Your guide to candle gifting this holiday season
Gifting candles is a bit like gifting jewelry. Most people love receiving them, but everyone has their preferences.
Some like their jewelry minimal and understated. Others prefer bold statement pieces, gold over silver, or a little sparkle. Candles are no different. Some people love a scent that fills the entire room, while others prefer something subtle. Some gravitate toward fresh, outdoorsy notes, while others want all the vanilla, spice, and sweetness.
Yet, candles are a very common gift during the holidays, and it is one that has a high potential for going wrong. But when you get it right, it lets the other person know you know them, and they’ll think of you every time they light it.
So, what makes a candle the right one for someone? Here are five things to consider before adding one to your cart.
1. First things first. Do they actually burn candles?
This should go without saying, but it's a good place to start. Do they light candles at home? Do they wear perfume or enjoy scented products?
If the answer is yes, you're already on the right track. If you're not sure, think about whether they've ever complimented a candle in your home or mentioned a scent they love.
And if they're not big on fragrance, a candle might not be the best fit. It doesn’t matter how much you like it. If they’re not into smells, they will likely not appreciate a candle.
2. How loud do they like their scents?
Think of this as the difference between a statement necklace and a delicate chain. Neither is better. It's all about personal taste. Some people love a candle that makes its presence known the moment they walk into a room. Others prefer something softer that creates a little atmosphere without taking over, like white noise.
If you’re not sure where they land, pay attention to the perfumes they wear. Do they wear big bold fragrances, or lighter, fresher scents? If you’ve been to their home, take note of how it smells too. Their home fragrance can offer a few clues.
Light scents: Hygge, White Tree, PumpkinHead, London Fog, Drinking Season
Loud scents: Winchester, The First Drop, Black Pearl, Spice Up Your Lif
3. Get to know their scent personality
Fresh or sweet? Woody or floral? Clean and crisp, or warm and spicy?
Just as with personal style, everyone has their own preferences when it comes to fragrance. Someone who loves the outdoors might gravitate toward fresh, green, or woodsy notes, while someone with a sweet tooth might appreciate something warm and gourmand.
Look at the bigger picture, too. Are they drawn to fresh laundry scents, floral perfumes, smoky woods, or the smell of something baking in the oven?
You don't need to know specific notes. Pay attention to the overall vibe and essence.
Clean: Hygge
Fresh: PumpkinHead
Sweet: Bartlett and Bosc
Woody: White Tree
Herbal: Meadow Harvest
Warm: Spice up your life
4. What candles do they already buy?
Their favorite candle brands can tell you a lot about what they enjoy.
If they're loyal to familiar favorites like Bath & Body Works or Yankee Candle, a CarteHaus candle could be a lovely step into something a little more special. Start with crowd-pleasing scents like Drinking Season, Spice Up Your Life, or White Tree.
If you’re shopping for someone who already collects and treats themselves to niche fragrances and luxe candles, take a different approach. They’re probably open to a more unexpected and experimental blend. Consider Angry Elf, PumpkinHead, Meadow Harvest, or Ten Sixth for something with a little more of a twist.
The goal isn't to outdo their collection. It's to find something that feels new while still suiting their taste.
Candle starter: Spice Up Your Life
Candle connoisseur: Angry El
5. Go big or keep it small?
Do you gift a full-sized candle, or a votive? This is where your budget and context come in.
A full-sized candle makes a lovely standalone gift. Wrap it with a beautiful bow and give it as is. I love bringing a full-sized candle as a hostess gift.
Smaller votives are perfect for stocking stuffers, Secret Santa gifts, or adding to a larger gift basket. They're also a nice way to introduce someone to a scent without committing to a full-sized candle.
And if you can't decide between two scents? A little variety never hurts. Get two votives, or one of our discovery sets.
The secret to a good candle gift
It truly is all about observation and consideration. You don’t need to be a fragrance expert. Just pay attention to the person you’re gifting to, and pick a scent you think they will love.
The best gifts, regardless of what they are, are the ones that make someone think, “You know me so well.”
Ready to find their match?
Explore the CarteHaus collection and find a scent worth wrapping up.