Is someone who is new to the area or the coastal lifestyle on your holiday gift list? This is the perfect time to introduce them to a few items that will enhance their new surroundings!
- Oyster knives – Having their very own for whenever an invitation to an oyster roast presents itself will be appreciated!
- Beach Toys – No, not pails and shovels-instead focus on the big kids and shop for things like boogie boards, snorkels, Frisbees, Corn-Hole sets, and a Bocce set.
- Binoculars – New coastal residents are often shocked to discover the stunning views of nature and wildlife that are accessible just from their deck or kitchen window. Why not make it easier for them to observe those migrating dolphins, spectacular sunrises or far away sailing ships?
- Tees from WB Merchants – They will feel like long time locals with apparel from such iconic stops as Robert’s Grocery, Vito’s Pizza, and Motts Channel Seafood!
- Seafood Cookbooks – Even for the most accomplished home chefs, seafood cookery can be a challenge. Providing the new homeowners with a little guidance in the form of a cookbook or two could also be extremely beneficial for the giver, later on down the road! Here are a few suggestions: Seaboard to Sideboard (Wilmington Junior League), Mariner’s Menu-30 Years of Fresh Seafood Ideas (N.C. Sea Grant), and The Coastal Living Cookbook.
- More Culinary Ideas – A shrimp peeler, stainless steel fish spatula, shellfish crackers, and a gift bag filled with seafood seasonings like Old Bay and cocktail sauce.
- Shoe rack, mat and brush – Help them keep the sand outside where it belongs with a de-sanding station. You might want to include a pair of unsex house slippers with this one.
- Guidebooks – Introduce the new locals to topics they may be curious about, such as history, seashell and wildlife identification and coastal preservation. Audubon guides are good choices along with books from Wilmington natives, Susan Taylor Block and Anne Russell.