Personalised Candles

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Candles

Candles not only create a calming atmosphere when lit but also make beautiful keepsakes or decorative pieces when on display, add the addition of a delicious scent and it is bound to make your experience that bit more enjoyable, warm and cosy!

Explore our collection of unique, personalised and non personalised candle gifts, perfect for every occasion – from anniversaries and weddings to birthdays. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or just a day that could use a little lift, our range has something for everyone.

Who First invented Candles?

The invention of candles can be traced back to ancient civilisations. Around 3000 BCE, the Egyptians used reeds soaked in melted animal fat (tallow) to create basic “torches,” which lacked a wick and functioned differently from modern candles.

By 500 BCE, the Romans developed the first true wick candles. They rolled papyrus and repeatedly dipped it in tallow or beeswax to create a functional candle that was used to light homes, aid night time travel, and for religious ceremonies. As the Roman Empire expanded, candle usage spread across Europe.

At the same time in China, candles were made using whale fat, while the Japanese created a version of candles from tree nut wax. In India, people used wax derived from boiled cinnamon tree fruit. Candles were also used in ancient Greece and Rome for religious and ceremonial purposes, particularly in temples.

In the Middle Ages, beeswax candles became more common in European churches and wealthy households, because they burned cleaner than tallow. However, tallow candles remained widely used by the general population due to their affordability, despite their pungent smell and smoke.

The 18th and 19th centuries saw the introduction of spermaceti candles, made from the oil of sperm whale. These candles burned brighter and more consistently than tallow or beeswax. The discovery of stearic acid in the early 19th century, derived from animal fats, allowed for harder, longer-lasting candles.

The modern era of candles began with the development of paraffin wax in the mid-19th century, a byproduct of petroleum refining. Combined with stearic acid, paraffin revolutionised candle-making by offering a cleaner burn and a brighter flame.

While today candles are mostly used for decoration or rituals, they have a rich history of practical use. Over time, candles have evolved from simple animal-fat torches in ancient Egypt to the clean-burning, fragrant candles of today, with many cultures contributing to their development throughout history

When Did Scented Candles Become Popular?

Scented candles began to gain popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s. During this time, the home décor industry experienced a surge in interest in creating relaxing, aesthetically pleasing environments. This period saw a cultural shift toward wellness, self-care, and environmental awareness, which contributed to the growing appeal of products that provided both visual ambiance and sensory experiences.

The development of fragrance technology also played a key role. Advancements allowed manufacturers to combine scents with candle wax more effectively, making scented candles more affordable and widely available. As people became more interested in creating relaxing atmospheres at home, scented candles became a popular way to introduce soothing or uplifting aromas into living spaces.

By the 1980s and 1990s, scented candles had firmly established themselves in mainstream culture. Speciality shops and large retailers began offering a wide range of scented options, and candles became a go-to gift item and decorative feature in homes. With the rise of aromatherapy and the wellness movement, candles infused with essential oils or fragrances claiming various health benefits such as relaxation and stress relief, became increasingly popular.

Today, scented candles are a multi-billion dollar industry, and they are used not only for home décor but also for relaxation, self-care, and aromatherapy. Brands now offer an extensive variety of scents, from traditional lavender and vanilla to more complex fragrances inspired by nature, food, and even personal memories, further cementing scented candles as a staple in modern living.

What Does A Candle Gift Symbolise?

A candle gift carries deep symbolism, often representing warmth, light, and comfort. It can convey different meanings depending on the occasion and the relationship between the giver and the recipient. Here are some key symbolic meanings associated with gifting a candle:

Warmth and Comfort: Candles create a warm and inviting atmosphere, symbolising comfort, cosiness, and the thoughtfulness of the giver in offering a calming presence.

Hope and Positivity: Since candles emit light, they are often seen as symbols of hope, guidance, and positivity. Gifting a candle can signify offering encouragement or support during difficult times.

Celebration: Candles are traditionally used to mark special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays. Giving a candle can be a symbol of celebration, marking a joyful event or milestone.

Love and Friendship: The soft, flickering light of a candle can represent affection, intimacy, or warmth in relationships. As a gift, it can symbolise love, care, and the desire to brighten someone’s life.

Peace and Serenity: Scented candles, often used in relaxation and meditation, are symbols of peace, tranquillity, and well-being. Gifting one might express a wish for the recipient’s mental and emotional serenity.

Remembrance: In many cultures, candles are used to remember or honour loved ones, making a candle gift a thoughtful gesture for someone going through loss, symbolising remembrance and reflection.

In summary, a candle gift is often a versatile, symbolic gesture of warmth, love, celebration, or peace, making it a meaningful and thoughtful present for various occasions.

Is It Good To Give A Candle As A Gift?

Yes, giving a candle as a gift is generally considered a thoughtful and meaningful gesture. Below are several reasons why candles make great gifts:

Versatile for Any Occasion: Candles are suitable for a wide range of occasions, from birthdays and holidays to housewarmings, anniversaries, or just as a simple as “thinking of you” gift. Their versatility makes them an ideal choice when you’re unsure what to give.

Symbolism: Candles carry positive symbolic meanings such as warmth, light, and peace. They can convey a sense of comfort, love, or celebration, adding emotional value to the gift.

Relaxation and Well-being: Many candles, especially scented ones, are used for relaxation, stress relief, or to create a calming atmosphere. Gifting a candle can offer the recipient a tool for self-care or meditation, which is particularly appreciated in today’s fast-paced world.

Personalisation: Candles can often be personalised in terms of scent, colour, or design, making them a more unique and customised gift. Some can even be personalised with names, dates, or messages, adding a special touch.

Home Décor: Candles are both functional and decorative. Even if they are not used, they add aesthetic appeal to a space, making them a great gift for someone interested in home décor.

Affordable yet Luxurious: Candles come in a wide range of price points, allowing you to choose a gift that fits your budget. Despite being affordable, they often feel luxurious, especially if you choose a high-quality or beautifully packaged candle.

Eco-Friendly Options: Many candles today are made from natural, sustainable materials like soy or beeswax, which appeals to environmentally conscious recipients.

Candles are a thoughtful, versatile, and symbolic gift that can suit nearly any occasion or recipient. Whether you’re giving them for relaxation, celebration, or décor, they are generally well-received and appreciated.

What To Buy Someone Who Loves Candles?

If someone loves candles, there are plenty of thoughtful gift ideas that can enhance their candle experience beyond just giving them another candle. Here are some great options:

Luxury or Speciality Candles:

Opt for high-end candles from renowned brands or handmade, artisanal candles made from premium materials like soy, beeswax, or coconut wax.
Consider unique scented candles with more complex or exotic fragrances, like woodsy, floral, or food-inspired scents.

Candle Accessories:

Candle snuffers and wick trimmers: These practical tools help extinguish candles safely and maintain the wick for longer burn times.
Candle warmers: A great alternative to lighting candles, these devices heat the candle from below, releasing the scent without the need for an open flame.
Decorative candle holders: Stylish candle holders, such as glass cloches, lanterns, or elegant stands, can enhance their home décor and candle display.

Candle-Making Kit:

For someone who loves candles, a DIY candle-making kit could be a fun and creative experience. These kits usually come with wax, scents, wicks, and containers, allowing them to customise their own candles.

Scented Wax Melts and Warmers:

Wax melts and a matching wax warmer are perfect for people who enjoy home fragrance but may want a flameless option. Wax melts come in a variety of scents and can be switched easily.

A Candle Subscription Box:

Treat them to a monthly candle subscription that delivers new, unique candles regularly. It’s a gift that keeps giving and allows them to discover new brands and scents.

Matches or Lighters:

Fancy long-stem matches in decorative boxes or rechargeable electric lighters are stylish and practical gifts for someone who frequently lights candles.

Scented Oil Diffusers:

If they love home fragrances in general, consider a reed diffuser or essential oil diffuser. This is a flame-free option that adds fragrance to their space, offering a different experience from candles.

Candle Storage or Display Items:

Elegant storage boxes or trays to keep their candles organised or on display can be a stylish and practical addition to their candle collection.

Personalised Candles:

Gift them a customised candle with their name, a special date, or a meaningful quote. This adds a personal touch to the gift, making it unique and thoughtful.

Bath or Spa Sets:

Since candles are often associated with relaxation, a luxurious bath or spa gift set paired with their favourite type of candle could elevate their relaxation experience.

These ideas show that there are many creative and personalised ways to delight a candle lover, whether it’s through enhancing their collection, improving their candle experience, or exploring new ways to enjoy scents.

FREE Tracked Delivery on all Items to UK Mainland

Unlike other personalised gift shops, we don't add shipping costs at the checkout, the price you see is what you pay.

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