Discover the timeless charm of candles this holiday season. From soothing scents to eco-friendly designs, candles make the perfect gift for anyone on your list. Elevate your holiday spirit with warmth, ambiance, and a touch of luxury. Let the light shine bright!
A Brief History of Candles: From Ancient Origins to Modern-Day Essentials
The origins of the candle trace back to ancient civilizations. The first candles are believed to have been created by the Egyptians around 3000 BCE. These early versions were made by soaking the pithy core of reeds in melted animal fat. Meanwhile, the Romans are credited with developing the wicked candle in 500 BCE, using papyrus dipped in beeswax or tallow. Over the centuries, candles have evolved significantly. By the Middle Ages, beeswax candles became popular in Europe, providing a cleaner, more pleasant scent compared to tallow candles. Today, we have a variety of options, including soy wax, paraffin, and even luxury candles infused with essential oils.
How Candles Are Made and What Defines a Quality Candle
Candles are crafted by melting wax, pouring it into molds, and inserting a wick before allowing the wax to cool and harden. The type of wax, wick, and fragrance used determines the candle’s burn quality, scent throw, and longevity. A good candle should have a smooth, even burn, no excessive smoking, and a fragrance that lingers but isn’t overpowering. Natural waxes like soy and beeswax are preferred for eco-conscious buyers, as they burn cleaner and longer.
Candles: The Perfect Secret Santa Gift
Candles are one of the most versatile gifts, making them ideal for a Secret Santa exchange. They offer a personal yet universally appreciated touch, perfect for anyone on your list. Whether you’re looking for a simple, cozy candle or a luxurious scented option, there’s a candle for every personality and preference.
The Business of Candles: An Ever-Growing Market
The global candle industry is thriving, with annual revenue surpassing $10 billion. In recent years, candles have evolved from simple lighting sources to lifestyle products associated with self-care and luxury. Consumers are now seeking candles that align with personal aesthetics, wellness, and sustainability. The rise in candle gifting, especially during the holidays, reflects how this everyday item has become a symbol of warmth, relaxation, and thoughtfulness.
Why Candles Make the Perfect Holiday Gift
Candles carry a unique charm, evoking a sense of serenity and warmth. During the holiday season, they symbolize light, comfort, and togetherness. Whether you’re gifting a candle to set the mood for festive gatherings or offering a scent that brings peace and wellness to someone’s life, candles are thoughtful gifts that suit the spirit of the holidays perfectly.
The Wellness Benefits of Candles During the Holidays
The simple act of lighting a candle can have profound wellness effects. Scented candles, especially those infused with essential oils, can promote relaxation, relieve stress, and improve focus. Scents like lavender, eucalyptus, and sandalwood are popular for creating a calm environment—perfect for unwinding during the busy holiday season. Candles not only bring ambiance to a space but can also provide emotional and mental benefits, making them a gift of well-being.
How to Know When Someone Would Appreciate a Candle Gift
If the recipient enjoys home decor, self-care rituals, or creating cozy environments, they’re likely to appreciate a well-chosen candle. Consider their favorite scents, hobbies, or even the style of their living space. For example, if they love spa days, opt for a calming lavender or eucalyptus candle. If they’re into hosting, choose a festive scent like cinnamon or pine to complement their gatherings.
Top 5 Candle Trends for 2024
- Sustainable Candles – Eco-friendly candles made from soy wax, beeswax, or coconut wax are increasingly popular, with minimal packaging and non-toxic wicks.
- Personalized Candles – Custom labels, scents, and packaging that allow gift-givers to create a one-of-a-kind present.
- Wellness and Aromatherapy – Candles infused with essential oils designed to enhance relaxation, sleep, or energy.
- Decorative Sculptural Candles – Artistic candles that double as home decor, featuring intricate designs, shapes, and colors.
- Multi-Wick Candles – Candles with multiple wicks provide a stronger scent throw and create a dramatic, cozy atmosphere in larger spaces.
I will be adding to this list each day- as soon as we review the incoming candles.
Warm Wishes for a Bright Holiday Season
From all of us at StyleLujo, we wish you a joyful holiday season filled with light, warmth, and serenity. May your gifting be as thoughtful and illuminating as the candles we love! Happy Holidays!
Ormonde Jayne:
ETOILE FESTIVE CANDLE Festive Amberesque Spicy.
With 25 years of expertise in creating the finest handmade candles, ETOILE FESTIVE CANDLE is the freshest candle for 2024, with mandarin, cardomom and cinanamon spreading a sparkling, bright amberesque feel, and bay, amber and tonka giving it that uniquely festive atmosphere. Light Etoile and get the party started! A 10% donation from all Festive Candles sold goes towards the world famous children’s charity ‘Great Ormond Street Hospital’.
Albisa:
Flan In every Cuban/Hispanic household, there’s always that one person who makes the best flan. In our family, it’s Albert, my husband, who carries the torch. His recipe, passed down from his father, is a well-guarded family secret. Albert even uses the same container his dad did, preserving a tradition that’s as rich as the dessert itself. He says he’ll share the recipe with our son when he’s old enough—but until then, it remains a beloved secret.
- Our Flan candle is inspired by this beloved family tradition. It combines the warm, sweet notes of buttery caramel with the creamy richness of vanilla custard, baked to perfection. Top notes of creamy butter and smooth cream blend seamlessly with heart notes of warm caramel and bubbling sugar, all resting on a base of classic vanilla bean.
- Light our Flan candle, and let the mouth-watering aroma transport you to your kitchen where family and flavor come together. Whether you’re reminiscing about your own family’s flan or simply indulging in the comforting scent of a dessert that’s been perfected over generations, this candle brings the warmth of home into every room.
Be Still Candle:
Be Still Candle ($35.00+): A thoughtful gift created by a woman-owned brand of Mexican heritage, Be Still Candle offers a sustainable candle collection and wax pearl bags that ensure your light is never extinguished. Craft a lightly scented candle imbued with an aroma of tranquility and relaxation. Be Still Candle is a one-size-fits-all destination. It eliminates the hassle of buying various-sized candles for different containers. Plus, the wax pearls are reusable and look new every time they’re used. Enjoy a simple crafting moment that addresses the burnout many of us feel. Light the candle, exhale, and boost your overall well-being. No melting is required; it is paraffin-free and uses no toxic fragrances!
Literie:
Literie’s “Mornings at the Lake House” candle, $45– Channel your favorite weekend get-a-way for fall.
QVC:
QVC HomeWorx by Slatkin + Co. 18-oz. Everyday Candle, $30.00
Transform your home with the inviting aroma of this scented candle. Choose from a variety of fresh scents to create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere in any room. From HomeWorx by Slatkin + Co.
BEVEL:
BEVEL Holiday Trio Candles ($99.95)
Enjoy relaxing at home with BEVEL’s hand-poured scented candles made from a soy and coconut wax blend. Offering up to 60 hours of burn time, the candles feature BEVEL’s signature scents of Midnight Sandalwood, Dark Cassis, and Supreme Oak – perfect for anyone who appreciates a touch of luxury!
Retailer: GetBevel.com
kendi lux:
Luxury Candles For Less
Hand poured in Los Angeles California, kendi lux brings luxury candles to the mass market with a focus on quality and price. These candles, Body Fragrances, and Room Sprays are made with the same high quality ingredients as top leading candle brands but have decided to compete on price without sacrificing quality. All candles are made from an Apricot and Coconut wax blend with a focus on non-toxic ingredients with high quality essential and fragrance oils.
Clean and Safe for every space, non-toxic, luxury candles that are quirky, fun, and fit any mood at an extraordinarily affordable price point for high level quality products. The 3 piece Holiday Gift Set is the perfect gift for him or her when celebrating the holiday season.
NETTE:
Sunday Chess, $82
Incense and vanilla swirl together with notes of patchouli, resins, and amber. The strike of a match, a swirl of smoke. A chair by the morning fire. Sixty-four squares, eyes on mine. Infinity of possibility. Hands hover over the pawn. A queen-in-waiting sets her pace. Move gently in this lonely place.
Chai Milk, $82
Like a perfect steaming hot chai latte on a chilly fall day. Fingertips to your lips, hush in the midnight hour. Steamed milk, a secret spice, spells for the lovelorn. Frothy clouds rise up and up. One cardamom bud in your cup. This inky black morning alone with you.
Urthy:
This candle is made with a clean-burning blend of coconut and vegetable waxes and phthalate-free fragrance oils. Each candle burns for about 35 hours. The Winter Berries scent opens with rich labdanum, earthy vetiver and sweet berries, while crisp pear and musk provides a soft, creamy depth. Anchored by cedarwood, this scent evokes the bold beauty of a berry-laden winter forest.
Albisa Candles:
Albisa is a Latina-owned premium candle brand that honors and celebrates heritage and nostalgia. A candle company made popular by its famous, Cuban-bread scented candle. These hand-poured, soy, premium candles are the perfect gift for those that want to bring culture into everyday, modern-day life. With Latin-culture-inspired candles like Cafetera, Café con Leche, Arroz con Mango, and Mima, you can’t go wrong! New holiday items include room and linen sprays, and getting cozy with the winter candle bundle. Albisa has been featured on The Today Show, NBC News, Refinery 29, and Thrillist, among others.
Loro Piana:
Loro Piana unveils new scented candles Mystic Fleece, Cashfur Cloud, and Smoky Tweed inspired by the unique sense of touch evoked by the Maison’s luxurious and rare fabrics such as Vicuña, Cashfur, and precious wool, transforming this sensory experience into an enveloping olfactory journey. From fibre to fragrance and from candle to melting wax, each one inebriates the senses by telling a story of creative alchemy and time-honoured craftsmanship. The Mystic Fleece candle emanates rich, milky incense tones that reflect the sacred rites involved in obtaining the rare Vicuña fibre. The enveloping warmth of the Cashfur Cloud candle carries the pure, fresh notes of cypress and violet. And still, the Smoky Tweed candle captures the smoky, earthy scent of raindrops touching the soil, a fragrant reminder of the unspoiled nature of the Maison’s precious wool. Crafted entirely from natural materials, each candle features a pure cotton wick that ensures a clean burn, producing only vapor. Housed in elegant wooden containers, each one is meticulously chiselled to resemble a bale of fibre, paying tribute to Loro Piana’s textile tradition. Additionally, each fragrance is thoughtfully matched to a select wooden finish: the deep, reddish tones of mahogany complement the rich tones of Mystic Fleece; white maple enhances the purity of Cashfur Cloud; and the brown of walnut emphasizes the earthy smoothness of Smoky Tweed. The candles are available starting from December 13th in selected Loro Piana boutiques around the world.
About the Author:
Joseph DeAcetis is a visionary in the world of fashion, renowned as the best wardrobe stylist and art director of his generation. His impressive accolades and unmatched expertise set him apart in the industry. Joseph covers the intersections of style, culture, art, and fashion, with a particular emphasis on the evolving status of menswear.
Throughout his illustrious career, Joseph has penned award-winning columns for top-tier publications such as Esquire, People Magazine, Robb Report, and Playboy. His profound insights and engaging narratives have made him a leading voice in fashion journalism.
Most recently, Joseph served as the creative fashion director for Forbes Media, where he excelled as both a critic and reporter. His extensive body of work highlights the importance of dressing for success and explores how technological advancements are reshaping the fashion industry. Joseph’s authoritative yet approachable voice continues to inspire and influence fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
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