Flameless Candles - Ivory Pillar Candles (Set of 3) with Timer Remote Control and Zen-like Decorative Rock Garden, Square Gift Set

So, I'm a craft-person, and when I get crazy ideas, I get crazy ideas. I saw a project on Pinterest where someone decorated a fireplace using real candles. I live in an apartment, so I don't have a fireplace, nor can I use real candles. :( Solution? Flameless candles and turning a unused hutch into a "fireplace"! Armed with contact paper, Christmas decorations, and cardboard, I created my "fireplace" and I ordered these candles.*Happy dance*These work perfectly! They fit under the hutch nicely, and they give off a warm glow. The flickering of the candles is natural, plus, I don't have to worry about my dog getting hurt because there isn't a flame to contend with to where she'll burn herself. :)From a distance, you can't even tell the candles are fake; in fact, one of my friends was convinced they were real until she took a closer look. The quality is really nice, and they don't eat batteries. I put my project together the Wednesday after Thanksgiving, and it's now a few days before Christmas and they're still glowing as brightly as the first day the batteries were put in (for comparison, the light-bulb candles I bought elsewhere have had new batteries installed five times already in the same time period). They remain cool to-the-touch (I had a drugstore brand that got hot right away, which was a concern since they do have a waxy feel. Now, I didn't use the rocks that came with the candles; instead, I used blue and green fish rock, which reflect nicely and magnify the glow a bit. :) I was considering putting these away after Christmas, but they're so pretty, I'm leaving them on my coffee table all year.I also want to point out the price, too. There is another company that sell candles like this, but it's one candle for the price of the three here, and you don't even get the plate or rocks! I will admit I was hesitant to purchase these candles because they weren't the "name brand," but I am glad I did! I'm considering these for house-warming gifts and even getting more for my bedroom and bathroom.The one complaint I do have is that batteries are expensive; in total, these use nine triple As. Be forewarned!Overall, I am quite happy with these candles. :)

Pros:* Real wax.* Have a nice random-ish flickering pattern, when working.* Remote control is a nice feature, when working.Cons:* Remote will not work unless I simultaneously press on the battery door while pressing a button. Seems to be poor battery contact.* Remote occasionally does not work, even when pressing in the door and pointing it directly at the candles. Takes multiple attempts.* Candles will randomly turn themselves on. I have come home from work and all 3 candles are on, when I knew that they had 'timed out' or had been shut off the previous night, and I know they also weren't on in the morning. But somehow they turned themselves on in the middle of the day in an empty house.* I'm not opposed to the 9 AAA batteries required, but one set lasted only a month. This may partly be due to the fact that they turn themselves on, running during the day.* When started, they flicker in unison which doesn't look natural. Give them a half an hour, and they will be un-synchronized and more random-looking.I came home tonight to self-ignited candles again, hence the desire to write this review.....

These candles are very nice, realistic looking . . . when not turned on. The flicker is very unnatural. Also the remote did not work, I thought it might be the battery but even after changing that out, it still does not activate the candles.The set is very nice. I love the tray and rocks, it looks great sitting on my coffee table. So . . . I will be keeping it, but I will probably end up changing out the candles with some other type.

If you're feeling snobby, they're a nice touch of versatile decor (to which you can add your own shells & glass beads if you're feeling creative, though you certainly won't need to.)If you're feeling romantic, they're delightful mood setters (though as far as the twinkling goes, I can't tell one speed from the other.) As for a timer...I didn't know there was one! Clearly defective instructions, or not included in the box I opened.If there's a nasty storm that's knocked out your power lines, well this soft light will certainly help till you find the rest of the flashlights, and all this can be done from the warmth of your bedside, if that's where you keep the oh-so-useful remote.I deducted a star because the set arrives without the nine (yes, that's 9) batteries you'll need to get started - and just to see if everything's in working order.I was impressed enough to pay for a second set as a gift, but went trekking out to buy the batteries so the recipients wouldn't be as disappointed as I was when setting everything up.* Note to manufacturers/distributors: you save a few dollars and irritate your customers, when they should be concentrating on the gift not their annoyance by pulling this old trick. Batteries should ALWAYS be included. You lose in the long run when you do stuff like this because I know it wouldn't cost you that much to buy in bulk, unlike us poor consumers who harbor a lingering distain for your sneakiness. If there's a 'batteries required' sign, I didn't see it & bet I'm not the only one.

candles quit working within weeks ...... so my first review does not seem correct anymore. . . . . These look so real. I have them with greens on top of my hutch and bookcase. I have the timer set for 4 hours. They go off just as we are headed to bed. Everyone that has been to the house like them. I will use these all year not just for the holidays. Great purchase.