Candles soothe me and bring me peace or comfort, depending on the day. These little lights of joy are perfect gifts as they can be placed anywhere and lit anytime. Finding the ideal smell or the right color amongst the many varieties in the marketplace is a fun challenge.

I always seek out candles while on vacation in interesting locations as I relish in discovering unique glows. Interestingly, one of my favorite candles was purchased last year in Long Island at a small, kitschy clothing boutique. It was Los Angeles based Apothia's Bronzed candle. At $50 the candle was a stretch to my budget but I still appreciate its burnt orange delight today.

In New York City, I enjoy walking through different neighborhoods in search of my next favorite scent. My top places for candles include:

-Mixology (1422 3rd Avenue at East 81st Street) - Candier's $34 Thanks For That Thing You Did candle that is hand poured in the USA will please any recipient

-Urban Outfitters (521 5th Avenue at East 43rd Street) - Franklin and Whitman's $40 Magic Garden soy wax candle with its mint scent is ideal for a summer party gift

-bocnyc (410 Columbus Avenue at West 80th Street) - Boutique on Columbus offers Moodcast's $28 First Kiss coconut wax blend candle with a praline, raspberry, and jasmine scent that is perfect all year long

-Diptyque Paris (31 Prince Street at Mott) - Diptyque's $42 Baies Berries is a small candle with a fruity scent that comes in a larger size at $74 for those who want to splurge

Your ideal candle is waiting for you!

- Arden Duca '27