Why I Always Avoid Gifting Candles Upon Being a Host
We've all been taught to show up with something, but knowing how to impress with a thoughtful host gift can be a challenge. Over the years, I've discovered a foolproof method for picking out host gifts that always leave a positive impact. Here's why I've ditched giving candles and started gifting pantry staples like spices and condiments instead.
Why I Shy Away from Candles
There are two main reasons I avoid gifting candles, even though I personally love them. First, scent preferences are highly subjective. What smells amazing to one person may be too sweet or overpowering to another. Some people prefer lighter, fresher scents, while others lean towards earthier, muskier ones. Gifting a candle with the wrong scent can easily miss the mark. Choose incorrectly, and your hosts may be stuck with a scent they don't enjoy—or worse, one that gives them a headache.
Second, scents are so personal that gifting a candle without knowing the recipient's preferences can come off as impersonal. Offering someone a gift is about showing thoughtfulness, and a generic candle might suggest that little thought went into picking out the present, even if that's not the case.
However, there are exceptions to every rule. If you know the host's preferred scent, a candle in their signature fragrance can be a beautiful and personalized gift that makes their home feel even more like a haven or shows your host how well you know them.
Why I Adore Gifting Specialty Pantry Essentials
Instead of a candle, I prefer to give specialty kitchen items, like spices or condiments, as host gifts: imagine a jar of J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works' sea salt, a tin of Cinnamon Powder from Spicalla, or a bottle of Graza Olive Oil. A new homeowner might not have had the chance to restock their pantry yet, so this addresses a potential need. Plus, specialty pantry items usually last a while, so if the hosts already have something similar on hand, they can save it for later.
To make practical gifts feel special and thoughtful, I like to stick to artisanal or small-batch options instead of run-of-the-mill items like nutmeg or hot sauce. (If the homeowner is local, shopping locally is a great way to introduce them to local favorites.) A nice ribbon and a handwritten note also go a long way.
Of course, a generic candle is better than showing up empty-handed, so take my advice with a grain of salt—or a pinch of my favorite specialty sea salt!
In the realm of Southern Living and Culture and Lifestyle, it's essential to consider Etiquette and Manners when selecting gifts for Holidays Occasions. Instead of sticking to traditional candles, which can be subjective in terms of scent preferences and may come off as impersonal, I recommend gifting specialty pantry essentials like high-quality spices, condiments, or artisanal salts. These items not only address a potential need but also feel thoughtful and personal when presented as a gift, especially if they are artisanal or small-batch options.
