Are Candles the World’s Worst Gift Ever?
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Let’s address the wick in the room: are candles really the world’s worst gift ever? Adam Tschorn, Senior Features Writer for The Los Angeles Times, seems to think so—or at least he did.
He once called candles “phoning it in, almost like you were handing someone a gift card with a wick.” Ouch.
What about the droves of Aussies who spend an eye-watering $123 million or more on candles in a single year, what are they thinking?
To Adam, candles were clutter—proof of his partner’s penchant for luxurious tapers, votives, and tea lights. Sure, their coats smelled like a Yankee Candle store, but the downside? If their house ever caught fire, it’d burn for a year.
But Adam’s anti-candle crusade took a turn during an office white elephant exchange (a holiday gift swap where you bring something cheap or cheeky). Armed with a candle from his own stash, Adam braced for collective eye-rolls. Instead, his colleagues adored it. So much so, the candle sparked a mini trade war and in Adam’s words, they “started to ooh and ahh over it like it was a new born baby!”
So why the change of heart? He thinks, maybe it was the candle’s sleek French packaging or its "library-inspired" scent, with notes of peach, plum, and vanilla.
After spending years lost in “candleflage”— (think waxy blur), he had an epiphany.
The secret to gifting candles isn’t dodging them, but choosing with intention. When chosen thoughtfully, Adam admits, candles are personal, playful, and quite possibly perfect.
Read Adam's story here. It's storytelling that'll light up your day.
But Really….Are Candles “Too Basic”?
If you’re a sceptic like Elana Lyn Gross of Women’s Health, she has your back. Her list of "13 Gifts That Are Better Than a Candle" includes lip balm, water bottles, bento boxes, planners, and more. After all, "How many candles can you give the same person over the years?".
Read Elana's story here, it's hard to argue with her logic.
But before you dismiss candles, let’s set the record straight. Here’s why we think they’re actually amazing gifts:
10 Reasons Candles Make Great Gifts
For the person who has everything. Candles are the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
They’re versatile. Perfect for co-workers, teachers, distant cousins, or your sibling’s significant other.
They’re re-giftable. Candles have a long shelf life, so no guilt if they get passed along (should you dare)!
They smell amazing. A single candle can transform a space.
They’re pretty. Think of them as mini décor upgrades.
Candlelight is magic. It’s like an indoor sunset—day or night.
They’re practical. Power outage? No problem.
They spark joy. For candle lovers, a curated stash is a source of pride.
Feeling burnt out? They're a gentle reminder to pause.
You're supporting a little universe of artisanal candlemakers within the small business eco-system!
Fun fact
In 2024, Aussies are predicted to spend a whopping US $86.92 million on candles – with most looking for an eco-friendly candle.
That’s a glowing testament to their popularity and a reason for small businesses like ours to celebrate. With only a handful of days before Christmas, it’s time to find your scent. Let the glow up begin!
