Half-baked Idea: Manly candles
I have a fairly sensitive nose and, despite HEPA filters in our house to sanitize the air, and regular cleaning, there's occasionally an off odor that I want to cover up. Sprays don't last long enough and the little plug-in things all use different oil inserts, making it a real pain to work with them. Candles generally work fairly well for affecting the general scent in a room. My biggest problem with the whole scented candle thing though is that the whole industry (and, at $9.99 for a container candle, it IS and industry) is aimed at women. The scents are mostly floral (lilac and gardenia) with overly sweet variations (sugar cookie, maple syrup). There aren't many "masculine" scents on the shelves, and where there are, they're overpowering versions of cheap cologne. I think there is a need for candles that are aimed at men. The kind that will work in a den, home theater, home office, workshop, etc. Places where the rest of the atmosphere is masculine and the scent would just make it a complete retreat for a guy.
Upon running into an online store that sells candle making supplies where they sell scents like: Dad's Pipe Tobacco, Campfire, and Fresh Wood Shavings, I believe there's hope. Apparently, if you're willing to make them yourself, there are some options.
So, my idea is this. An online store selling candles aimed at men. Using scents like the ones above and using containers like shot glasses, pilsner glasses, beer mugs, ash trays, etc. make candles that fit in a masculine environment.
What other containers make sense? Other scents?

December 5th, 2005 at 5:16 pm
Hey dude-
I actually stumbled upon your wesbite while searching the internet for "manly candles". I too am looking for candles that match my decor, while giving off a not-so-prissy scent. Great idea.
August 25th, 2006 at 11:58 am
Gentlemen, your prayers have been answered!
If you will point you point your web browsers to http://www.candles4men.com, you will find the world's manliest candle site. We currently have five ultra-manly scents and we're adding more all the time.
Tell your friends!