Every Christmas, there’s the same question: what do you buy someone who’s got everything? “A candle’s often the answer and a handmade candle makes a far more thoughtful gift than you might think. There’s a big difference between a candle that’s been churned out by the thousand and one that’s been made by hand, in small batches, by someone who actually cares how it turns out.

Here’s what you’re really getting when you choose handmade.

Something made with care and nothing to hide

Every candle we make is vegan-friendly, cruelty-free and free from parabens and phthalates. It’s a candle someone’s going to burn in their home time and time again, so it matters what goes into it.

Fragrance is where a lot of cheaper candles cut corners. It’s often the most expensive part of making a candle properly, so mass-produced ones tend to use lower quality fragrance oils, sometimes with additives thrown in just to make the candle smell strong the second it’s lit. We take a more careful approach, checking what goes into every fragrance blend and making sure it’s something we’re genuinely happy to put our name to.

A fragrance that’s just right

Because we make our candles in small batches, we can get the balance right. Every fragrance is tested before it ever reaches a tin, checking how the flame burns and whether the fragrance fills a room gently and evenly rather than hitting you all at once and fading. It’s not glamorous and it takes time, but it’s the difference between a candle that performs properly in someone’s home and one that doesn’t.

A candle that lasts

Our Candles are made to burn for around 30 – 35 hours, with a proper, even burn rather than tunnelling down the middle or leaving half the wax stuck to the sides. A cheap £4 – £5 candle can burn hot and fast and leave you with wasted wax. A handmade candle that’s still going a month later is a far better present than one that’s gone by New Year.

One of a kind

Hand-poured means every candle is made individually, so no two are ever quite identical. It’s a small thing, but it’s what makes a handmade candle feel like it was made for someone rather than for a shelf.

A gift that actually feels like a gift

This is the bit that turns “a candle” into a present. Pop it in one of our gift boxes, add a solid oak coaster or pick one of our ready-made gift sets and bundles, so it feels considered rather than grabbed off a shelf on the way to the till.

Made close to home

Every candle is hand-poured here at the Ferrers Centre, so when you buy from us you’re supporting a small, independent business and the craft that goes with it. It’s a nice story to tell when you hand the gift over and it means a lot to us too.

Not sure where to start?

If you can’t decide on a fragrance, our gift sets take the decision out of your hands. A good mix of scents means there’s something in there for most people, without you having to guess.

Choose something made to be enjoyed

At the end of the day, a handmade candle is more than something to light on a dark December evening. It’s a gift made with care, tested properly and poured by hand and it’s the sort of present that gets used, enjoyed and remembered long after the wrapping paper’s gone. So whether you’re shopping for family, friends or a colleague you’ve pulled out of the Secret Santa hat, we’d love to help you find something they’ll genuinely look forward to lighting.