15 Homemade Candle Ideas That Make Thoughtful Gifts • Schisandra & Bergamot

There’s something deeply comforting about the glow of a handmade candle. Each one tells a story—crafted with care, scented with intention, and shared as a simple act of love. Whether you’re preparing for the holidays or just want to give from the heart, these homemade candle ideas bring warmth to every season.

From natural wax blends to creative containers, these candles aren’t just beautiful—they’re meaningful. Here are 15 ideas that make perfect, personal gifts for anyone who could use a little extra light.

DIY Blue Butterfly Pea and Calendula Candles

A lit candle in a small glass jar sits on a wooden surface with dried flower petals scattered around it. — Photo Credit: Schisandra & Bergamot

This soothing homemade candle fills any space with a unique floral aroma and charming boho aesthetic. It adds a special touch to any environment!

Get The Recipe: DIY Blue Butterfly Pea and Calendula Candles

DIY Massage Candles

A lit candle in a fluted holder sits on a wooden surface, with another candle and scattered wax discs visible in the background. — Photo Credit: Schisandra & Bergamot

Learn how to make massage candles at home to add a fragrant and personal touch to your self-care and relaxation routine! This wonderful alternative to regular massage oils also makes for the perfect present for loved ones on birthdays or even as romantic gifts on your anniversary or Valentine’s Day.

Get The Recipe: DIY Massage Candles

Tea Cup Candles with Essential Oils

Two floral teacups filled with wax and wicks, used as homemade candles, sit on a lace-covered windowsill. — Photo Credit: Blessed Pursuit of Motherhood

A DIY on how to make tea cup candles. A step by step guide on everything you need from materials to how to add fragrances to your tea cup candles.

Get The Recipe: Tea Cup Candles with Essential Oils

Homemade Natural Candles

Several jars of homemade candles with handwritten tags are arranged on a white surface, alongside two small essential oil bottles and a ball of twine. — Photo Credit: 100 Days of Real Food

The best gifts are those that are handmade! Learn how to make these DIY natural candles, using beeswax and Plant Therapy oils, that look and smell great.

Get The Recipe: Homemade Natural Candles

DIY Rose Petal Candle

A tin container filled with white wax and dried rose petals sits on a surface scattered with petals, next to a folded white cloth with a plaid pattern. — Photo Credit: Homestead How-To

A DIY Rose Petal Candle is a romantic and elegant craft that fills any space with a soft floral glow. Made with dried rose petals and your favorite wax, it’s both beautiful and soothing. Perfect for gifting or adding a touch of charm to your home décor.

Get The Recipe: DIY Rose Petal Candle

Mason Jar Candle Ideas Using Ylang Ylang Scent

A lit yellow candle in a glass jar sits on a patterned surface with a knitted fabric in the background.

Mason Jar Candle Ideas using Ylang Ylang Scent bring a touch of calm and elegance to any space. The sweet, floral aroma of ylang ylang creates a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long day. These charming homemade candles make thoughtful gifts or lovely additions to your cozy home décor.

Get The Recipe: Mason Jar Candle Ideas using Ylang Ylang Scent

DIY Soy Candle With Fresh Lavender and Mint

A lit candle in a glass jar sits on a light-colored surface with green leafy herbs in the background. — Photo Credit: Confessions of an Overworked Mom

A DIY Soy Candle with Fresh Lavender and Mint combines soothing floral notes with a refreshing herbal twist. Made from natural soy wax and real botanicals, it burns cleanly while filling your space with a calming, spa-like scent. Perfect for relaxation, gifting, or adding a touch of handmade beauty to your home.

Get The Recipe: DIY Soy Candle With Fresh Lavender and Mint

Sea Shell Candles

Three white candles set in oyster shells are arranged on a wooden tray surrounded by small decorative pebbles on a marble surface. — Photo Credit: Sheri Silver

Sea Shell Candles are beautiful, beach-inspired creations that bring a touch of the ocean into your home. Made by filling natural shells with wax and wicks, they make charming decorative pieces and thoughtful handmade gifts. Perfect for coastal-themed décor or adding a serene seaside vibe to any space.

Get The Recipe: Sea Shell Candles

DIY Thyme Candles with the Crockpot Method

A glass jar filled with white liquid, possibly milk, is tied with twine and decorated with a sprig of thyme, placed on a white dish. — Photo Credit: Celebrated Nest

DIY Thyme Candles made with the Crockpot Method are an easy and aromatic way to create natural, herb-infused candles at home. The gentle scent of thyme adds a fresh, earthy touch while promoting relaxation and clarity. Simple to make and beautifully rustic, they’re perfect for gifting or cozy home décor.

Get The Recipe: DIY Thyme Candles with the Crockpot Method

Candle in a Pumpkin

A small white and orange pumpkin with a tea light candle inserted in the center, surrounded by green leaves on a decorative plate. — Photo Credit: Celebrated Nest

A Candle in a Pumpkin is a festive and cozy way to light up your fall décor. Using a hollowed pumpkin as a natural candle holder, it gives off a warm glow and a subtle seasonal scent. Perfect for autumn gatherings, Halloween nights, or adding rustic charm to your home.

Get The Recipe: Candle in a Pumpkin

DIY Lavender Scented Candles

A clear glass jar candle decorated with twine and a sprig of dried lavender, with a label reading "Lavender" attached to the jar. — Photo Credit: Celebrated Nest

DIY Lavender Scented Candles are a soothing and simple craft that fills your home with calming floral fragrance. Made with natural wax and dried lavender, they create a peaceful ambiance perfect for relaxation or bedtime. Elegant and easy to make, they also make thoughtful handmade gifts.

Get The Recipe: DIY Lavender Scented Candles

DIY Floral Candles

Three small tin candles with flower petals in the wax are arranged on a surface, surrounded by white and pink daisies. — Photo Credit: The Crafty Blog Stalker

DIY Floral Candles are beautiful, handcrafted creations that capture the charm of nature in every flicker. Made with dried flowers and natural wax, they add a touch of elegance and fragrance to any space. Perfect as homemade gifts or for bringing a soft, romantic glow to your décor.

Get The Recipe: DIY Floral Candles

Citronella Candles

Three white candles in glass jars are arranged in a triangle on a rustic wooden surface viewed from above. — Photo Credit: The Crafty Blog Stalker

Citronella Candles are practical yet stylish outdoor essentials that help keep bugs away while adding a warm glow to your space. Made with citronella oil, they release a fresh, lemony scent that’s perfect for patios, picnics, and summer evenings. Both functional and decorative, they make outdoor gatherings more enjoyable.

Get The Recipe: Citronella Candles

DIY Pressed Flower Candle Jars

Three lit candles in glass jars decorated with pressed flowers are displayed on a wooden surface, with a basket of green plants in the background. — Photo Credit: Xoxo Bella

Create dreamy DIY pressed flower candles with soy wax! Perfect for gifts or seasonal crafts—customize scents, colors & styles to make them your own.

Get The Recipe: DIY Pressed Flower Candle Jars

Beeswax Candles in Jars

A glass jar candle with a pink string, an empty glass jar, candle wicks, and blocks of beeswax arranged on a tabletop against a dark background. — Photo Credit: Rootsy

Create natural beeswax candles in mason jars with just a few simple supplies. This beginner-friendly project makes long-burning, non-toxic candles that are perfect for home use or gifting.

Get The Recipe: Beeswax Candles in Jars

Homemade candles are small gestures that shine bright with meaning. Each one carries warmth, intention, and the gentle touch of creativity. Whether gifted to a friend or kept for quiet evenings, these handmade treasures remind us that light is best when shared.