The holiday season has officially arrived in Greater Wilmington and we’re shouting out a few uniquely perfect gift ideas for those hard to shop family members. Whether it’s the aunt who loves finer things or the cousin who has everything... these gifts are sure to impress!
1. Give a Time Honored Tradition
Le Cavalier at the Green Room brings back a long-standing tradition of the historic hotel with a modern twist - afternoon tea! On Friday afternoons through the holiday season (November 25 - December 16) enjoy custom tea blends with featured savory and sweets- fresh and fanciful pastries, Parisian-inspired sandwich pairings, and more. Make your reservation here- https://www.lecavalierde.com/event/friday-afternoon-tea-1/
If you can’t make a Friday tea time or, if you’re looking to put something under the tree this Christmas season, look to Centreville Place: Cafe + Market. They provide an afternoon tea experience year-round! Just make sure to reserve your spot a minimum of 48 hours in advance. Learn more here - https://centrevilleplace.com/
Visit Greater Wilmington’s local museum shops during the holiday season for gifts you can’t find anywhere else. The magic of the season comes alive in unique shops with incredible one-of-a-kind items like art, jewelry, Delaware specific items and more.
Hagley is a large, indoor-outdoor museum experience with hundreds of years of history. Explore the new Nation of Inventors exhibition celebrating diverse stories of American…
Nestled in the rolling hills of the Brandywine Valley, Winterthur is a historic estate on par with some of the most famous estates in the country, such as Biltmore Estate, The…
Explore contemporary art and stimulate your creativity with our always-changing, thought-provoking exhibitions, events, and programs! The Delaware Contemporary houses 7…
Explore immersive ecosystems from Delaware and around the world at the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science, recently reopened after a complete renovation to its galleries and…
3. The Year-Round Gift
Would you rather give a gift that lasts a day or an entire year? This holiday season give your family the gift of a membership to one of Wilmington’s local attractions. An annual membership allows for visits throughout the year to explore ever-changing exhibitions and nature’s seasonal colors. Plus, additional benefits such as special guest rates, early access to special event tickets, members-only events and much more. A museum or garden membership is the gift that gives all year long.
Explore one of the great gardens of the world, featuring 1,100 acres of meadows, gardens, and woodlands including a 4-acre Conservatory. With dazzling horticulture displays…
Voted “Best Botanical Garden” in the 2020 USA Today 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards, Mt. Cuba Center is one of Delaware’s hidden treasures. Find space to breathe, relax, and…
The Delaware Children’s Museum is Delaware’s first and only kid-centric museum, teaching math, science and technology through hands-on exhibits. The Museum features 37,000…
Visit the Brandywine Zoo in Brandywine Park! A Delaware jewel in Wilmington, the Brandywine Zoo is a cool place to meet a lemur or condor, or a capybara up close. Awesome zoo…
Discover an outstanding collection of American art housed in a 19th-century mill with a dramatic steel and glass addition overlooking the banks of the Brandywine River. Renowned…
Visit the village of Odessa, Delaware and admire examples of 18th- and 19th-century architecture, and tour the Historic Odessa Foundation's five historic houses.
Explore reimagined art galleries, a spacious sculpture garden and labyrinth, and spectacular special exhibitions. The Delaware Art Museum is best known for its large collection…
Nestled in the rolling hills of the Brandywine Valley, Winterthur is a historic estate on par with some of the most famous estates in the country, such as Biltmore Estate, The…
Bonus! Unique Boutiques Throughout the Area
If you have an even pickier aunt or cousin than we thought, be sure to check out local boutiques in the area! Surely, items from these shops will cover anyone left on your lists.
Morgan's of Delaware
A boutique founded by Martha Morgan over 40 years ago brings to mind a New York City boutique with its chic and inviting window displays and "The Morgan's Experience." A unique experience giving customers a warm welcome, personalized styling, and complimentary bottle of sparkling wine for qualifying purchases. Morgan’s of Delaware is known for being able to fit their customers in fabrics that make them Look Great, Feel Fabulous, and Bring a Smile to Their Spirit.
Town and Shore Handcrafted
Town and Shore Handcrafted is a downtown Wilmington boutique for fine, leather goods tucked into the heart of Wilmington's historic merchant district. This shop is founded and designed by Delaware native, Liv McClintock whose one-of-a-kind jewelry and unique wearables make for the perfect unique gifts and finds for visitors and residents of Greater Wilmington.
LaFate Gallery
Eunice LaFate of LaFate Gallery certainly brings her creative mind to life in her art. The Jamaican-born and longtime Wilmington resident was named one of the most influential Delawarean's of 2020. Her colors and tones in her depictions of people, landscapes and culture are the perfect take home items (and make for the perfect gifts!) Her art emphasizes the beauty of human diversity and the importance of cultural heritage. From prints to reusable bags and magnets her heart comes out in her art and would make for the perfect addition for those hard to shop for folks.
Shops of Centreville
Deep in the heart of the Brandywine Valley lives the neighborhood of Centreville, Delaware. Just off the main road lies the Shops of Centreville, a collection of one-of-a-kind shops unique in flavor and flair of this special corner of the world. Explore the unique offerings of Adorn, The Beehive, Found Antiques, M. Coty Designs, Shish Interiors and Wild Thyme Floral.
Whatever you gift, wherever you go, Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley has something for everyone to enjoy. Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season!
Author
Jessica Horstmann
Digital Marketing Manager at the Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau
About Jessica: When I moved to Delaware at ten, I discovered a state that offers both the excitement of city life and the peaceful charm of the countryside, all within close reach. Delaware may be small, but it’s packed with surprising and memorable experiences, from vibrant attractions to hidden gems. As a fellow traveler and adventure-seeker, I’m excited to share the First State’s best-kept secrets with you. Follow along with my blogs, and see for yourself why Delaware is small yet mighty—there’s always something new to explore!
