The 10 Best Birthday Candles
Special Honors
Celebration Candles Countdown You can start a tradition with the Celebration Candles Countdown, which is decorated with the numbers 1 to 18 to mark a child's progression through life. Not only that, but it's completely customizable with the recipient's name and birth date, making this an excellent shower gift for the proud parents-to-be. etsy.com
The Amazing Candle by Wowzza More than just a traditional model, The Amazing Candle by Wowzza is an eye-catching centerpiece for your cake. It starts out as a flower, but spins, opens its petals, lights up, plays the happy birthday song, and displays a number of candles. It's also available in various sports-themed versions. theamazingcandle.com
Hello You Personalized If you want the birthday fun to last, consider the Hello You Personalized, to which you can add a message that the recipient will appreciate every time he or she burns the candle. A hand-poured choice, each comes in a sturdy jar and boasts eco-friendly soy wax. helloyoucandles.com
Editor's Notes
June 25, 2020:
When it comes to birthday candles, you most likely want something fun, colorful, and not too pricey, criteria we considered as we made our selections. Thanks to their cheery but simple design and affordable price, we think the IronBuddy Metallic deserve the top spot. They offer a traditional look, but won't draw too much attention from a treat you've spent all afternoon livening up with your cake decorating set. If you're feeling particularly playful, the Bwealthest Magic Relight are a fun alternative. They also have a straightforward design, but relight after each blow — you'll need water to put them out.
For something a little jazzier, there's the Wilton Rainbow Party or the Jacent Polka Dot, for spelling out "Happy Birthday," and the Beanlieve Numerals or the Luter Gold, for displaying an age. We also like the Fred & Friends Fancy That, which resemble balloons. There are several phrases to select from, but some are a little bold and may not be appropriate for all audiences. The Wish Clips aren't for all ages, either, as the small clips are a choking hazard for young kids. But for adults who want to celebrate with a pint glass of beer, they're a unique and interesting choice.
Finally, a word about germs. Some parents worry that blowing on a cake can contaminate it. Yes, bacteria from the mouth can land on a cake when the birthday boy or girl huffs and puffs over it. For this reason, experts recommend that anyone showing symptoms of illness should not blow out the candles on a cake that everyone will share. Even better, consider cupcakes so that everyone receives their own individual, germ-free treat.