best 3 wick candle

20 BEST 40TH-BIRTHDAY GIFTS TO RING IN THE NEXT DECADE

Turning 40 is a milestone worth celebrating in style, and the perfect gift can make it even more special. The best 40th-birthday gifts reflect the recipient’s personality and interests, ensuring they feel truly appreciated on their big day. Whether you’re shopping for a best friend, a hard-to-please family member, or a partner who seems to have everything, we’ve got something to impress them.

For a hassle-free option, a curated gift set is always a winner—especially if it includes indulgent beauty finds. Prefer a more personal touch? Create a themed gift box tailored to their interests, whether it’s a spa-inspired self-care kit, travel must-haves, or cozy home essentials. Personalized gifts, like a custom book or monogrammed accessories, show thoughtfulness and effort, making them extra meaningful. If you’re looking to go big—perhaps with a group gift or a luxurious splurge—an upscale item will leave a lasting impression.

Our golden rule for gifting? Choose something they wouldn’t typically buy for themselves but would be absolutely thrilled to receive. From thoughtful presents for women to fun finds for men and sentimental treasures for loved ones, our gift guide takes the guesswork out of shopping. Just don’t forget to top it off with a heartfelt, handwritten card they’ll cherish forever.

INSTANATURAL VITAMIN C TONER – $12.55 (AMAZON), $20.00

Give her skincare routine a refresh with this brightening toner. Infused with witch hazel, lavender, and botanical extracts, it helps cleanse and hydrate while combating signs of aging. One reviewer raved, “My skin looks hydrated and smoother instantly—so glad I tried this product!”

MOROCCANOIL SHOWER GEL CLEANSER – $20.00 (AMAZON, SEPHORA, MOROCCANOIL)

Treat her to a little luxury in the shower with this ultra-hydrating body wash. Former Shop TODAY editor Ellen Abraham describes it as “an affordable luxury that smells amazing and leaves your skin silky smooth.” Ideal for those with sensitive skin, this cleanser is a must-have.

AOA STUDIO PAW PAW COLLECTION GIFT SET – $25.55 (MISS A), $31.60

For the homebody who loves a little pampering, this set is a beauty lover’s dream. It includes cozy slippers, a highlighter set, a handheld mirror, and more for the ultimate self-care experience.

ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS MINI SPICE EYESHADOW PALETTE – $29.00 (ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS, ULTA, SEPHORA)

A makeup essential for everyday looks or glamorous nights out. Featuring warm and shimmery tones, this palette is a favorite among beauty lovers. Ellen Abraham says, “This timeless eyeshadow palette has everything you need for both natural and bold styles.”

DEARFOAMS EZ FEET SCUFF SLIPPER – $37.99 (WALMART)

After a long day, her feet will thank her for these ultra-cozy slippers. Made with 100% Australian sheepskin lining and plush cushioning, they provide ultimate comfort and warmth.

THE COMFY ORIGINAL OVERSIZED MICROFIBER & SHERPA WEARABLE BLANKET – $41.99 (AMAZON), $49.99 (QVC), $54.99

For someone who’s always cold, this wearable blanket is a game-changer. It’s oversized, ultra-soft, and perfect for lounging around the house—or even staying cozy outdoors.

BALA BANGLES – $55.00 (AMAZON, TARGET)

These stylish, adjustable weights add extra resistance to workouts, whether worn on wrists or ankles. A favorite among fitness enthusiasts, Bala Bangles are perfect for elevating her cardio sessions.

SAHIRA JEWELRY DESIGN DARIA HOOPS – $58.00 (SAHIRA)

A timeless jewelry piece, these tarnish-free gold hoops are a perfect addition to her accessory collection. Simple yet stylish, they’ll complement any outfit effortlessly.

ARTIS FINI COSMETIC BRUSH – $65.00 (HSN)

If she’s looking to upgrade her makeup tools, this premium blending brush is a must-have. Shop TODAY editor Rebecca Brown says, “I’d heard so much about Artis brushes—I tried it, and it’s hands down the best blending tool I own.”

SWEEJAR STORE PORCELAIN TEA SET – BRITISH ROYAL SERIES – $69.99 (AMAZON), $75.99

For lovers of historical dramas and elegant tea parties, this stunning tea set includes a teapot, teacups, saucers, a sugar bowl, a cream pitcher, and a stainless-steel strainer. Perfect for an afternoon of relaxation and conversation.

STILOSA ESPRESSO MACHINE BY DE’LONGHI – $75.99 (TARGET), $83.99, $99.95 (QVC)

A coffee lover’s dream! This compact yet powerful espresso machine makes barista-quality coffee at home. Senior Partnership Editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil says, “There’s truly no better way to start my day.”

RENÉE ROULEAU TRIPLE BERRY SMOOTHING PEEL – $88.50 (RENÉE ROULEAU)

This antioxidant-rich peel helps brighten and even skin tone, making it a skincare essential. “I use this peel weekly, and it has transformed my skin,” says Ellen Abraham.

VERA BRADLEY WEEKENDER TRAVEL BAG – $101.25 (VERA BRADLEY), $135.00

Spacious, stylish, and durable, this quilted weekender bag is perfect for quick getaways. Made of nylon, it’s lightweight yet sturdy—ideal for frequent travelers.

AERANGIS DISCOVERY JOURNEY GIFT SET – $110.00 (AERANGIS, ETSY)

If one candle isn’t enough, this set offers three signature scents, a wick trimmer, and a scent story card for a luxurious aromatherapy experience.

NEW YORK TIMES CUSTOM BIRTHDAY BOOK – $125.00 (UNCOMMON GOODS)

A thoughtful keepsake, this book compiles The New York Times front pages from every year since her birth—perfect for history buffs and nostalgic moments.

HATCH RESTORE SMART SLEEP ASSISTANT – $169.99 (HATCH)

For the woman who needs better sleep, this all-in-one device combines a sound machine, sunrise alarm, smart light, and meditation app to create the ultimate nighttime routine.

LILYSILK TRIMMED SILK WOMEN’S LONG-SLEEVE PAJAMA SET – $185.00 (LILYSILK)

Made from 100% grade 22 Momme Charmeuse silk, this ultra-luxurious pajama set is perfect for beauty sleep in style.

OSTRICHPILLOW GO NECK PILLOW – $69.00 (OSTRICHPILLOW, AMAZON)

Ideal for frequent travelers, this memory foam neck pillow offers 360-degree support for restful sleep—even on the most turbulent flights.

PERSONALIZED BOURBON BARREL FLIGHT WITH GLASSES – $85.00 (UNCOMMON GOODS)

For whiskey lovers and entertainers, this handcrafted bourbon barrel flight comes with four tasting glasses—perfect for a refined home bar setup.

EMBER TEMPERATURE CONTROL SMART MUG² – $121.99 (AMAZON), $127.99 (TARGET), $149.95 (QVC)

No more cold coffee! This smart mug keeps drinks at the perfect temperature for hours. One happy customer shared, “It truly keeps my beverage at the same set temperature long enough for me to enjoy every last drop at my own pace!”

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HOW TO MAKE DIY CINNAMON CANDLES

Learn How to Make the Best All-Natural Cinnamon Candles! Crafted with Soy Wax and Essential Oils, These Cozy, Cinnamon-Scented Candles Are Perfect for Holiday Cheer and Make Thoughtful, Homemade Gifts!

DIY cinnamon candles

Do you like cinnamon? Yes? Then enter your new favorite air freshener: cinnamon candles. I know cinnamon candle sounds pretty simple, but the scent is absolutely delicious. It will fill your home with the smell of warm cinnamon rolls and holiday nostalgia.

And speaking of simple, this candle tutorial is pretty easy. The recipe starts with soy wax, which is infused with fragrant cassia essential oil. I also share a few fun variations (like cinnamon vanilla or cinnamon apple) at the end of the post.

I want to gift these DIY soy candles as handmade Christmas gifts and opted for small mason jars. However, you can jump up a few jar sizes and create a large cinnamon candle if you’re feeling so inclined.

For more holiday candles, try our gingerbread tealights, homemade pumpkin spice candle, DIY pine candles, and this apple cider candle from my friend Kristy of Life-n-Refection.

Cinnamon candle benefits

Cinnamon is such a comforting, aromatic scent—it brings to mind cozy treats like cinnamon buns, French toast, snickerdoodles, and all sorts of holiday goodies. But there’s more to cinnamon than just its delicious fragrance! Its essential oil provides some great aromatherapy benefits, too.

Here are a few benefits of burning a cinnamon-scented candle:

  • Relaxation: The warm scent of cinnamon can help calm your mind, setting a soothing, relaxed atmosphere.
  • Mood Boost: Cinnamon oil has uplifting properties that can enhance your mood and help brighten up winter days.
  • Natural Deodorizer: Lighting a cinnamon candle refreshes and deodorizes your home with a natural, pleasant aroma.
  • All-Natural Ingredients: This homemade candle recipe uses only natural materials, like soy wax and essential oils—no synthetic fragrances or paraffin wax here!

Making your own cinnamon candles is a great way to bring warmth and natural fragrance into your space, while also reaping these soothing benefits.

Ingredients & supplies

To make the perfect cinnamon candle, here’s a breakdown of the essential components:

  • Soy Wax: This is the base of your candle, made from natural soybean oil. I recommend Golden Brand 646 soy wax, known for its smooth finish and excellent fragrance-holding capacity.
  • Cinnamon Essential Oil: The key to that warm, inviting cinnamon scent! Cinnamon bark or cassia essential oils offer the richest aroma for these candles.
  • Wick: I use pre-tabbed cotton wicks. Choosing the right wick is crucial; the wrong size can affect how your candle burns. For small mason jars like the ones shown, the ECO 2 wick is ideal.
  • Candle Container: Use a heat-safe, leak-proof container like mason jars, glassware, or candle tins. I chose 4-oz quilted mason jars, which are perfect for gifting. For other jar sizes, check the FAQ section.

With these ingredients, you’ll have all you need to make beautiful, cozy cinnamon candles that are perfect for spreading holiday warmth!

CANDLE MAKING TOOLS

  • Digital Scale: For accurately measuring the wax and essential oils.
  • Hot Glue Gun: To secure the wick at the bottom of the candle container.
  • Saucepan: Used to melt the wax safely.
  • Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the melted wax and oils.
  • Infrared Thermometer (optional): Helpful for checking the wax temperature.
  • Wick Centering Device or Chopsticks: To keep the wick centered as the wax sets.
  • Scissors: For trimming the wick to the proper length after the candle has cooled.

What is the best cinnamon essential oil for candles?

When choosing the best cinnamon essential oil for candle making, here’s a quick comparison of the three main types:

  • Cinnamon Bark: Extracted by steam distilling the bark of Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum or true cinnamon), this oil is red-brown with a warm, spicy scent. It’s intense and luxurious, making it ideal for a high-end candle.
  • Cinnamon Leaf: Derived from the leaves of Ceylon cinnamon through steam distillation, this oil has an amber color and a milder, muskier scent, reminiscent of clove. It’s a great option for a lighter, subtler candle aroma.
  • Cassia: Made from the bark of the cassia tree (Cinnamomum cassia), cassia oil is golden-brown with a strong, slightly sweet cinnamon scent that reminds many of fresh-baked cinnamon cookies. Cassia is also budget-friendly (around $7), making it an excellent choice for candle making.

Which oil is best for candle making?
For a classic cinnamon candle, I recommend cassia essential oil. Its warm, sweet, and spicy aroma is perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere, and it’s affordable for larger batches. However, if you prefer a lighter fragrance, go for cinnamon leaf, and for a luxurious candle, splurge on cinnamon bark oil.

Each oil brings its unique qualities, so you can choose the one that best fits the vibe you want to create!

How to make cinnamon candles

STEP 1: PREP CANDLE CONTAINERS

  • Make sure containers are clean, dry, and free of dust.
  • Attach the wick by applying hot glue to the wick tab, then press it firmly to the bottom of each container. Allow the glue to harden.

STEP 2: SECURE THE WICK

  • Thread the wick through a centering device (or use chopsticks) to keep it centered while pouring and setting the wax.

STEP 3: mEASURE WAX

  • Use a digital scale to measure out the wax. If you don’t have a scale, fill your container with wax flakes and then double the amount.

STEP 4: MELT WAX

  • Place the wax in a medium saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until fully melted.
  • Once melted, let the wax cool to 185°F (85°C).

STEP 5: ADD FRAGRANCE

  • At 185°F (85°C), add cinnamon essential oil to the wax. Stir well (30-40 times) to combine the fragrance with the wax.

STEP 6: POUR THE CANDLE

  • Let the wax cool to 140°F (60°C) before carefully pouring it into the containers.

STEP 7: LET CANDLE SET

  • Allow the candles to set at room temperature for a few hours or overnight.

STEP 8: TOP UP WAX (OPTIONAL)

  • If you see cracks or holes, melt extra wax and top up. Optionally, sprinkle ground cinnamon on top and let harden.

STEP 9: CURE THE CANDLE

  • For the best scent, cover the containers and cure candles for 1-2 days, which allows the wax and essential oil to bind for an even scent throw.

STEP 10: BURN THE CANDLE

  • Trim the wick to 1/2 inch (1 cm) before the first burn.
  • Burn the candle until the melted wax reaches the edges, and limit burning time to 3-4 hours.

Storage & shelf life

Storage Tips:
Store your homemade soy candles in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or any heat sources. UV light can degrade the essential oils, causing the scent to fade over time.

Shelf Life:
When stored properly, DIY cinnamon candles have a shelf life of 1 to 2 years.

Tips for gifting cinnamon scented candles

  • Add Printable Labels: Download and print the free labels, designed to fit between mason jar lids and metal rings. Attach the labels for a personal touch.
  • Decorate with Twine and Cinnamon Sticks: Wrap a piece of twine or ribbon around the jar, tucking in a cinnamon stick for an extra cozy, rustic accent.
  • Swap Out Lids: Consider using rose gold lids or decorative options for an elegant finish.

With these simple touches, your homemade cinnamon candles become charming and festive holiday gifts!

CONCLUSION

Making your own cinnamon candles is a fun and rewarding DIY project that fills your home with a warm, inviting aroma. By using natural ingredients like soy wax and essential oils, you’re creating a cozy atmosphere while avoiding synthetic fragrances. Whether you’re crafting them for yourself or giving them as thoughtful, handmade gifts, these cinnamon candles bring both comfort and charm. With a little creativity in packaging, they’re perfect for spreading holiday cheer and adding a personal touch to any occasion. Enjoy the process and the sweet, soothing scent of cinnamon!