Choosing the ideal vessel for your thoughtful candle gift

When selecting a vintage tea service item for your candle gift, consider a few key points to ensure a delightful and enjoyable candle-burning experience.

Selecting a fragrance

Candles have the remarkable power to transport you to different places and evoke emotions through scent. When selecting a candle as a gift, it's essential to consider the recipient's preferences to add that thoughtful and personal touch.

NOTE: However do be careful about scents, as some individuals are allergic, in that case select an unscented candle.

Ease of cleaning the vintage vessel

For example, tea candles can be repurposed and reused once the candle has finished burning, making them gifts that keep on giving. Whether your loved ones want to repurpose the vessel for drinking tea, planting herbs, or storing pencils on their desk, selecting a vintage vessel that is easy to clean will save time and effort down the road.

Candle "Burn Time"

When giving a tea vessel candle as a gift, it's important to consider the "burn time," which refers to the estimated duration the candle will last before it is fully consumed. Candles typically have an average burn time of around 10 to 30 hours. However, the exact burn time can vary depending on factors such as the size of the vessel, as well as the amount and type of wax used. 

Alternative candle vessels

Although tea cups candles are the most selected vessel, there’s no need to limit yourself to vintage teacups when selecting a unique candle gift for loved ones. For an even more unique present for your favorite candle lover, consider creating candles from other vintage vessels. Coffee mugs, sugar bowls, demitasse cups, cream soup bowls, gravy boats, tureens, and more. Even some teapots can make impressive and highly memorable gifts.

Accessibility of wick

Some vessels may have narrow openings or are much more narrow and deep than they are wide. These tight spaces make it challenging to reach the wick once the candle begins to burn down. Choose a vessel with a wider opening or a design that allows for easy wick maintenance, namely the easy use of a wick trimmer.

Sentimental value

If you own a fine china set that holds sentimental value but rarely gets used, trying giving it new life by turning it into a candle. At The Treasure Chest, we specialize in transforming vintage china into practical modern heirlooms, including teacup candles.  It's our goal to take pre-loved porcelain out of storage and transform it into practical and stylish decor that families and loved ones can appreciate in their everyday lives. Read more about that vintage candle suggestion here.

Theme

Curate a collection of candle vessels based on a theme or style you know they’ll like. For example, you might pick a few with a similar theme or pattern, ones inspired by a favorite era, manufacturer, or design period.

Add-Ons suggestions

Consider combining a teacup candle with another item that resonates with your loved ones' interests and preferences (examples):

• Create a tea lover's dream gift by handpicking a variety of high-quality teas that complement the scents and ambiance of the candle.
• For those who enjoy cozy nights in, why not pair the teacup candle with a fuzzy blanket or a pair of warm, comfortable socks?

By combining a teacup candle with a complementary item, you create a thoughtfully curated gift set that not only encourages relaxation and indulgence but also suggests ways for your loved one to experience your gift that they may not have considered.

Final words

Candles using up-cycled vintage china, make a creative and versatile gift that embody elegance and nostalgia. When created from a family heirloom, such as a beloved teacup set and/or paired with a thoughtfully chosen scent, these candles become exceptional gifts that can be cherished for years to come.