The Art of Gifting a Candle

Can you help me choose a scent for my friend, please? 

This is a question asked regularly at markets and in the shop in Burford.  A carefully chosen candle scent will be enjoyed long after those beautiful bunch of flowers have been thrown in the compost and you want to get it right. 

When people lift a candle to inhale the scent notes they often make a quick judgement. We either like it, or we don't and move on. Scent can work as an emotional trigger and bring back memories attached to them, both positive and negative. Or for some people it is balance of the essential oils themselves that improve the well being of a person by making them feel relaxed, happy, calm. 

If you find yourself paralysed by the choice try to visualise the recipient and think about them in the context of these three points:

The season will most likely affect your choice. 

This can play a huge part in which scent you gift. Of course there are the easy season scent indicators for events like Christmas. However I am talking about the more subtle shift in weather and landscape that affect our olfactory senses.

As spring takes hold I love the early morning light in the kitchen and find myself lighting a fresh herb or light floral candle. Our basil & spearmint candle only appears on our scent list from March for this reason. It is fresh, energising, and really sets me up for a productive day. In contrast on wintery mornings as the light filters slowly through the windows I burn a candle with woody, warm spiced notes allowing myself to draw inward. I think the majority of people find that their tastes move with the seasons. 

Think about where your friend sits on the scent wheel. 

The scent wheel is a much used tool in candle making and as candle makers we group scent profiles together around a wheel with the aim of blending a balanced candle. When you think of them, do they prefer: 

Fresh (citrus, moss, green, marine)

Florals (herbs, fruit, petals)

Spices (floral, musk)

Woods (earth, resin, bark)

Once you have identified their scent profile you can look for a candle with these parameters. For example, our bothy candle is smoky and sweet, a perfect cold day candle. Whereas geranium is uplifting with its gentle florals and citrus notes. 

What side of their personality is the candle for?

We all have different sides to our personality and I think a candle can reflect the mood of a host. 

When you think about the friend, ask yourself how they wind down. Are they outgoing and gregarious, bold with their clothing choices? Do they like a kitchen party, or do they prefer a night curling up on the sofa? Many people are combinations of these things, but how you visualise them enjoying the candle plays a part in choosing the scent. If they are currently having a difficult time, perhaps a calming scent would work. If they are celebrating some great news and you are going round for a party, perhaps an uplifting scent to suit this upbeat mood. 

Remember to take your time and limit yourself to smelling only a handful and make a decision between them.