Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Jo Malone candles and MIL.

448 replies

Flatdeadfrog · 02/03/2022 19:34

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.

OP posts:
Womencanlift · 02/03/2022 20:09

I have bought Aldi ones before and do like them but for long lasting scent they are in no way comparable to Jo Malone. The Aldi scent disappears really quickly so fine for own house but I wouldn’t give it as a gift to someone who is particular about what they like

Bobbins36 · 02/03/2022 20:09

These. Looks super expensive, smell way better than JM and cost a fraction of price. Don’t blow the budget on JM - I do find it weird that someone would specify their Mothers Day Gift, bit grasping!

Cakecakecheese · 02/03/2022 20:10

Would it be a massive betrayal to go to your MIL and tell her that you're struggling a bit and to ask her to tell your husband she's changed her mind and now wants X gift that's cheaper?

ghostyslovesheets · 02/03/2022 20:10

sandandfoghome.com/collections/sand-fog this is their website to give you an idea - TK have them from £8

SmackMyDonkey · 02/03/2022 20:10

Agree with all those who suggest TK Maxx (Pecksniffs/Fired Earth etc - about £6.99).

I love the Lidl ones, personally, but MIL might not like a 'cheap supermarket' candle (though she'd be wrong - they're fantastic).

Definitely not a Wankee Candle.

If I were you, I'd buy a TK Max one though Lidl are even better and tell MIL that you'd love to have bought her a Jo Malone one, but are waiting for your Lottery win. Or some such.

DH needs a talking-to as well.

pandora206 · 02/03/2022 20:10

Another vote for St Eval candles. I love the Bay and Rosemary but they are all lovely and have quite an upmarket aesthetic in packaging, etc.

Bobbins36 · 02/03/2022 20:10

@Bobbins36

These. Looks super expensive, smell way better than JM and cost a fraction of price. Don’t blow the budget on JM - I do find it weird that someone would specify their Mothers Day Gift, bit grasping!
Should have added link 🤦‍♀️ valentte.com/
Pbbananabagel · 02/03/2022 20:10

Go on Etsy and get her a gorgeous handmade one for a tenner

Shmithecat2 · 02/03/2022 20:11

DW Home candles from TK Maxx are gorgeous. Not cheap (but not Jo Malone prices), but From Babies With Love candles are fab too - Wild Vineyard is my favourite, but the Orange Blossom is also nice.

Walkingthedog46 · 02/03/2022 20:11

I second St Eval candles. They have very subtle, natural perfumes and last a long time.

billy1966 · 02/03/2022 20:11

labougie.com
La Bougie

I was given a couple of these plus room diffusers from some overseas visitors some years ago.

I have ordered them subsequently and sent them as overseas gifts.

IMO they are far superior to JM candles.

My other go to would be the Neom collection.

Yankee are disgusting.

There is surely a choice inbetween.

I have also picked up some lovely candles in TK Max.
Flowers
They are

Skyeheather · 02/03/2022 20:11

Does your DH have any siblings who could chip in and the candle could be a joint gift?

What about a Jo Molone gift card towards her new candle, could you afford to pay half as a gift card and MIL could choose her own candle and pay the other half? My Mum wanted an expensive bottle of perfume for her birthday, I gave her a Boots gift card towards it and she was happy with that.

cinders222 · 02/03/2022 20:12

My family are big Jo Malone fans but also like candles by White Company and Neom which are both cheaper options

Rantypanties · 02/03/2022 20:12

The White Company Blanc candle is lovely and I’m sure looking around on voucher sites you could get 10% discount (used to be 15%!)

Lesperance · 02/03/2022 20:12

The OP doesn't really need candle advice, the problem is the DH who is putting his mother above food. He needs to find the money from somewhere else. Can you ring fence it in some way OP so that you spend it on food before he spends it on a gift?

bellsbuss · 02/03/2022 20:12

What about a NEOM gift set , they do one for £30 and it has a mini candle in it.

sallyjuliet · 02/03/2022 20:12

Potters Crouch candles are lovely and much much cheaper than Jo Malone. They’re made in the UK and the scents are lovely and long lasting

lilyj13 · 02/03/2022 20:13

Neom candles are really lovely slightly cheaper then jo Malone or best to go to an outlet, I think if she doesn’t appreciate a Yankee then she’s not worth buying an expensive one as yankee is still expensive and a good make, have a look on asos sometimes they have a discount code, but she should be pleased with what she gets, jo Malone cost around £45 for a small/medium one

Howshouldibehave · 02/03/2022 20:14

I think she’s being incredibly grabby to specify anything for Mother’s Day, let alone something so bloody expensive! I absolutely wouldn’t get her this and would go for a lovely plant or flowers instead!

What do you think DH/the kids will get you for a gift, presuming you have children?

WTF475878237NC · 02/03/2022 20:14

Can't get passed specifying what the gift should be! I hope your husband asked her and even then she's rather ignorant, she must know you're on maternity leave?!

Pirate009 · 02/03/2022 20:14

There are a lot of wax melts with jo malone fragrances that are cheap as an alternative.

MrsSkylerWhite · 02/03/2022 20:15

I wouldn’t ask for a Jo Malone candle for Mother’s Day (or any other day). They are stupidly expensive. I’d be horrified if my equally strapped kids wasted their money.

Does she realise how tight things are?

Ilovewillow · 02/03/2022 20:15

I don't rate JO Malone candles as I don't feel the scent is very strong but I do love good scented candles. Have a look at either white company (their mint is gorgeous), Neom are beautiful and although a bit pricy well worth it and the smaller ones are more reasonable. St Eval are lovely and smell amazing. Also Charles Farris are beautiful.

WutheringHeights66 · 02/03/2022 20:15

I like the Woodwick ones, nice oval jar with a wooden lid, great scents that are not weak like some candles and they crackle like a real fire.

About 29.99 unless a discontinued scent.

MauveMavis · 02/03/2022 20:16

Have you got beauty pie? I really like their candles and keep buying them as gifts.

I particularly like "clean house" (one of the reviews says - this is why I imagine Oprah's house will smell like neutral and expensive) but there are more woody ones.

Unlike the beauty pie fragrances for body the candles have good sillage.

Swipe left for the next trending thread