Introduction

Corporate gifting in India has always been a big part of business culture. 

From traditional sweet boxes during Diwali to leather diaries and pen sets handed out at annual conferences, companies have long used gifts as a way to build goodwill, strengthen relationships, and express appreciation. 

But over the last few years, something interesting has happened, the definition of the “perfect gift” has completely changed.

Today’s employees, clients, and partners expect more than just routine gifts. 

They want something thoughtful, modern, and useful, a gift that resonates with their lifestyle. 

And this is where scented candles are stepping in as a surprising yet powerful trend in India’s corporate gifting scene.

The Evolution of Corporate Gifting in India

If we look back 10–15 years ago, corporate gifting in India followed a very standard pattern:

• Festive hampers filled with dry fruits, sweets, or chocolates.
  

• Stationery sets like diaries, calendars, and pens.
  

• Household items like dinnerware, trays, or glass sets.
  

• Branded merchandise like mugs, bottles, or t-shirts with company logos.
  
  

While these gifts were practical, they lacked a sense of personal touch and often ended up unused or forgotten. 

In fact, surveys conducted among employees and clients in India revealed that more than 60% of traditional corporate gifts were either regifted or left unused within a year.

This prompted businesses to look for alternatives that felt premium, sustainable, and memorable, something that would stand out in a sea of generic corporate hampers.

The Shift Towards Lifestyle & Wellness Gifts

As Indian society became more urbanised and connected to global trends, corporate gifting also began reflecting these lifestyle changes. 

Wellness, sustainability, and self-care emerged as key themes. Companies realised that gifts that promote relaxation, mental wellness, and positive vibes are far more valued than another box of sweets.

Products like:

• Herbal teas
  

• Organic hampers
  

• Essential oils
  

• Yoga mats
  

• Soy and eco-friendly candles
  
  

started gaining popularity in the corporate gifting catalogue. 

Among these, scented candles became an instant favourite because they are not just a product but an experience, something that creates ambiance, soothes the mind, and carries emotional value.

Why Candles Fit Perfectly in Modern Corporate Culture

Candles aren’t new to India. We’ve used diyas for centuries in rituals, pujas, and festivals. But scented candles bring a modern twist to an age-old tradition.

They combine visual appeal, fragrance, and emotional comfort, making them highly versatile as gifts. For corporates, this means a product that works across:

• Festive Seasons: Diwali hampers with elegant candle jars.
  

• Client Gifts: Branded candles as part of luxury kits.
  

• Employee Appreciation: Stress-relief candles for home or desk use.

• Event Giveaways: Compact tins or tealights as conference souvenirs.
  
  

In a fast-paced corporate world, where stress and long working hours are part of everyday life, a candle becomes more than just décor, it becomes a wellness tool.

Corporate Gifting Market in India – A Snapshot

To understand why candles are booming in this segment, let’s look at the bigger picture.

• The corporate gifting industry in India is valued at over ₹12,000 crores (and growing at 8–10% annually).
  

• Post-pandemic, there has been a huge rise in wellness-oriented gifting, with candles, teas, and eco-products topping the charts.
  

• Festivals like Diwali, Christmas, and New Year make up nearly 60% of corporate gifting spends in India.
  
  

This shows that companies are ready to spend significantly on gifting, but only if the products create a premium impression. 

And candles, with their universal appeal and customisation options, perfectly fit this bill.

From Luxury to Mainstream

Earlier, scented candles were seen as a luxury product, something only available in premium stores or imported brands. 

But in the last 5 years, local Indian candle makers have revolutionised the industry by offering:

• Affordable bulk candles for corporations.
  

• Eco-friendly soy and coconut wax blends.
  

• Customisable jars and labels for branding.
  

• Fragrance collections designed for Indian preferences (sandalwood, rose, jasmine, citrus).
  
  

Now, candles are no longer restricted to luxury hampers, they are becoming a mainstream choice for companies across all budgets.

The Emotional Edge

One reason candles stand out in corporate gifting is their emotional impact. While a diary or mug is functional, it doesn’t create a mood. 

A candle, however, does. It transforms spaces, reduces stress, and becomes a part of someone’s personal routine.

For businesses, this means their gift isn’t just used, it’s remembered. Imagine a client lighting a lavender candle after work every evening. 

Every time they experience that calming fragrance, they subconsciously recall the brand that gifted it to them.

That’s the kind of long-term recall value every business wants from a gift.

Candles as a Reflection of Brand Values

Another reason behind the rising popularity of candles is the ability to align them with brand messaging.

• A tech startup might choose minimalist black jars with woody fragrances to project sophistication.
  

• A wellness company might opt for soy candles with lavender or eucalyptus scents to highlight calmness and healing.
  

• A luxury brand may prefer wooden wick candles in frosted glass jars for a high-end feel.
  
  

This customisation makes candles not just a gift but also a branding tool.

Corporate gifting in India is undergoing a transformation, and scented candles are at the heart of it. They blend tradition with modernity, affordability with luxury, and functionality with emotional value.

As we dive deeper into this blog, we will explore:

• The psychology of why candles make memorable gifts.
  

• The role of wellness and lifestyle in gifting choices.
  

• Different types of candles suitable for corporates.
  

• Customisation, pricing, and supplier selection.
  

• How Indian companies are already embracing this trend.
  
  

Candles are not just a product, they’re an experience, and that’s exactly why they’re becoming the new face of corporate gifting in India.

The Psychology of Gifting and Why Candles Work

Gifting is not just about handing over an object. It’s a symbolic act that carries meaning, creates memories, and builds emotional connections. 

In corporate culture, where gifts are often exchanged to strengthen professional relationships, the psychology of gifting becomes even more important. 

A company does not only want to show appreciation, it also wants to leave a lasting impression that aligns with its brand values.

This is where scented candles excel. 

They are more than just lifestyle items; they tap directly into human psychology by connecting with two of our most powerful senses, sight and smell, and influencing mood, memory, and emotions in ways few other gifts can.

Why We Gift: The Science Behind It

From ancient traditions to modern workplaces, gifting has always been a way of expressing respect, gratitude, and goodwill. 

But there’s also a deeper psychological reason. Studies in behavioural science suggest that gifting triggers a “reciprocity effect.” 

When someone receives a thoughtful gift, they feel an unconscious obligation to return the gesture, whether it’s loyalty, goodwill, or even a stronger business relationship.

This means the right gift can go beyond being a token, it can strengthen bonds, inspire trust, and create a positive image of the giver. Candles, with their emotional impact, maximise this effect.

The Role of Emotions in Corporate Gifting

One of the biggest challenges companies face in gifting is making it feel personal despite being mass distributed. 

A diary or a pen might be useful, but it rarely stirs any emotion. A candle, however, instantly changes the atmosphere of a room.

Lighting a candle is often associated with relaxation, reflection, or celebration. 

The moment someone strikes a match and the flame flickers, it creates a mood, calm, warm, and welcoming. 

Pair that with a soothing fragrance like lavender or jasmine, and suddenly the gift becomes an emotional experience rather than just an object.

In corporate gifting, this emotional connection is powerful. 

It ensures that the recipient not only appreciates the gift but also remembers the company that gave it

The Science of Fragrance and Memory

Scent has a direct link to the brain’s limbic system, which controls emotions and memory. 

This is why a particular fragrance can instantly transport us back to a childhood memory or remind us of a loved one. 

Psychologists call this the Proustian effect, where smells trigger vivid emotional memories.

When companies gift scented candles, they are essentially gifting an emotional anchor. 

Every time the recipient lights the candle and inhales the fragrance, they associate that pleasant, calming moment with the brand. 

This is far more impactful than a corporate mug or a generic food hamper.

Why Candles Symbolise Positivity

Throughout history, candles have been associated with light, hope, and celebration. In India, diyas are lit during Diwali to signify prosperity and ward off negativity.

Across cultures, candles are used in religious ceremonies, birthdays, weddings, and even moments of silence.

This symbolic association gives candles a natural edge as corporate gifts. 

When a company gifts a candle, it’s indirectly sending a message of positivity, warmth, and good energy. 

For employees, it can feel like a token of appreciation. For clients, it reflects respect and goodwill. For partners, it symbolises trust and long-term association.

The Luxury Perception Factor

Another psychological reason why candles work so well in corporate gifting is their perceived value. 

A well-packaged candle in a glass jar with a wooden lid looks premium, even if it doesn’t cost a fortune. 

This makes candles an affordable yet luxurious choice.

For the recipient, it feels like they’ve received something special and high-end. 

For the company, it’s a cost-effective way to deliver a gift that looks more valuable than its actual price. 

This balance of affordability and luxury is rare in the corporate gifting industry, which is why candles are fast becoming a favourite.

Stress, Wellness, and the Modern Workplace

Corporate India is no stranger to long working hours, high-pressure deadlines, and fast-paced lifestyles. 

Stress levels are higher than ever, and wellness has become a buzzword not just in personal lives but also in office culture.

Candles tie perfectly into this narrative. 

A lavender candle for stress relief, a citrus candle for energy, or a sandalwood candle for mindfulness, these aren’t just fragrances, they’re tools for well-being. 

Companies that gift such products are showing that they care about their employees’ and clients’ wellness, not just the business relationship.

This makes the act of gifting candles both thoughtful and modern.

The Personalisation Effect

Another psychological trigger that makes candles effective is the scope of personalisation. 

People value gifts more when they feel customised. 

This doesn’t always mean a gift has to be individually handpicked for every person; even small touches like branded labels, customised packaging, or choosing universally appealing scents can make recipients feel the gift was chosen with care.

For example:

• A candle with a company’s logo subtly printed on the lid makes it a branding tool.
  

• A candle labelled “Thank You for Being Part of Our Journey” feels personal and heartfelt.
  

• A candle with fragrances like Rose, Sandalwood, or Jasmine connects with Indian cultural preferences.
  
  

This blend of universality and personalisation makes candles a unique corporate gifting item.

How Candles Trigger Lifestyle Aspirations

Today’s urban professionals, especially millennials and Gen Z, are heavily influenced by lifestyle trends. 

Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube have created a culture where aesthetic living is admired and shared. Candles are a big part of that aesthetic, often featured in home décor, desk setups, and self-care routines.

When companies gift candles, they are not just giving a product; they are giving a piece of that aspirational lifestyle. 

Employees may place it on their work desk, clients may use it in their homes, and both will associate that sense of modern living with the brand.

Comparisons with Traditional Gifts

It’s useful to compare candles with other common corporate gifts to understand why they have an edge:

Clearly, while other gifts serve their purpose, candles uniquely combine utility, emotion, and trendiness.

Why Candles Create a Lasting Impression

At the end of the day, the goal of corporate gifting is not just to give something, it’s to be remembered. 

Candles achieve this because they are used repeatedly over days or weeks.

Unlike sweets that are consumed instantly, or diaries that may lie unused, a candle stays with the recipient. 

Every time they light it, they’re reminded of the company that gave it to them. 

This repeated association builds stronger recall and creates a positive impression over time.

Scented candles are not just decorative items. They’re psychological tools that trigger emotions, memories, and positive feelings. 

In a corporate context, this makes them a rare kind of gift, one that is affordable, customisable, aspirational, and deeply memorable.

It’s this unique mix of science, symbolism, and sentiment that explains why candles are becoming the new favourite in India’s corporate gifting world.

Rise of Wellness and Self-Care in India

In the last decade, India has witnessed a cultural shift. 

The idea of “wellness” is no longer limited to Ayurveda retreats or occasional spa visits. It has entered daily life, shaping the way people eat, work, sleep, and even decorate their homes. 

This new mindset has transformed consumer behaviour and, by extension, corporate gifting trends. 

Companies no longer want to be seen as simply distributing gifts; they want to be recognised as thoughtful organisations that value the well-being of employees, partners, and clients.

Scented candles fit perfectly into this narrative. 

They are not just lifestyle products, they are self-care companions, creating calm in a chaotic world.

The Wellness Wave in India

There are a few reasons why wellness has become such a powerful force in India:

1. Rising Stress Levels in Corporate Culture
    Long working hours, digital overload, and the pressure of constant competition have made stress a daily reality for professionals. Employees are actively seeking ways to manage it, and employers are expected to play a role in reducing it.
   

2. Post-Pandemic Priorities
    The COVID-19 pandemic changed how people view health. Homes became offices, gyms, and wellness centres all at once. Small rituals like lighting candles, practising yoga, and meditating gained huge popularity during lockdowns, and those habits have stuck.
   

3. Millennial and Gen Z Influence
    Younger professionals are not shy about prioritising mental health and lifestyle balance. They view self-care as an investment, not a luxury. Brands that acknowledge this resonate better with this audience.
   

4. Growth of the Wellness Industry
   According to industry reports, India’s wellness sector is worth over ₹490 billion and is growing at double-digit rates annually. From skincare and organic food to aromatherapy and meditation, wellness is a market driver, and candles are part of that ecosystem.
   

Candles as Self-Care Tools

While many think of candles as decorative items, their role in wellness is significant. A single candle, when lit in the right environment, can completely shift a person’s mental state.

• Lavender & Vetiver candles help reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
  

• Citrus blends energise and uplift moods, perfect for workspaces.
  

• Sandalwood & Rose bring calmness and balance, often used in meditation.
  

• Vanilla & Cinnamon create warmth and comfort, helping with relaxation after a long day.
  
  

This ability to alter moods and create a sense of mindfulness makes candles more than just products. They become rituals of care, something both employees and clients deeply value.

The Corporate Angle: Why Wellness Matters in Gifting

Corporate gifting is not just about courtesy anymore, it’s about brand positioning. 

When a company gifts scented candles, it signals that it understands modern priorities: self-care, stress management, and balance.

For employees, this translates to:

• “My company cares about my well-being.”
  

• “They understand I need to relax after long hours of work.”
  
  

For clients and partners, the message becomes:

• “This brand is modern and in touch with lifestyle trends.”
  

• “They value positivity and balance in business relationships.”
  
  

This shift in perception is powerful. A wellness-oriented gift like a candle does more than build goodwill, it elevates the brand’s image.

Corporate India and the Wellness Trend

The demand for wellness-driven gifting has been clearly visible in recent years. 

During Diwali 2023, for instance, several corporates moved away from dry fruit boxes and instead sent out curated hampers featuring herbal teas, essential oils, and soy candles.

Big IT firms, consulting companies, and even startups in metros like Bengaluru and Gurgaon are increasingly working with wellness-oriented suppliers to design employee and client hampers. 

The reason is simple: wellness sells, and it connects emotionally.

The Sustainability Connection

Another reason candles are thriving in the corporate gifting space is their alignment with sustainable and eco-conscious values. 

Soy and coconut wax candles are renewable, biodegradable, and cleaner to burn compared to paraffin. 

When corporates choose eco-friendly candles, they send an additional message:

• “We are a forward-thinking, sustainable company.”
  

• “We care about the environment as much as we care about people.”
  
  

This is especially effective for companies in industries like technology, finance, and consumer goods, where being seen as sustainable adds to credibility.

Social Media and the Self-Care Aesthetic

The rise of Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube has also played a massive role in pushing candles into the mainstream. 

Wellness influencers, lifestyle bloggers, and interior décor accounts frequently feature candles in their content.

For millennials and Gen Z, lighting a candle is not just self-care, it’s also an aesthetic lifestyle statement. Posting pictures of “work-from-home desk setups” or “cozy night routines” with candles in the background has become common.

When corporates gift candles, they indirectly give recipients a piece of this lifestyle. It makes the brand feel more modern, relevant, and connected to the cultural pulse.

Candles in Everyday Corporate Wellness

Some companies are even going beyond gifting and integrating candles into their office environments:

• Placing scented candles in reception areas to create a welcoming first impression.
  

• Adding candles in wellness rooms or meditation spaces within offices.
  

• Offering mini desk candles as part of employee kits for hybrid workers.
  
  

This everyday use highlights the growing role candles play in shaping corporate culture itself, not just seasonal gifting.

Why Wellness-Linked Gifts Have Higher Recall

The goal of corporate gifting is long-term recall. Traditional gifts often fail in this regard because they are consumed quickly (like sweets) or ignored (like calendars). Wellness products, however, create habits.

A lavender candle might be used nightly before sleep. A citrus candle might be lit every morning before starting work. Every single use becomes a brand recall moment.

This repeated exposure is what makes wellness-linked gifts like candles so powerful in corporate strategy.

The Indian Touch: Blending Tradition and Modernity

India has always valued rituals connected to light and fragrance. From diyas in festivals to agarbatti in homes, the cultural symbolism of light and scent is deeply rooted. 

Candles bring a modern twist to these traditions, blending ancient rituals with global wellness trends.

For corporate India, this blend is ideal. It allows gifts to feel culturally relevant yet globally modern, satisfying both older generations who value tradition and younger employees who aspire to trendy lifestyles.

The wellness wave in India is reshaping everything, from what people buy for themselves to what companies gift during festivals. Scented candles, with their ability to relax, refresh, and uplift, are emerging as a product that seamlessly connects lifestyle aspirations with corporate branding. 

They are not just gifts anymore; they are wellness statements that reflect how deeply companies understand the changing needs of employees and clients.

The Market Shift – Why Corporates Are Choosing Candles

Corporate gifting in India is going through a serious transformation. 

What was once a ritual of distributing sweets, stationery, and generic hampers has evolved into a competitive field where brands want to stand out, create recall, and reflect their values. As the workforce becomes younger and more global in its outlook, the definition of a “good gift” is also shifting.

Scented candles are emerging at the centre of this transformation. 

They tick all the boxes, modern, premium, wellness-oriented, sustainable, and memorable. But why exactly are corporations shifting so strongly towards candles? Let’s break it down.

The Data: A Growing Gifting Industry

The Indian corporate gifting market is huge and growing rapidly:

• According to industry reports, the corporate gifting sector in India is valued at over ₹12,000 crores, with an annual growth rate of around 8–10%.
  

• Diwali and New Year alone account for nearly 60% of all corporate gifting budgets.
  

• Wellness-linked gifting categories (candles, teas, organic products) have seen a 30–40% year-on-year growth in corporate demand post-2020.
  

• A majority of HR and procurement managers surveyed in metros like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru revealed that “wellness gifts” had the highest employee appreciation scores.
  
  

Clearly, corporates are not just experimenting, they’re investing heavily in gifts that resonate, and candles are leading the list.

Why Corporates are Moving Away from Old Gifting Options

Traditional gifts like dry fruits, sweets, and calendars still exist, but they are losing relevance fast. The reasons are simple:

• Lack of Personalisation: A box of kaju katli feels the same whether it comes from a neighbour or a multinational.
  

• Low Recall Value: Diaries, pens, and calendars are rarely used in today’s digital age.
  

• Short Shelf Life: Sweets and food hampers don’t last long, and often recipients don’t even consume them fully.
  

• No Emotional Connect: Most traditional gifts don’t evoke memories or emotions.
  
  

Candles, on the other hand, combine utility with emotion. They last longer, they’re customisable, and they create an atmosphere every time they’re used.

Why Candles Fit Perfectly Into Corporate Branding

When a company gifts a candle, it’s not just sending a product, it’s sending a message.

• Premium Image: A beautifully packaged candle instantly looks high-end.
  

• Wellness Focused: Shows the company cares about recipients’ mental and emotional well-being.
  

• Customisable: Jars, labels, fragrances, and packaging can all carry the company’s logo and branding.
  

• Universal Appeal: Candles are non-religious, non-gendered, and work across age groups.
  

• Long-Term Recall: Unlike sweets that disappear in two days, candles keep reminding recipients of the brand every time they’re lit.
  
  

This makes candles a strategic choice, not just a convenient one.

Case Study: Festive Season Gifting in India

Let’s imagine a typical Diwali season in a large Indian IT company with 5,000 employees. Earlier, they might have distributed dry fruit boxes worth ₹400–₹500 each. But many of these gifts went unappreciated, with employees regifting them to relatives.

In 2023, the same company partnered with a candle brand to create customised Diwali hampers, soy wax candles in festive jars with “Diwali Mubarak from XYZ” elegantly embossed on the lids. The hampers also included care cards and instructions on creating a calming home environment.

The feedback from employees was overwhelming.

Many posted pictures on Instagram tagging the company, praising them for choosing something modern, thoughtful, and useful.

The company not only strengthened goodwill internally but also earned organic brand visibility on social media.

The Rise of Customisation in Candle Gifting

One of the biggest reasons candles are working so well is the sheer scope of customisation. Corporates no longer want off-the-shelf gifts, they want something that reflects their brand. With candles, that’s easy:

• Jar & Packaging: From amber glass to matte black, frosted jars to gold tins.
  

• Labels & Lids: Logo prints, engraved lids, or festive messages.
  

• Fragrances: Neutral scents like lavender, vanilla, or citrus appeal to diverse audiences.
  

• Gift Sets: Single jars, tealight sets, or curated hampers with multiple scents.
  
  

This flexibility makes candles adaptable for all budgets and occasions, from small-scale employee appreciation kits to high-end client hampers.

The Role of Indian Brands in Shaping This Market

While international candle brands once dominated the premium segment, Indian brands are now leading the charge with products that are better suited to local tastes, budgets, and gifting requirements.

Among them, Arkaya Candles has quickly positioned itself as a go-to choice for corporates looking for premium, wellness-oriented gifting solutions.

• Arkaya’s USP lies in blending luxury with mindfulness. Each candle is crafted with soy and coco-soy wax blends, ensuring a clean burn and long-lasting fragrance.
  

• The brand offers customisation options for corporates, from branded labels and jars to festive gift boxes.
  

• Arkaya focuses heavily on storytelling, positioning candles not just as products, but as experiences of calm, light, and positivity.
  

• With its base in New Delhi, Arkaya has already started serving both retail customers and corporate clients with bulk orders and personalised solutions.
  
  

This is important because corporates today want suppliers who understand both scale and creativity.

Arkaya bridges this gap by being small enough to offer hand-crafted detail, but structured enough to handle large orders and pan-India shipping.

Social Media as a Driving Force

Another reason candles are dominating corporate gifting is their strong social media presence. Gifts that look good are more likely to be shared online.

Candles, with their aesthetic jars, warm lighting, and soothing vibes, are inherently “Instagrammable.”

When employees or clients receive candles as gifts, they’re more inclined to post about them compared to a generic pen set or sweet box.

This creates free publicity for the company’s gifting gesture and positions it as a modern, thoughtful brand.

The Budget Advantage

One might assume candles are expensive, but in reality, they cover all budget categories:

This flexibility allows companies to plan large-scale gifting without overshooting budgets.

Why This Shift Will Only Grow Stronger

The market shift towards candles is not a passing trend, it reflects deeper consumer and corporate values:

• A younger workforce demanding modern, thoughtful gifts.
  

• A corporate culture moving towards wellness and work-life balance.
  

• A sustainability focus where eco-friendly products gain preference.
  

• A globalised outlook where Indian companies want to match international gifting standards.
  
  

For all these reasons, scented candles are set to become one of the dominant categories in Indian corporate gifting over the next decade.

India’s corporate gifting landscape is no longer about quantity, it’s about quality, thoughtfulness, and branding. Scented candles deliver all three in one product. They are cost-effective, customisable, and wellness-driven, making them the perfect fit for companies that want to create a lasting emotional impact.

With premium brands like Arkaya Candles leading the way, businesses now have access to high-quality, customisable solutions that elevate gifting from a formality to a memorable experience.