Top Holiday Gifts for Moms in Wilmington, NC

From a busy mom of three

MOMS: Do you ever get asked, “what would you like for Christmas?” You give them a blank stare and say “I don’t need anything?”. Well, I have and I kick myself every time because deep down there are some things that I would absolutely love to have nicely wrapped under the tree or hidden in my stocking to open along with the rest of the family.

EVERYONE ELSE: Y’all, don’t overthink it when you’re trying to find the perfect gift for Mom this holiday season. I promise, it’s not about the price tag or how many things you can fit under the tree, it’s about the thought behind it. Instead of asking her directly what she wants, continue reading below and surprise her.

As a busy mom of three young kids, I can tell you that the gifts that mean the most fall into three simple categories: quality time, something personal, and a little pampering. If you hit one (or all three), you’re golden.

So grab a cup of coffee, and let’s talk about the kinds of gifts that will actually make her feel loved this year, straight from a Wilmington mom who’s been on both sides of the wish list.

1. Give Her the Gift of Quality Time

If there’s one thing moms want more of, it’s time. Time without the chaos, the to-do lists, the constant “Mom, can you…?” It doesn’t have to be fancy; it just has to be intentional.

Here are a few ideas that go a long way:

• Family Photo Session: Trust me, she wants beautiful pictures with her people, not just blurry iPhone shots where someone’s blinking or she’s in sweatpants and a messy bun. Check out a few of Wilmington’s talented local photographers and make a morning of it. A stroll downtown, the kids laughing on the Riverwalk, or a sunset shoot at Wrightsville Beach. It’s a gift that becomes a memory every time she looks at it. I honestly believe we have some of the most talented photographers in the world right here in our own town. Check out some of my favorites here.
• A curated “Wilmington Day”: Plan an outing like lunch downtown, a stroll on the riverfront, a gallery visit. Grab tickets to an upcoming show at The Wilson Center or Thalian Hall, paired with a gift card to a new or favorite restaurant, plus dessert and take care of childcare (bonus points).
• Jungle Rapids Annual Pass: For moms with little ones, this is a win-win. It’s family fun that gets everyone out of the house and off their screens, plug a wave pool, slides and the lazy river! Purchase before December 31 for a $20 discount. Here for more details.
• Wine Knot Sky Bar & Lounge Membership: A membership that says “let’s make time for us or time to spend with your friends”. Cozy rooms with river views and a selection of wine, what’s not to love?
• Coffee & Connection: A coffee shop gift card might not sound extravagant, but add a note that says, “Good for ten coffee dates, just us,” and watch her smile. Quality time and caffeine? Yes, please. Couple it with a Cape Fear Coffee Cuddler (created by yours truly) and it’s the stocking surprise that will have her remembering that you are thoughtful and see her!
• A trip or Staycation: I don’t know about you, but leaving the housework and constant cleaning always makes me happy! Plan a vacation (so many great budget airlines out of ILM now) or book a hotel room at the beach or downtown and unplug.

The truth is, what she really wants is to feel seen and prioritized. These kinds of experiences do exactly that.

2. Go Personal: Gifts That Speak to Her Heart

Now, if you really want to make her light up, get her something that feels personalized. Moms spend so much time thinking about everyone else; it’s such a treat when someone takes the time to think about her.

A few easy wins:

• Wilmington Ornament by a Local Artist: Every year when she decorates the tree, she’ll think of home, the coast, and you. Love these local ornaments by Elizabeth Sheats Art or check out BlueMoon Gift Shops for so many other options!
• Custom Family Photo Book or Calendar: You can create one online or have it made locally. Add family photos, handwritten notes from the kids, or inside jokes.
• Handmade Jewelry or Custom Artwork or new outfit: Now only IF you know her style or maybe it’s something she’s mentioned she’d like to have you can certainly pick this up. My Sisters Cottage in Mayfair has a ton items she’ll surely love. (I know I do.) If you don’t have a clue if she will love it, maybe skip this idea.
• Experience Gift: Has she ever mentioned she would like to attend a workout class, learn new dance moves, check out a cooking class or learn a new skill like sewing? Wilmington offers so many unique experiences and if you ask me, this is a great way to show her you are listening. As pictured below, we took a sunset sailboat water tour this summer and it was memorable!

None of these have to be expensive, just meaningful. And honestly, those are the ones that get saved, displayed, and loved year after year.

3. Something Practical (That She’ll Actually Appreciate)

Okay, hear me out. Practical gifts get a bad rap, but for a mom, sometimes they’re exactly what she needs. The trick is to make them thoughtful, not transactional.

• Sam’s Club or Costco Membership: Because bulk snacks and paper towels feel like a love language when you’ve got a full house. I have both memberships and love them both for different reasons. As a mom with little ones, Sam’s Club Plus Membership allows me to order ahead of time and park where they will load my trunk (it’s a game changer).
  Sam’s Club Membership
• House Cleaning or Car Wash & Detailing Service: There’s no shame in wanting someone else to scrub, vacuum, or detail the SUV that doubles as a snack museum and even if it’s a one-time deal, I wouldn’t cry if someone came to my house to clean the toilet seats.
• Power Washing or Yard Service: A clean porch or driveway before holiday hosting? Chef’s kiss.
• Time-saving kitchen appliances: If you don’t already have a slow cooker or air fryer, I highly recommend. These are two items that save the day when I don’t have time to be a chef.
• New Cleaning Appliance: I know it’s not dreamy, but any way to make life a little easier (especially with little humans) I’m all about it. Here are my top cleaning appliances that I use weekly. Check out the list here

It’s all about gifting her time back. Because time is the one thing she never seems to have enough of.

4. Pamper Her, Because She Deserves It

When in doubt, go the self-care route. Moms pour from their cup all year long so help her refill it.

Here are some Wilmington favorites that make for a perfect “me-time” moment:

• Self Skin Studio Facial Membership: Imagine gifting her glowing skin and an excuse to take care of herself all year long. Yes, please. One of my favorite places to go for medical grade skin care and an hour a month to feel relaxed and care for my skin.
• Massage or Spa Day: A massage, facial, or full spa day will always hit the mark and bonus points if you book it for her so she actually goes. Head to Toe, Woodhouse Spa Wilmington (soon to open), and Shine On are a few that come to mind for that ultimate package.
• Head Spa at Casa Prana: If she hasn’t tried a head spa experience yet, she’s in for a treat. It’s like the ultimate scalp massage-meets-relaxation ritual, something totally unique and worth every second. The before and after was shocking to me and I’ve been eager to go back. Like every mom, we question splurging on ourselves. We need that extra push from you.
• Nail Salon Gift Card: Simple, easy, and always appreciated. Because nothing says “I see you” like a fresh set of nails or fresh toe polish and an hour of quiet and Bravo TV in the background. I polled the audience a while back and here were the most recommended nail salons in town: Mai’s Nails Ogden, Unwind, The Nail Bar in Bayshore, A+ Nails, TLC Nails, Posh Nails Porters Neck, Nails Amor in Monkey Junction, Lush on Oleander, and QT Nails.
• Wrightsville SUP gift card: Maybe she just wants time to quiet her soul in nature. This includes parking and a paddle board rental. Such a fun idea!

5. The Finishing Touch: Heartfelt Words

Before you hand over any gift, take an extra minute to write a note. Not just “Merry Christmas”; I mean really write something. Tell her you notice all she does, write in detail what you see her do, how she keeps everything running (doctors appointments, school lunches, changing diapers, laundry, etc.), and how she makes your world better.

That little piece of paper might just mean more than the gift itself.

At the end of the day, it’s not about the biggest box or the fanciest bow. It’s about making her feel appreciated, rested, and loved. She’s probably the one who organized the gatherings, researched, purchased and wrapped all the kids gifts, purchased the tickets to the light show and ensured the house felt magical during the season.

So this holiday season, whether you’re picking up a Wilmington ornament from a local artist, booking a facial or massage, or gifting a coffee date, remember this:

The best gift you can give a mom is thoughtfulness.

She doesn’t want perfect. She wants presence.
She doesn’t need extravagant. She needs intention.

Shop local, love big, and don’t forget to celebrate her heart as much as her hustle. 😉 You totally got this!

If you think I missed something, shoot me an email. Happy to add on to this list to help everyone have a special season celebrating MOM/ YOU.