Melanie Preis
Melanie Preis is a writer, editor, wife, and mom of three (including her beloved bernedoodle). Before joining Mommy Poppins, she worked at StyleBlueprint, Turner Broadcasting, and HowStuffWorks. She loves reading, anything Bravo, art fairs, and, of course, her bernedoodle.
Latest posts by Melanie
The holidays are here and that means the scramble for last-minute gift ideas and then last-minute gift shopping is inevitable. Thankfully Amazon offers super quick delivery for most gifts...and you get to avoid chaotic stores, busy parking lots, and competitive shoppers. Procrastinators, forgetful gifters, and at-home shoppers: put your worries aside with our helpful guide to gifts that arrive soon after you place your order.
These last-minute gift ideas are all tried and true, tested and beloved. And to keep the love of reading alive at every age, we've included a great literary gift in each category.
Take a look at some of our favorite unique holiday gifts to satisfy every age group! For more great gift ideas, check out the Mommy Poppins Holiday Gift Guide 2024, including the hottest toys and Christmas gifts for kids, cool stocking stuffers, and much more.
Fill up your Christmas bucket list in Orlando, while Santa works on his naughty or nice list! We've rounded up some of our favorite must-do Christmas activities and events in Orlando that families will definitely want to hit up this holiday season. From the twinkling magic of holiday lights to exciting Christmas events at Orlando theme parks, we've got awesome ideas to finish the year with a bang!
The Nutcracker ballet is the quintessential holiday event for families, and luckily, Orlando has several productions to choose from. Families may prefer to attend the classic version of The Nutcracker, performed by professionally trained dancers from Orlando Ballet and Central Florida Ballet, or something a bit more modern, like this pyrotechnic version!
Besides The Nutcracker, there are many holiday shows for every age group and interest. As theaters and venues open doors for holiday shows and events, lucky Orlando residents and tourists have their pick in choosing some of the best holiday shows around!
Ice skating near Atlanta is the quintessential winter activity, whether you're ready for the Olympic trials or can barely stand upright. Though it may take a few turns around the ice skating rink to get your "ice legs," families enjoy spending time together spinning, skating, and realistically, falling down, together. These seasonal outdoor ice skating rinks pop up from November through early 2025. Families can find lots of ice skating in Atlanta, most of which include music and hot chocolate. We've rounded up the best ones and even included one that requires no skates at all (sock skating at Fernbank)!
Take a look at our favorite ice skating spots to nail that triple toe loop or cling to rink walls! Want more ideas this holiday season? Check out the Atlanta Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for great winter events. If you need more ideas of things to do in Atlanta, visit our Atlanta events calendar.
Enjoy the colorful celebration of Dia de los Muertos in Atlanta on November 1 and 2, as well as the end of October. This beautiful holiday pays homage to the spirits of the dead, acknowledges the relationship between the living and the dead, and help people celebrate the memories of their deceased relatives. Dia de los Muertos decor showcases skulls and skeletons, made of various materials (even sugar and icing!) in a festive way, with spirited music, delicious food, and good fun. Take a look at Dia de los Muertos Atlanta events for the whole family!
In addition to Dia de los Muertos, we've got more tasty holiday treats in our Atlanta Halloween Guide!
Spend a night at the museum...literally! These Orlando museums, zoos, and attractions host fun sleepovers for kids of all ages and interests. Whether part of a school event, birthday party, or a club activity, sleepovers at Orlando attractions are fun, exciting ways to experience everyday places in a totally new way. If your child isn't ready for an overnight event, don't worry -- many of these zoos and museums feature late nights, where kids stay for an evening of excitement then eventually head home to get some shut eye.
Take a look at some of our favorite places for Orlando kids to sleepover or spend a late night for a unique experience under the stars!
It's Oktoberfest — bring out the polka bands and lederhosen because it's time to celebrate! Atlanta hosts great Oktoberfest-themed events and activities, including our own Bavarian town, Helen, Georgia! We've gathered some of our favorite Oktoberfest events in Atlanta that will get everyone singing, "oompah, oompah!"
For more awesome fall activities and festivals, check out our Atlanta Fall Guide. We've got up-to-date news and ideas about Halloween, pumpkin patches, and much more!
Celebrate Oktoberfest with the whole fam at kid-friendly Orlando events! Don some lederhosen for the ultimate Oktoberfest fun with the kids. Whether you love Bavarian music, traditional outfits, delicious food, or fun dances, Oktoberfest is a wonderful time for everyone. And of course, mom and dad can enjoy a toppling beer stein during the day's festivities. Take a look at some fun Oktoberfest events in Orlando throughout the month!
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