It’s no secret that I love candles. And with the way things have been lately, I’ve been having lots of cozy evenings at home with a candle burning nearby.
It’s a bit of a ritual for me, choosing a candle for the evening, and relaxing on the couch after a busy day. I’m taking all the opportunities I can get for a little treat lately, and there’s something about having a candle lit that just feels so good: the warm glow, the inviting fragrance, the comfort.
I tend to gravitate to smaller makers when it comes to candles, because I think it’s such a great way to support small (and even local) companies. There’s so many people out there making really awesome scents and beautiful looking candles, so I like to do what I can to support. In terms of scent, as far as I’m concerned it’s the woodsier, warmer, and richer the better. You won’t find any feminine or floral candles in this roundup!
I could go on and on about my love of a good candle, but keep scrolling for a small round up of some of my favourites for home or gifting. In the spirit of shopping small this holiday season, I’m linking each of these to local independent shops here in Toronto or across Canada that carry them.
BOY SMELLS COWBOY KUSH I think Boy Smells epitomize the cool girl candle, and I’ve burned through enough of them to have some strong favourites. This one has notes of suede, saffron, and subtle cannabis, and always takes me back to the tack rooms I feel like I grew up in, with leather equipment lining the walls. It’s grounding and comforting, and so nice to burn on a chilly evening.
BOY SMELLS CEDAR STACK Yet another Boy Smells scent, but I think this may be my favourite candle of all time. This is my second Cedar Stack candle, and there’s just something about it that I miss when I don’t have it around. Notes of cedar (obviously) and tobacco, it smells like an evening by the campfire. It’s nostalgic and woodsy and warm and all of the things I love about autumn.
ROEN MULHOLLAND Roen is newer to my candle collection, but I think their scents represent that California cool essence so well. The scent of this one is so rich that I sometimes get whiffs of it when I’m several feet away, even when the candle isn’t burning. It’s got notes of hinoki wood, which I love this time of year, as well as suede, amber, and clove bud. It’s complex and sexy and the pink glass jar looks so good on an end table.
MURPHY & JO GINGER & BERGAMOT I’ve written about Murphy & Jo candles before, but they truly are one of my favourite local makers. Their scents are so unique and they donate a portion of profits to dog rescue and women’s rights organizations, so it’s a win-win. This scent in particular is one of my favourites from them. It’s spicy and uplifting all at once, which is why I keep it in the bedroom for lazy mornings. Honourable mention to their Teakwood & Basil candle which I think is such a unique and delicious combination.
LIGHTWELL CO. MOSS & AMBER A few of the candles on this list have subtle or base notes of amber, but this one from Lightwell Co. brings it to the forefront. This one is earthy, warm, and musky, and I love burning it when I’m trying to have a cozy night in (which has been the vibe a lot recently).
