This holiday season, we’ve found gifts that feel great to receive and even better to give. Shop our editor-approved collection of holiday gift guides here.
Everyone knows someone with impeccable taste in home decor. They’re the friends who can make the smallest space feel bright and airy, who know exactly where to find cool pieces to complement, and who can even outgrow shabby chic furniture. So what will you get that person for Christmas? As self-confessed candle experts, we’re on the money Pius de résistance For any space – be it living room or bedroom: a beautifully crafted scented candle.
You don’t have to be a scent addict to appreciate the mood-enhancing effects of candles in any space—but if you are, we’ve got that covered, too. Whether you’re looking for a scent inspired by the holiday season or something that feels completely timeless, we’ve compiled the ultimate beauty editor-approved list of candles we’d love to see under the tree this year.
From the usual suspects (ahem, bathing and bodywork—but spoiler alert, not who you’re thinking) to lesser-known names that feel completely unexpected, our supreme gift for giving, receiving, and of course, burning, baby, burns. use
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of things. All our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect price and availability at the time of publication. Refinery 29 may earn a commission if you purchase or click on an item linked to our site.
Nest New York Birchwood Pine
You’d be hard-pressed to find another candle that captures the holiday spirit quite like a nesting birchwood pine. Crisp notes of white pine and balsam fir meet birchwood, musk and amber to transform any space into a beautiful winter forest. Plus, the three-wick jumbo size will last well into the new year.
Nest New York Birchwood Pine Candle, $, available at Sephora
Louie Tomato left the candle
Louie’s Tomato Leaf Candle is weirdly addictive, and the pot is so unapologetically chic, you’d forgive them for not wanting to light it. It perfectly captures the sweet, green, spicy and fuzzy aroma of crushing tomato leaves between your fingers. If they are into growing vegetables and plants on their porch or balcony, they will love it.
Louie Small Tomato Leaf Candle, 5.8 oz. , $, are available at Neiman Marks
Glasshouse Scent Velvet Rhapsody Candle
Aussie candle brand Glasshouse is so underrated. Scent projection is as good as any designer candle, and my favorite has to be Velvet Rhapsody. Creamy jasmine is tempered with zippy yuzu citrus and fresh water, resulting in a scent that’s unmistakably floral yet incredibly clean.
Glasshouse fragrance Velvet Rhapsody Candle, 13.4 oz. , $, is available at Neiman Marks
DS and Durga Portable Christmas Tree
Every year, DS and Durga bring back their Portable Christmas Tree Candle (a festive interpretation of its best-selling portable fireplace scent), and the 2025 limited-edition Red Viteau is easily one of the most coveted candles we can think of. Cloves of its spicy note, Cube (an aromaticfor , for , for , for , . A plant closely related to pepper) clashing with the herbs pine, holly and fir, this is a no-brainer for the democratic candle friend on your list.
DS and Durga Portable Christmas Tree, $, available at DS and Durga
Sidya x Sophie Pavitt’s contest is studio candle
NYC-based facialist Sophie Pout is the ultimate “Iykyk” name on any skincare savant’s lips, so when she teamed up with Erin Kleinberg’s lifestyle brand Sydia, we knew we were in for a treat. The result between these two powerhouse founders is the studio, inspired by the downtown hotspots of Peyette. Featuring an earthy base of blonde woods, rose water and white musk, as well as stimulating yuzu and neroli, this is the perfect candle for the beauty lover who is always ahead of the curve.
Sadiya x Sophia Pavette face Studio Candle, $, available at Sophie Pevet Face
Jenny Kane Aspen Candle
You know Jenny Kane as the brand behind plush cashmere sweaters and elevated home decor, but word to the wise this year: don’t sleep on candles. Our favorite pick for an unforgettable gift that will impress even the bogiest friend is Aspen, which combines crisp notes of balsam fir, eucalyptus, and cypress with a bright, juicy grape that’s unexpected yet festive.
Jenny Kane Aspen Glass Candle, $, available at Jenny Kane
Relaxed earth gathers the candle
If you have a little less to spend, go for a Cozy Earth collection candle. Earthy cinnamon, warming bourbon, and smoked wood give it a leathery, brooding quality—perfect if you like deeper, more complex scents. It’s a soy and coconut wax blend, which also means better indoor air quality, if that makes a difference.
Comfortable land Collect Candle, $, available at Cozy Earth
Bath & Body Works Frosted Cranberry Candle
This is not your average bath and body work candle. With a raised ceramic vat (which can be replaced at home with everything from a makeup brush to your favorite pen), these candles make the perfect gift for anyone who has a soft spot for the popular mall brand’s three-wick candles. Frosted Cranberry is a grown-up version of your saccharine fruit scent, with its wintry notes of iced cranberry, blonde woods, apple and tonka bean.
Bath and body works Frosted Cranberry 3 Wick Candle, $, available at Bath & Body Works
Diptyque Tuberose Scented Candle
Every cool girl owns a Diptyque Tuberose candle, and if you ask me, it’s the best—and most admired—of the brand. It’s a creamy, spicy floral that feels intoxicating at its best. It’s also one of Diptych’s most popular wedding candles, so if they’re getting married this year and thinking about their wedding scent, chances are they’ll love it.
Diptec Tuberose Scented Candle, $, available at Nordstrom
Truden Nut Enchante Luna Candle
If you really want to treat them, it’s got to be Truden — the brand’s candles smell sensational even when they’re not lit. Nut Enchante Luna is like a breath of fresh air indoors: zingy bergamot, a sweet petal accord, creamy birchwood, and crunchy green lotus make up notes that you’ll long after you’ve blown. Even better? The golden interior makes it feel like a piece of art – and it doesn’t burn out.
Cire trudon Newt Enchanty Luna Candle, 9.5 oz. , $, is available at Neiman Marks
Who loves black cashmere and tonka bean
They’ll burn faster than you can strike a match – it’s that good. Opening notes of bitter orange, zippy ginger, and warming cardamom give way to gulags of rich rum, vanilla-esque tonka bean, and creamy cedarwood. It fills my entire apartment with a scent that’s as comforting as a cashmere blanket—which makes sense, considering Melvin (of fragrance fame) is the mastermind behind the iconic brand.
who loves Black cashmere and tonka, $, available at Mohabbatein
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