Candles can make wonderful gifts, bringing warmth, light and coziness to any home. However, selecting the right candle gift can be tricky. Many modern candles come loaded with labels, artwork, scents and other embellishments. While these can be beautiful, they aren’t for everyone. Some gift recipients may be sensitive to scented products or turned off by large branding labels.
The good news is that it’s easy to find simple, unscented candles to give as presents. Focusing on high-quality, unembellished candles can be an artful, minimalist approach to gift-giving. Here are some tips for choosing candles as gifts without labels, scents or other extras:
Look for Simple Shapes and Materials
Classic candle vessels in clean, geometric shapes make ideal gifts. For example, opt for smooth cylinder or taper candles in glass, metal or other materials. Avoid heavily patterned or decorated containers. Select neutral, minimalist colors like white, ivory, gray or black. Luxurious, simple vessels allow the beauty of the candle itself to shine.
Seek Out Unscented Varieties
Look for candles made from 100% soy, beeswax or other natural waxes that are free of artificial scents. Avoid anything labeled with fragrance, perfume or essential oils. Scent-free candles are perfect for recipients sensitive to fragrances or those who want to enjoy the natural aromas of quality waxes. Light, clean burning soy wax has a subtly sweet smell when burning, while beeswax emits a lightly honeyed aroma.
Buy Non-Branded Candles
Many candles come boldly printed with brand names, logos and other markings. For a label-free gift, search out unbranded candles made by small businesses, artisans or purchased in bulk. Candles hand-poured in small batches often come free of large branding, or you can easily peel off their labels. Candles from wholesale suppliers also typically have no brand names on their simple vessels.
Choose Neutral Colors and Prints
Skip vivid dyes or busy patterns on your gifted candles. Select neutral, light or white color palettes for a clean, minimalist look. Ivory, cream and gray candles feel peaceful, while white allows receivers to add their own accent colors. If choosing patterned candles, opt for subtle textures or monochrome patterns for a label-free look.
Present Without Packaging
For the ultimate unpackaged gift, forgo bags, boxes or wrapping paper. Simply hand your recipient a beautiful unwrapped candle for an eco-friendly, minimalist presentation. If you wish to wrap, choose recyclable brown kraft paper tied with twine or cotton rope. Plain, natural textures keep the focus on the candle.
Include Wick Trimmers and Matches
While you don’t need fancy labeling or wrapping, include useful candle accessories. A metal wick dipper helps trim smoking wicks and snuff out candles. Natural wood matches or a refillable lighter allow for easy lighting. Present these items alongside your candle for a functional, fire-safe gift.
Write a Personal Note
Rather than a pre-printed label, include a handwritten gift tag or note card. Share what inspired you to give this candle, such as the scent of a favorite memory together. Express your wishes for the candle to bring tranquility, joy or comfort. Your genuine message makes the gift more meaningful than any mass-produced label.
Focusing on simple, unembellished candles elevates them to artful, meaningful gifts. An unlabeled, unscented candle in a minimalist vessel lets the beauty and light of the candle itself shine. Pair it with a heartfelt personal note conveying your purpose for giving. Free of excessive branding and scent chemicals, your mindful candle gift supports wellness through pure ambiance and flame. The receiver can then reuse, repurpose or compost your candle gift, in line with eco-friendly living. By artfully giving candles without all the labels, toxins and waste, you create a gift as pure as the candlelight itself.
