Not done holiday shopping? Time to buy some candles and call it a day.
The holidays are upon us, and we're willing to bet you're already burning at both ends.
Perhaps your family is in town, including your shitty nephews. Perhaps you have an elaborate Christmas menu to plan. Perhaps you are hung over from your office holiday party, overtaken by fear that the hangover might last several days.
Who has time for intensive gift-shopping? Not you!
Yes, yes, in a perfect world you'd have bought or knit or woodworked your gifts weeks ago -- each of them perfectly suited to the passions of each of your cousins. But if you didn't, here is what you do: buy each of those humans a scented candle.
Contrary to incorrect belief, a candle is not a "cop out" or a "bad gift." In fact, it is a good gift -- a thoughtful one, even -- and easy to shop for to boot.
You don't have to spring for fancy candles, either (although you can certainly go that route if you wish). No, just get those suckers from Target or World Market or whatever. Pick up a few while you're out buying wrapping paper and Scotch tape.
No way, you say, candles are so impersonal! Not so. Candle preferences -- smell preferences -- are highly personal.
For example, perhaps one of the things you love is the beach, but one of the things you hate is sugar cookies. This is a very specific preference! Thus, if someone got you a breezy ocean candle, you'd be thrilled -- and if someone knew to not get you a Sprinkle Cookie Wonderland candle, you'd be even happier. Personally, we'd feel seen as hell.
So on your candle shopping trip, consider what you've observed about your recipients. It doesn't have to be too deep. In fact, it can be the opposite of deep. Did you go apple picking together this fall? Get them a cider-y candle. Do they adore magnolias? Get them a magnolia candle. Do they love being cozy? Great -- a lot of people love being cozy. There are also quite a few candles with the word "cozy" in their names. Wrap it up with a cute bow. Write a little note. You've made it.
And, of course, don't forget to pick up one for yourself. You deserve a candle after all that candle shopping.
Chloe was the shopping editor at Mashable. She was also previously a culture reporter. You can follow her on Twitter at @chloebryan.
