Menu
 

Best Novelty Candles

Updated September 2021
Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
PyroPet Purple Kisa Candle
PyroPet
Purple Kisa Candle
Check Price
Cute & Creepy
Bottom Line

Equal parts weird and wonderful, PyroPet candles feature a sweet animal shape that rapidly devolves into a spooky souvenir as it burns.

Pros

Adorable geometric cat candle. Creepy aluminum skeleton is revealed as candle burns. 20 hours of burn time. Cotton wick. Available in 4 colors.

Cons

No base to catch all of the free-dripping wax.

Best Bang for the Buck
AiXiAng Cactus Candles
AiXiAng
Cactus Candles
Check Price
Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

Not only do you get a wide variety of cute mini-cacti candles in this 18-piece set, these charming decorations are easier to keep than a real cactus.

Pros

Affordable. 18 different succulent-shaped tea light candles. 4 to 5 hours of burn time per candle. Stylish. A fun gift. Aluminum base. Vibrant lifelike colors.

Cons

Some designs are more realistic than others.

Kate Aspen Whooo's The Cutest
Kate Aspen
Whooo's The Cutest
Check Price
Adorable Owls
Bottom Line

A sweet, inexpensive, and thoughtful little gift set of owl candles that are better at cutely perching on a shelf, instead of lighting up a room.

Pros

Affordable. Set of 4 small owl-shaped candles. Each owl sports a unique and colorful design. Super-cute. Packages are topped with a gift tag and white ribbon.

Cons

These candles are more for decor than burning.

General Wax & Candle Color Drip Candles
General Wax & Candle
Color Drip Candles
Check Price
Bargain Pick
Bottom Line

These make great gifts for candle enthusiasts, and are a welcome surprise when guests find your white candles dripping in bold red, blue, yellow, and orange hues.

Pros

Pair of 9.5-inch tapered candles. White exterior. Drips in distinct rainbow colors as it melts. Affordable. Classic effect.

Cons

Candle holder not included.

Candle by the Hour Beehive Candle
Candle by the Hour
Beehive Candle
Check Price
Best for Everyday Use
Bottom Line

Sure, this hive-shaped candle is unusual, but between its appealing bee theme, long burn time, and its self-extinguishing design, it’s well worth a closer look.

Pros

Unique beehive design. 70-hour burn time. 100% beeswax. Candle refills available. Metal base supports and shapes wax coil.

Cons

This candle style isn’t for everyone.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

33
Models
Considered
191
Consumers
Consulted
8
Hours
Researched
Category cover

It’s true that a candy cane scented jar candle may remind you of Christmas, and that just the right pillar candle may help to tie a room’s décor together, but sometimes the best option for you is a weird, cute, or silly novelty candle. These candles may not burn the longest or give off some fancy fragrance, but humorously shaped candles that reveal hidden surprises as they burn are wonderful gifts, add plenty of personality to your space, and are just plain old fun. If you’re sick of serious candles, and are in the market for something really different, there is a candle in just about any shape, color, or design you might dream of.

Our Top Picks