For years, scented candles have been the perfect go-to gift, whether as a thank-you for a dinner party hostess, a last-minute birthday present or a pick-me-up treat for yourself in lockdown.
And when it comes to the clueless seeking something for the partner in their life, they’ve been a godsend, providing a welcome alternative to flowers and chocolates.
When lockdown first hit back in March last year, people did all they could to turn their homes into cosy places of sanctuary, with comforting smells playing a key part. As a result, sales of scented candles soared.
John Lewis reported a 182 per cent increase in online searches for candles in 2020 which, in turn, led to a 79 per cent increase in sales compared with the previous year. Joe Coggrave, the retailer’s buyer for fragrance, says: ‘With our homes having also become offices, gyms, schools and restaurants, never has it been more important to make them feel as comfortable as possible.’