There’s something magical about giving a candle—especially when it’s hand-poured into an upcycled jar you saved from the recycling bin. If you’re looking for an easy, meaningful gift that’s also eco-friendly, these DIY soy candles in upcycled jars are your answer.
Why Soy Candles Are the Ultimate Eco-Friendly Gift
✔️ Soy wax burns cleaner and longer than paraffin
✔️ Biodegradable and renewable
✔️ Reusable jar = zero waste container
✔️ Custom scents and labels make it personal
A candle is a gift that works for literally everyone: teachers, neighbors, coworkers, friends, family. And when it’s poured into a recycled jar? It’s sustainability and style in one.
Gather Your Supplies: What You’ll Need for DIY Soy Candles
✅ Soy wax flakes
✅ Candle wicks
✅ Essential oils (lavender, vanilla, citrus—your choice)
✅ Clean, dry upcycled glass jars (jam jars, salsa jars, tiny yogurt pots)
✅ Double boiler or microwave-safe jug
✅ Chopsticks, pencils, or skewer sticks (to hold wick in place)
Optional: Labels, twine, dried flowers for decorating
How to Make Soy Candles in Upcycled Jars (Step-by-Step)
1️⃣ Prep your jars.
Clean thoroughly and dry. Attach your wick to the bottom of the jar with hot glue or a sticky tab.
2️⃣ Melt the wax.
Use a double boiler or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring until fully melted.
3️⃣ Add fragrance.
Remove from heat and stir in 20–40 drops of essential oil per 1 cup wax.
4️⃣ Pour the wax.
Carefully pour wax into the jar while holding the wick upright. Rest chopsticks across the top to keep the wick centered.
5️⃣ Let it set.
Allow to cool and harden fully (1–2 hours). Trim wick to ¼ inch.
Done! Light it up or gift it away.
Wrap It Up: Sustainable Ways to Package Your Candle Gift
🎁 Wrap the lid with a fabric scrap or piece of furoshiki cloth
🎁 Tie twine or raffia around the jar neck
🎁 Add a handwritten label using recycled paper or cardboard
🎁 Pop it into a reusable fabric gift bag for a zero-waste presentation
You can even create a zero-waste relaxation kit by pairing your candle with a homemade scrub or DIY beeswax wraps for the ultimate sustainable gift bundle.
