When the air turns crisp, few things beat a snug sweater, cozy socks and a beloved scented candle. Yet candles can be pricey and often add to household clutter. If you want to scent your home without breaking the bank or simply want to replenish your candle stash affordably, we’ve gathered some ideas. Before you rush out to buy all the seasonal fragrances, try these tips to cut the cost of candles.
Fund Your Candle Habit by Earning a Little Extra Cash
There’s something about candles that draws you in. Want to buy more candles or try one of the budget-friendly alternatives below? Generate some cash to support your candle habit with a few of our favorite quick-earning ideas.
Cut Candle Costs with Substitutes
If you tend to overbuy candles or are tired of their price tags, there are several ways to keep your home smelling wonderful without a flame.
Essential Oil Diffusers
Using a diffuser is an excellent substitute for burning candles if you enjoy fragrances but dislike soot or naked flames. Electric diffusers that use water vapor have surged in popularity and can be found at modest prices. Some are even under $10. Essential oils are also more accessible now, lowering their cost — you can often find bottles for a dollar or less.
Reed Diffusers
A reed diffuser is another way to spread essential or fragrance oils through your space. Wooden reeds soak up the oil and disperse it into the air by evaporation. Complete reed diffusers, reeds included, can cost around $10 and may last up to six months. You can also craft your own using a glass bottle, wooden reeds, alcohol, water and scented oils.
Wax Melts
Wax melts are a popular alternative that helps you save on candles. With an inexpensive wax melter ($10–$20) and scented wax blocks (about $0.40 each), you can keep your home smelling lovely for months. Wax melts often last longer than candles and tend to be more fragrant. Some are even gel-based, making them easy to store and reuse.
Simmer Pots
You might already have what you need for a simmer pot. Boiling aromatics like cinnamon sticks, citrus peels, mint, cloves and ginger is an economical and effective way to scent your home. Once the pot reaches a boil, lower the heat to a simmer (hence the name) for a couple of hours. You can find simmer pot recipes online for more inspiration.
Save Money on Candles While You Shop
If you prefer traditional candles, there are still ways to spend less. Check out these Savinly tips.
Buy in Bulk
Retailers online like 100 Candles, The Candle Depot and even Amazon provide discounts for bulk purchases. If you already know a scent or style you love, consider buying 25 or 50 at a wholesale rate. Bulk buying is also handy if you need candles for weddings or party favors.
Check Local Discount Stores
Discount retailers such as Big Lots, TJ Maxx, Ross, Burlington and Marshalls often carry discounted name-brand candles. Be selective, though — even reduced candles at these stores can sometimes still carry a higher price than expected. Don’t feel pressured to overspend just because a luxe three-wick candle has been marked down from $45 to $20.
Buy Off-Season Scents
Seasonal markdowns are a goldmine for savvy shoppers. Candles often drop significantly in price during season changes or after major holidays. There’s no shame in picking up half-price holiday scents and enjoying them all year. Look for deals at grocery and discount stores at the end of December, June and October for seasonal markdowns.
Buy Second-Hand
This might not suit everyone, but second-hand candles can be found in surprising quantities. You can save by browsing thrift stores, estate sales, garage sales and online marketplaces. Sites like eBay, Mercari and OfferUp may list used candles in good condition.
Local “Buy Nothing” Facebook groups are also worth checking. Search “Buy Nothing” with your city or neighborhood name, monitor the feed regularly or post asking if anyone has extra candles. You can sanitize used candles, repurpose the wax or use a candle warmer if the wick is no longer usable.
Make Your Own Candles
Of course, making your own candles is another great way to save. You’ll need wax (often flakes or pellets), wicks, glass containers and fragrance or essential oils. Wicks can run about $5 for 100, wax roughly $5 per pound and a single bottle of fragrance can produce several candles.
Whether you want to spend less on candles or experiment with alternatives, you have plenty of options. And if nothing else appeals, a simple room spray, potpourri or airing out your home for 15 minutes a day can keep things smelling fresh.
