Article: The Rise of Candle Making Kits: Why More People Are Ditching Throwaway Culture

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Jun 11, 2025Sustainability

The Rise of Candle Making Kits: Why More People Are Ditching Throwaway Culture

Candle Making Isn’t Just a Hobby Anymore

More people are turning to candle making kits -- and it’s about more than just wax and wicks. In recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift in how we consume. DIY crafts have surged in popularity, driven by a desire for creative expression, hands-on experiences, and more sustainable ways of living. People are no longer content with constantly buying and tossing—especially when it comes to items like candles that can be reused or remade.

As we move away from the habits of throwaway culture, candle making kits have emerged as a beautiful solution: part hobby, part ritual, and part act of sustainability.

Candle Consumption Is on the Rise

The candle industry is booming. In 2024, the global candle market reached a value of $14 billion and is projected to grow to $20 billion by 2030. This spike in demand—especially during the pandemic—reflects our collective desire for comfort, calm, and ritual at home.

Roughly 7 out of 10 U.S. households use candles regularly, according to the National Candle Association. Many buyers purchase candles 5–10 times a year, with peaks in fall and during the holidays. Alongside this trend, a wave of independent brands and hobbyist makers has emerged, driven by demand for more sustainable alternatives and a growing rejection of throwaway culture.

Candle Making Has Become More Accessible Than Ever

You don’t need fancy tools or a background in chemistry to start making candles. The rise of candle making kits and in-person experiences has made it easier than ever for beginners to get started.

If you want to learn how to make candles from scratch:

Candle Workshops: Many small businesses and experience-based platforms like Airbnb Experiences, ClassBento, and Bookelevent now offer hands-on classes. All materials are included, and sessions typically last 1–2 hours. Great for team events, date nights, or creative self-care.
Candle-Making Studios: Stores like Lantern Candle Lab and Wick and Pour (both based in New York City) host classes in curated studio spaces. These feel-good outings are a fun, low-pressure way to explore a new hobby.

If you want to make candles at home:

DIY Candle Making Kits: For those who prefer to create at home, kits are now widely available and beginner-friendly. Some offer full DIY setups where you mix your own wax and oils, while others, like our Deconstructed Candles, come pre-scented and pre-blended for ease and convenience.

Whether you’re exploring a new skill or just want a calming afternoon project, there’s a candle kit for that.

Why Use a Candle Making Kit Instead of Buying a New Candle?

More and more people are rethinking their candle habits. From the environmental impact of throwaway culture to the rising cost of high-end scents, candle refill kits are gaining popularity as a low waste, planet friendly solution.

Making your own candle (or refilling an old one) isn’t just about saving money -- it’s about slowing down, getting creative, and finding joy in the process. Whether you're holding onto a jar that brings back a memory or want your candles to better reflect your personal style, candle making offers a more thoughtful and sustainable approach.

Here’s why more consumers are making the switch:

Sustainability: Candle refill kits help reduce waste by giving empty vessels a second life, offering a cleaner alternative to the norms of throwaway culture.
Cost-saving: Especially if you love luxury candles, refill kits let you recreate the experience without paying full price over and over again.
Sentimental value: Some candle jars are too special to toss—maybe it was a gift, tied to a moment, or just a design you love. Refilling helps preserve that connection.
Custom style: Skip cookie-cutter candles. Choose your own vessel—whether it’s a vintage teacup, a ceramic mug, or a minimalist jar that fits your space.

At Sincerely Sunday, our Deconstructed Candles were created to modernize the way we use candles. They’re clean-burning, low-waste, and designed for today’s more mindful, design-conscious consumer. When your candle burns out, you don’t toss it—you refill it. No mess, no fuss.

Types of Candle Making Kits

Not all candle kits are created equal—and that’s a good thing. Some people want a low-effort way to refill their favorite candle. Others want a new creative hobby. Whatever your pace or goal, there’s a candle making kit for you.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common types:

1. Full DIY Kits: Ideal for aspiring makers who want the full, hands-on experience. These kits typically include everything you need to make candles from scratch: wax, vessels, fragrance oils, wicks, and sometimes extras like a pouring pot, thermometer, or scale. A great way to “test the waters” if you’re curious about candle making as a hobby.

Here are some great starter kits if you are looking to take on candle making as a new hobby:

2. Activity-Based Kits: These are all about the experience. Many come with painting kits, decorative vessels, or themed elements—making them great for girls’ nights, creative weekends, or family-friendly fun. Think of it like a mini event in a box.

3. Refill Kits: Like our Deconstructed Candles, refill kits are the easiest and cleanest option. Designed for both first-time and seasoned makers, they let you remake or refill a candle with minimal setup. Each kit includes a clean burning, pre-scented coconut soy wax blend, cotton wick, and wick holder. Just add your vessel. It’s fast, low-effort, and mess-free.

Looking to get started in you candle making journey? Here are some of our best-selling scents to get you started:

Santal (inspired by Le Labo's Santal 26)
Rituals
Pomelo
Heirloom (inspired by Loewe's Tomato Leaves)

Or shop by collection:

Muse Collection: Inspired by luxury designer fragrances
Signature Collection: Custom in-house blends for cozy, everyday moments

What Kind of Vessels Can I Use?

This is where the magic really begins. Since our Deconstructed Candles™ don’t come in containers, you get to decide what your candle looks like. It's a chance to make something personal and unique.

Popular ideas include:

Refill empty food or jam jars
Refill empty or luxury candle jars
Vintage teacups
Decorative mugs or unique vessels
Thrifted vessels with character
Sentimental vessels

Just remember two key things:

Your vessel should be roughly 3 inches wide.
It must be heat-safe -- it shouldn’t crack, leak, or catch fire when exposed to high temperatures.

No two vessels are the same, and that’s the point. Your candle gets to tell your story—and look beautiful doing it.

Where to Find Cute Candle Vessels

One of the best parts about using candle making kits is that they give you the freedom to customize every detail—especially the vessel. While your kit provides the wax and wicks, choosing the perfect container is where your creativity really shines.

The good news? Candle vessels are all around you. At their core, vessels are simply containers designed to hold melted wax and a wick. The key is making sure they’re heat-safe—meaning they won’t crack, leak, or catch fire when exposed to high temperatures. If you’re making candles at home, always prioritize safety over aesthetics (though you don’t have to sacrifice either!).

Best Materials for Candle Vessels:

Thick glass (like old candle jars or drinking glasses)
Glazed ceramic (ensure it’s food-safe and waterproof)
Sealed concrete (stylish and modern, but must be properly sealed)
Metal tins (popular for travel candles or minimalist looks)

You can find cute, unique candle vessels almost anywhere. Keep an eye out when you’re shopping—you’ll start noticing them in places you never expected.

Our favorite places to find beautiful vessels for candle making:

Etsy: for handmade, artisan, and vintage containers
Anthropologie: stylish mugs and ceramic pieces that double as vessels
Local ceramics studios: perfect for one-of-a-kind, small-batch finds
- Wilcox Brooklyn Ceramics
- Franca NYC
Pop-up markets – one of the best places to find amazing vessels. You’ll often meet local ceramicists selling their work -- styles range from earthy neutrals to bold, whimsical designs inspired by animals, food, or nature.
Gift shops and boutiques: look for tumblers, jars, or even small bowls
Thrift stores: eco-friendly and often full of hidden gems

Whether you're upcycling a used candle jar or sourcing something new, the beauty of candle making kits is that they let you give any heat-safe container a second life.

Why People Love Making Their Own Candles

Making candles isn’t just a task -- it’s a feeling. Whether solo or with others, it’s a way to ground yourself, flex your creativity, and make something that’s truly yours.

Here’s why people keep coming back to it:

A mindful activity: In a fast-paced world, candle making lets you slow down. Melt the wax. Set the wick. Watch it cool. It’s meditative, tactile, and grounding.
A social or solo ritual: Host a cozy candle night with friends, make it a bonding activity with your kids, or carve out solo time for some creative self-care.
A way to learn something new: Candle making is a low-barrier entry into DIY. You don’t need much to start, and every candle you make is a chance to improve.
A meaningful gift: A handmade candle hits different. It’s thoughtful, experiential, and full of intention. A gift that says, “I made this for you.”

In Conclusion

The rise of candle making kits signals a broader movement: one away from throwaway culture, and toward intentional living. It’s not just about buying something new—it’s about creating something meaningful.

Whether you’re trying a new hobby, looking to live more sustainably, or just want an easy way to reuse a favorite jar, there’s a candle refill kit for that. From full DIY setups to effortless refills, the process can be as involved—or simple—as you’d like.

At Sincerely Sunday, our Deconstructed Candles are designed to make candle making feel approachable, creative, and better for the planet. It’s a small but powerful step toward more conscious consumption—and a beautiful reminder that you can always give old things new life.

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