It started on whim in 2022 when my mom and I noticed the differences in our preference for the type of shells we collect. Most of her shells were dainty, intact, and there was a wider variety of colors represented. My shells tended to be larger, mostly shades of gray, and had more “character.” (Meaning they were broken and looked like they had been rolling around in the surf for several years.) We joked about my “antique shells” compared to her more traditionally beautiful shells and my ever-competitive mom suggested we put the collections to a vote. Which collection did my Instagram followers prefer? My mom’s collection won pretty handily and since that spur-of-the-moment Instagram vote, she has been borderline intolerable to be around any time the shell collection competition is mentioned. Last year, she ever started telling strangers on the beach about her victories.
After all of her unsportsmanlike conduct in previous years, I threatened to no longer host the competition. It was on my Instagram account after all and I didn’t need to subject myself to another loss along with the taunting from my own mother. Once the shells were collected and we had each selected our favorites and displayed them on the porch, I had a change of heart. My loss was still a foregone conclusion, but not keeping up the annual tradition felt a little sad.
So, here is my mom’s shell collection from our Isle of Palms beach trip 2025. She likes to collect moon snails, olive shells, augers (the pointy ones), small whelks, iridescent jingle shells, lady’s ears, oysters that have been rubbed flat, and pretty scallops. She also picked up a few smaller pieces of drift wood.
My mom also likes sand dollars, but she only found one and it broke in two. I found a few and made a big deal about the fact that she shouldn’t use shells I had found in her collection for the competition, but the truth is she found some of my crusty whelks and I found some of her augers, tiny whelks, and snails. Her collection looked sad with broken sand dollars, so I put the ones I found back in before the vote.
And here are the shells I put forward this year for the collection…
As voters noticed, I cleaned my selections up a bit compared to previous years while still showing some of my favorite broken and crusty shells. I focused my collection on my two favorite shells – olives and whelks. As a side note for those who are distressed about people collecting shells, both of these sea animals are born and grown in their shells. They do not seek out discarded shells to inhabit. They regenerate plentifully in this area, which is why shelling is permitted.
I found some pretty nice larger whelks in the surf when I was able to wade and we found a few washed up on the beach the day after the storm. There was a tremendous storm the day before we left and my mom and I were mourning that we didn’t have one more day to go out and collect post-storm shells! Those are the best shelling days.
I also focused on collecting whelk “skeletons” as I call them. They are almost broken in half so you can see all of their interior layers. I think there is something very sculptural and beautiful about that. I’m also particularly fond of channel whelks, which have the squared-off tops and are harder to find intact since they are more delicate than other varieties of whelks.
Everyone told me I needed to make a design or pattern with my shells, but I like my shells lined up just like I like my ironstone pitchers in a row. I think it’s about the beauty of the object, not necessarily how they are styled.
In case you were feeling any suspense, I’ll end your curiosity. I lost, just as I do every year. But, I have gained some ground! Last year, I only won 13% of the vote. I’ve climbed all the way to 24%! 10 whole percentage points. By the time I’m 60, I might be pulling out a win if I stick with the pace.
Of course, my mom took a verbal victory lap and I took defeat graciously.
As I’ve shared before, no one really takes this shelling collection competition seriously. Well, maybe my mom does, but it’s all in good fun. We rib each other about cheating, rule changes, and other shenanigans, but we also find shells for each other and give each other shells out of our own bags. We almost always shell together and cheer each other on when we find something good. We enjoy the activity and each other.. We both go home with bags of shells to add to our home and garden.
It’s cliche, but we both truly are winners. (And I realize that’s a bit comical coming from the person who got only 24% of the vote!)
19 Responses
I think your shelling competition is so much fun. I do think you need to have some sub-categories such as intact shells, “antique” shells, presentation, diversity, etc. kinda like gown, bathing suit and congeniality! 😜
I think people now vote for your Mom because we don’t want to see her saddened after her previous victories. It is nice to see you and your Mom having so much fun. I happen to like both your collections and the differences in what you both like.
I continue to be amazed at what you both find! It makes me want to plan a trip to the IOP or some other shelling beach soon.
Enjoy the fruits/shells of your labors!
The real win is that you get to shell together. There’s nothing more special than being able to spend time with your mom. Win-Win
Even if your Mom won, the most important part is that you’re together enjoying your time, win or lose! I do love all shells and your stories!
You are so right, you and your Mom are both winners. Spending this time together will give you wonderful memories and clearly your Mom loves collecting shells with you. Spending that time together is a great gift for the both of you. I lost my Mom several years ago and I was lucky to have spent all the time I did with her. My parents lived in Narragansett, Rhode Island and it was my favorite place to collect shells, starting as a very young child. I have so many memories that I hold on too dearly. Moms are very special ladies.
I love the banter between the two of you. You hopefully know how lucky you are with such an extended big, joyous family. And a mom who is by your side and feels like your best friend. Quite the opposite here, as I am the only one with my kids. Hope you have many years of shelling left.
Some of my mom’s happiest days were shelling on Siesta Key on the Gulf (west) side of Florida. And with you and your mom doing this together year after year now – well aside from the sheer beauty of your shells – it just warms the cockles of my year you will always have these memories. ♥♥ And yes, that was a very intended pun.
I am just in awe of the quality and quantity of shells both you and your mom find! Having been to IOP, I have never seen shells this nice. I guess I am not finding the right honey hole.
Yeah, i think you have to know where and when to look and you have to be persistent. We look every day when we’re there and sometimes several times a day.
Oh hands down your mom’s collection is better. However, I feel your collection has improved over the last 2 years I’ve been watching. Sounds like it’s all fun…..except the part where you got frost bite on your toe and possible permanent damage. Yikes!
I was just joking about that. I still have a blister patch on the worst blister, but my toes are fine. 🙂
It’s a good thing actually that you don’t like the same kinds of shells, because then you aren’t in too much competition and can look out for shells for each other. (It’s kind of like how you shouldn’t go thrift shopping or antiquing with someone who likes the same stuff as you!)
Yes, that’s very true! It’s nice we can add to each other’s collections instead of battling over the same shells.
what happened to no buy february?
I didn’t do it this year. 🙂 Although, I haven’t been buying very much.
Oh Marian, I just love your fun and joy you share with each other and us! It makes me miss my momma, so much, but in the best way. Remembering all our fun ❤️
I think they’re all so beautiful! Your shell pictures last year inspired me to really collect a good number of them on our beach trip last year, and I’m really looking forward to see what treasures await next month.
I love your trips to Isle of Palm and look forward to it and the beautiful shelling adventures you and your Mom have. I would love to have some of those shells!
The west coast shells are very different, but still so much fun to find, especially after a storm, like you say. Thanks for sharing.