This post was originally published in October 2021 and has been updated.

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There are a million different ways to zhuzh up a space. Think: throws, pillows, mirrors, paint, and more. But there’s one thing we consider to be a no-fail, must-have decor item that’s easy to excute on: the humble candle. Service and style? We’re sold. 

Some can be surprisingly expensive, so we rounded up more affordable options (they’re all under $45). We’ve got candles that make great gifts. Plus, a few that are centerpiece-worthy and really deserve to be on display. Burn, baby, burn.

Maison Louis Marie candles make for the ultimate perfect gift. The scent is earthy and woody with notes of amber stone, vetiver, patchouli, fennel, eucalyptus, and more. One soothing space, coming right up. ($36, Sephora )

If your couch currently smells like your furry four-legged friend, raise your hand. This soy wax candle to the rescue. It neutralizes unpleasant odors (like those from litter boxes), keeping your home smelling fresh and clean. It has a burn time of up to 60 hours and comes in more than two dozen scents. Plus, it’s free of dyes, parabens, and formaldehydes. Wet dog? Smell ya later. ($22.99, Amazon )

Who needs a traditional card when you can give a soy-wax candle with a note from you? Whether your bestie is moving into a new home or you just wanna show your family some love, it’s the perfect time to support their candle obsession. Just pick the font and scent, and write a message from the heart. For the light of your life. ($22.95+, Amazon )

No matter what season it is. Each candle is hand-poured and is free of parabens, sulfates, and synthetic dyes. This scent blends sandalwood, golden amber, and warm musk, but you can also shop their core collection for more options. With their colorful labels, these make for a great gift option too — and are worthy of some real estate on any desk. ($36, Otherland )

Sure, they’re your work wife, but they’re also your real-life friend. And when a co-worker crosses that threshold, we all know that’s pretty important. Let ’em know with a candle that simplifies it. ($14.99+, JNCandleCo via Etsy )

It’ll smell 10 times better than any aerosol spray you can find. Customers rave about how refreshing and clean the scent is. It’s the perfect option to light before you climb into the tub for an evening soak. ($28, Pretty Honest Candles )

The white scent is freesia, while the blue scent is bluebell. Like so many others on this list, this one can double as decor when it’s not being burned. It almost looks like it would be squishy with its smooth and rounded bubbles, but trust us, don’t poke — you’ll want it to last a while. ($13.99, Amazon )

There are four blobs available, but this blue one looks like it’s lazily lounging. To make it even more perfect, it’s named Eh. They’re part of a collection created by Talbot & Yoon for Areaware. You can purchase them individually, but once you see 'em all, you’ll want to keep the lil’ family together. So fun. ($30, Areaware )

Once you peek inside, you’ll be mesmerized. These handcrafted candles strikingly resemble geodes, with a bit of sparkle and a whole lot of texture. The amethyst option smells of bergamot and violet, while the aquamarine smells like fresh salt air. When the wick is gone, you can insert a tea light to keep enjoying the inner crystalline structure a bit longer. ($44, Uncommon Goods )

These six mini candles actually fit together and come in two adorable colored sets. Pick between a set of pink and green or purple and blue. Each candle has a burn time of 15 minutes — the perfect amount of time to tackle that random thing ya wanna get done. It’s giving early 2000s vibes and we’re here for it. ($20.22, Anure )

For all the Enneagram fans out there. These ombre glass candles have their own fragrance and color to match your number. Plus, there’s even a QR code that directs you to more information about your Enneagram. Love it. ($22, Paddywax )

Not only will the warming scents of bergamot, jasmine, cardamom, and clove lull you into a state of calm, but you’ll also get a reading to help you navigate what can be a crazy time. Inside the candle is a crystal to bring balance and good energy. Psst...this is part of a limited-edition batch, so grab one now before they sell out. ($38, Birthdate Co .)

These hand-poured ones burn between 60 to 80 hours and take some cues from the stars. There’s a candle for every day of the year, each with a custom scent and personalized info like personality traits and a tarot reading. They make a great gift for the person in your life who never skips their daily horoscope. ($49.99, Birthdate Co. )

Lavender and vanilla always feel fresh and are versatile enough for any space. This one is calming with notes of fir needles and tonka bean. It’s 100% plastic-free and multiple wicks mean it’ll burn longer and more evenly each time. Plus, the container has a wooden lid, so you can reuse it to store any trinkets. We’ll take one for every room, please. ($15.95, Public Goods )

This one from Boy Smells has notes of pink peppercorn, rose, and mandarin, which will have your space feeling as fresh as a daisy. Pop this one in the background of your latest virtual meeting and everyone will be complimenting your surroundings. Go you. ($44, Boy Smells)

These will be eye-catching on a coffee table or in an entryway. The two scent options are fresh and woodsy with hints of cypress and cassis. The container also has a wooden lid, so it's definitely something you’ll want to upcycle and use as a small vase or a container for tchotchkes. ($36, Anthropologie )

Say ‘goodbye’ to your regular lemon scent. It’s time for an upgrade. This one brings grapefruit, ginger, and saffron together for this quintessential kitchen candle. Light it up. ($16+, JustBeeUS via Etsy )

With a blend of black amber, musk, and lavender you’ll be inspired to cancel plans, slip into pajamas, and sip a cup of tea. Put on a classic movie and your night will be complete. ($30.91, MalatheBrand via Etsy )

Ahhh, the scent of freshly squeezed citrus. With notes of orange peel, lemon verbena, champagne, and peach, this one is a dose of vitamin C for the nose. Whether you’re in the thick of summer or are looking for an extra dose of sunshine in the winter, this candle is bright and cheery. Who couldn’t use an extra shot of joy? ($14, Aster )

Whether you're hosting a small gathering or having a regular weeknight dinner at home, these beauties are a must. They’re available in eight colors and are made with natural soy wax and beeswax. To avoid dripping, we suggest reading the burn instructions provided in the listing. ($17, CaiCai Handmade on Etsy )

These are bright and ideal for the spring and summer seasons, but fret not — they’ll inject cheer into long days. Each one is poured individually, so there may be slight variations. They’re also unscented so you can light a few at once without having to worry about an overwhelming smell. ($6.95+, Botanical Goods Store on Etsy )

They’re delicate and honestly very pretty to look at, so we won’t blame you if you never get around to burning them. Customers love them, and with their multiple five-star reviews, we don’t think you can go wrong. ($14/4 pack, Urban Outfitters )

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