Holiday season is behind us (womp, womp) and New Year's parties, which have somehow stretched to mid-January, are over. Technically, technically the designated months of gift-giving are behind us. (Or if you're a glass-half-full kind of person, only 10 months away.) But there are plenty of other occasions throughout the year - birthdays, housewarmings, showers, dinner parties, thank-yous, get-wells, regular Tuesdays - that make for the perfect opportunity to gift someone a simple little somethin’ somethin’.

Okay, I will be the first to admit it – a candle CAN be a lame gift. It's pretty generic and impersonal and requires little thought. I mean, it potentially came from aisle 12 next to zip ties and light bulbs. C’mon, where’s the intimacy?! But think about it, really. Do you have a dog? Or 2? Cat? Or 3? Kids? Socks? Lingering onions? There are enough stinks that waft around the house from various sources and no matter how many windows are open, puppy baths are drawn, or cookies are baked, it can be tough to make them leave. Enter: the candle.

I love candles. I collect them. For the pups and onions, yes. But also for the mood they set - the senses of calm and still they can evoke. The warm light and cozy feels remind me it truly is winter despite LA's spikes into the 70’s. I’ve got a Blackberry Absinthe tin burning right now that my sister-in-law got me for Christmas and it’s fan-freaking-tastic. Call it a cliché gift, but I use it and I love it. And my point of it all: I DIDN'T EVEN HAVE TO BUY IT!

Here’s my humble opinion. The synthetic dusty candle that's been sitting by a bike pump for a year = the gift of having a gift to give away (shoutout SNL!) The natural, hand poured candle deliberately matched with a bath or home essential (or solo!) = not so cliché and appropriate all year, any occasion. Below I've paired our different scents with mini indulgences that make perfect anytime-gifts. Your go-to gift card can't hold a *candle* to these...

Chamomile and Lily
The bamboo and lily candle blends the deep, woody tone of black bamboo with the delicate petals of white lilies to create a fresh + alluring fragrance that pairs beautifully with the calming chamomile and bright orange peel in the bath soak.

Calm
Rekindle candle is a soothing marriage of vanilla and sandalwood. The sultry and calming body whip swirls French lavender with bergamot and blood orange, and is rekindle's perfect match.

Charcoal
This bold candle and bamboo charcoal soap are both scented of vanilla, sweet orange, cedarwood, fir, pine and eucalyptus. They intertwine beautifully.

Salty Grapefruit
This candle and hand and body lotion both balance a salty tang with refreshing citrus. Each one blends zesty lemons, black pepper and grapefruit with cool mint, tarragon and basil.

Grapefruit and Vanilla
Bohemian - the scent of both this candle and the body butter - is warm, sweet and citrusy. They each will wrap you in a deliciously exotic blanket of vanilla and grapefruit.

Wake
Recharge candle's blend of rosemary and peppermint is reviving and uplifting. The scent is a wonderful complement to the aromatherapy mist's woodsy crispness that picks up recharge's rosemary and blends in juniper, eucalyptus and bergamot.

Focus
This candle combines zesty lemon myrtle with vibrant eucalyptus leaves and lavender to soothe, while the roll-on aromatherapy oil contains citrus peel, rosemary, lemongrass, basil and clove. They're a citrusy, woody and fresh combination that will keep you balanced and focused, not to mention the candle supports the Australian Koala Foundation!

Maple and Pine
Two rustic touches of wood - these simple, reclaimed candleblocks and hand carved coasters are a fantastic gift for the lover of nature and neutral.

Cinder
This candle is reminiscent of smoky wood and spice, and is the best counterpart to snuggling under a blanket during the chilly fall and winter days and cool spring nights.

Autumn
What goes hand in hand with maple more perfectly than orange, nutmeg, vanilla and cinnamon? Exactly.

Vanilla
This candle is inspired by wafting aromas of Brooklyn bakeries. Its delicious blend of vanilla, hazelnut and dark chocolate is a fantastic accompaniment while baking your own creations with this sweet and woody vanilla extract.

Stonefruit
This candle blends ripe nectarines with citrus and mint. It will enrich your peachy oolong tea-drinking experience.

Mocha
A trio of chocolate, coffee and spice, this gift set is decadent and rich. This complex honey pairs perfectly with the deep spices in the tea (and also with coffee!) and the candle burns a mellow yet lovely finishing touch.

Find these candle gift sets here.