Top 10 Candle Genres for Handcrafters on Etsy

Here are the top 10 candle genres that are popular among Etsy shoppers, especially for handcrafted options in 2025. These categories blend timeless appeal with trending themes, allowing crafters to create candles that attract niche markets and seasonal buyers.

1. Seasonal & Holiday Candles
   • Candles for Christmas, Halloween, Valentine’s Day, and other holidays are huge sellers. Seasonal scents (e.g., pumpkin spice for fall, peppermint for winter) paired with festive packaging make these highly appealing for holiday shoppers.
2. Zodiac & Astrology Candles
   • Astrology-themed candles personalized for each zodiac sign, often including scents, crystals, or colors associated with each sign, attract buyers interested in astrology and self-care.
3. Aromatherapy & Wellness Candles
   • Scented candles for relaxation, stress relief, sleep, and focus—often made with essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, and chamomile—appeal to health-conscious buyers looking for natural, calming products.
4. Minimalist & Modern Home Decor Candles
   • Simple, elegant candles in neutral colors and sleek containers (e.g., ceramic, concrete) appeal to those seeking modern, minimalist decor. These candles emphasize aesthetics and blend seamlessly with various home styles.
5. Inspirational & Affirmation Candles
   • Candles with motivational quotes or affirmations on the label are popular as gifts for encouragement and self-love. These candles often come in uplifting scents and are packaged to inspire positivity.
6. Crystal-Infused & Spiritual Candles
   • Candles with crystals embedded for different intentions (e.g., love, abundance, protection) are popular with the wellness and spiritual community. Paired with natural scents, these candles are seen as both decorative and meaningful.
7. Novelty & Shaped Candles
   • Unique, fun-shaped candles, such as fruit, bubble shapes, body forms, or even food items (like donuts or cupcakes), cater to novelty buyers and make great gifts or decor for specific themes.
8. Luxury & High-End Scented Candles
   • Premium candles made with high-quality wax, wooden wicks, and unique, sophisticated scents (e.g., sandalwood, oud, amber) appeal to buyers looking for upscale gifts and luxury decor.
9. Pet-Friendly Candles
   • Candles made with pet-safe ingredients and neutralizing scents to reduce pet odors are popular among pet owners who want to enjoy candles without worrying about chemicals that might harm their animals.
10. Travel-Inspired or Destination Candles

• Candles inspired by specific places, countries, or cities, with scents reminiscent of iconic locations (e.g., lavender for Provence, cedar for the Pacific Northwest) appeal to wanderlust and nostalgia for travel lovers.

These genres balance aesthetic appeal, trending themes, and niche interests, making them perfect for Etsy’s handcrafted market. Each can be personalized through unique scents, labels, and packaging to stand out in competitive categories. At Smart Craft Designs, I have worked with countless candle makers and small business owners across the country, helping them to create labels, tags, dust covers, thank-you cards, care cards, and stickers to promote their products and provide quality services to their customers.

If you would like to learn more about the business-to-business products that I sell, contact me directly via laura@smartcraftdesigns.com OR visit my Etsy Shop at http://smartcraftdesignsusa.etsy.com to see my full lineup of products for small business owners. Small quantities and larger order options available – every product may be customized according to size, color, material, and personalized printing.