Vellabox January 2022

“You ever get a candle as a gift? It’s like, hey thanks. You know I have electricity, right?”

— Jim Gaffigan

😂😂 Personally I think candles make an excellent gift (electricity or no) but then you *do* take a risk if you go with scented and don’t know what kind of fragrances your recipient likes. It’s tricky, right? One way around it: gift a candle subscription and let your loved one decide. With artisanal candle subscription Vellabox subscribers complete a “scent profile” to indicate their preferences — citrus, floral, fresh, herbal, woodsy, sweet and spice — and receive candles chosen with their favourite fragrances in mind. All candles are made with 100% soy or coconut wax, top-of-the-line fragrance oils and lead-free cotton wicks. You’ll get one each month, plus a surprise gift from a natural lifestyle brand. Here’s a look at my January delivery.

Vellabox offers three subscription options:

The Lucerna Box · One 4 oz candle (40+ hours burn time) + one surprise gift from $12/month 

The Ignis Box · One 8 oz candle (80+ hours burn time) + one surprise gift from $22/month

The Vivere Box · One 12 oz candle (100+ hours total burn time) + one surprise gift from $29/month

Monthly, 6-month and 12-month subscriptions are available. Shipping is free on all US orders and shipping to Canada is $5/month. 

My Vellabox is January’s Vivere Box.

Each box includes a wee guide to that month’s candles, complete with QR codes for easy re-ordering and (on the reverse) information about the maker and the surprise item. January’s candles are by Washington, DC-based Kin & Care.

Kin & Care was created when two immigrant women bonded while expressing empathy for the challenges they experience as they try to find opportunities and relationships within their new homes in the US. Looking for a way to empower these women, they decided to create a company that hand-pours small-batch candles by immigrant women in the Washington, DC area. These candles are poured at home to provide security and adapt to flexible schedules. Kin & Care’s intention is for the opportunities of refugee women to grow as the brand evolves.

Woodsy scents are my jam and Kin & Care’s Fir & Cedar candle is right on the nose 😂 with its blend of cypress, lemon zest, cedar, evergreen, fir and amber.

Grounded in notes of warm earthy woods, topped off with a light touch of lemon zest. An enchanting scent you won’t be able to get enough of during the winter months.

— Vellabox

I’m especially enjoying the hint of lemon. It’s a fresh twist on a perennial winter scent, like a nod to spring.

And January’s surprise gift: five reusable rounds.

Cut down on cotton waste with these reusable rounds! Consisting of five gentle cleansing pads packaged with love in our classic canvas bag. Pair these rounds with your favourite cleanser, toner, makeup remover, or go all-natural by using only water! Keep these handy for travel in our canvas bag or store them in a repurposed Vellabox candle jar at home. After use, place in the washing machine to reuse. Clean for your skin and the planet!

I wish you could feel how soft these are! So gentle and luxurious. Mine came in a paper bag but that’s fine, I’ll store them in the canvas bag the candle came in. (And wash them in a net bag for delicates.)

If you light up at the thought of a candle subscription or know someone who would, Vellabox is a lovely one to try. An artisanal, all-natural candle each month + a small bonus gift — such a thoughtful way to say Be My Valentine (or Vellantine 😂) or Happy Birthday or Happy Housewarming or even just Thank You. Highly recommend!

I received January’s Vellabox in exchange for an honest review.