Candles make an excellent gift for someone who seems to have just about everything and impossible to buy for.  There are certain times that candles can be a bad gift.  Always think about the person you are buying for when you purchase candles.  Consider the receiver’s health, their likes, and alternate ideas if he or she cannot use a candle.

A person’s health is always a factor when buying a candle as a gift.  If you know someone well enough, you will know if they have asthma, allergies, or some form of respiratory problem.  Candles are not a great gift for someone with a respiratory problem.  When you buy a candle for someone with a respiratory problem, not only does it show you put no thought into their present, but it is a gift they cannot use.  Most candles have metal or wire wicks.  When they are blown out, the smoke emitted into the air can be dangerous to breathe.  Some candles actually put out a smoke while they are burning.  People who have bad allergies to perfumes and other scented items, often experience flares with their allergy symptoms when using scented candles.

Another thing to consider is the likes of the person.  Candles seem like the perfect gift and they are quick and easy to buy for people who have everything.  You might even enjoy making your own candles.  However, not everyone likes candles.  So before you buy your immigrant cousin a candle as a gift to celebrate getting his Green Card through USCIS, be sure he likes candles.  When you buy someone a gift of something they don’t like, it only shows you don’t pay attention to them well enough to know what they do or do not like.  There are always ways to hint or ask if he or she favors candles or if they have some type of health condition that would cause the he or her to avoid using them.

There are many alternative options to the use of candles.  Many people who do not prefer using candles, dislike them, or have a health hazard preventing them from using them, have other options.  These options include things like liquid pot pourer, diffusers, incense, and even sprays.  Most people absolutely love filling their homes with a fresh aroma of a scent they love.  It is just important that you give them a gift of something they can use and are not allergic to. Always find out the different options that you can choose as a gift.

Before you decide to buy your uncle a set of candles for the holidays, ensure he likes them and doesn’t have any health issue where the candles would make him sick.  Surely you would feel terrible if something happened to him for using them.  Know the people you are giving gifts to and always put some thought into the gift giving process.  Don’t randomly grab candles for people and gift them.  It is like giving a coffee scented candle to someone who doesn’t like coffee.  Knowing the person you are gifting a candle to will help you be more successful with the gift.