded gift.
Gifting Etiquette with Candles
While scented candles make great presents, it’s wise to follow some basic etiquette when gifting candles. First, make sure you know whether or not the recipient actually enjoys and uses scented candles before buying them as a gift. Some people may be sensitive to fragrances, bothered by smoke or open flames, or simply not fond of candles.
If you do select candles as a gift, it’s thoughtful to consider the recipient’s home décor style, color scheme and fragrance preferences. Choose candle scents and vessels that seem tailored to their tastes so they are more likely to appreciate and use your gift.
When gifting candles, include a gift receipt or exchange information so the recipient can exchange the candle for a different scent, size or style if needed. Candle preferences can be personal, so giving the option to exchange prevents waste if your selection misses the mark.
Above all, keep gifting candles classy and avoid overtly romantic or sexual fragrances and designs unless you know they’ll be well received. Candles shaped like body parts or with sensual scent names can come across as inappropriate or offensive, rather than thoughtful.
Spreading Season’s Greetings with Scent
Scented candles are a versatile holiday gift that can express thoughtfulness, brighten spirits and set a celebratory mood. A deliciously scented, flickering candle conveys warmth, care and positive energy – everything the holiday season is about. Let scented candles infuse your holiday gifting with the transformative power of fragrance. Just breathe deep, savor the scent, and let your holidays shine a little brighter.
