Jo Malone candles and MIL.

[Flatdeadfrog]

I've name changed as details are a little bit outing as I've talked to friends about this.

My MIL is a bit of a scented candle aficionado and can be a bit precious about the types of scented candles she'll have in the house. That's fair enough, as you like what you like. BUT for mothers day, she has specified she wants a new scented candle for her hall.

DH likes to oblige his mum as she's actually lovely, but his default is to just buy an expensive Jo Malone candle. We don't actually have a Jo Malone budget, as we are feeling the pinch as I am on maternity leave and we're struggling a bit financially because of it.

DH and I have had an argument about it tonight, as I feel that MIL would be upset to think that we're spending our weekly food budget on an expensive candle (and frankly I think it's a waste), but DH really wants to get something nice for his mum. MIL loves scented candles, but something cheaper like a Yankee candle would just be shoved to the back of the cupboard.

AIBU to think MIL can do without a candle this year? Or can anybody recommend anything nice scent/candle wise that wouldn't get wasted like a Yankee candle would?

MIL is lovely, she would be appalled at the idea we'd spent our weekly food shop on a candle, but DH can't see past getting his mum a gift for mothers day and getting what she's asked for.

@MissJanetifyonasty

Interesting topic of conversation. I love candles and anything scented. Have you tried a company called The Wicked Elk. I now buy my wax melts from them which are A-MAZ-ING. Believe me when I say…… I’ve tried many. But these are by far the best I have ever bought. Their candles look like they make perfect gifts but no-ones got me one yet. Hint-hint 😜

Anyway, worth a look.

Good luck in your search 🧐

I agree! I’m hoping I’ll get one for mother’s day too! Honestly, I love anything that’s unique - it’s rare these days! I also love that my candle actually smells lush in the whole house when I burn it, rather than just in the jar. Can’t stand it when that happens! I’ll have to try their wax melts now you’ve said it. Going to have to sneak the delivery in lol

Also going down the hand wash idea instead of candle , La Bruket (available on Amazon ) is out of this world. It’s what they use in the Everyman Cinemas . 30 pounds but will last a long time. If your MIL is as lovely as you say, she may appreciate the quality of a different fragranced product ,

Canan an Solas on Etsy are beautiful. They are handmade by a woman in a wee village very close to where I live. Her candles are vegan, environmentally responsible, smell gorgeous and are lovely to look at.

Get her a photo frame with a photo of the new GC in it for the hall

I have Jo Malone and Neom taste but not the budget. I’m really fussy about candles but always get lovely ones from TK Maxx. Currently have a lavender one from DW Homes and my whole living room smells like a spa. It was £12.99 for a big 2 wick one. I’ve had all sorts of usually very expensive brands at a great price from TK.

@Flatdeadfrog lots of gorgeous personalised candles at www.cantocandle.com without breaking the bank.
Tk maxx have good bargains too

@ApolloandDaphne

I love a JoMalone candle but I have recently been buying the Aldi dupes. They are fantastic and cost pennies compared to the Jo Malone ones. Get her one of them.

Oh God no.

Buy an Aldi one, move packaging and tie up with plastic wrap (like you get on flowers) and a ribbon ... say it's from the farmers market, she won't know the difference ... in blind smell testing experts didn't distinguish either

You should not be buying her gifts that you can’t afford. Either buy her a lower priced JM gift such as hand cream or something else entirely like flowers. If he wants gifts that he doesn’t have the money to buy, he can fund it by selling something of his own. This is just ridiculous materialism when you’re expected to choose between food or a candle for someone else. It’s out of your budget - he should tell her that.

I would ask DH what he's going to eat for 2 weeks to afford it?

Have a look on Brand Alley. They often have deals.

Nice people dont ask for mothers day gifts
(no-one asks for a mothers day gift)

Valente candles are gorgeous as are Noble Isle(especially the Willow Song scent).

What about Neom?

OP, I am your MIL. I love candles, they are my indulgence, I am a horrible candle snob, and I’ve tried every brand.
I would rather have a small/travel version of a lovely candle than a massive Yankee one.
The one you need is Daylesford medium candle, either the fig or tomato leaf. Gorgeous, artisanal, look fabulous, and made by Lady Bamford who I suspect your MIL would see as a role model.
They are a third off on Ocado at the mo, going for £16. They are in Kilner jars so look really lovely and substantial.

My sil bought me a Valnette
candle gift set for Xmas and it’s the best candle I’ve ever had. I’ve since bought more and I’m very picky.

How much is he going to be spending on you?

Surely if he’s got a good relationship with her, and she’s as lovely as you say, he can just say to her that money is a bit tight this year so you couldn’t run to a JM candle. Surely she’d understand?

Tkmaxx sell this works candles half price. I hoover them up when they're in.
Melt are good. I love violet-and-black-pepper.

Jo malone voucher then. Or if MIL has been financially generous to you then just suck up the cost

Hey land and whittle do lovely candles

@Hastag0417

My sil bought me a Valnette candle gift set for Xmas and it’s the best candle I’ve ever had. I’ve since bought more and I’m very picky.

^this

Could you get candle from a local small business and say you wanted to support so and so and thought MIL would be good to test it on as she has excellent taste in candles. If she hates it agree with her that JM is superior and save up for next year!

Oh the Aldi stuff is bloody awful, they all smell horrific. We rented an Airbnb once that had them and the diffusers everywhere, I had to hide them in a carrier in the garden until we left. Don't buy her one of those if you like her!

I think Neom or White Company are your next best options if DH is stuck on a candle. As someone said similar aesthetic but way cheaper, Neom are would be my preferred as they don't use synthetic fragrances.

What about getting her a candle making kit? She could add her own scents then.

Have not RTFT so ignore if already been suggested