Small Island, Endless Treasures

One of the most surprising things about Bald Head Island? For such a small place, there are an incredible number of boutiques, gift shops, and coastal stores tucked throughout the island. Shopping here feels less like running errands and more like a treasure hunt — one where every stop uncovers something charming, thoughtful, or delightfully unexpected.

The Haven 2026 “Favorite Things” feature perfectly captures this spirit, spotlighting handpicked finds from the magazine’s creative team that showcase the personality and variety of Bald Head Island’s shopping scene.

At Riverside Adventure Co., editor Teri Kelly highlighted the boutique’s beloved kimono clips, calling them her solution to the ever-present “island hair” dilemma. “Every time I’m on BHI I’m tempted to buy another one,” she shared — and honestly, we understand why.

For oyster lovers, executive editor Christi Golder selected the “Appreciating Oysters” book from Smith Island Museum Gift Shop, a coastal-inspired read that explores oyster “merroir” much like wine terroir. It’s exactly the kind of thoughtful gift or vacation keepsake you stumble upon while browsing the island’s charming shops.

And the discoveries keep coming.

At Bald Head Blues, shoppers can grab a pickleball paddle before heading to the courts. Coastal Urge offers beach towels perfect for sunny afternoons by the shore, while Silver Peddler carries driftwood ornaments that make beautiful reminders of island life.

The island’s boutiques also reflect the playful personality of BHI visitors. Designer Amy Maxwell spotlighted a Megalodon tooth fossil from Stoked Provisions because of her fascination with sharks, while writer Odette Arnold picked the Fighting Words game from East Beach Surf Shop for competitive family game nights.

Fashion lovers will find jewelry and accessories at Blue Sail and Island Passage, while home décor enthusiasts can browse original artwork and enamelware at Room Service. Even furry family members are included thanks to adorable plush catnip toys from Turtle Central.

What makes shopping on Bald Head Island so memorable is that every store feels personal. The boutiques are curated with care, filled with items you won’t find just anywhere, and staffed by people who genuinely love island life. You can spend an afternoon wandering from shop to shop by golf cart and still discover something new around every corner.

Bald Head Island may be small in size, but when it comes to shopping, it delivers an experience that feels wonderfully abundant — filled with treasures, keepsakes, and thoughtful gifts that become part of your family’s vacation memories.

For more information on all the island shops, check out Haven magazine here.

Published by Teri Kelly
Wednesday, May 13, 2026