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Photo illustration by Dana Davis/NYT Wirecutter; source photo by Leta Shy/NYT Wirecutter

This botanical candle is a bit of a splurge, yes, but after two years of regular use, it’s still going strong and sitting pretty (in its lovely, calming green glass jar) on editorial director Leta Shy’s mantel.

It’s delightfully herbaceous with a crisp, briny undertone—a scent that Leta says brings her closer to nature and forces her to slow down. It’s a lovely thing to have, or to gift, as we head into holiday chaos.

“When it’s time to meditate or to take a break from (over)thinking, or even just to focus on a task, I like to light it and wait until the scent slowly permeates my surroundings, never overpowering,” she writes. “It’s there to help me relax, reminding me to take time and smell the sage.”

A gift-worthy candle with a fresh scent→

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Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

After spending about 50 hours researching more than 80 candles, we’ve found our favorites for all of your olfactory endeavors—ranging from warm and woodsy to sweet and citrusy.

Our 16 favorite scented candles→

The secret to perfect pie crusts is these (embarrassingly expensive) beans A great gift for the baker in your life→

The best kitchen towels We’ve wiped up gallons of spills and dried countless dishes since 2014 to find these favorites→

15 aesthetic gifts we love Consider one of these gems, including a silk robe and an elegant hair brush, for someone with impeccable taste→

Of all the “sustainable” dishwasher pods we tested, these really work They clean well, lack synthetic fragrances and dyes, and come in plastic-free packaging→

Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter

Whether you need to offset the chill in a drafty guest bedroom or give your home’s heating system a little boost, a good space heater can come in handy. And although many can make you feel as if you’re sitting in front of a hair dryer, we found a few that don’t. Our picks can warm an entire room faster and more comfortably than other models, while still offering plenty of reliable safety features.

Our top pick is on sale right now→

Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

Despite their small size, stocking stuffers have the potential to spark big-time joy that last well beyond Christmas morning. From the whimsical to the practical, here are the best pint-sized gifts to charm any adult on your list—including an absolutely delightful tinned-fish candle and a fancy car freshener.

50 Wirecutter-approved stocking stuffers for adults→

(Want to fill the kiddos’ stockings? Check out our best stocking stuffer ideas for kids.)

Sign up for The Gift. Handpicked hidden gems. Great deals on lovely things. Your biggest gifting conundrums, answered. A gift guide from Wirecutter. Get it in your inbox

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