our winter solstice candle has the cool, quiet energy, of a cypress, plum, musk, and white currant winter wonderland.
]]>
Winter is nearly here, and our Winter Solstice Candle has the cool, quiet energy of the season with one of our most complex fragrances ever!
Get cozy with notes of cypress, plum, musk, and white currant in this winter wonderland scent. Winter may just be beginning, but Winter Solstice marks the start of longer days.
We created this candle as a reminder to fully accept the bliss of
s l o w i n g d o w n . . .
Think hibernation mode. Quiet time. Rest.
Revel in this cool, snowy fragrance and fill your space with grounding winter vibes all season long.
]]>
We take huge pride in hand-pouring all of our candles with love in our studios in San Diego and San Francisco. Our candles are crafted using organic soy wax, premium-quality fragrance oils, and lead-free cotton wicks. We do our best to choose the most sustainable and safe materials available, because we're committed to the well-being of our customers and the environment.
Custom candles are great for a number of occasions, especially with the holidays just around the corner! Create a signature scent for your business that your customers will love to get and gift, design candles at the perfect price point for holiday giveaways or promotions, or you can even place a bulk order for staff gifts, events, or your favorite friends!
LABEL DESIGN
Don't know where to start with a label? We can help you out! Our graphic design fee is $100 per hour with a $100 minimum. If you want to use your own designer or create your own label, we'll waive the fee! We're happy to discuss what label sizes and materials we typically use to make sure your candles come out exactly the way you want.
VESSELS
The sky is the limit when it comes to the vessel you'd like to put your candles in. We typically recommend ceramic or glass, but we work with our customers to realize their candle dreams - picture everything from vintage tableware to seashells to leather labels. Keep it simple and choose from any of our existing vessels, or provide them from an outside vendor. Pricing varies depending on your selection.
SCENTS
Any scent that we offer in our shops is fair game for your private label candles, but we invite you to design your own fragrance. We'll work with you to determine what you're looking for and what suits your brand, and you'll end up with a scent that's unforgettable! Interested in creating multiple custom fragrances? We'll make sure you're set up with exactly what you need.
TERMS
Turnaround time varies for custom orders depending on complexity and volume. Our private label minimum is 50 units. 50% of payment is due at receipt of order and remainder is due upon final delivery of your custom product. We love seeing what you dream up and helping you bring your vision to life!
Our Apple Ginger Clove candle is crisp, warm, spicy, and comforting, capturing the essence of fall. Imagine wrapping yourself in a warm, cozy sweater on a chilly autumn day.
One of our best-selling signature candles is the Sandalwood Cypress candle. It's a truly enchanting fusion of deep forest sandalwood and fresh, woody cypress notes that will make you feel both grounded and uplifted.
With our Cedarwood Balsam Fir candle, you'll experience something slightly different. The combination of Cedarwood and Balsam Fir is more than just a sweet and fresh scent; it's a journey through a peaceful forest.
As festive as it can be, our Spruce Pine candle is a perfect blend of natural spruce and pine, with just a hint of balsam and patchouli, creating a warm and inviting fragrance that will instantly put you in the holiday spirit—a classic Christmas tree scent.
Another one of our best-selling signature candles, one you'll likely fall in love with at first sniff, is the Vanilla Amber candle. This fragrance is an alluring blend of creamy vanilla and warm amber, creating a luxurious and intoxicating scent that is both sweet and musky. It's a perfect addition to any home, setting the mood for a romantic evening or a relaxing night in.
If you're a fan of floral candle scents, we also have an option for your soft and sophisticated preference: our Rosewood Coriander candle. The delicate and sweet combination of orange and coriander seed perfectly balances with the floral notes of rose and lily. Additionally, warm woody scents of cedarwood and rosewood bring a sense of comfort.
Our Signature Candle collection is available throughout the year, but this is their season, so stock up!
Don't forget that we offer half-priced refills for all Often Wander-made candle products when they are returned to us.
]]>
From a young age, I was obsessed with fragrance. I loved scented lotions, soaps, and perfumes (lets be real, I was young, it was body spray), but scented candles were my favorite. Looking back, I can remember saving my money to buy them. I would hoard them and ask my mom’s permission to burn them in my room.
Growing up, we did a lot of crafts to pass the long, cold, Northern Minnesota winters. Unsurprisingly, melting wax in the kitchen and pouring candles was one of my favorites. I even remember melting crayons in the wax to give the candles color!
In my twenties, I started making candles as a hobby. With a more discerning eye and larger budget than I had as a child, I did my research, learned about the downsides of my crayon experiments (paraffin, yuck!), and started using quality soy wax. After more than a decade in this business, I want to share my knowledge with you, and answer some of your burning questions about soy wax safety, benefits and more! Lets get into it:
Soy candles are popular, but you may have questions about why. There are actually a number of different types of wax used in candles, and each has its own benefits and downsides. From the 1800s (!) until about 20 years ago, most candles were made from paraffin, a somewhat controversial wax that comes from petroleum or coal. While there are more waxes out there today, many companies still use paraffin. Soy wax, on the other hand, is crafted from soybean oil, making it a natural and more sustainable candle base than traditional paraffin. The texture of it is amazing too, its creamy and buttery and slow burning.
First things first — are soy candles safe?
Absolutely! Soy candles are considered safe for most people and environments. They burn clean and slow and produce minimal soot, unlike their paraffin counterparts. Plus, soy wax is biodegradable, so you can worry less about your impact on the earth. That said, you may have other concerns, so let’s dive in.
Is there any danger in soy candles?
Soy candles are generally safe to use, but like anything, you should definitely follow safety guidelines. Always trim the wick to ¼ inch before lighting (or trim it while burning if you forget), and never leave a burning candle unattended. While there hasn’t been a ton of candle research in the science world, studies have found that candles do not pose any known health risks when burned correctly.
Are soy wax candles safe to inhale?
Soy candles emit little to no harmful chemicals when burned — other household products and even things like flowers and fruit emit some of the same chemicals, called VOCs — making them safe to inhale for most people. However, if you have respiratory sensitivities, you should always burn candles in well-ventilated spaces or opt for soy candles made with essential oils.
What is the healthiest type of candle?
Soy candles are among the healthiest choices due to their clean burn and minimal soot production. Essential oil soy wax candles or soy candles with wooden wicks are even better if you’re concerned about your health.
Are soy candles bad for indoor air quality?
Many of our customers are worried about indoor air quality, and rightfully so! The short answer is no, soy candles are not bad for your home’s air quality. In fact, they are one of the best options when it comes to candles. They produce fewer toxins and less soot than some other types of wax, and those are the things we worry about contributing to indoor pollution. If you want to burn candles with the least impact on your air, choose unscented or essential oil soy candles.
Are soy candles safe for dogs and cats?
As a dog parent, I’m often more worried about Honey's health than I am my own. Generally, soy candles are safe for pets like dogs and cats when you burn them responsibly. However, be sure to keep candles out of their reach and never leave your candle or your pet unattended. We know pets can be curious (read: devious), so keep an eye out to avoid accidents.
Can soy candles cause allergies?
Soy candles are less likely to trigger allergies than paraffin candles because they produce fewer allergens (remember those VOCs we talked about?!). However, if you have severe soy allergies you should exercise caution and may want to choose a flame-free option like a reed diffuser for home fragrance.
Can soy candles give you a headache?
Soy candles are known for their gentle and natural scents that rarely cause headaches. However, if you're sensitive to fragrances, consider burning unscented soy candles or one of our milder fragrance options for soothing, headache-free ambiance.
My journey from a small kitchen stovetop operation to two thriving retail stores has really been a dream come true. Along the way, I've learned that soy wax candles aren’t just trendy; they're a beautiful and safe addition to your home! With their clean burn, minimal environmental impact, and versatility, soy candles have earned their place as a beloved staple — I have 3 burning right now.
xx Sarah
P.S. We have a wide range of soy wax offerings in our San Diego and San Francisco stores, but if you want to take your love for fragrance and candles to the next level, you should join us for our candle scent designing events! They're a great way to explore our fragrance oils and create a custom blend in a container that reflects your unique style and personality!
]]>We take pride in sourcing only the best for our customers, and this top grade Palo Santo essential oil comes directly from a sustainable Palo Santo harvester and distiller in Peru. We can confidently state that our Palo Santo collection comprises exclusively sustainable ecological products, all of which are 100% natural, fair trade, and harvested through sustainable practices.
Did you know that Palo Santo, or "Holy Wood" comes from is a mystical tree that grows along the South American coast and is adored by many for its cleansing and healing properties, like Sage and Cedar. Traditionally, it is burned to keep energies grounded and clear.
For centuries, this "Holy Wood" has held a significant place in indigenous Central and Latin American cultures, in an ancient practice. Today, palo santo is burned and diffused to purify auras, remove negative energy, and neutralize tension in the body. It is recommended for people with depression, anxiety, and stress.
The incomparable quality of our Palo Santo essential oil can be attributed to the meticulous process of steam distillation. This technique involves heating water and raw materials over high heat to extract oil from Palo Santo wood. To allow the magic of Palo Santo to work, simply add 5-10 drops of Palo Santo Diffuser Oil to your ultrasonic diffuser and enjoy the purification!
Our Palo Santo incense sticks are made from 100% natural palo santo wood obtained from naturally dried and fallen trees certified by SERFOR. Each of our Palo Santo products serves a common purpose — relieving stress, anxiety, and nervousness, while also stimulating circulation and reviving energy. Upon burning, they release a pleasant, fresh smoke and uplifting scent that aids in raising positive vibrations and eliminating any negativity energy.
It is also said that Palo Santo enhances creativity and brings good fortune to those who are open to its magic. If you like woodsy aromas with an uplifting feeling.... this is a scent you will LOVE.
Introducing our newest candle, the Citronella 6oz Travel Candle!
Don't let those pesky bugs ruin your day any longer. With our unique citronella blend, you can reclaim your outdoor moments with peace and tranquility.
Designed to be mosquito-repellent and perfect for traveling purposes, we have made them very portable to store in your backpack. This candle can be your perfect companion for picnics, camping trips, hikes, or simply enjoying your backyard oasis. Let the powerful benefits of citronella oil work their magic! ✨✨
Let us share some interesting facts about our Citronella Travel Candle:
Did you know... citronella oil is derived from plants in the lemongrass family and functions to repel insects by covering scents they find attractive (like you!). The oil of citronella was registered in the US in 1948 and was also the first to appear in candles around that time.
Most importantly, you will have a bug-free sanctuary wherever you go. Don't let the bugs ruin your day—take control with our trusted Citronella candle. One quick safety tip is to always make sure your outdoor destination allows open flames before using. We are loving the scent, and it doesn't smell like bug spray... we promise.
Summer is here and our new Summer Solstice Candle has the sun soaked energy of summer as well as the fragrance combination!
]]>Summer is here, and we are excited to bring back the Summer Solstice Candle for a limited time!
Our new candle captures the sun-soaked energy of summer and features a delightful fragrance combination that will satisfy your summer spirit. With notes of coconut, magnolia, fig, and jasmine, your space will be filled with the natural scents reminiscent of blooming flowers outdoors.
Imagine all those summer memories float past you as you fill your home with the sweet scents of a warm summer evening.
This scent is easy going, familiar, nostalgic.
Allow yourself to fully embrace this beautiful sunny summer, a season of new beginnings.
Set intentions for each burn: Call in brightness, joy, ease, and positivity and allowing yourself to immerse in the abundant energy of full bloom.
Capture the alignment of the sun's energy which gives life to all areas of your life that have been dormant. Awaken, and enjoy.
enjoy juicy, sweet fig swirled with fresh lilac florals
warm and sweet just like a perfect tropical summer breeze
a full blossom bouquet of earthy, citrus, floral freshness
creates a balanced aroma that is both uplifting and grounding
a crisp and refreshing blend of tangy citrus and bright herbs
* * *
* * *
* * *
* * *
* * *
* * *
* * *
* * *
* * *
* * *
* * *
]]>❤ ❤ ❤
Keeping this in mind, we have curated a thoughtful selection of products, including beaded bracelets, energizing crystals, note cards, perfumes, candles, and necklaces for all of the mother energies out there! Visit our website and pick a unique gift for your "mama" to make her feel special and loved.
❤ ❤ ❤
]]>Oakmoss Amber is a rich, woodsy combination of herbs and the warm, musky, sweet aroma of amber.
Magnolia Sea Salt is a sweet and soft blend of warm magnolia petals and the salty sea air.
Grapefruit Mango is the spring scent packed with super creamy, smooth, fruity freshness.
Lemongrass Sage Rose is a sweet but earthly mix of citrus, herbs, and soft rose petals.
Vetiver Clove Cardamom is a strong, clean, sweet, and spicy blend of earthly groundedness.
Lavender Eucalyptus is the ultimate candle for relaxation with a fresh and rejuvenating combination of cleansing and calming herbs.
]]>Lavender is a delicate, sweet, floral, and herbal scent that calms and soothes.
Neroli is a citrusy, floral, and slightly bitter scent that will cleanse the air.
Rose is an enchanting and romantic, musky and floral familiar fragrance.
Sweetgrass is a pleasantly sweet, sharp, and refreshing scent of dewy spring greens.
The Single Origin Collection draws inspiration from traditional scents that form the basis of perfumery and fragrance creation. You can use them on their own for a straightforward fragrance encounter, or combine them with other candles in our range to craft a layered aroma.
]]>
Our Mood Collection is mainly inspired by the feeling of time stopping, the moment of last light when the sun has gone down, but the magic of the sunset still glows upon us, and the serenity of walking in nature as flowers bloom and the wind kisses your hair. When life gets too stressful, we believe that you deserve a break. This is the time when you go home, light up your candles or incense sticks, or enjoy the layers of scents that uncover from your diffuser. Our wonderful collection scents are named after the mood being influenced with a movement or setting, which are Slow Motion, Last Light, Night Walk, and Warm Winds. As we lead you through each scent, we hope that you can get a sense of how they all tie together.
Warm Winds are finally inspired by summer at its finest moments. This is when you feel free and a little playful. On a warm night, when the breeze blows through your hair, you can enjoy all the soft and sweet moments of summer and freedom. The blend of coconut, Freesia, and White Tea will transport you to those blissful moments of relaxation while enjoying your favorite view or a delicious drink.
Last Light is inspired by those magical moments at dusk, when you know it's time to take a break after a long day at work or school, or from whatever things that stress you out. The blend of green tea, jasmine, and sea salt will make that transition from day to night even more satisfying as the scent gives out is meant to be brisk, fresh, and clean with hints of florals and salty ocean breezes.
All of our candles are made with 100% organic and eco-friendly soy wax, creating a smooth and creamy soy candle that burns slow and clean. These vegan candles are free from phthalates and hand-poured in small batches in either our San Francisco or San Diego location, using quality essential and fragrance oils.
To enhance your candle experience and promote safe candle burning, Often Wander has compiled a concise guide on candle care instructions.
Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with these guidelines and you'll soon become a safe candle burning expert.
✦ THE ESSENTIALS ✦
✦ WAX MEMORY ✦
During a candle's lifecycle, melted wax cools into a softer solid. This freshly melted wax has a lower melting point and re-melts more quickly when the wick is relit. This area with slower cooling is known as wax memory. Insufficient melting of the outer wax ring can lead to tunneling, where the wick sinks and leaves a ring of unmelted wax in the jar.
✦ PREVENTING TUNNELING AND HOW TO FIX IT ✦
Allow the candle to burn for a minimum of 3 hours. While not a strict rule, it ensures the candle has enough time to start melting. If it burns too deeply before melting the surface, the flame won't properly melt the wax, leading to potential tunneling issues.
If any of your candles are experiencing severe tunneling, please don't hesitate to reach out to us and we will do our best to help you revive it!
]]>