The Almost-Perfect Gift
The problem most of us face when buying a gift is finding something that is unique, something that is appropriate for the occasion, and something that matches the taste of the person we are giving it to. No one wants to spend time and money shopping for a gift that is going to be returned, remain in the box, or be re-gifted to someone’s third cousin. Everyone wants to find a gift that is special, a gift that is not too much, not too little, and a gift that is going to be appreciated. What we are all searching for is that elusive, all-purpose, all-occasion, one-size-fits-all gift. And there simply is no such thing.

There is no single, sure-fire, every-time-a-winner gift. Your cranky Aunt Jane has never liked anything anyone has ever given her and she never will. There is that guy in your office who won’t use anything an animal has even looked at, claims to be allergic to most natural fibers, and likes a ‘gift receipt’ included with anything you give him. And you probably have at least one friend who no matter what you get her, she already has one… or two… in a color that’s better for her skin tone. So there is no magic bullet. But there just might be an ‘almost-perfect’ gift out there. It’s a simple one, one that will score a gift-giving homerun nine out of ten times, and one that is easy to find. Candles.

First of all, candles come in almost every size, shape, scent, and price range. Secondly, you can find a candle or a candle accessory that is right for almost every occasion from a birthday to a wedding to a house warming. And, most importantly, almost everyone looks better in candlelight! So a candle can be an ‘almost perfect’ solution to almost every gift-giving quandary.

Candles and the soft glow of candlelight have almost universal appeal. There is something elemental, something mesmerizing, something almost mystical about candlelight; something that captures our imaginations and connects with our psyches at the deepest level.

Perhaps candlelight re-awakens long-dormant memories from our cave-dwelling past; memories of our frightened ancestors huddled around a crude fire pit to escape the dangers of the dark. Perhaps candlelight speaks to our natural need for a safe haven. For although we have traded our caves for condos and co-ops, we still need a refuge from a sometimes hostile world.

A candle in the window is a traditional symbol of hospitality. Candlelight creates a sense of warmth, a sense of well being, and a sense of welcoming. There is a spiritual quality to candlelight. A flickering candle often symbolizes prayer, the appeal to the divine. Candlelight creates a sense of serenity and reflection in a home.

Electric light is by definition artificial. Nowhere in nature does current combine with a filament. By contrast candlelight, the light from an open flame, is natural. Both provide illumination, but candlelight creates an ambience that electric light, or even sunlight, cannot.

Today candles are not just a design accessory; they are part of our lifestyle. Candles and candlelight add character to our homes. Combined as they often are with scent, candles can actually change the feel of any house or apartment, creating an atmosphere of home and hearth, making any environment uniquely ours. Candles and scents make a statement about who we are, about what we want our lives to be.

So the next time you are looking for the ‘almost-perfect’ gift, I suggest you check out Bene Gifts fine selection of candles, infusers and scents. Who knows you just might find something that even your cranky Aunt Jane will like.