Birthday season is upon us here at Etsy.* If you know a lot of summer babies like me, you're going to need good little gifts for co-workers, friends, and even yourself. Since candles (along with bath stuff) seem to be the ultimate gift for women — from those you don't know that well to your BFF, may I suggest the humble tea light?

My problem with candles in the past is that I've been "afraid" to use them — like I'm wasting them. The beauty of tea lights is that if your gift recipient happens to be similarly afflicted and receives a huge pile of tea lights along with her holder, she'll feel a sense of abundance that frees her to let 'em burn!

I've recently discovered soy candles, which burn much longer than whatever the other kind are made out of, don't smoke, and even the unscented ones have a nice, warm, natural smell. Go ahead and get a pack of, like, 100 so there's plenty for you and your gift recipients. I've noticed that some candle makers are offering clear plastic holders, which I think is lovely!

*Etsy's 3 year anniversary is on June 18, 2007.

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