Incense and candle Christmas gifts

Frankincense and myrrh are the classic Christmas scents, from the nativity story, while cinnamon, orange, clove and pine bring a festive kitchen-and-forest feel. In stock: HEM Hexagonal Incense - Palo Santo Masala - Myrrh (£1.20) and Manifest Magic Candles (pack of 12) - Orange - Sacred Chakra (£1.72).

In the nativity story the wise men bring gold, frankincense and myrrh, so these resins have been tied to Christmas for centuries. In stock: Dragon's Blood Resin & Myrrh Reed Diffuser (£20.99) and HEM Hexagonal Incense - Smudge - Frank Myrrh (£1.20).

Yule incense traditionally draws on evergreens and warm spices: pine, cedar, frankincense, cinnamon and orange peel. In stock: HEM Hexagonal Incense - Precious Cinnamon (£1.00) and HEM Hexagonal Incense - Palo Santo Masala - Cinnamon (£1.20). Read incense types explained.

Red, green, gold and white are the traditional colours: red and green for evergreens and berries, gold for the returning sun and white for peace. In stock: Set of 2 Good Witch and Bad Witch Scented Glass Candles (£25.99) and Magic Spell Candle - Friendship (£11.20).

Yes. Candles suit the darkest weeks of the year, and lighting one at midwinter is a tradition found across many cultures. In stock: Set of 3 Black Magic Pentagram Taper Candles (£20.99) and Seven Charkra Manifest Candles (pack of 7) (£1.16).

Sticks are the easiest place to start, and a mixed pack lets someone try several scents. Add a holder if they may not have one. In stock: Red Smoking Toadstool Incense Cone Holder (£20.99) and Set of 6 Midnight Ritual Incense Sticks (£17.99).

Oil burners and wax melts are cosy winter gifts for someone who loves a scented home. Never leave a lit burner unattended. In stock: White Buddha Head Oil Burner (£17.99) and Matte Dragonfly Oil Burner (£19.99). Read incense types explained.

Sticks burn slowly and are easiest to use; cones give a stronger scent quickly; resins are burned on charcoal and suit someone with a proper burner. In stock: Gold Crescent Moon Incense Stick Holder (£17.99) and Set of 6 Packets of Elements Meditation Incense Sticks (£14.99).

Smoke cleansing is traditionally used to mark a fresh start, so a smudge stick or spray suits the turn of the year. Sprays are a smoke-free option for flats. In stock: 50g Thin Palo Santo Sticks (£14.99) and White Lotus Flower Incense Stick Holder (£18.99).

Use a heat-proof holder on a stable surface, ventilate the room, never leave it unattended and keep it away from children, pets and anything flammable. In stock: Set of 6 Packets of Elements Stress Relief Incense Sticks (£14.99) and Soleil Orange Blossom Incense Stick Gift Set (£11.99).