This Valentine's Day, Give Natural Soy Candles

This Valentine's Day, light up the winter darkness -- and your sweetie's heart -- with the gift of gorgeous green candles. Take in the relaxing, romantic mood set up by flickering flames, and enjoy scents of soothing, natural plant oils.

Conventional candles are made of petroleum-based paraffin wax, synthetic dyes and artificial fragrances, which are indoor air pollutants. Cheaper wicks may still contain traces of heavy metals, which can get released into the air during combustion.

So why not give your loved ones something more natural, such as these colorful votives from Vermont-based Way Out Wax? The company has been hand-crafting high quality candles out of 100% soy wax and pure essential oils for 15 years. No synthetic ingredients are used.

Paddywax Candles

Long known for quality soy candles, Paddywax Candles' new Eco Collection takes the green to the next level. The candles come in 100% post-industrial recycled paper boxes, which are biodegradable and finished by FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)-certified printers. Each hang tag is secured with hemp twine.

White Tea & Ginger Soy Candle

With the aromatic fragrance of fresh tea leaves, clean florals, and spicy ginger, this clean-burning White Tea & Ginger Soy Candle is sure to turn any room into a romantic getaway. Available at Green with Glamour.

Luscious Lavender

Lavender has long been prized for its reputed ability to calm and relax. With aromatherapy candles from Way Out Wax, you're getting the real deal: nothing but pure lavender essential oil. Most conventional drugstore candles include synthetic fragrances, and many don't contain any real essential oil.

Other Way Out Wax candles are made with natural cinnamon, clove, cedarwood, peppermint, sage and more. Enticing blends are also available, including Escentual Love, made with lavender, patchouli and rosewood. Perfect for a romantic evening at home.

Caldrea Candles

Keep your favorite fragrance lingering with one of Caldrea's essential-oil candles. All candles are beautifully packaged in a reusable glass container.

Caldrea Candles

Keep your favorite fragrance lingering with one of Caldrea's essential-oil candles. All candles are beautifully packaged in a reusable glass container.

Lola Rose Soy Candles

Lola Rose, one of the UK's leading jewelry designers and a favorite among the utterly girly, is now making beautiful soy candles. Apart from being funky, pretty and . . . well . . . utterly girly, Lola's soy candles are kind to the environment. No petroleum here.