Valentine's Day Gift Ideas
Escape Winter: The DIY Candle Bar Experience
Winter in New England has a way of slowing us down - shorter days, cozy evenings, and that particular kind of quiet that settles over coastal towns when the summer crowds fade. It's the perfect season to try something a little different, something hands-on and creative that gets you out of the house without braving the cold for too long.
That's where our DIY Candle Bar comes in.
What Is the DIY Candle Bar?
Think of it as part creative workshop, part sensory experience, and entirely yours to customize. You'll visit our in-store candle studio in Rockport and spend time exploring our fragrance library - over 50 scents ranging from coastal classics like salt air and sandalwood to warm winter notes like vanilla, pipe smoke, and pine. Your job? Create a scent blend that's completely unique to you.
Maybe it's a combination that reminds you of your favorite beach walk in summer. Maybe it's something cozy and grounding for these winter months. Or maybe it's a scent you've never smelled anywhere else because you just invented it.
Once you've chosen your blend, we'll guide you through pouring your own 8 oz candle. No experience necessary - we'll walk you through every step, from choosing your scents to setting the wick. It's meditative, creative, and surprisingly satisfying.
The Perfect Winter Outing
Here's what makes this experience especially great in winter: while your candle sets (about an hour), you have the perfect excuse to explore downtown Rockport. Grab a coffee, browse the galleries and shops, enjoy lunch at one of our local spots - all without feeling rushed. Then swing back to pick up your finished candle, beautifully labeled and ready to take home (or we can ship it if you prefer).
It's the kind of outing that feels intentional and unhurried - a welcome contrast to the usual winter routine.
Who Is This For?
Honestly? Everyone.
We've hosted couples looking for a creative date night alternative (perfect around Valentine's Day), friends celebrating galentines or just wanting to try something new together, parents and teens enjoying quality time, and plenty of solo visitors who wanted a hands-on creative break. It's intimate enough for two and social enough for a small group - only five seats per session, so it never feels crowded.
And if you're thinking bigger, we also offer private DIY Candle Bar parties when the shop is closed. We can accommodate up to 20 people, making it perfect for birthdays, bridal showers, corporate team-building, or any gathering where you want something more memorable than the usual.
How to Book
New dates are released monthly, and sessions fill up quickly (especially on weekends). You can book your spot HERE, choose your date and time, and secure your seat. Same-day appointments aren't available, but you can always stop by to check our walk-in schedule if you're feeling spontaneous.
A few things to know:
- Sessions are $32 per person and include everything you need to create your 8 oz candle
- Please arrive on time - it helps us keep the experience smooth for everyone
- Leave a little extra time to find parking in downtown Rockport
- Recommended for adults or kids 12+ with a caregiver
Gift It
If you're looking for a thoughtful gift that's more experience than object, we offer gift certificates specifically for the DIY Candle Bar. It's the kind of gift that creates a memory, not just another thing to dust. Shop Gift Certificates
Come Create Something
Winter doesn't have to mean hibernation. Sometimes the best way to shake off the cold-weather doldrums is to make something with your hands, try something new, and take home a little piece of the experience.
We'd love to see you at the Candle Bar.