To ask if £50 on a candle is worth it?

[Dishwashersaurous]

Close friends milestone birthday is coming up this month. Years ago we had all agreed that we would have a spa day for her birthday.

Obviously that is not an option at the moment and we can't even book for the future as don't know when spas will be open.

So I wanted send her something to recreate the spa at home experience. About £50 budget.

She's really into luxury skin brands etc . I'm not and therefore a bit shocked by some of the prices.

So is a neom candle at £50 worth it, or is there something just as good and nasty expensive.

Just feel like sending only a candle doesn't seem like much

@MasterBeth

What dangerous particles? What are you talking about? Unless there are Chernobyl candles, I think you are mistaken

You are mistaken. Most candles are made from petroleum run off. It's in the name "petroleum". Why would you want to burn that in your home? I abandoned them when I had a cat with asthma and then realised "why the fuck am I burning this shit in my house?"

Beeswax is a safe, clean burn.

@Dishwashersaurous

So I bought her the big neom candle delivered to her house as obviously can't visit. And she utterly thrilled

I’m glad you got it. Of course she was delighted! I absolutely love neom, diptyque etc and I would have been blown away to receive one.

Yes definitely worth it if she’s into that kind of thing. My BIL gifts me a jo malone candle every Christmas. I love it and always look forward to getting it as I wouldn’t spend that money on a candle myself. I also don’t think they are a waste of money. I am usually still using the candle from the previous year when he gets me a new one so they last at least a year.

I got some candles from Next which were nearly 20 but they burned to one side and not evenly so they are more of a waste of money in my opinion.

If you are sure she likes that kind of thing, and are prepared to piss money on brand and packaging...

Do be sure. Stinky candles make me cough even unlit.

[quote ifitpleasesandsparkles]**@MasterBeth

What dangerous particles? What are you talking about? Unless there are Chernobyl candles, I think you are mistaken

You are mistaken. Most candles are made from petroleum run off. It's in the name "petroleum". Why would you want to burn that in your home? I abandoned them when I had a cat with asthma and then realised "why the fuck am I burning this shit in my house?"

Beeswax is a safe, clean burn. [/quote]
@MasterBeth, read up on some of the supposed high end candles. Diptique are buggers for it.

And not even all soy candles are "safe". I bought some St Eval after reading rave reviews on here and ended up taking DD to the GP as she was blowing black snot out of her nose. Soot. I'll never touch that brand again for sure.

I bet your cat’s shit is more dangerous that a candle.

@MasterBeth

I bet your cat’s shit is more dangerous that a candle.

I'm not in the habit of burning my cat's shit in pretty little candle holders.

If you're doing that I suggest you switch to beeswax candles. Much nicer.

@MasterBeth

I bet your cat’s shit is more dangerous that a candle.

Are you getting help for that proclivity?

Glad she loved it, OP! Was popping on to say that a luxury candle is a wonderful gift for people that you know like that sort of thing, I’d be thrilled to receive it! Perfect gift as it’s a great and something I wouldn’t justify buying for myself.

Frustrating to see so many people suggesting to buy cheaper candles (and pair it with a load of other crap) because THEY don’t see the value in it… that’s basically the same as buying someone a pair of generic trainers from the supermarket when they really wanted a pair of Nikes… and this attitude is why we so many “disappointed with my gifts” threads on mumsnet!!

Of course candles aren't good for you, you're just breathing in all the chemicals they're made from when they burn and in an enclosed space (ie your house). But if OP's friend is impressed by expensive brands and super pleased by the gift then she's obviously not bothered.

A candle is a brilliant gift if it’s luxury. I like Neom but I don’t consider them a luxury. Maybe middle end. Diptyque are wonderful as many have pointed out, but I also like Malin and Goetz — probably more niche as the smells are particular and very strong, but my goodness do they last. I love the Dark Rum and Leather variants. For me they feel artisan rather than ‘posh’.

Neom has Black Friday offers on. Buy the candle and get free shower gel/ body moisturiser. Smell fantastic & last for ages. If it’s within your budget, why not?

I was gifted some Yankee Christmas Candles, and I like them fine. Also given a White Company one (ginger scent) which was nice too. But I don’t think I’d spend £50 on one candle, esp. since they aren’t that hard to make really. (nor is soap).

I love Neom candles. I usually buy them this time of year when they have some brilliant black friday discounts - yesterday I bought a candle and got a free reed diffuser.

I personally love their scents, and I also love the Elemis and Molton Brown candles. I was slightly underwhelmed by Jo Malone if I'm honest.

I can't stand Yankee Candles personally, their scents are far too synthetic for me.

The reason why expensive candles are much more is because they burn so much more evenly. If you get the first burn right (always a min of 2-3 hours), the candle will always burn evenly without the awful tunnelling effect.

If that's what she'd love then it's money well spent. I would love that and loathe a spar day. Horses for courses.

@Newnameagainagainagain

Glad she loved it, OP! Was popping on to say that a luxury candle is a wonderful gift for people that you know like that sort of thing, I’d be thrilled to receive it! Perfect gift as it’s a great and something I wouldn’t justify buying for myself.

Frustrating to see so many people suggesting to buy cheaper candles (and pair it with a load of other crap) because THEY don’t see the value in it… that’s basically the same as buying someone a pair of generic trainers from the supermarket when they really wanted a pair of Nikes… and this attitude is why we so many “disappointed with my gifts” threads on mumsnet!!

Why did you decide to resurrect an 8-month old thread? You must have scrolled a LOT of posts to get to it...

I always think the best gifts are a small luxious item, you'd never buy yourself. So yes go for it.

Just read your update, glad she loved it! Also realised this thread is from February!!!

@WellTidy

I’m glad you got it. Of course she was delighted! I absolutely love neom, diptyque etc and I would have been blown away to receive one.

Absolutely this! and they're the kind of things you really only want as gifts because you know that 50 is a bit much for a candle, even though you really really treasure it!

I agree Diptique candles are much much better.

Good candles are definitely worth it. I really like the Diptyque ones. I'd say £50 is the going rate for a decent candle.

@Cam2020 and @Shehasadiamondinthesky
It's likely to OP worked it out for herself nine months ago.

@Hugoslavia

Be careful of buying cheap scented candles as they can contaminate the air with dangerous particles. Aim for a decent quality one with a beeswax base.

The only candles you should be wary about are those not made in the UK. We have very strict laws here on the fragrances and purity of wax that can be used. Any made in America or China would go straight in the bin if they were given to me.

I’d be extremely happy with a Neom or Diptyque candle!

I also like St Eval candles, but they’re not quite as special (or expensive...)