The Top 5 Bath & Body Works Candles to Gift or Keep (and 2 to Avoid!)

Finding the Perfect Holiday Candle

The holiday season is all about cozy gatherings, festive decorations, and, of course, delightful scents wafting through your home. Bath & Body Works candles are the perfect addition to any holiday décor—whether you’re gifting them or keeping them for yourself! Here’s our roundup of the top seven candles that should be on your radar this season, and (two that have gotten less than stellar reviews).

1. Winter Candy Apple

A classic holiday scent, Winter Candy Apple combines fresh apples with a hint of spice. This cheerful fragrance is a holiday classic, blending the crisp sweetness of red apples with hints of winter rose petals and candied orange zest. A cozy undertone of fresh cinnamon and rich maple syrup adds a warm and inviting touch!

  • Winter Candy Apple 3-wick candle, 14.5 Oz.
  • Glass Design May Be Different From Pictured

2. Vanilla Bean Noel

The Vanilla Bean Noel Candle is a luscious blend of creamy vanilla bean, buttery sugar cookies, and rich caramel drizzle, accented with hints of warm toffee, sweet marshmallow fluff, and decadent vanilla ice cream. A soft musk and a touch of holiday spice round out this indulgent scent, evoking the cozy warmth and sweetness of festive desserts. If you’re a fan of sweet, warm aromas, and gourmand fragrances, the Vanilla Bean Noel is a must-have!

3. Fresh Balsam

The Fresh Balsam Candle captures the crisp, wintry essence of a snowy forest with notes of woodland balsam, fresh fir branches, and eucalyptus. Accents of cedarwood and a subtle touch of juniper berries add depth and a hint of holiday cheer, creating a refreshing and festive aroma that brings the outdoors into your home. This candle encapsulates the scent of lush evergreens, making it ideal for those who miss the smell of a traditional Christmas tree.

4. Peppermint Sugar Cookie

This one is a crowd-pleaser! The Peppermint Sugar Cookie Candle is a delightful holiday treat, combining the cool, refreshing aroma of crushed peppermint with the sweet warmth of buttery sugar cookies. Creamy vanilla and a touch of powdered sugar add richness and depth, creating a cozy and festive scent that feels like baking holiday cookies on a snowy winter day. The Peppermint Sugar Cookie candle combines the sweetness of cookies with a refreshing peppermint twist, perfect for baking enthusiasts or holiday parties.

5. Tis the Season

The Tis the Season Candle embodies the magic of the holidays with its blend of bright red apple, spicy cinnamon, and rich cedarwood. Subtle notes of clove and sweet vanilla add warmth and depth, creating a festive and inviting aroma that perfectly captures the joyful spirit of the season.

  • Scented Candle: Experience the warm and inviting scents of ‘Tis The Season, a rich blend of red apple, sweet cinnamon, a…
  • Material & Type: Made with a high-quality glass jar and a container candle, perfect for any room in your home
  • Size & Weight: Weighs 0.90625 pounds and has a 14.5 ounce capacity, providing long-lasting burn time

What to Avoid

While most candles shine bright, there are a couple of Bath & Body Works candles that have received mixed reviews. The Sweet Pea Candle might be a favorite for some, but its fragrance can feel overly cloying and synthetic to others. The floral notes, intended to be light and airy, can come across as overly perfumed and overpowering, especially in smaller spaces. Instead of a delicate sweetness, it sometimes veers into an artificial, candy-like territory that lacks the natural charm you’d expect from a floral candle. For those who prefer subtle or more authentic floral scents, this one may feel disappointing.

Another to steer clear of is Paris Lavender Macaron, which may sound delightful, but its scent can feel overly artificial and unbalanced. The lavender note, meant to provide a calming floral touch, can be overshadowed by an overly sweet and sugary macaron aroma that leans toward being cloying. Instead of a sophisticated blend, the fragrance can come across as more candy-like than elegant, which might disappoint those seeking a refined, Parisian-inspired scent.

This holiday season, light up your home with any of these fabulous scents, or wrap them up for a loved one. Happy gifting!

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