I’ve never been a candle girlie as such. I like a nice smell as much as the next person! Yet I don’t collect or anything. Still, candles have become a necessity since I moved to Puerto Rico. Power outages are a semi-frequent thing here, and while most aren’t too long, it’s good to keep some candles handy for your battle against the darkness. After my latest 10-hour power outage adventure, I decided the universe was instructing me to splurge on the Gideon’s Bakehouse candles I’d been eyeing.
First, however, my practical decide demanded that I check the internet for reviews. Turns out, there weren’t any! I stumbled across multiple webpages touting the existence of said candles, but none that examined the product. I’m a firm believer in the adage that you should be the blogger you wish to see in the world. Thus I ordered two candles and am now here to give you the scoop.
WAIT, GIDEON’S BAKEHOUSE MAKES CANDLES?
They sure do! Gideon’s Bakehouse candles are decorated with their signature cute ‘n spooky art, and the scents are intended to mimic the smells associated with their cookie flavors (sometimes more thematically than literally). Gideon’s works with a local candle pourer for their more fiery merch. Per the website:
Locally poured by our friends at Wash & Wik, this new candle is small-batch made and contains only simple ingredients. 100% soy wax, a cotton braided wick, and fine fragrance and essential oils. Soy burns remarkably clean and long, about 40 – 50 hours. These candles will not tunnel, and they burn from “edge to edge.” This candle has No Phthalates – No Paraffin – No Carcinogens – It’s a safe and clean burn for you and your pets.
You can find Gideon’s Bakehouse candles both in-store and available to purchase on their website, subject to availability. Most are single-wick and at the time of this writing ring up at $31, although there are sometimes three-wick candles for $40.
HOW DO THEY LOOK?
My Gideon’s candles arrived well-packaged in bubble wrap. The containers are black metal, with fitted lids to keep the scent in when not in use. And the famous Gideon’s artwork? Attached via sticker label. I’m guessing you don’t want to get these wet, but also, it’s a candle, so… you probably weren’t planning on it…?
The wax color varies depending on the scent, presumably due to the essential oils. The website doesn’t include dyes or colorants in the ingredients list, although I suppose that could be an oversight.
The website descriptions also claims the candles burn “from edge to edge,” with no dipping underneath the flame; this ensures all wax will burn before the candle is spent. I found this fairly accurate. While I have found the occasional dip or divot, the wax melts straight and even the next time I light the candle.
HOW DO THEY SMELL?
Well, it’s interesting. I would describe the aroma of these candles as subtly powerful. Yes, of course I will explain! What is this blog even for if not explaining into the void?
I purchased two scents: Butterscotch’s Butterscotch Candle (surprise! The smell is butterscotch) and the Krampus Candle, a chocolate mint. The butterscotch candle largely just smells sugary sweet to me, which makes sense as that’s basically what butterscotch is, no? And if you told me the Krampus Candle was specifically engineered to smell EXACTLY like a Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookie, I would believe you. It’s uncanny.
Note: Minx was only next to this candle long enough to get the shot. I closely supervised her for all five of those seconds and I was standing by to blow out the flame IMMEDIATELY if needed. No black cats were endangered in the taking of this photo!
Anyway, both of these smells are assertive, but I don’t necessarily find them punch-you-in-the-face aggressive. To me, they are present without being distracting. I find this quite pleasant. Should you seek a repeated slap about the nostrils by The Smell, you might be after something stronger.
You will want to put the cover on the candle when not in use, however, as the aroma will drift across the room even when not burning.
Do remember that your sensical mileage may vary. Only your nose knows!
DO I NEED A GIDEON’S BAKEHOUSE CANDLE?
Say it with me, kids: VALUE! IS! SUBJECTIVE! I present to you not an answer to the question, but rather a selection of ifs.
If you are looking for straight-ahead candle bang for your buck, you might find $31 pretty expensive (although shipping is included!). You can get a decent scented candle for a third of the cost at other retailers, especially during sales, which is something I don’t think Gideon’s Bakehouse has ever even had.
Further, you could argue that the only thing distinctly Gideon’s about these candles is the sticker. You can purchase a freestanding Gideon’s Bakehouse sticker for $6. Take it a to a candle store, find a size and scent that works for you, slap on the sticker, and you’ve arrived at practically the same place.
On the other hand, if you’re keen to support small Florida businesses, a Gideon’s Bakehouse candle contributes to not only that fine institution but Orlando-based Wash & Wik as well. Not to mention the artist behind all the sweet Gideon’s prints. You’re likely getting a higher quality item than what you’d get at a national chain, too.
Finally, if you’re looking for something that makes you think of Disney, a Gideon’s Bakehouse candle may scratch that itch. Should that be your aim, and unless you have a particular scent or artwork in mind,* I recommend buying your candle in the Disney Springs brick and mortar location if possible. A proper souvenir will remind you not only of Walt Disney World, but of that exact Disney trip. That’s the whole point, after all – making memories!
* If you DO having a particular scent or artwork in mind, you should buy it at your first opportunity, be that online or in-store. All candles are listed as limited edition and once they’re gone, there’s no guarantee they’ll be back.
Gideon’s Bakehouse candles are available for purchase on their website. This review is completely unaffiliated with the company. I bought the candles and formulated my opinion all by my lonesome.
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