I'm Obsessed With Candles—11 Gift Sets I'd Really Love to Receive This Year

No one does festive candles better than Diptyque, and that’s a fact. The brand’s offering is so good that I keep a stash to burn well into the New Year. This season’s offering is quite possibly the best it's ever done. Sapin smells like fresh pine trees and a crackling fire, Étoile has a floral base that's layered with expensive-smelling velvety notes and the main event is Friandise: A limited edition sweet but spicy festive scent that will remind you of gingerbread.

Whether you’re into luxurious self-care or are buying for someone whose candle tastes aren’t clear-cut, this trio is perfect. There is nothing polarising about these scents. Bosco is the perfect one to burn on bright winter’s days, Caminetto is the ultimate way to wind down at the end of a busy day thanks to soothing incense and amber, and Panettone is based on the traditional Milanese festive treat, with sparkling citrus , sweet gourmand and candied fruits. There really is something for every mood.

Another great Christmas gift option, this trio comprises two festive scents and one all-rounder. Christmas Wish is a spicier candle, smelling of mandarin and cinnamon, while Perfect Peace is fresher with pine and lime peel. The true gem, however, is Cosy Nights—a mind-soothing blend of sandalwood, frankincense, and nutmeg. Plus, they look irresistibly good on the side.

While the brand has been making mouth-wateringly good perfumes for well over a century, Penhaligon’s is the new kid on the candle scene. Launched only a couple of months ago, these new candles are just as good as you’d expect. Maduro Leaf is a smoky delight that is reminiscent of soft leather and cigars, Comoros Pearl is a warm floral scent that oozes luxury, and Roanoke Ivy is soft but earthy and woody all at once. If you’re into luxury scents, don’t scroll past this one.

I tried The White Company candles for the first time this year, and they are quickly climbing to the top of my must-have list. This particular set contains two of my favourites. From the uplifting notes of Nordic Woods to the calming cosiness of Winter Votive, each candle is totally exquisite.

This is by far the best all-rounder set out there. Whereas most candle gift sets cater towards one particular family of fragrance, this trio is wonderfully diverse. Lazy Sunday Morning smells like a freshly pressed cotton shirt, By the Fireplace smells like a burning log fire, and Bubble Bath is a clean, cosy scent made for bath-side lighting. If I received this as a gift, I would very much be over the moon.

Created by Jo Malone CBE, Jo Loves candles are amongst my favourites ever, and the Christmas scents sit comfortably within my top five. What's more, this set allows you to choose the candles it contains. Jo by Jo Loves (which is also one of my favourite perfumes) is a citrusy grapefruit scent ideal for cold afternoons, while Christmas Trees is a piney delight, and Mulled Wine possesses a dizzying spice. When I have any of these three candles burning, it’s tough to entice me out of the house.

If you consider yourself a candle connoisseur and you’re yet to try Boy Smells candles, take this to be a nudge. The colourful metallic jars should be enough to sell you, but if not, the delicious scents will. Broken Rosary is a little bit floral and a little bit woody, Incensorial is perfect for incense lovers, Hinoki Fantome is a warm, floral scent enveloped by fresh greens, while Holiday Smells is warm, sweet and spicy in the most delectable way.

Totally luxurious, this set from Le Labo is a feat containing some of the best candles in existence. Petit Grain 21 is a fresh, green scent that makes for the perfect morning burn, Figue 15 is fruity and indulgent, and Santal 26 is a clean, woody scent that freshens up the room in an instant.

If you typically gravitate towards scents that are a little quirky and different, then Malin + Goetz is the candle brand for you. Perfect for trying before you buy, this set contains votives of some of their most popular fragrances.

The perfect stocking filler, this affordable set from John Lewis contains 3 mood-boosting scents: Spiced Clementine & Pomegranate, Frosted Mistletoe & Eucalyptus and Cinnamon Spiced Vanilla (which sounds good enough to eat!).