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Out of everyone in my family, my dad is the hardest person to buy gifts for, by far (and I’m sure many can relate). He’s a nature lover first and foremost, but there’s only so much camping gear and artwork you can buy for a person (hello, headlamps and wildlife photography). That’s why I was thrilled to stumble upon Parks Project, a company that sells national parks-themed home decor and outdoor items, like candles, reed diffusers, and mugs.
I ordered the Joshua Tree Desert Campfire Soy Candle for my dad because the southern California destination is one of his favorite places on Earth — but the brand also offers Big Sur, Glacier, Yosemite, and Rocky Mountain versions. Each one has a slightly retro-looking design, plus its own distinct outdoor-centric scent. The Joshua Tree candle specifically blends notes of campfire, sagebrush, and juniper, with an impressive 80-hour burn time. I knew my dad would love this gift, but I never could have guessed that he’d immediately buy three more!
Parks Project is a surprising treasure trove of gift ideas overall — especially for the outdoorsy and travel-oriented people in your life. Beyond candles, they also sell park-inspired clothing, calendars, puzzles, coolers, and more. To top it all off, you can feel good shopping knowing that the organization has donated over $2 million to nonprofits on behalf of national parks. It’s also a Certified B Corp, meaning that it meets certain standards regarding its environmental and social impact.
