Getting into candle making can seem daunting, especially when you start researching it online: calculating fragrance loads; choosing the right wax, wick and vessel for the optimal burn; triple-checking melt temperatures. But what if it could be easy? And the end result was higher quality than half the stuff you find in stores?

That’s what got me into Siblings candles two years ago—the eco-friendly kits are practically foolproof to use. I’ve made five different scents so far—and loved one so much I’ve reordered it (along with a trio of other varieties). I even got so into its Butternut Bakery collab—the perfect-for-fall Spiced Maple Butter Cookie candle—that I made the cookies the candle was based off of…and wound up loving the candle even more than the treat. Which, for a sweet tooth like me, says a lot.

But given that each kit makes a single 12-ounce candle—and costs $29, about what you’d spend on a premade luxury candle—is the novelty, or the argument for sustainability (since you’re theoretically reusing a jar to make it) enough to justify the cost?

Here’s my take, after making my own candles from scratch for four years and testing all kinds of kits.

What I Love About Siblings Candles:

First, there’s the smooth, clean burn of the coconut blend wax (which I find produces less soot than other waxes, something others have backed up). Second, the elegant-yet-unexpected scent blends and third, the brand’s commitment to sustainability. It encourages reusing vessels, instead of throwing them out every time you burn through a candle, and the packaging for the kit is compostable. Plus, Siblings works with the reforestation and conservation company, Pachama, to be carbon neutral.

What You Should Know Before Buying:

As tempting as it is to buy a bundle and save, if you’re not likely to burn through the candle quickly, you’ll want to make sure to leave the kit in a cool place. I’ve found that some bags I’ve left in my basement got a yellow-ish discoloration, after a hot day caused the wax to melt, fuse the wick and wick-steadying popsicle stick to it, forcing me to pick it out later.

Also, the level of satisfaction you get out of pouring your own candles may vary here. With Siblings, it’s a quick win, much like baking from a cake mix, where you don’t have to weigh ingredients or calculate fragrance load (I’ll share the exact steps below). But for some, it may feel too simple, like you’re taking a “semi-homemade” shortcut. So, if you’re the type who feels like they’re cheating if they don’t bake cookies from scratch—versus the break-and-bake kind—skip this kit. If you’re okay with skipping some of the science-y bits, proceed!

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How Do You Make a Siblings Candle?

It’s by far the easiest, most straightforward candle kit I’ve tested.

1. You take out the wick, warning label and wick holder, then microwave the bag of wax in a microwave-safe bowl for about 2 minutes.
2. While the wax melts, you can peel the sticker off the wick and insert it into the middle of your vessel, adding the warning/care label to the bottom. Keep the wick centered using the included wick holder—basically a popsicle stick with a hole in the middle for the wick to go through—and carefully pour the hot wax into the jar. Let it sit for at least 2 hours to cure, though I like to leave mine overnight to really let things set.
3. Remove the wick holder and trim the wick to a quarter-inch above the wax. (Which, BTW, you should be trimming the wick after each burn—something many of us rarely do, but it makes a huge difference in how sooty the candle burns!)

What Should I Put the Candle In?

In terms of vessels, you could use a cleaned-out candle jar that’s roughly 3 inches in diameter and can hold more than 10 ounces of wax, per the brand. But Siblings honestly has some of the most beautiful, durable vessels around, so it might be worth splurging for one of theirs that you can use over and over again, since you know it’s designed and tested for this wax and these temperatures. Absolutely do not put it in anything plastic, wooden or that could easily tip over. (Siblings offers more guidance on this on its FAQ page.)

I use the Brass Forever Vessel, which is no longer sold, and as part of the Spiced Maple Butter Cookie bundle, I received—and tested—the limited-edition ceramic Forever Vessel in a Speckled Cream glaze. It’s elegant and looks delicate yet still feels sturdy.

How Much Are Siblings Candles?

The kit to make a single candle costs $29, though you’ll have to supply your own vessel. You can save a few bucks ($3, exactly) if you order a three-scent bundle, or if you buy a Forever Vessel and scent bundle.

The 3 Best Siblings Candle Scents

3. Butternut Bakery x Siblings Spiced Maple Butter Cookie — check out the full review below, but basically, if you want to make your kitchen smell like a cinnamon-y pancake breakfast without having to flip a flapjack, this is for you.

2. No. 13: Palo Santo, Marshmallow Cream, Burnt Sugar — AKA the most sophisticated roasting-marshmallows scent to ever exist. I credit the palo santo for adding smokiness and woodiness to balance out the sweet.

1. No. 10: Yuzu, Shiso Leaf, Black Tea — Black tea amps up the lime and citrus in this scent, which has an incredible cold and hot throw. It’s like a Michelin-starred chef reimagined Froot Loops; there’s a nostalgic, fruity note to it that’s not quite tropical—more like fruity candy—only upscale. Like the Sugarfina of fruity sour candy. It’s invigorating and yet…soothing?

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Siblings’ Spiced Maple Butter Cookie, Reviewed:

Curious about the Butternut Bakery collab specifically? Its cold throw alone can make a room smell like Christmas morning, without having that cloying, faux-gingerbread odor most holiday candles have. Here’s a full breakdown of the scent.

The Pros:

• Great cold and hot throw, meaning it doesn’t even have to be lit to offer a gentle, cinnamon-y scent
• The scent is cinnamon-forward, with a light maple and vanilla flavor
• It’s fast and easy to make
• Includes a recipe for Spiced Maple Butter Cookies from Butternut Bakery

The Cons:

• You need to supply your own vessel, unless you buy one (which can be pricey—they range from $45 to $48 apiece)
• Cinnamon notes may be too strong for some; reminded one person of a “cinnamon broom you get around the holidays,” though others said it reminded them of Christmas cookie decorating parties or cinnamon rolls

The Verdict: Is the Siblings Spiced Maple Butter Cookie Candle Worth Buying?

Yes, both for yourself to get into the holiday spirit, and as a holiday gift for a friend. It’s the kind of low-effort craft that’s great for feeling cozy (and productive) on a chilly winter morning—without making a mess or requiring pro-level DIY skills or equipment.

You can buy the Spiced Maple Butter Cookie Candle by itself or with a Forever Vessel as a bundle through Siblings.co.