24 Best Candles for Gifts, According to a Collector With Multiple Closets of Them

Smells like: pine, pine, and more pine

Le Labo Cyprès 21 Candle

Why it’s worth it: The press release for Le Labo’s Cyprés 21 says it evokes a cabin deep in the woods. I think it smells more like walking into the lobby of a fancy hotel near a ski resort; the type with a real roaring fireplace and freshly cut pine trees. Whichever of those situations your giftee would rather be in, I’m certain they’ll love this candle.

What it smells like: evergreens and spices

Le Prunier Harvest Smoke Candle

Why it’s worth it: You’ve heard of sugar plums, but what about smoky plums? The latter doesn’t actually exist…except in the scent of Le Prunier’s Harvest Smoke Candle, which manages to make a fruity fragrance decidedly hibernal. It’s sweet and juicy but balanced out with cozy notes like cedarwood and orris.

What it smells like: smoky fruit

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Trio Scented Candle Set

Why it’s worth it: For your fanciest friend, this set of candles from the makers of Baccarat Rouge 540 will certainly hit the spot. All three scents lean woody and herbaceous; a trio of olfactory strolls through different types of snow-covered forests.

Carrière Frères Cedar Candle

Why it’s worth it: For those who find balsam a bit…overdone for the holidays (couldn’t be me), perhaps a different type of evergreen will do the trick. The scent of Carrière Frères’ Cedar Candle is a bit sharper than the sweet pine you might be used to, which I think makes it a more subtle option for scenting the home.

What it smells like: dry and woody

P.F. Candle Co. No. 14 Campfire Candle

Why it’s worth it: For the holidays, P.F. Candle Co. dove into the archives to resurrect five previously retired fan-favorite scents and plop them into pretty green jars. I’m partial to Campfire (last released in 2021), which lives up to its name with astounding accuracy.

What it smells like: smoky and sweet

Malin + Goetz Malin + Goetz Candles by Design

Why it’s worth it: A build-your-own set gives you, the gifter, several great options: You can handpick four candles you think your recipient will adore, split the set among friends with different vibes, or keep a couple for yourself. For the Malin + Goetz version, you can pick from 10 of the brand’s most popular scents, including the Best of Beauty-winning Strawberry candle. If you’re not sure which to pick, it also offers a pre-built Scent Mood Votive Set.

Cozy Earth Gather Candle

Why it’s worth it: The internet’s favorite loungewear brand has expanded its cozy offerings by getting into candles. I love the vessel that Gather comes in: The simple ceramic silhouette makes it blend easily into any home decor aesthetic, but the red feels more special than your standard stone neutrals.