They’re absolutely worth buying.
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Most people have a hobby they love, like gardening (we have the perfect gift recs for plant parents, by the way), golfing, or moonlighting as a sommelier. My favorite hobby? Candles. I know what you're thinking: Candles? Really? That's a home decor, not a hobby. What's next, sofas as a pastime? I hear you, but the truth is that I've always been obsessed with scents. I remember gleefully sniffing at the body mists and lotions at Bath & Body Works as a kid and hoarding perfumes in my pre-teen years. Now, as a grownup with an adult apartment and fire safety skills down pat, candles are the obvious next step.
Not only have I been a guest on candle-themed podcasts—really—but my home office has a cart brimming with petite votives, monstrous multi-wicks, and everything in between. At any given moment, my collection is likely in the triple digits. If you think that's impressive, you should see my mom's stash in her laundry room. What can I say? The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
And while I might be obsessed with candles, I don't gatekeep my favorites. I always suggest brands and scents to my friends, so I'm here to extend my top picks to you, too. After all, the colder months ahead are best spent curling up in front of a fragrant flame—and I won't let you spend your hard-earned money on something subpar.
There's a reason why Bijou's candles are always on my shopping shortlist. The direct-to-consumer brand draws inspiration from iconic women in pop culture—real or fictional—to make well-priced candles that smell delicious. I own (and love) a bunch of brand's scents, but I am low-key obsessed with Bijou's Rosie Candle, which is currently out of stock. The honey, tonka bean, and pistachio conjure the aroma of a home-cooked meal. My second favorite, however, is the Judy Candle: A mouth-watering mix of corn, maple syrup, and sweet cream butter that contains a similar fresh-from-the-oven essence.
Naysayers say a candle is an impersonal present, but I respectfully disagree: Purchasing a fancier flame can be a thoughtful gift. Case in point: Diptyque's Baies Candle. The French brand has been mixing elegant aromas since its founding in 1961, and the mix of roses and blackcurrant creates a versatile, agreeable scent. Whenever I'm gifted a Baies candle, I erupt in a giddy shriek. While Diptyque's offering can get pricey, this 2.4-ounce vessel is a gift that can wow for under $50.
Courteney Cox's brand, Homecourt, might be known for its chic cleaning supplies, but I have to admit the real-life Monica Geller knows how to make candles. For starters, the quality here simply can't be beat. The cotton wick and soy wax are conducive with an even, soot-free burn, while the kiln-fried ceramic vessel looks good.
But perhaps the most impressive thing about this pick is the throw. I bought the Mini Candle Discovery Set and was blown away by how fragrant all the candles were for such a tiny, 2.25-ounce votive. All the scents are excellent, but my favorite is CeCe, which has a homey blend of cedarwood smoke, sweet cardamom, and white leather.
Thanks to Boheme's delicious candles, it's possible to get a whiff of wanderlust without leaving your home. The fragrance brand's Wanderlust Collection features candles inspired by destinations in all corners of the world such as Goa, Havana, and Notting Hill. If you're looking for something that will transport you to an idyllic seaside retreat, try Amalfi. Light, refreshing notes of bergamot, lemon, and petitgrain leaves prove candles can be lit year-round.
Calling all sustainable shoppers: If you're looking for a gorgeous candle that's non-toxic and deliciously nuanced, Maison Louis Marie has you covered. The fragrance brand uses a natural soy wax blend that's free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. (Bonus points: The all-white packaging keeps this candle from upstaging any of your home decor.) Maison Louis Marie has lots of solid scents, but No. 12 Bousval has a mix of bergamot, orange, and white ginger flower that's earthy without smelling like...well, dirt.
Though I firmly believe there's a time and place for every type of scent, it's always a good idea to have one candle you can burn year-round. For me, that's Brooklyn Candle Studio's Santorini. Figs, amber, sandalwood, and currants make this a soothing scent to suit many occasions. One caveat: Since this candle has two wicks, it does burn relatively quickly so you'll want to stock up if you ever see this scent on sale.
Did you know the 1 Hotel has a signature scent that it quite literally pumps through a series of HVAC diffusers? Fortunately, thanks to the candle version, you don't have to book a stay at one of its buzzy locations to get a whiff. I'll be the first top admit I don't light this candle often—I mean, it's not exactly cheap—but its mix of eucalyptus leaves, cedar, and oakwood smells like a spa. Translation? If you want to bring some relaxing vibes to your home, this is certainly worth it.
What better way to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year than with a pine candle? There are a lot of festive fragrances out there, but I'm partial to Alben Lane's The Cottage scent. The Canadian brand's take on the woodsy staple is not only vegan and cruelty-free, but it's also available for under $15. Plus, the candle's mix of spruce, musk, amber, and vetiver has an excellent throw that will make the whole room smell like the holidays.
If a pine candle feels too on the nose for the holidays, try this option from WoodWick. Key notes of ginger and turmeric have a spicy, slightly citrusy effect that reminds me of mulled wine. In other words, it's festive without being too predictable. Best of all? The wick here emits a crackling sound akin to a roaring fireplace.
I love a bougie candle as much as the next person, but the ones I burn daily are budget-friendly. Check out Bath and Body Work's three-wicked candles to get the best bang for your buck.
These $25 flames last a while and are made with ultra-rich essential oils, so they're incredibly fragrant. In fact, I once lit the brand's Cookie Butter Truffle in my living room and could literally smell the confectionary cocktail at the opposite end of my apartment. Vanilla extract, cookie batter, and whipped cream might seem too sweet, but trust me when I say it smells like someone's making homemade cookies. And who wouldn't want that?
Florals? For spring? Not exactly. Though this candle's name might suggest a flowery, somewhat powdery aroma, it has slight nuances that give it a year-round appeal. Mimosa petals are paired with tropical fruits like casaba for a sniff of summer, while vanilla-tinged musk makes it winter-friendly, too. Oh, and it's under $20? That's exactly why DW Home is one of my favorite places to buy affordable candles.
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