What is it?
Candle making is a creative and hands-on fundraising idea perfect for teenagers who enjoy arts and crafts. By making and selling unique candles, you can raise funds for your overseas expeditions or adventure trips while developing a useful skill. It’s flexible, allowing you to work at your own pace and tailor your products to your target audience.
Why does it work?
People love handmade, personalised items that feel special and unique, making candles an appealing purchase. The relatively low cost of materials combined with the ability to price candles attractively means you can achieve a good profit margin. Plus, candles are popular gifts and home decor, giving you a wide potential customer base.
Step-by-step plan
1
Research different types of wax and select one that fits your budget and desired candle style (soy wax is popular for its clean burn and eco-friendliness).
2
Set up your workspace by covering surfaces with newspaper and arranging all your materials within easy reach.
3
Melt the wax using a double boiler or microwave, carefully monitoring the temperature with a thermometer to avoid overheating (aim for around 75-80°C).
4
Prepare your containers or moulds by attaching the wick to the centre (using wick stickers or a bit of melted wax) so it stays upright when you pour the wax.
5
Add colour dyes and fragrance oils to the melted wax following recommended amounts to ensure good scent throw and colour saturation.
6
Pour the wax carefully into your containers, leaving a small gap at the top, and secure the wick so it stays centred while the wax cools and solidifies.
7
Allow the candles to cool completely (this can take several hours). Trim the wick to about 1cm before packaging.
8
Design and attach attractive labels that include the candle’s scent and any personal branding or fundraising message.
9
Price your candles competitively by calculating the cost of materials plus a profit margin. Typical prices range from £5-£15 depending on size and design.
10
Sell your candles at school events, local markets, to friends and family, or online via social media platforms with clear photos and descriptions.
Realistic earnings
Most teenagers selling homemade candles can expect to earn between £50 and £200, depending on how many candles they make, price them, and the effort put into advertising and selling.
Top tips
✅ Start with small batches to perfect your technique and avoid wasting materials.
✅ Experiment with unique scents and attractive packaging to make your candles stand out.
✅ Keep a detailed log of costs and sales to track your profit and adjust pricing accordingly.
✅ Be patient—quality candles take time to make and sell, so plan your fundraising timeline accordingly.
Common mistakes to avoid
⚠️ Overheating the wax, which can cause poor scent throw or uneven candles.
⚠️ Not securing the wick properly, leading to crooked or uneven burns.
⚠️ Pricing candles too low and not covering your costs or too high without explaining the value.
💡 TOP TIP — easyfundraising
When buying candle making supplies online, use easyfundraising to get cashback on your purchases. This extra saving can add up and help you reach your fundraising goal faster.
Set up your easyfundraising cause free →