A Last Minute Gift Guide - Wilmington, NC. Edition
Oops! Did you forget to grab a gift and now the clock’s ticking? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there! Whether you’re heading to a work holiday party, or dashing to a family gathering, this list has you covered with small, meaningful gifts you can grab from local shops that scream, “I totally planned this!” Keep reading for some inspo and make sure you’re not arriving empty-handed.
Gifts for the Host
Cape Fear Spice Merchants
Being a host is hard work, so a little “thank you” goes a long way! Here are some crowd-pleasers:
Seasonal Candle: Choose a cozy scent like pine, cinnamon, or sugar cookie. Local Wilmington spots like Edge of Urge or Candles Etc. have some unique options!
Gourmet Goodies: Swing by a local bakery like Sweet D’s Cuisine for festive treats or grab a bottle of wine from Fermental. Easy, delicious, and always appreciated!
Potted Plant or Flowers: Most of us know someone with a green thumb that can never have enough plants! Pick up a poinsettia or a small succulent from Let It Grow for a gift that’ll keep giving. Make sure the plant is pet safe if the giftee has animals!
Personalized Glassware: Reach out to Deluxe Etching to personalize your glassware (wine glasses, high balls, flutes, etc. A cute AND functional gift! They combine laser precision with sand-carving for custom glass that is super high quality.
Specialty Coffee or Tea: Grab world-wide award winning bags of beans at Maven Coffee or a tea sampler from Cape Fear Spice Merchants for a warm and cozy touch.
Thoughtful Gifts for Friends + Family
The Cotton Exchange
For the people you love most, aim for gifts that are small but meaningful—they’ll never guess it was last-minute!
Customized Ornament: There’s just something so special about a custom ornament. Check out Modern Craft Design Studio or Blue Moon Gift Shop for some ideas!
Books or Journals: Stop by Pomegranate Books for an inspiring read or a cute journal they can fill with New Year’s resolutions.
DIY Gift Basket: Put together a mix of coffee, teas, mugs, specialty popcorn, etc. There are really no limits to a DIY basket!
Handmade Pottery Mug: Swing by Bookworm Pottery or More Than Clay and grab a beautifully crafted pottery set. Pair with their favorite coffee blend or hot chocolate for a sweet combo.
Local Art or Goods: Check out The Cotton Exchange for handmade treasures that support local artists.
Luxury Experience: Gift an experience, like a Salt Session atNative Salt Cave, a pottery lesson atFat Cat Pottery, or a 5 Star Dinner fromPinpoint Restaurant.
Quick Picks for Co-workers or Acquaintances
Cafe Mata
These are perfect for those “just in case” moments when you realize you need a gift for a neighbor or co-worker!
Mini Desk Plant: We mentioned Let It Grow Plant Boutique before, but you should also check out Reggie’s Veggies & Plants for some unique finds!
Gift Cards: You can’t go wrong with coffee shop gift cards (Cafe Mata, anyone?).
Travel-Sized Games: Look for compact card games or puzzles at Cape Fear Games. Perfect for holiday downtime!
Luxury Hand Soap or Lotion: Wrap up a festive bottle of hand or bar soap from Salty Soap Co. for a gift that’s both indulgent and practical.
Charity Donation: Make a small donation in their name to a cause they love, like NourishNC or a local animal shelter.
Don't Forget, Shoppers!
Wrap It or Box it Up: Presentation matters! Grab a cute gift bag or some tissue paper—even the simplest gifts feel more special when they’re wrapped.
Keep Extras on Hand: Stock up on a few of these ideas so you’re never caught off guard.
Shop Local: Supporting Wilmington’s small businesses means unique gifts and less stress than braving big-box stores. Win-win!
This holiday season, don’t stress over last-minute gifting. With these ideas, you’ll be the hero of the party—thoughtful, prepared, and ready to spread holiday cheer. Now, go grab that perfect gift and enjoy the festivities!
Name the small businesses you are supporting this holiday season!