5 Coveted Candles that are NOT the “Same Old, Same Old”
Burn that candle, night and day
Burn that candle, light our way
Keep that doorway open wide
Until we come slowly strolling side by side
(from “Burn that Candle,” William John Clifton “Bill” Haley )
Candles are such a part of holiday tradition and they make such classic and welcome gifts, it hardly need to be said, but The Advice Sisters have found a couple of candles that do more than just “light the way” and smell good. We’re suggesting three coveted “treasure candles” and twp luxury candles without a prize inside, because these five 5 5ffer just a bit more.
A treasure candle can be a big, scented votive or a tiny tea light, it might be packaged in a tin, or a small or tall glass jar. The scents can vary by literally, the dozens. But what all treasure candles have in common is that inside their brightly burning waxy innards, there’s a “treasure” (usually wrapped in foil) to be discovered as the candle burns down. Most of the little treasures are not going to be very expensive, but most companies that create these candles do claim that they have jewels that can run hundreds, maybe thousands of dollars. The point of the treasure candle really isn’t the little surprise inside as much as the beautifully scented candle that leaves you in anticipation of what might be revealed. What might your future hold? Could you hit the jackpot and get the valuable prize?
This “how-to” from Jackpot candles gives you the basics to find your treasure in any treasure candle
Jackpot Candle Cinnamon Sensation $24.95
jackpot candle warm apple pie $24.95
this little heart is one of the “treasures” we unearthed. Small, but sparkling and cute
Jackpot Candles $24.95 (plus shipping) arrive in tall, clear glass votives with tight fitting tops featuring rubber stoppers, to keep the scent fresh. There are dozens of different fragrances, but instead of the traditional pine and spice, we tried Cinnamon Sensation and Warm Apple Pie. Those are also two fragrances we associate with the holidays — but just a bit different. The Cinnamon Sensation is spicy and warm, to make you think of harvest-time, pumpkins, and Thanksiving. The Warm Apple Pie scent is neither sweet nor tart, it just smells, somehow, like pie filling. The delicious scent sets a happy mood. These candles are made of 100% Premium Natural Soy that can burn from 80-100 hours, They are infused with essential oils. Both of these candles were in the white family, so they’d blend with any decor, but many of the candles are in the color of what they’re scented with (e.g. green for pine, blue for blueberry).
The presentation with beautiful graphic labels, and the scent (a dozen fragrances+) would be enough to make a great gift but remember, these are treasure candles. You will find a ring (sizes 6-9), earrings or a necklace. We didn’t choose the treasures in our review candles, but you can if you wish. When you get your little treasure the item may be worth only $15 but it could be a a real treasure valued up to $5,000. There is even an appraisal page to check the value. Consider how much fun it is to gift these, and to get them. For more information visit the Jackpot Candles Web Site
these little crystal studs aren’t work a fortune, but they’re still fun to wear
What’s your destiny? could it be a candle with a treasure inside it? If you want a unique gift for someone, or a little splurge for yourself, Destiny Candles by Karen Michelle ($24.99 8 oz. tin or glass votive, or $14.99 4 oz. tin) aren’t just scented candles, they melt into a lightweight, all natural massage oil –and they have jewelry treasures inside as well. The wax burns at a low temperature and never gets hot, so you can create a mood, and enjoy a massage session, immediately. The dozen plus scents are divine (we tried KISSES – Mint Chocolate and it really did smell like our favorite chocolate covered mints). Like all the treasure candles we have tried, you might find a treasure that is worth a lot more than you paid for the candle. Destiny candle has little treasures mostly valued at the low end, but one candle has a $10,000 ring in it and it could be yours. Just remember, it is the candle you are buying, not the prize. These candles are made in the USA of 100% natural ingredients and high quality Jojoba and Coconut Oils (which makes the massage oil very emollient). The candle burns up to 45 hours (we didn’t test this) and as the candle melts, a packette with a surprise in it will be revealed. We got a pair of little crystal studs that $10.00 but it didn’t really matter as the candleight, the scent, the massage oil, the anticipation of the jewelry surprise made it very satisfying. Get yours at www.karenmichelle.com
Gem Delights Candles are available in dozens of fragrances
this Sterling silver ring with amethyst & natural blue topaz has an estimated value of $120
Gem Delights “Delightfully Genuine” Candles (srp. $35.00) are available in glass votives with tight fitting glass lids, or in mini tea lights tins with wood or double wicks, or “melts.” In fact, even the little tea light had a treasure in it, a little stone that was so small we couldn’t properly photograph it (you can’t fit anything big in a tea light but remember: the treasure isn’t the top priority). There are literally dozens and dozens of different fragrances, and they are really lovely. Ours in Balsam & Cinnamon is a ruby red candles with a sophisticated blend of cinnamon and balsam fir that is spicy, aromatic, and unique. The website offers custom candles and a myriad of options (the website wasn’t the most user friendly) but we loved looking at all the options, and the quality of the fragranced candles is excellent. Each Each Gem Delights candle has jewelry inside, .925 or better that the company claims has a value of $50-$500. The gemstones may be natural or in some cases lab created. Each candle (even the tiny votives have tiny gemstones) has a gift in it. The scented glass votive 8 oz. we received delighted us with a beautiful amethyst and blue topaz silver ring that is one of the nicest treasures we ever found in a treasure candle. While I’m not sure it’s got the stated value of $120, it is certainly worth a lot more than the price of the candle. The candles are made of 100% soy way and premium fragrance oils, The candles (including our tiny tea light in a “fruity loops” scent that smells like the cereal) burn nicely and scent your room quickly. tWe loved the candle choices and the colors, and the scents… just about everything. *You’ll need extra time (7-14 days) if you want to customize your candle which may not work for holiday gifting, but certainly would be a great choice for birthdays and special occasions, going forward. This is the gift you want to give yourself (you deserve it). You really have to visit the Gem Delights web site to see all the possibilities .
pikake flower
While I haven’t burned the entire candle to the end yet, I can say that these candles in six exotic scents from Hawaii are beautiful inside and out. The sea-tinted votives remind me of the beach. Try Coconut with lemongrass, Maile with notes of sandalwood, or Passion fruit, Plumeria, Tuberose or Pikake (the Pikake is the one I reviewed). Pikake comes from a white flower that is also known as Arabian Jasmine, outside of Hawaii. Pikake flower is floral, but unlike jasmine, this has a softer scent, still a white floral, but more green and fresh than sweet. These luxurious candles burn brightly and easily and come nicely boxed for gifting. You can also get reed diffusers and a range of body products in these scents. For more information and to purchase visit http://hawaiianbodyproducts.com/
What makes a holiday tradition? According to Crabtree & Evelyn, this NOEL candle ($35.00 large & $45.00 with three wicks) has graced holiday tables for more than 25 years. The richly decorated, red round hard sided carton can be used for other things, and inside is a stunning, holly berry red votive with a blend of paraffin waxes that will burn up to 50 hours for the single wick candle, up to 60 hours for the tree wick candle. Even if you didn’t light the candle the fresh scent of fir, balsam, cirtus, persimmons and mulled cider (and I smell a hint of white florals) will scent your room. If you are one of the lucky people who grew up with Crabtree & Evelyn’s NOEL candle, this is a tradition you can continue , or begin it right now. The smell will take you right back to the happiest of holidays every time you light it. For more information about all the fabulous gift ideas at Crabtree & Evelyn, visit http://www.crabtree-evelyn.com/
