Buying guide
Absolute Beginner Candle Making Kit
Updated How we research
If you have never poured a candle, buying parts one at a time gets confusing fast. This collection keeps the first purchase small and boring in the best way: one all-in-one kit to learn the motions, plus the few supplies people replace first. Start with a single wax, a single wick style and one scent, then expand once you know what you actually enjoy making. The page is split into six sections (All-in-one starter kits; Your first wax; Wicks that forgive mistakes; Simple jars to pour into; One fragrance to start; Books worth reading first), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 24 picks. Our scores range from 5.8 to 8.6 out of 10.
- Best overall:Golden Brands 464 Soy Wax, 45 lb Box, Natural Soy Wax Flakes for Candle Making and DIY Projects, All-Natural, Paraffin-Free. Highest overall score in this guide at 8.6/10.
- Also great value:Golden Brand 464 Soy Wax Flakes, All Natural Soy Wax Wholesale Wax for Candle Making Supplies, 45 LB, White, GW-464. Value score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
- Solid build:Golden Brands 464 Soy Wax, 10lb Bag, Natural Soy Wax Flakes for Candle Making, Includes 10 Pre-Waxed Cotton Wicks, by InYourNature. Build and materials score of 8/10, overall 8.6/10.
- Feature-rich:Cozyours 6 inch Cotton Wicks for Candle Making, 100 pcs with 21 Metal Centering Devices and 150 Wick Stickers. Features score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
All-in-one starter kits
- Complete Candle Making Kits for Adults Beginners, DIY Candle Making Supplies Include Soy Wax, Wax Melter, Scents, Dyes, Wicks, Candle TinsOur score7.8/10
- DIY Gift Kits Soy Candle Making Kit - Complete Starter Kit with 3 Essential Oils and Pouring Pot - 49 Piece Set, Burgundy, RoundOur score7.8/10
- Candle Making Kit DIY Beginners Set Complete Soy Wax - Includes Supplies to Make 3 Candles with Soy Wax, Premium Essential Oils, Jars, Color Dye Chips, Wax Melting PotOur score7.6/10
- Candle Making Kit for Adults Beginners, Supplies Include Soy Wax, Candle Wax Melting Pot, Candle Wicks Stickers, Magic Paper and MoreOur score6.8/10
Your first wax
- Golden Brands 464 Soy Wax, 45 lb Box, Natural Soy Wax Flakes for Candle Making and DIY Projects, All-Natural, Paraffin-FreeOur score8.6/10
- Golden Brand 464 Soy Wax Flakes, All Natural Soy Wax Wholesale Wax for Candle Making Supplies, 45 LB, White, GW-464Our score8.6/10
- Golden Brands 464 Soy Wax, 10lb Bag, Natural Soy Wax Flakes for Candle Making, Includes 10 Pre-Waxed Cotton Wicks, by InYourNatureOur score8.6/10
- Golden Brand 464 Soy Wax Flakes, All Natural Soy Wax Wholesale Wax for Candle Making Supplies, 10 LBOur score7.8/10
Wicks that forgive mistakes
- Cozyours 6 inch Cotton Wicks for Candle Making, 100 pcs with 21 Metal Centering Devices and 150 Wick StickersOur score8.6/10
- MIFASOO Candle Wicks for Candle Making, 6 Inch 100 Piece DIY Pre-Waxed Cotton Wick with TabsOur score7.8/10
- EricX Light 100 Piece Natural Candle Wick, Low Smoke 6 Inch Pre-Waxed 100% Natural Cotton CoreOur score7.8/10
- CandMak Candle Wick Kit - 60 Cotton Wicks with Candle Making Tools (Thick 4, 6 and 8 Inch)Our score7.8/10
Simple jars to pour into
- CandMak Candle Jars, 15 Pack 9 OZ Empty Glass Vessels Containers Bulk with Clear Lids for Candle MakingOur score7.6/10
- GOTIDEAL 12 Pack 9 OZ Clear Glass Jars with Bamboo Lids, Bulk Empty Candle Containers for Making Candles and Soy WaxOur score7.6/10
- DARJEN 12 Pack Blue Candle Jars for Making Candles, 8 OZ Empty Glass Jars with Bamboo Lids and LabelsOur score7.6/10
- Craft and Venture Candle Jars for Making Candles, 6 Pack 10oz Glass Jar with Bamboo Lids, Matte Black CylinderOur score7.6/10
One fragrance to start
- P&J Fragrance Oil Autumn Set - Brown Sugar, Apple, Harvest Spice, Vanilla, Forest Pine, and Snickerdoodle Candle Scents for Candle Making, Freshie, Soap Making SuppliesOur score8.2/10
- P&J Trading Fragrance Oil All-American Set - Apple Pie, Hot Fudge, Campfire, Root Beer, Orangesicle, and Smores Candle Scents for Candle Making, Soap Making, Diffuser Oil ScentsOur score7.8/10
- Lagunamoon Fragrance Oil Set - Premium Grade 10 Pcs Scented Oils for Candle Making, Soap Scents, Aroma Beads, Bath Bombs, Perfume and Flavoring Oil for Lip Gloss (10ml)Our score7.5/10
- Premium Fragrance Oil Set - Highly Concentrated Scented Oils for Candle Making, Soap, Wax Melts and Home Fragrance, Long Lasting Aroma Oils Gift Set for Diffusers and DIYOur score5.8/10
Books worth reading first
- Basic Candle Making: All the Skills and Tools You Need to Get Started by Eric EbelingOur score8.4/10
- Candle Making for Beginners: Step by Step Guide to Making Your Own Candles at Home: Simple and Easy! by Adrienne HawsOur score7.4/10
- Candle Making For Beginners: The Definitive Step by Step Guide to Creating Incredible Homemade Candles by Ella DiamondOur score6.6/10
- Candle Making for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Easy Guide on How to Start Making Your Candles by Susan JerryOur score6.6/10
All 24 picks, ranked by our score
Every product from the sections above, listed once. Sort by the criterion you care about most, or tick up to three to compare.
#1A 45 lb box of Golden Brands 464 soy wax flakes, a bulk container wax for makers pouring candles in large batches.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + 464 is a widely used container soy blend, so plenty of tutorials match it
- + 45 lb box lowers the cost per candle for sellers and batch pourers
- + Paraffin-free natural flakes suit makers marketing all-soy candles
- - A box this heavy needs dry storage space and is awkward to lift
- - Container wax only, so it will not hold shape as a pillar candle
#2Golden Brand GW-464 white soy flakes in a 45 LB wholesale pack, aimed at small candle businesses stocking up.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + GW-464 formula is the same soft container wax many shops rely on
- + Wholesale 45 LB size means fewer reorders during busy seasons
- + White flakes take dye evenly for pastel or bright candle colors
- - Too much wax for someone making a few gifts a year
- - Soft soy can frost or show wet spots, so testing each jar type helps
#3Golden Brands 464 soy wax in a 10lb bag bundled with 10 pre-waxed cotton wicks, sold by InYourNature for new makers.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + 10 pre-waxed cotton wicks let you pour your first candles right away
- + 10lb bag is a practical amount for learning and gifting batches
- + 464 soy is forgiving for beginners making simple container candles
- - Bundled wicks may not suit every jar diameter you plan to use
- - 10 wicks run out long before the wax does, so plan to restock
#4Cozyours 6 inch cotton wicks, 100 pcs, bundled with 21 metal centering devices and 150 wick stickers.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 21 metal centering devices let you pour a batch of jars at once
- + 150 wick stickers outnumber the wicks, so spares are included
- + All-in-one bundle suits beginners setting up their first bench
- - Burn test a sample wick in your jar before pouring a full batch
- - Metal centering tools may not span very wide containers
#5Basic Candle Making by Eric Ebeling, covering all the skills and tools you need to get started.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Established craft publisher title with clear structure
- + Explains both skills and the tools needed
- + Good reference for container and molded candles
- - Older book may not cover newer coconut blends
- - Some product references may be dated
#6P&J autumn fragrance oil set with Brown Sugar, Apple, Harvest Spice, Vanilla, Forest Pine and Snickerdoodle scents.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Autumn scent lineup is ready made for fall candle sales
- + Six named fragrances make labeling and planning easy
- + P&J is a widely used candle and soap fragrance brand
- - Test each scent in a small batch before a full seasonal run
- - Seasonal set is less useful outside fall and winter
#7A complete candle making kit for adult beginners with soy wax, wax melter, scents, dyes, wicks and candle tins.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Includes a wax melter plus all core consumables
- + Candle tins are sturdy and giftable for first projects
- + Scents and dyes let beginners customize candles
- - Check the included quantities in the photos before planning a project
- - Wax melter type and capacity are not described
#8DIY Gift Kits 49 Piece soy candle making starter kit with 3 essential oils and a pouring pot, in burgundy round packaging.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 49 Piece set covers wax, wicks, oils and a pouring pot
- + Giftable burgundy box makes it a ready present
- + 3 essential oils give a few scent options from day one
- - Essential oils throw softer than candle fragrance oils
- - Starter quantities run out after a few candles
#9Golden Brand 464 Soy Wax Flakes, All Natural Soy Wax Wholesale Wax for Candle Making Supplies, 10 LB
A 10 LB pack of Golden Brand 464 soy flakes, a mid-size supply for hobbyists moving past starter kits.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 10 LB is enough for many jar candles without committing to a case
- + Flakes melt quickly and measure easily on a kitchen scale
- + Well-known 464 blend makes wick and fragrance guides easy to follow
- - No wicks included, so you need to buy and size those separately
- - Costs more per pound than the larger bulk boxes of the same wax
#10MIFASOO 6 Inch pre-waxed cotton candle wicks with tabs in a 100 piece pack for jar and container candles.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 100 piece pack covers many candles at a low cost per wick
- + Pre-waxed and tabbed, so wicks are ready to stick and pour
- + 6 Inch length fits most standard jars with room to trim
- - Single thickness will not suit very wide or very narrow jars
- - Burn test a sample wick in your jar before committing to a full batch
#11EricX Light 100 piece low smoke 6 Inch pre-waxed wicks with a natural cotton core for everyday jar candles.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Natural cotton core avoids metal or zinc cores in the wick
- + Low smoke design helps keep jar rims and walls cleaner
- + 100 piece pack is cheap enough to use freely in burn tests
- - Burn test a sample wick before committing to a full batch pour
- - No stickers or centering bars included in the pack
#12CandMak candle wick kit with 60 thick cotton wicks in 4, 6 and 8 Inch lengths plus candle making tools.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 4, 6 and 8 Inch lengths cover tins, jars and tall tumblers
- + Thick wicks suit wider containers that need a bigger flame
- + Included tools help new makers center and set wicks
- - 60 wicks split across three lengths means few of each
- - Thick wicks can over-burn small jars and cause soot
#13P&J Trading All-American set with Apple Pie, Hot Fudge, Campfire, Root Beer, Orangesicle and Smores candle scents.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Nostalgic dessert and campfire scents stand out on shelves
- + Fun novelty lineup suits summer markets and fairs
- + Also works for soap making and diffuser oils
- - Novelty food scents may not suit a luxury candle brand
- - Test scent throw in soy wax with a small batch before scaling up
#14A beginner soy candle making kit with supplies to make 3 candles, essential oils, jars, dye chips and a melting pot.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Melting pot included, so beginners need no extra gear
- + Essential oils and dye chips allow personal touches
- + Clear promise of 3 candles sets realistic expectations
- - Only makes 3 candles before you need more supplies
- - Essential oils give a softer scent than fragrance oils
#15CandMak 15 pack of 9 OZ empty glass vessels with clear lids, a bulk jar option from a candle supply brand.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + CandMak focuses on candle making supplies and kits
- + Clear lids let customers see the candle top in store
- + 15 pack of 9 OZ jars suits a steady product run
- - Clear plastic lids feel less premium than bamboo or metal
- - Plain jar style needs strong labels to stand out
#16GOTIDEAL 12 pack of 9 OZ clear glass jars with bamboo lids for soy wax container candles.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Bamboo lids give a clean, natural look that sells well
- + 9 OZ size is a versatile middle ground for candles
- + Clear glass shows off creamy soy wax tops
- - Clear jars reveal soy frosting and wet spots
- - No labels or wicks included in the pack
#17DARJEN 12 pack of blue 8 OZ glass candle jars with bamboo lids and labels for colorful candle lines.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Blue glass adds color without dyeing the wax
- + Labels included for scent names or branding
- + 8 OZ jars are a friendly size for gifts
- - Blue tint limits which wax colors look good inside
- - Colored coating may wear with repeated washing
#18Craft and Venture 6 pack of 10oz matte black cylinder glass candle jars with bamboo lids.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + Matte black finish gives a modern, premium look
- + 10oz size is a popular retail candle size
- + Bamboo lids keep dust off and add a natural accent
- - 6 pack is small for anyone selling candles in volume
- - Opaque black hides wax color and fill level
#19Lagunamoon premium grade fragrance oil set of 10 Pcs 10ml bottles for candles, soaps, aroma beads and bath bombs.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 10 Pcs of scents let you test many candle fragrances cheaply
- + Popular gift style set with a good spread of scent types
- + Also usable for soap, aroma beads and bath bombs
- - 10ml bottles are too small for more than a test candle each
- - Test each scent in a small batch to check throw before scaling up
#20Candle Making for Beginners by Adrienne Haws, a simple step by step guide to making candles at home.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Step by step structure suits total beginners
- + Focus on simple home methods without costly gear
- + Printed guide is handy to keep open at the bench
- - Beginner scope skips advanced wicking and blends
- - Self published style may lack detailed photos
#21A candle making kit for adult beginners with soy wax, melting pot, wick stickers, magic paper and more.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10
- + Melting pot and wick stickers cover the basics
- + Magic paper adds a decorative label or wrap option
- + Good starter bundle for a first candle night
- - Check the included quantities in the listing before planning a batch
- - Magic paper is a novelty that adds little to burn quality
#22Candle Making For Beginners by Ella Diamond, a step by step guide to creating homemade candles.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10
- + Walks through the core steps from wax to finished candle
- + Aimed squarely at first time candle makers
- + Affordable intro before investing in supplies
- - Definitive claim oversells a beginner level book
- - Limited depth on troubleshooting burn problems
#23Candle Making for Beginners by Susan Jerry, an easy step-by-step guide to starting your own candles.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10
- + Easy guide format keeps instructions short
- + Good for readers wanting a quick overview
- + Covers the basics of starting a candle hobby
- - Very similar to many other beginner candle titles
- - Unlikely to cover business or advanced topics
#24A premium highly concentrated fragrance oil gift set for candles, soap, wax melts and diffusers.
Fit for the job 6/10 · Features and specs 5/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 6/10
- + Concentrated oils aim for strong scent in melts and candles
- + Gift set format makes it easy to explore scents
- + Multi-use for diffusers and DIY home fragrance
- - Check the product photos for bottle count and size before ordering
- - No named scents, so the lineup is unclear before buying
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Candle Making Nest curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.