KATIE BANDURSKI FOR TASTE OF HOME
CAROLINE LUBINSKY FOR TASTE OF HOME
Pros:
-
Beautiful vessels
-
Approachable scent blends
-
Pretty packaging
-
Free shipping
Cons:
-
Sizes and scents are random
While some folks prefer a predictable candle subscription that always comes in the same branded vessel, others prefer more of a “surprise” aspect. Paddywax’s Candle Bar offers in-person candle-pouring workshops for those living in Nashville, Denver, Charlotte, Reston, Durham and Carlsbad. However, thanks to their at-home kits and candle subscription, it’s possible to enjoy their diverse scents without hopping on a plane.
The Candle Bar’s candle subscription offers a wide range of approachable soy wax scent blends. Potential scents include fresh Meyer lemon, wild fig cedar, violet vanilla and eucalyptus santal, among dozens of others. The packaging is eye-catching and pretty, and each comes in its own stylish, repurposable container. While the size and number of wicks vary, each month’s shipment is guaranteed to be display-worthy.
KATIE BANDURSKI FOR TASTE OF HOME
“For April, I received a three-wick; in May, I received a sizeable one-wick. Both came in really pretty vessels that can be reused after burning,” says Katie, who tested the box. In addition, first-time subscribers enjoy an additional gift (anything from candle accessories to free candles) with their first shipment and a free gift during their birthday month. They also offer free shipping, which is the cherry on top.
“I like that the vessels are stylish and go beyond basic jars,” says Katie. “It’s a great subscription for home decorators!”
Other Candle Clubs We Tested
- Wickbox: We had high hopes for this popular pick. However, our tester was disappointed in the lack of documentation or information explaining the candle, and they noted that it didn’t burn as cleanly as they expected for a 100% soy wax candle. Plus, despite the claim that you can fill out a scent profile, they were never given the option and ended up with a scent they did not like. Bummer!
- Nest: Unfortunately, just prior to this piece going live, Nest discontinued its candle club. We loved the luxe look, gift-ready packaging and overall quality of their candles. Maybe someday we’ll see the club return, but for now, we left it off our list.
What to Look for When Shopping for Candle Subscription Boxes
When shopping for a monthly candle subscription, first consider what you’re looking for in a subscription. If you’re a candle newbie, focus on subscriptions that introduce a variety of scents at a lower price point. This will help you get a feel for what scents you like without wasting money each month on options you’re not too crazy about.
If you’re a tried-and-true candle lover, look at subscriptions that offer bespoke, luxury scents for a break from the usual department store options. Focus on candles that include real essential oils and soy wax rather than paraffin for better scent spread and a cleaner burn. Many companies also offer monthly DIY kits that let you choose your own vessel, which is a great way to recycle used candles.
Those shopping for a candle subscription as a gift should look at options that come in gift-ready boxes and pretty vessels for a more luxe feel.
How We Found the Best Candle Subscription Boxes
We first researched as many candle subscriptions as we could find online. We then narrowed our picks to eight highly rated subscriptions that spanned a range of price points and styles. From there, four candle-crazy editors brought the subscriptions into their homes to test.
We evaluated each option based on the following criteria categories:
- Packaging and shipping
- Variety
- Quality and inclusions
- Value
Overall, we collected about 136 data points within those categories, which earned each candle subscription a score from one to 20. This list includes only boxes we feel are a good value for the price. In addition, we followed all practices for making a candle last longer to assess burn time and scent longevity accurately.
FAQ
Is there such a thing as a candle of the month club?
Yes! A candle of the month club (also called a candle subscription box) is a great way for candle lovers to explore scents. They also make the best gifts for candle lovers and those who enjoy decorating their space. Candle clubs typically offer a single mystery scent each month, shipped directly to the recipient’s door. The candles can be ready-made or DIY options that the recipient creates with their own vessel.
Are Vellabox candles safe?
Like most scented candles, Vellabox candles are not toxic. Vellabox uses 100% soy wax rather than paraffin in its candles, giving them a cleaner burn with less soot and emissions.
How do you make a scented candle last longer?
A little-known fact is that candles require more maintenance than simply lighting them. There are lots of best practices for making a scented candle last longer, but the biggest tip we have may seem obvious: letting your candle burn.
Waiting until the surface of your candle is fully liquified prevents “candle tunneling,” or the buildup of wax along the candle walls that won’t burn down. Another way to achieve this is by investing in a candle warmer lamp, which melts the entire surface of the candle and helps it last much longer.
Another common issue is candle wick mushrooming, which can make relighting a candle difficult (or even unsafe). This happens when wicks are too large for the candle and don’t burn off all the way or if the wick points directly upwards rather than at a soft angle. While it’s impossible to prevent mushrooming, the solution is simple. Just trim the mushroomed cap from your wick before relighting your candle. Easy peasy!
Why You Should Trust Us
I’m a home decor enthusiast. I also work full-time as Taste of Home’s Shopping Editor, in charge of gift guides and testing new and delicious finds like snack subscriptions and cheese clubs. Our shopping team has decades of combined experience recommending the best products to readers. For this piece, we tapped our team’s candle enthusiasts and tested eight candle subscriptions in our homes.