Make Your Candle Habit Less Expensive with These Tips

When crisp weather rolls in, there’s nothing better than a cozy sweater, warm socks and your favorite scented candle. But candles can be expensive and often end up adding to the clutter in your home. If you’re looking for alternative ways to fill your home with cozy smells or just want to replenish your candle collection without spending a ton, we’ve got some tips. So before you rush to buy all those new holiday scents, try these methods to save money on candles. 

Save Money on Candles with an Alternative 

If you tend to buy too many candles or are just sick of the price tag on them these days, there are plenty of other ways to make your house smell great without a wick.

Essential Oil Diffusers 

Diffusing oil is a great alternative to burning candles if you love scents in your home but don’t like dealing with soot or fire. Electronic oil diffusers that use water vapor have become very popular. It’s not too difficult to find one on the cheaper side. Some are even under $10. Essential oils are also more common now, making them more affordable. You can find essential oils for $1 per bottle (or less).

Reed Diffusers

Another way to diffuse essential oils (or regular fragrance oils) is with a reed diffuser. Wooden reeds absorb the oil and then release it back into the air through evaporation. You can buy a full diffuser bottle, sticks included, for around $10, which will last up to six months. You can also make your own reed diffuser with a glass bottle, wooden reed sticks, alcohol, water and scented oils.

Wax Melts

Another popular alternative that can help you save money on candles is wax melting. Find an affordable wax melter ($10–$20) and some scented wax ($0.40 per block), and you can make your house smell great for months on end. Wax melts typically last longer than candles and have a stronger scent. Plus, some are gel-based, which makes them super easy to reuse and store.

Simmer Pots

You may already have all the ingredients you need to make your home smell great with a simmer pot. Boiling aromatics like cinnamon, citrus peels, mint, clove and ginger is a cheap and effective way to fill your house with a pleasant scent. After the pot reaches a boil, reduce heat to a simmer (hence the name) for a couple of hours. You can find simmer pot recipes online to get more ideas.

Save Money on Candles While Shopping

If you want the real deal, there are still ways to save money on candles this season. Check out these Penny Hoarder tips.

Buy in Bulk

Online retailers like 100 Candles, The Candle Depot and even Amazon offer discounts for buying candles in bulk. If there’s a style or scent you already know you love, why not buy 25 or 50 at a wholesale price? Buying in bulk is also great if you want to save money on candles for wedding decor or party favors.

Check Local Discount Stores 

Discount stores like Big Lots, TJ Maxx, Ross, Burlington and Marshalls often have marked down name-brand candles. Just be judicious, because even at a marked-down price, candles at stores like these can sometimes be more expensive than you’d think. You don’t have to spend outside your budget just because a fancy three-wick candle was discounted from $45 to $20. 

Buy Off-Season Scents

If you’re a true bargain hunter, you know candles get marked down significantly during season transitions or after major holidays. There’s no shame in buying half-off Christmas-themed candles and burning them throughout the year. Check your local grocery stores or discount stores at the end of December, June, and October for discounts on seasonal candles. 

Buy Second-Hand 

This tip might not be for everyone, but you’d be surprised how many quality second-hand candles you can find. You can really save on candles by browsing thrift stores, estate sales, garage sales and online. Websites like eBay, Mercari and OfferUp may have affordable second-hand candles in decent shape. 

Local “Buy Nothing” Facebook groups are another great resource. Search “Buy Nothing” with your city or community name, and check the feed often or make a post asking if anyone has candles they don’t want. You can always disinfect used candles, reuse the wax or place them on a candle warmer if the wick is unusable. 

Make Your Own Candles

Of course, there’s always the option to save on candles by making your own. All you need is wax (usually in the form of flakes or pellets), wicks, glass containers and fragrance oils or essential oils. Wicks often cost $5 for 100, wax costs around $5 per pound and one bottle of oil can make several candles. 

Whether you want to save money on candles or try something new, you’ve got plenty of options. If all else fails, you can always try a simple room spray, potpourri or air out the house for 15 minutes per day.