A candle is the rare universal gift, one that actually is universal . The woman who appreciates the finer things wants one. The guy who meticulously curates his “vibes” wants one. The guy who's place smells like old takeout (why are you buying that man a gift?) needs one. They’re perfect for White Elephant exchanges , last-minute office parties , your impossibly chic coworker , and that in-law you still only sort of know. A good candle says “I care” without screaming “I stalked your LinkedIn.”

But with so many candles out there—celebrity collabs, minimalists, maximalists, wood wicks that crackle like a podcast ad—it’s hard to know what’s actually worth lighting. At Esquire, we’ve sniffed, burned, and tested more wax than is probably medically advisable to bring you a curate

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