The general rule is that the harder the wax is, the hotter it burns. My usual rule is that if a candle is solid enough to be used as a free-standing decoration, it's too hot to be safe. Tall dinner candles or lantern candles, for example, are out, while small barrel candles are usable. Those insipid wax wizard sculptures are right out, though I sincerely fear anyone who needed to be told that. Candles with fragrance or made with beeswax are also considered to burn far too hot for safe play. Within safe boundries, I'm sure that there exists variation, but I've never actually put any thoughts into a preference.Originally Posted by her_Joe