Consider this a PSA: The best candles on Amazon include, in our opinion, some of the best candles out there, period. While you may consider the retailer a go-to for home tech, kitchen appliances, and furniture finds, Amazon’s robust scented candle inventory rivals that of some of our favorite department stores. Think brands like Voluspa, Malin & Goetz, Nest, Boy Smells, and more, all available with free and speedy shipping (for the low, low cost of a Prime membership of course).
And with the holidays right around the corner, keep in mind that a sweet-smelling scented candle gift makes a lovely present for just about anyone on your list—from a coworker to your votive-loving mom. (Though they also make perfect birthday gifts, anniversary presents, or even a nice treat for yourself.) Since we know shopping on Amazon can feel like a retail vortex, we’ve gone ahead and rounded up the most desirable votives to add to your collection (or restock on)—including jar candles, giftable candle sets, and even some fun taper options for your next dinner soirée.
Nest’s candle mix includes jasmine, pumpkin chai, bamboo and so many more scent profiles. Along with a proprietary wax, the candles are designed with lead-free cotton wicks for an elevated burning experience and optimal fragrance diffusion. We also recommend checking out the brand’s essential oil reed diffusers should you be feeling adventurous with your home fragrances.
Bring a coastal vibe wherever you may be with this best seller from D.S. & Durga that fuses eucalyptus, magnolia, and damp wood notes to create a scent that feels like sunshine after a rainstorm.
We think Malin + Goetz’s sage-scented candle makes a particularly nice housewarming gift for the friend that believes in space cleansing. Though we wouldn’t sleep on the other scents like leather, bergamot, or tomato—all which are made of a vegan veggie wax blend and include 60 hours of burn time.
Apotheke’s hand-poured soy candles are some of our favorites. Unlike competitors, the brand uses 15–18% fragrance oils (over three times the amount found in typical scented candles). This scent packs a floral-filled punch with an aromatic mix of cypress, lavender, and lotus flower.
We’re also particularly fond of this scent from AD Open Door alum Kacey Musgraves and Los Angeles–based Boy Smells. This coconut wax-blend mixture of incense, black pepper and guaiac wood will really set the mood. (Plus, with a 50 hour burn time it really will be a slow burn.) “This candle collaboration also ranks in senior digital design editor Sydney Gore’s top three of all time. “The scent notes are a superior blend of smoky and spicy that will transport you to another dimension where the vibe is always sexy,” she says.
Don’t let the rustic-looking glass jar packaging fool you—P.F Candle Co. makes very sophisticated scents. One of the brand’s most popular options, this classic Teakwood & Tobacco candle is a sultry mix of leather, teak, and orange.
Made in New York, the understated design of Brooklyn Candle Studio’s natural soy wax candles won’t clash with your home decor, and will send you to a far-flung dream destination, like Santorini.
We’ve long heard that this candle from Seda is a dead ringer for Diptyque’s Baies (minus the Diptyque price tag). And what’s lovely is it already comes in a very giftable box, meaning you can skip the wrapping paper.
If you prefer unique wood scents, Voluspa’s Blong Tabac is a mix of perique tabac, vanilla husk, sandalwood. Like a few other brands on this list, you can opt for Amazon’s Subscribe & Save option that will automatically save you up to 5% on auto deliveries when you buy in bulk.
While there’s lots of upsides to investing in an artificial Christmas tree, you definitely miss out on the smell of fresh pine. Thankfully, this candle from Yankee Candle will help recreate the experience.
Next up on our list of the best candles on Amazon, Homesick makes bespoke scents inspired by every state across the USA. We think it’s a great gift idea for a college student who’s studying away from home or even a pal who’s been living abroad.
When we think of fall candles, Otherland’s Cardamom Milk candle comes to mind. Like its name would suggest, the soothing scent is the perfect morning scent to accompany a comforting drink and a breakfast pastry.
If they’re already a fan of Molton Brown’s superior skin- and body-care products, they’ll definitely appreciate this long-lasting candle from the brand that’s pepper-based with a hint of vetiver and coriander.
There’s some products you just buy for the packaging, and this charming tin candle is one of them. We like that it comes with a discreet lid to disguise its true intention and its sweet caramel and sandalwood scent.
Lafco’s candle will have you feeling like you just fell into a field of fresh gardenias. The floral aroma is enhanced by supporting notes of fresh cedar, orange blossom, and ylang-ylang.
From Courtney Cox’s home brand, this scent uses a space-cleansing blend of Chinese eucalyptus oil, spearmint, black tea, Texan white cedarwood, and dried Indian papyrus. “Scent aside, there’s even more to love,” according to AD PRO editor Mel Studach. “The soy-wax blend candle’s kiln-fired ceramic canister has a naturally coarse exterior, an artisanal texture that plays as nice against glossy marble countertops.”
Here’s another lavender candle you can add to their collection of aromatherapy scents. This one from Chesapeake Bay is also available in a larger size for anyone looking for a long burning option.
Candles that come in a really nice holder—like this checkerboard design from Paddywax—make great gifts for anyone that loves to reuse their jars. With a delightful rose and santal scent, the real treat will come after the candle’s burned down and you can add the vessel to your mug rotation. Plus, they’d look great under a Christmas tree. “I received this scent a while back and it’s a really fresh aroma that’s not too overpowering,” says commerce editor Audrey Lee. “I of course also kept the jar, it makes a great mug after you’ve burned through the candle!”
For under $20, you can have your home smelling like freshly washed laundry all the time. This particular candle boasts over 2,000 positive reviews, which makes it a safe bet in our book.
Part of the fun of Kobo’s candles is the fun packaging that’s unique to each scent. With a black-and-white polka dot canister, this Mediterranean-inspired candle diffuses a bright olive blend with undertones of eucalyptus, lily, and patchouli.
These whimsical taper candles remind us a bit of oversized birthday candles. For under $20 you get a set of 12, so we’d categorize this deal under especially good buys.
