What’s on the planner
The big U.S. gift dates of the year with their day of the week: Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Christmas. Empty rows let you add your own markets and craft fairs.
The dates are worked out from the calendar for each year, so the planner is ready for the year ahead.
How to count back to your pour date
Write your cure days at the top — the time your own burn tests showed your candle needs before it throws its best scent. Add the extra days you need before you can sell: labels, packing and shipping. Then for each gift date: pour by = gift date − (cure days + extra days).
Cure time depends on your wax and formula, so this planner never fills it in for you. The cure time guide explains what your wax maker and your tests can tell you.
Plan the busy season early
The end of the year packs Halloween, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Christmas into a few weeks. Counting back from each one shows how early the pouring has to start.
Common questions
How early should I make candles for the holidays?
Count back from the gift date by your own cure time plus the days you need for labels, packing and shipping. The planner has a box for each and a row for every big gift date.
How long do candles need to cure before selling?
It depends on your wax and formula. Use your wax maker’s guidance and your own burn tests; the cure time guide explains how.
Is there a planner for next year?
Yes. The dates are worked out from the calendar for each year, and next year’s planner appears here from October.
Can I add my own craft fairs and markets?
Yes. The empty rows at the bottom are for your own events.