2022 Wilmington Holiday Gift Guide

Ready or not, here it comes!

The Holiday Season is already upon us and that means it’s time for this year’s Local Holiday Gift Guide. This year I’m featuring a handful of local artists and makers whose work I love ranging from candles to cocktails. Whether you are looking for a gift for that special someone on your list, the person who has everything, or something for yourself, I’ve got you covered!

One of my favorite things about compiling this list each year is learning about amazing local artists and businesses that I somehow didn’t know existed. And while I knew about some of these, some were new to me. Some were recommended by blog readers and Instagram followers and some were people I found on my own but ALL of them are makers I appreciate.

Just so you know, NONE of these artists paid to be featured and I receive no commission from this. But I can guarantee you will find something you like from at least one of these makers. And one is even offering a discount if you mention this blog post/the Instagram post!

So read on and get a head start on your holiday shopping!

Sira Nest

Local candle company Sira Nest creates truly lovely smelling candles. We’re not talking the overwhelming scent bombs you find in many big box stores. These are clean burning coconut wax and soy wax candles that leave your house smelling, well, clean. I’m currently burning Autumn In My Heart as I write this and my house (which is currently undergoing a renovation and only seems to smell of plaster and sawdust these days) smells like cranberries, cloves, and oranges but not like I walked around spraying an air freshener. It’s as if I made some delicious Fall dish last night and the house still smells good.

Sira makes seasonal candles but her core line is worth burning any day of the year. I especially like Wrightsville Breeze, Tonka & Oud, and Sea Mist. She can also make custom candle orders for weddings, etc. How cool is that?! If you don’t want to take my word for how great these smell, you can smell them in person at Blue Moon Gift Shops or frequently at the Wrightsville Beach Market on Mondays. In fact, do yourself a favor and make a point to go smell them for yourself. You won’t be disappointed!

Gingersnap Creatives

Have you ever come across someone who was so creative in every way that you were stunned to find out that they worked in anything but the arts? That’s how I feel about Weatherly Landry of Gingersnap Creatives. Luckily for me I have had a front row seat to her creative journey because I am fortunate enough to be her sister. When she is not helping children overcome obstacles as an Occupational Therapist Assistant or caring for her own family, Weatherly is creating something. At all times. Books, scripts, art, cards - you name it and she has created it. Lately Weatherly has been a card-making machine, producing adorable handmade cards for every occasion and with a little encouragement she is now offering these up for sale. Each card is unique and its own piece of art. Sick of looking through cards at the store that express sentiments that aren’t quite right? These cards are blank on the inside, allowing you to be as personal or as brief as you want. And no offense but when the cards are this cute the recipients are going to be far more interested in the outside than the inside.

Her Christmas cards sell for $3 for 1 or $10 for a pack of 4. Or, give a pack of 4 all occasion cards as a gift to that hard to buy for person on your list.

Plants of Heather

It’s no secret that I love decorating with plants. In my opinion a room feels empty and often sterile without a little bit of green. Plants breathe new life (literally) into a space and make it feel established.

Heather Hamby of Plants of Heather is a Certified Indoor Plantscaper and specializes in Kokedama, a Japanese plant growing method where an ornamental plant grows on a ball of soil covered in moss. She teaches workshops around town, sells the plants, and also sells DIY kits for those who want to try making them on their own. Her beautiful plants, kits, and classes make a perfect gift for the plant lover on your list!

Curated By Christin

Obviously I love supporting local businesses and try to encourage others to do so, especially at the holidays. However, Christin and Justin at Curated by Christin have made this their mission all year round. They produce beautiful gift boxes and baskets that feature luxe products from local makers and businesses and are perfect for any occasion and any budget! From Christmas to Sympathy and everything in between, Curated by Christin has you covered. Each gift box is unique and customizable - not to mention they ship and offer free local delivery!

And best of all, they are offering YOU 10% off your first order if you mention this gift guide!

How generous is that?! If this sounds like something you might be interested in, you can order or inquire about gifts/pricing via DM on Instagram, call (805) 415-0365, email them at CuratedByChristin@gmail.com, or message them on their FB page!

Jennifer Morse Bland

There’s no denying that there is an abundance of natural beauty in SENC and Jennifer Morse Bland captures it so well. Her striking photography highlights the serenity and simplicity of the coast. You can often find her at markets around town where you can buy her images on frameable prints and magnets or shop her online store to have your favorite image printed on a mug, bag, and more. Whether you are looking to decorate your own home or provide the beach lover on your list with the perfect reminder of coastal living, check her out!

Pomona Shrub Co.

Fact: I love a cocktail. A well-crafted cocktail is so nice and something I can never seem to master at home. However I have recently discovered that some of my favorite cocktails at some of my favorite restaurants (e.g. Ceviche and Greenhouse) contain shrubs from Pomona Shrub Co. So now my homemade cocktail game has a serious leg-up! No more super sugary cocktail mixers from the grocery store that somehow make everything taste worse. With flavors like Lemon Lime, Blueberry Basil, Mango Lime Jalapeno, and Cinnamon Apple Nutmeg you can make a drink you will love any time of year and all you have to add is sparkling water and liquor (if you want to). Get a bottle for yourself, as a hostess gift, or for your pregnant friend. No matter who is on the receiving end, you’ll be one popular gift giver!

LZ Jewelz

If you have ever seen me in person, chances are I was wearing dangly earrings. If I have a signature look (other than crazy curly hair), it’s my earrings. There is something so fun about statement earrings. And if you like a pair of awesome earrings as much as I do, then you will love LZ Jewelz! Aliza Spahic makes some of the cutest polymer clay earrings. Whether you are looking for preppy or boho, subtle or bold, LZ Jewelz has you covered! And she doesn’t just make dangly baubles. If you are more of a stud wearer, she’s got you there too. You can often find Aliza at markets around town as well as at Aqua Fedora and Bodega Market.

Which of these makers is new to you? What are you now able to cross off your holiday shopping list? Let us know in the comments and go show these guys and gals some love both monetarily and on social media!