With the release of The Little Mermaid this year, we've seen mermaid-core become all the rage over the summer. Not only has the live-action remake meant that mermaid style is trending, but we're also dying to live out our H20: Just Add Water fantasy (which has also just been added to Netflix!) We think it's safe to say we all know a Disney fangirl, which is why we've put together this guide to the best mermaid-core gifts to treat them to.
As well as the best crochet dresses, this comeback trend is making us feel all the nostalgia. From childhoods spent pretending to be mermaids in the pool to rewatching Aquamarine during a sleepover for the tenth time. It's no wonder we couldn't contain our excitement when the mermaid aesthetic started trending on TikTok, all thanks to the remake of our favourite childhood classic.
From cute accessories (hello, shell necklaces!) to home decor, here are some gift ideas for the best mermaid-core gifts that we're sure they'll love. We also have some styling tips if you're looking to nail the mermaid style that we're seeing so much of. Don't forget to check out PrettyLittleThing's mermaid-core edit for some fashion inspiration.
SHOP: The best mermaid-core gifts
www.asos.com
Made with stunning detail, this Miss Selfridge Crochet Fringe Maxi Dress from ASOS is so versatile. Whether you wear it as a casual cover-up or dress it up for an occasion, it's ideal for all occasions. Wear it for your next holiday abroad or for a trip to the beach. The beautiful fringe hem will add some movement as you walk.
www.notonthehighstreet.com
The '90s are calling, baby. This Cream Shell Choker is definitely a throwback, but they've been everywhere this season. Made with real shells, you'll have the mermaid look down the next time you hit the beach on your vacay.
www.lookfantastic.com
You can't be a mermaid without incredible enviable mermaid hair, right? This BondiBoost Sea Salt Texture Spray will give them the beachy waves of dreams that'll look like they've just stepped out of the ocean and dried their hair on a golden sandy beach. Perfection.
www.bouxavenue.com
From Boux Avenue, this cute Vienna Triangle Bikini Top comes in a pretty aqua blue and has stunning frill details suited for any aspiring mermaid. You can also buy the Vienna Tie Side Bikini Briefs to match. We are loving Boux's range of swimwear, with plenty of summery bikinis to shop.
www2.hm.com
This is giving mermaid in the best way. Knitted macrame or rope bags are all in this season thanks to the mermaid-core trend. Whether it's an everyday bag, an occasionwear bag or a bag to take with you to the beach, this Small String Pouch Bag from H&M is so on trend.
Customer review: "I love this little bag as I’m not a fan of big beach bags. This is the perfect shade of pink and can easily fit your daily essentials. Highly recommended!"
www.prettylittlething.com
Every mermaid needs a night out once in a while, right? This Emerald Green Cowl Neck Frill Hem Maxi Dress from PrettyLittleThing is every mermaid's dream. If you're looking for occasionwear, then this is it. Featuring stunning silky fabric with ruffle details in an eye-catching emerald green, we're sure this dress is the one.
www.asos.com
Wanting to add a little bit of sophistication to your mermaid-core outfit? This True Decadence Pearl Structured Grab Bag will add a bit of class to your 'fit on your next night out. Featuring a top handle and standout embellishments, this bag is giving mermaid in all the best ways possible.
www.boohoo.com
A simple pearl headband that'll set any outfit off, they'll look ethereal with this hair accessory. Featuring a gold band with a stunning pearl crown, they'll look like the mermaid princess of dreams in this Pearl Headband from Pretty Little Thing.
www.etsy.com
One that we've seen all over TikTok, the Pearl Seashell Pendant Necklace is a popular one. This delicate little necklace shows a seashell and pearl motif, ideal for any mermaid. A stunning heartfelt gift, this necklace is one they can add to their collection of trinkets.
Customer review: "Beautiful, delicate necklace. Bought as a gift."
www.etsy.com
Another one that has TikTok and Pinterest obsessed are these Venus Goddess Figurines we've seen everywhere. Trending as mermaid-core decor items, these statuettes are made from alabaster and can be displayed on their dresser or vanity table to bring feminine energy.
Customer review: "This was packaged with a lot of care and is so beautiful. There is so much attention to detail and she looks stunning ❤️"
www.etsy.com
Going viral all over TikTok, this style of mosiac phone case is super on trend at the moment. Decorated with sea shells that have been collected around the world, the Handmade Seashell Coastal Phone Case from Etsy is a super gift for any mermaid girly.
Customer review: "The best phone case ever! Been wanting to purchase something from Folk & Raey for a while and I’m so glad I did! Also, the customer service was fabulous and Jenifer is so so lovely!"
12.
Clear Shell Tray
www.etsy.com
This dreamy Clear Shell Tray from Etsy would make the best place for them to display all of their trinkets and jewellery. Made from high-quality glass with a stunning gold trim to set it off, it adds a little luxury to their space. Don't fancy paying as much? This Handmade Concrete Shell is a little less.
Customer review: "Beautiful shell tray!! Arrived quickly, securely packaged!"
www.stories.com
&Other Stories have some beautiful mermaid-inspired jewellery that couldn't be more The Little Mermaid. These matching earrings are delicate in design and made from recycled brass in a gold-toned, embossed finish.
www.etsy.com
Whether it's a vanilla vacation or coconut coast, this Beach Them Candle Gift Hamper will envelop their senses and allow them a moment to relax. Made from vegan-friendly soy wax, each hamper is packaged in a brown eco gift box and makes a beautiful gift to show you care.
Customer review: "Gorgeous set and the scent is lovely. Beautiful gift. Highly recommend the seller 😊"
www.etsy.com
What better way to add a little touch of mermaid-core to their room than with this set of three Assorted Glass Vases? Get that 'message in a bottle vibe' down and allow them a space to display their favourite flowers, or even as a way for them to decorate their bookshelf.
Customer review: "Lovely little bottles! Perfectly matching my new hallway decor. Thank you for a perfect service"
www.etsy.com
We couldn't resist adding this set of two Starfish Hair Clips to our list. In true mermaid fashion, decorate your waves with these starfish clips that feature stunning pearl and crystal embellishments. The alligator clips mean they couldn't be easier to put in and will stay in all day.
Customer review: "So, so cute! Will be perfect for my mermaid costume! Thank you!"
17.
Shell Table Lamp
www.urbanoutfitters.com
Looking to bring the ocean to them? This Shell Table Lamp from Urban Outfitters features a colour-changing pearl bulb that adds some whimsy to their space. Give them the chance to kick back and unwind in their underwater palace fit for any mermaid.
Appropriately named, Mermaid Fin, by Rimmel 60 Seconds Super-Shine's nail polish range is the best colour when buying for your mermaid-obsessed friend. Highly rated and quick drying, the iridescent polish features ethereal shades of blues and purples.
Customer review: "I purchased this in Mermaid Fin. Goes on like a dream (nice chunky brush, good consistency) and looks great. Mermaid Fin is a very sheer, iridescent, pearlescent and ethereal top coat. I like to wear it on its own, just one coat, for a subtle, polished, pretty finish."
How to dress mermaid-core?
If you want to look like you've just stepped out of the ocean on your newly granted legs, there are a few things you can do to get the mermaid style down. From how you style your hair to the clothes you wear, here are a few styling tips on how to look like a mermaid.
Mermaid-core hair
Of course, you'll be wanting to put your mermaid waver to good use and get that salt spray on for those beachy waves. Braids are a great touch, and don't forget accessories. Anything pearl would work here, from pearl hairclips to pearl headbands. Alternatively, you could slick your hair for the 'wet hair look.'
Mermaid-core clothes
In keeping with a cool colour scheme, you can really have fun with this part. Flowy dresses and skirts with ruffles or tiers add a bit of whimsy. Strappy slip dresses in silk fabrics would work like a dream. As well as netted or crochet tops that you can drape over your outfit.
Mermaid-core bags
Once again, pearl or netting works really well on bags, too. Depending on your style, you could go for a novelty bag such as a seashell bag or one that has a print that represents the sea. Or, for something more subtle, a basket weave bag will add that beachy feel.
Mermaid-core jewellery
Accessories are so important, and adding all the right jewellery will make your outfit pop. Jewellery with ocean motifs such as starfish, seashells, and coral are the obvious choice. A simple set of pearl necklaces and earrings would also look dreamy. A heart-shaped locket is another fitting idea, so you can mourn your lover who was lost at sea x
Mermaid-core shoes
Always go for sandals for that beachy look. However, if you're wanting to dress up, strappy sandal heels will add that little bit of glamour to your outfit. Once again, anything pearl embellished, within a cooler colour scheme or with an iridescent finish would look fab.
Mermaid-core nails
A nice finishing touch? Add a pop of colour to your nails with some natural nail designs. Alternatively, whites, blues, greens and lilacs would also work well here. Look for polishes with a glazed, iridescent or pearlescent finish to add that touch of shimmer. Glitter nail polishes in these tones would work as well.
Samantha 'Sam' Price is a Beauty, Fashion & Wellness Products Writer at heat magazine. In 2021, Sam began her journey as a Storytelling Executive at Closer and heatworld on an internship, creating beauty and fashion content across these brands. It was 2022 when Sam was employed as a Commercial Content Writer writing about Family Life on Yours, Mother & Baby and Spirit & Destiny. Now, she specialises in beauty, fashion and wellness content across many brands.