Spring in Australia is a strange in-between. Mornings are still cool enough for a blanket, afternoons warm enough for the doors to open. A sandalwood candle is one of the few scents that works across both. That is why it is worth keeping lit a little longer before the lighter florals take over.

Why a sandalwood candle survives the changeover

Sandalwood is creamy, woody and warm rather than heavy. That is why it does not feel like a winter leftover once the weather turns. Australian home fragrance coverage this year keeps circling back to woody and earthy notes alongside the usual spring citrus. That tracks with what Glow customers keep buying into September, even as the catalogue fills up with lighter florals.

Wood and wick candles are ones with a wooden wick instead of cotton. They add a soft crackle on top of the sandalwood. It is a small detail, but it suits an evening on the couch more than a bright morning does.

Does sandalwood suit a small apartment?

Yes, better than most heavy scents. Sandalwood is warm without being sharp, so it fills a small room without becoming too much. A single 3-wick jar is usually enough for an open plan living space.

A sandalwood candle as a spring gift

Father's Day has just passed and Christmas is still months off. That makes spring the quiet stretch for gifting, the bit of the calendar with no big occasion attached to it. A sandalwood candle reads as considered rather than seasonal. It works just as well for a housewarming, a birthday or a plain thank you.

• Choose sandalwood over a sweet scent for someone you do not know well
• A wood and wick candle feels a little more finished for a gift
• Pair it with a card rather than wrapping, so the jar is not damaged in transit

Where sandalwood sits at Glow

Sandalwood, amber and musk sit together under Exotic on the site. It is the range to check if winter's heavier scents have you looking for something that still feels warm without the weight.

Quick answers

What does a sandalwood candle smell like in spring?

Creamy and warm rather than heavy, which is why it does not feel out of place once the weather turns. It sits well against the first florals of the season rather than fighting them.

Are wood and wick candles good for gifting?

Yes. The wooden wick adds a soft crackle that reads as a little more considered. Sandalwood is also a safe pick for a gift when you are not sure of someone's taste.

If you are buying for someone this spring and do not know where to start, sandalwood is a safe, considered choice. Have a look at the gifts under $50 page, or shop your ambassador's link if you have one.

Related reading

• The Perfect Gift: Scented Candles for Every Occasion: more on choosing for someone else.
• Why Good Smelling Candles Now Come In Small Gift Sets: on gifting in smaller formats.
• Fresh Linen Melts: Where To Put Them For A Fresh Home: the lighter end of the spring switch.