Some of my best memories are of being at the beach, whether it is my dad teaching me to swim in the Great South Bay, or memories of my own children playing in the Florida sand. No matter which beach the memories are from, at some point I collected seashells. It always amazes me that those delicate works of art are home to unique sea creatures.
If you know someone who longs to hear the crashing waves upon the shore, the call of seagulls, or the salty mist on their face, seashell gifts are the perfect way to capture that feeling for them all year round.
1. Seashell Soaps
Gifts for seashell lovers
Some of these soaps look so real, I think I might not realize they are soaps if I saw them in someone’s home. Either way, guests will admire them whether they recognize them as soaps or not.
You can even get a seashell shaped soap dish to display the soaps in. If you want to carry this gift idea even further, you can get a collection of seashell bathroom decor. Shower curtains, bathmats, wastebasket, toothbrush holder, and wall decor are all available. There are so many options to choose from.
2. Shell Guide
Gifts for seashell collectors
I have loved collecting seashells since I was a little girl growing up on Long Island. I mostly found clam shells, scallops, and mussels, but there was some other shell that I could never identify. A book for identifying shells would have come in handy. This is a must have gift for shell collectors.
A collection bag is important too. We always used a bucket, but then we would end up with a lot of water and sand mixed in. A mesh bag allows water and sand to drain out. A sand dipper will come in handy for scooping up treasure. Some of these double as walking poles if you take the basket off. You can even have the stick customized with a witty saying.
3. Box of Chocolates
Tasty seashell presents
Indulge someone’s sweet tooth with a decadent box of chocolates in the shape of seashells. Some even come in the shape of seahorses, if you are looking for gifts for seahorse lovers.
If you want a more personal touch, you can try making your own with some candy molds with seashell shapes, and some candy melts. The candy melts come in several colors, so you can get creative. This is fairly easy to do, and makes a fun project for kids who love seashells. You just melt the candy melts, spread them in the molds and chill until solid. I tried these with my kids, but since my son was into Spiderman at the time, we used Spiderman candy molds.
If you prefer making cookies, you can get some seashell cookie cutters. Don’t forget to wear a seashell apron while you are baking this gift so your clothes stay clean.
4. Seashell Coasters
Seashell gifts for entertaining
For people who like to entertain, seashell coasters will help eliminate stains on furniture left by condensation from drinks.
You can also get some sea themed wine glasses, either with or without stems, to serve beverages in. Then get a seashell serving platter or bowl for snacks.
5. Beach Vacation
Best gifts for seashell collectors
For the serious shell collector, there is no better gift than a vacation to the seashell capital of the world, Sanibel, Florida. Because of its location, on the southwest tip of Florida, Sanibel is a natural dumping ground for seashells. One year, we actually witnessed Good Morning America being filmed here on National Seashell Day. Who knew there was a holiday for seashells? There are plenty of beachfront vacation rentals. There is even a seashell museum nearby.
What can they do with all of those shells once they get home? They will need a display box to show off their shells. Another alternative is a clear vase to fill with shells to make a centerpiece. We had so many shells that we now have a decorative vase filled with shells in our living room, and another in our family room.
6. Seashell Picture Frame
Gifts made from seashells
I love the sea, the warmth of the sun, the smell of salty brine, and of course, collecting shells. Several years in a row we vacationed at the beach. My youngest child and I collected buckets of shells. When we got home, we bought a cheap frame and some craft glue to make as a Mother’s Day gift for my mom. My mom cried when she opened it, she was so happy. If you don’t have hours to spare making your own shell picture frame, buying one that someone else made can elicit the same response, as long as you place a sentimental photo in it.
If you prefer to make your own, but haven’t collected any shells, you can buy a package of shells for crafts and a wooden frame. Don’t forget to get some craft glue so the shells don’t fall off.
7. Shell Candle Holder
Decorative seashell gifts
Most people like candles, so this is a good gift for someone at the office, an aunt, grandma, or anyone who yearns for the beach.
If you are shopping for a crafter, or if you like doing crafts, you can get a candle making kit that comes with wax, instructions, wicks, colors, and scents. Then get some seashell molds. These molds can also be used for soap making. If you are buying the molds for soap making, make sure to get a soap making kit with all the supplies needed for beautiful soaps.
8. Seashell Jewelry
Best gifts for seashell lovers
Some of this jewelry looks so delicate, just like the shells themselves. By giving a seashell lover shell jewelry, they can carry a piece of the sea with them wherever they go.
For Valentine’s Day or her birthday, you can get a seashell gift box to wrap the jewelry in. Better yet, slip in an engagement ring for a surprise proposal. You can even get specific shell engagement gift boxes that say, “ will you marry me?” You should get a “yes” response with this well thought out proposal.
You might want to take a look at gifts for lovers of other animals too!
9. Wind Chimes
Seashell gifts for the home
My mom has a wind chime that was made from shells. I loved hearing the tinkling of the shells as they clinked together.
For indoors, you can get a cool seashell clock. For the little ones, stave off their fear of the dark with a seashell night light.
10. Seashell Ornament
Seashell gifts for holiday decor
Have one of these ornaments customized with a name or message for a personalized seashell gift.
Or you can get some ornament sets if they are decorating a first tree. My oldest daughter has had a tree for the last few years, but she still hasn’t collected enough ornaments. I make it a point to give her some new ones each year to add to the tree. For additional shell decor get a nautical Christmas tree skirt. For a unique seashell gift, get a Christmas wreath made from seashells.
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