The Go-To Guide to Gifting Candles
Candles have long been a go-to gift for various occasions, but with so many options available, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. This guide will help you:
- choose the right candle
- know what to look for if you are concerned about safety and toxicity
- learn how to maintain a candle to reduce tunneling and soot
Why Candles Make Great Gifts
Candles are more than just sources of light; they're mood-setters, aromatherapy tools, and decorative pieces all rolled into one. Here's why they make excellent gifts:
- Versatility: Suitable for various occasions, from birthdays to housewarming parties.
- Personalization: With countless scents and styles, you can tailor your choice to the recipient's preferences and personality.
- Affordability: Available at various price points, fitting any budget.
- Longevity: A quality candle can provide hours of enjoyment.
- Thoughtfulness: Shows you care about the recipient's home atmosphere and well-being.
Shown above:
Candle 7oz - Fresh Balsam by Cedar Street Candle Co.
How to Choose the Right Candle for a Gift
Selecting the perfect candle involves considering several factors:
Scent preference:
Consider the recipient's favorite fragrances or opt for seasonal scents— like Fresh Balsam from Cedar Street Candle Co. for the holidays.
Burn time:
Larger candles and candles with cotton or wood wicks typically last longer, providing more value.
Style:
Match the candle's design to the recipient's home decor or their personality.
Occasion:
Choose scents that align with the event (e.g., relaxing lavender for a spa day gift).
Container:
Consider whether the recipient might reuse the container after the candle is gone. Our beeswax birthday candles from Knot & Bow come in a reusable, small glass apothecary cork sealed jar.
Choosing a Candle That Is Safe
Safety should always be a top priority when selecting candles. Keep these points in mind:
- Sturdy container: Ensure the candle is in a stable, heat-resistant container like what you find with our Bee Lucia Wellness Candles.
- Quality wick: Look for cotton or wooden wicks, which burn cleanly and evenly.
- Proper labeling: Choose candles with clear burning instructions and safety warnings.
- Reputable brand: Opt for candles from established manufacturers known for safety standards.
Choosing a Candle That Is Non-Toxic
For health-conscious gift-giving, consider these factors when selecting non-toxic candles:
Natural waxes:
Look for candles made from soy, beeswax, or coconut wax instead of paraffin. All of the candles we sell at The Handmade Showroom are made from soy or beeswax, including the Birthday Cake candle from Sugar Sidewalk (below).
Lead-free wicks:
Ensure the wick is made from cotton, wood, or paper, not metal. Zinc-core candle wicks are more likely to produce dark soot when burning.
Essential oils:
Choose candles scented with natural essential oils rather than synthetic fragrances.
Dye-free options:
Consider uncolored candles to avoid potential toxins from artificial dyes.
Transparent labeling:
Look for brands that disclose all ingredients used in their candles.
Maintaining Your Candle to Minimize Soot
Proper candle maintenance ensures a cleaner burn with minimal soot. Here are some tips to help maintain candles and reduce soot production:
- Trim the wick: Before each use, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. This prevents excessive flame height and reduces soot.
- Burn time: Allow the candle to burn long enough for the wax pool to reach the edges of the container—especially for the first burn. This helps prevent "tunneling" and uneven burning, which reduces longevity.
- Avoid drafts: Place candles away from fans, open windows, or air vents to prevent flickering and uneven burning.
- Keep it clean: Remove dust and debris from the wax surface regularly to prevent it from burning and creating soot.
By considering these factors, you'll be well-equipped to choose and help maintain the perfect candle gift that's not only delightful but also safe and healthy for your loved ones to enjoy.
If you are looking for candles to give someone for a birthday, holiday, anniversary, or other special occasion, we have a diverse candle collection to choose from.