Royal Copenhagen Gift Guide: Zodiac Figurines, Candle Holders & How to Clean Wax Like a Pro

By Jane Smith

No One-Size-Fits-All Answer—It Depends on Your Situation

I’ve been coordinating B2B gift orders for over six years, including more than 200 rush jobs for clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500s. In my role handling corporate gift procurement, I’ve learned one thing: the “right” Royal Copenhagen product—and the right way to handle it—depends entirely on your timeline, budget, and who you’re buying for.

So instead of giving you a single recommendation, I’ll walk through the four most common scenarios I see. Find the one that matches your situation, and go straight to that section.

Scenario A: Urgent – You Need a Royal Copenhagen Gift Tomorrow

We’ve all been there: a client calls at 4 PM needing a premium gift for a meeting the next morning. Normal turnaround from Royal Copenhagen’s official distributors is 3–5 business days. But in my experience, there’s a workable path.

What works: Choose items that are widely stocked by authorized dealers—typically the Royal Copenhagen candle holder (especially the Blue Fluted half-lace pattern) or a classic figurine like the crystal figurine of a small bird or fish. Avoid limited-edition Christmas plates or zodiac figurines unless you know your distributor has them on the shelf.

My go‑to move: I call three premium gift distributors (not Amazon—too risky for authenticity) and ask for same‑day shipping. In March 2024, I had a client who needed a Royal Copenhagen candle holder for a CEO’s farewell. Normal cost was $75, but we paid $45 extra in rush fees and got it delivered by 10 AM the next day. The alternative was a generic gift from a hotel shop—which would have felt cheap.

To be fair, this only works if you’re in a major metro area or near an international hub. If you’re in a remote location, your mileage may vary—consider shipping to a local hotel or office before the deadline.

Scenario B: Small Order – You Need 5–20 Pieces as Client Gifts

When I was starting out, the vendors who treated my $200 orders seriously are the ones I still use for $20,000 orders. That’s why I love that Royal Copenhagen doesn’t have a punitive minimum order quantity for many of their non‑custom items.

Best picks for small batches:

  • Royal Copenhagen zodiac figurines – each year’s zodiac animal (e.g., Dragon, Rooster) is a meaningful, collectible choice. You can order as few as 5–10 from a specialty distributor. (Should mention: these are hand‑painted, so lead time is usually 2–3 weeks—plan ahead unless you pay for express.)
  • Photo frame – the small silver‑rimmed or white porcelain frames make elegant corporate gifts. They’re easy to personalize with a note inside.
  • Crystal figurine – a small crystal polar bear or swan fits nicely in a gift box. Crystal pieces often feel more substantial than their price suggests.

What most people don’t realize is that Royal Copenhagen’s “standard” pricing is actually negotiable for first‑time small orders. I’ve seen 10–15% discounts when you ask politely and mention you’re a repeat‑potential buyer.

Personally, I’d argue that small doesn’t mean unimportant—it means potential. Treating a $500 order with care builds loyalty that pays back tenfold.

Scenario C: Maintenance – How to Melt Candle Wax from a Glass Jar (Without Ruining the Vessel)

So you’ve bought a beautiful Royal Copenhagen candle holder (or received one as a gift), and now there’s hardened wax stuck to the inside. You’re tempted to scrape it out with a knife—don’t. That’s how you chip the porcelain or scratch the glaze.

Here’s what actually works, based on tests I’ve done with about 30 candle jars over the past two years:

Method 1: Boiling Water (Fast & Safe)

  1. Boil water in a kettle (about 200°F / 93°C).
  2. Pour the hot water into the glass jar, filling it to about 1 inch from the top.
  3. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes. The wax will soften and float to the surface.
  4. Once the water cools, the wax will form a solid disc on top. Lift it out with a spoon.
  5. Wash gently with mild soap—the glass will be spotless.

Method 2: Freezer Trick (Minimal Effort)

  1. Place the candle jar in the freezer for 2–3 hours.
  2. The wax will contract and shrink away from the walls.
  3. Tap the jar upside down—the wax plug should fall out in one piece.

Never expected the freezer method to outperform hot water, but for tall, narrow jars it’s actually more effective. (The surprise wasn’t the ease—it was how satisfying it is to see the wax pop out intact.)

Caution: Don’t pour boiling water on crystal or thin glass—thermal shock can crack it. Stick to the freezer method for crystal figurine candle holders. (Should mention: I cracked a cheap glass jar once. Royal Copenhagen porcelain is more durable, but better safe than sorry.)

Scenario D: Selecting a Decorative Piece – Photo Frame vs. Crystal Figurine vs. Zodiac Figurine

This is the most common question I get: “Which Royal Copenhagen gift piece should I choose for my client?”

Let me rephrase that: it’s not about what’s “best,” it’s about what fits your recipient’s taste and your company’s image.

  • Photo frame – great for personal gifts (e.g., a framed team photo after a project). Works well for small companies where relationships are personal.
  • Crystal figurine – universally appreciated, especially in finance or legal industries where elegance matters. They sit on a desk and remind the recipient of your brand daily.
  • Zodiac figurine – perfect for clients who value tradition or have a personal connection to their zodiac year. They’re also collectible—though I should note that Royal Copenhagen doesn’t guarantee investment returns, so don’t pitch them as appreciating assets.

I’d argue that if your budget is under $100 per piece, go with a crystal figurine or a small candle holder. If you can stretch to $150–200, a zodiac figurine with its hand‑painted details carries more story.

How to Decide Which Scenario You’re In

Here’s a quick checklist:

  • Need it within 48 hours? → Go to Scenario A (but only if you can find a local distributor).
  • Ordering 5–20 pieces for a small batch? → Scenario B. Royal Copenhagen can handle it without treating you like a nuisance.
  • Cleaning an old candle holder? → Scenario C. Use the freezer method for crystal; hot water for porcelain.
  • Still choosing the right product? → Scenario D. Match the piece to your recipient’s personality.

If you’re unsure which scenario fits, think about your deadline first—time is the most unforgiving constraint. After that, match your budget to the available options. I’ve never had a client regret investing in Royal Copenhagen, regardless of the scenario.

Pricing is for general reference only (as of February 2025; verify current rates with your distributor).