Candles. For most men, simply saying or hearing the word brings to mind stores of candles our wives/girlfriends/mothers force us to go into. With scents like “Love Me Lots”, “First Kiss” or “True Crush,” simply owning one of these would require most men to turn in at least one if not several “man-cards.” Now don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a nice smelling room just as much as the next guy. But the simple truth is that men and women tend to have pretty different ideas of what constitutes a good smell.
So where does that leave us men? Are we stuck in a perpetual cycle of stinky offices for fear of losing our man-card because we happen to enjoy the fresh scent of a good candle? Are we going to be continually forced into stores so full of fruity-lovey-dovey candles where the smell is so strong our noses scream in agony?! Well take heart men, a new option is here: ManCans.
ManCans started as an answer to an age old question: “Why are there no manly candles?”
So, ManCans was born. Everything about ManCans screams manly. Instead of coming in some sissy glass jar like every other candle out there, ManCans decided to use old soup cans to house their candles. This idea lead to what is, without a doubt, my favorite part about ManCans:
ONE CANDLE = ONE MEAL.
When the cans are purchased, the food is donated to soup kitchens, church pantries, etc. so it can be used to feed those who need a little extra help. That means when you buy a ManCan, you are not only getting your hands on a fine candle that smells like manly man things, you are donating to a great cause and helping to feed those less fortunate.
MANLY.
Currently, ManCans offers 12 scents to choose from. They are:
NY Style Pizza, Campfire, Grandpa’s Pipe, New Mitt, Bacon, Coffee, Sawdust, Gun Powder, Cigar, Fresh Cut Grass, Cigar Box (these are repurposed cigar boxes that have a 5 oz. cigar candle inside), and Dirt.
ManCans sent us three of their top sellers (Fresh Cut Grass, New Mitt, Gun Powder) to check out. Seeing how I am a man, I am familiar with these smells in their natural environment so I was quite curious to see how well they were able to capture these scents in a candle. Let me just say, ManCans does not disappoint. It is unCANny (see what I did there?) how spot on they are with the scents. The scent is also strong enough that I found just setting the candle in my office without lighting it filled the room with the wonderful smell of a freshly cut lawn or a brand new baseball mitt.
These candles also serve as a great discussion piece and people definitely enjoy the unique take on what is (for the most part) a market aimed for the women folk. (Please note, ladies like these candles too. My wife was particularly fond of the Fresh Cut Grass)
One Candle, One Meal. Simple but Powerful
Legalize as seen by a 13 years old. Seems common sense still has a place in the world.
Pros:
- No more girly smells
- You get a great product and help a great cause, it’s a win win.
- Perfect for your man-cave or office
Cons:
- May beat up your wife’s candles if you leave them too close to each other.
Oh, one more thing that makes ManCans even more awesome: IT WAS STARTED BY A 13 YEAR OLD BOY.
What started as a joke quickly turned into what has turned out to be a profitable business with a focus on helping those less fortunate. Sound unbelievable? Check it out for yourself.
Modern Vintage Man Score: 5/5
