Ugly, but make it fashion. Ugly Christmas sweaters are here.

There’s nothing as iconic as the ugly Christmas sweater. Oh, sure, they started out being worn un-ironically (over turtlenecks and paired with a festive brooch, right? We know you’re picturing it now.), but they’ve become a seasonal staple that isn’t going anywhere. Have you been resisting this trend? It’s time to embrace it. Do you already have a collection of jolly jumpers? We’re ready to help you add to it. Either way, these sweaters are the icing on the Christmas cake (Yule log?). Parties, Christmas Day, casual Friday…you need one. Or two. Whatever.

Hilariously ugly to adorably snuggly, this is the ultimate sweater guide. Oh, and if you hate sweaters, or live somewhere that it just would be miserable to wear one, we thought of that, too. There’s tees, sweatshirts, button-downs, and even an apron in here. For adults, for kids, and for pets—we made sure to include anyone who needs some extra holiday style. And make sure to note shipping cut-off dates! It’s coming fast.


For the Adults

'A Christmas Story' Sweater

Fun.com

Is there anything more iconic than A Christmas Story? We'll wait in this fun sweater while you think.

'A Christmas Story' Sweater ($34.99)—Buy Here!

Mele Kalikimaka Sweater

Fun.com

Sand and Santa? We have no complaints. Even in the coldest climates, you can bring a little Hawaiian holiday into your days.

Mele Kalikimaka Sweater ($9.99+)—Buy Here!

Merry Christmas Tacky Tassels Sweater

Amazon.com

Tastefully tacky, this one is a lot of fun (and actually, it's a super flattering silhouette).

Merry Christmas Tacky Tassels Sweater ($44.95)—Buy Here!

Llama Christmas Sweater

Amazon

Fa-la-la-la-llama, And yes. He has reindeer antlers. Of course.

Llama Christmas Sweater ($28.37)—Buy Here!

Tasteless Tinsel Sweater

Amazon

Get ready to compete with the actual Christmas tree in this one!

Tasteless Tinsel Sweater ($59.95)—Buy Here!

Too Hot for Sweaters Sweater

Amazon.com

If you run a little hot, or your holidays aren't snowy, this tee has the same sentiment as a classic sweater but less...sweaty.

Too Hot for Sweaters Sweater ($19.95)—Buy Here!

Ugly Christmas Hoodie

Amazon

Who doesn't love a holiday hoodie? We sure do.

Ugly Christmas Hoodie ($38.99) Amazon—Buy Here!

Skiing Santa Sweater

Amazon

Santa ready for the slopes is as appropriate as it comes!

Skiing Santa Sweater ($30.41+)—Buy Here!

T-Rex Sweater

Amazon

Maybe you didn't know, but dinosaurs love the holidays.

T-Rex Sweater ($67.95), Amazon—Buy Here!

Ugly Christmas Shirt

Amazon

If sweaters and t-shirts aren't your cup of egg nog, may we suggest this dapper button-down?

Ugly Christmas Shirt ($28.95)—Buy Here!

Metallic Christmas Light Sweater

Amazon

This one falls on the cute side of things, and we'd suggest pairing it with faux leather leggings!

Metallica Christmas Light Sweater ($54.95)—Buy Here!

'Star Wars; Christmas Sweatshirt

Amazon

A (Christmas) lightsaber battle is ideal for any Star Wars fan.

Star Wars Christmas Sweatshirt ($41.95)—Buy Here!

Don't Stop Believin' Christmas Sweatshirt

Amazon

You heard what Journey said. Bet you didn't know that it doubled as a Christmas song.

Don't Stop Believin' Christmas Sweatshirt ($27.79+)—Buy Here!

Reindeer Sweater

Amazon

Another more classic than ugly sweater, we think it's pretty cute and 100% party-ready.

Reindeer Sweater ($29.99)—Buy Here!

Festivus Christmas Sweatshirt

Amazon

Any Seinfeld fan will absolutely appreciate this sweatshirt.

Festivus Christmas Sweatshirt ($34.99-$36.99)—Buy Here!

Reindeer Gainz Christmas Sweater

Amazon

Look, if you're going to continue rockin' the gym through the season, you should absolutely brag about it.

Reindeer Gainz Christmas Sweater ($49.99)—Buy Here!

Snowman Christmas Sweater Dress

Amazon

The scarf belt is what really pulls it together, we think.

Snowman Christmas Sweater Dress ($49.95)—Buy Here!

Baseball Santa Sweater

Amazon

Who's ready for serious reindeer games?

Baseball Santa Sweater ($49.99)—Buy Here!

Unicorn Christmas Cardigan Sweater

Amazon

Uh, Christmas is magical and so are unicorns so this all adds up.

Unicorn Christmas Cardigan Sweater ($49.95)—Buy Here!

Festive Flamingo Christmas Sweater

Amazon

This is adorable, and not just because our shopping editor happens to have a thing for flamingos. 

Festive Flamingo Christmas Sweater ($49.95)—Buy Here!

Retro Santa Sweater

Amazon

This is...the worst thing we've ever seen. And also the greatest. It's a lot. So...pretty much the perfect ugly Christmas sweater.

Retro Santa Sweater ($49.99)—Buy Here!

Christmas Sweater Apron

Amazon

Flaunt your baking skills and festive fashion with this one.

Christmas Sweater Apron ($21.00)—Buy Here!

Pink Christmas Tree Sweater

Target

If you'd rather be a bit more subtle in your sweater selection, this is the one for you.

Pink Christmas Tree Sweater ($32.99)—Buy Here!


For the Kids

Pizza Christmas Sweater

Amazon

Not all kiddos like traditional holiday food, and we're totally fine with that!

Pizza Christmas Sweater ($44.95)—Buy Here!

Santa & Snowman Hoodie

Amazon

For kiddos who don't like how sweaters feel, this soft hoodie is just 'ugly' enough.

Santa & Snowman Hoodie ($13.99)—Buy Here!

Santa Hat Christmas Dress

Amazon

We aren't excluding dresses from the list, especially not when they resemble a Christmas tree that Cindy Lou Who would wear.

Santa Hat Christmas Dress, ($21.95)—Buy Here!

Construction Christmas Sweater

Amazon

The yellow and black construction cone "trees" got us.

Construction Christmas Sweater ($29.99)—Buy Here!

Santa Unicorn Christmas Sweatshirt

Amazon

The non-traditional colors really make this one pop.

Santa Unicorn Christmas Sweatshirt ($26.99)—Buy Here!

Sea Sleigher Sweater

Amazon

We would've called this one 'Santa Jaws' but it's fine. Still cute.

Sea Sleigher Sweater ($29.95)—Buy Here!

Christmas Present Sweater

Amazon

Our kids are our favorite gifts, to be fair.

Christmas Present Sweater ($29.99)—Buy Here!

 


For the Pets

Oh Norman! Cozy AF Holiday Sweater

Oh Norman!

Oh Norman! is a dog care line founded by Kaley Cuoco, and has the cutest gifts for dog lovers (all available for under $50). There's even pet owner goodies, too, and a portion of all purchases are donated to animal rescue organization. That's a gift that keeps on giving.

Oh Norman! Cozy AF Holiday Sweater ($35.00)—Buy Here!

Antler Pet Christmas Sweater

Amazon

This one comes with a hood that has attache antlers. Need we say more?

Antler Pet Christmas Sweater ($18.99)—Buy Here!

Christmas Tree Pet Christmas Sweater

Amazon

What if they wore a Christmas tree instead of destroying one?

Christmas Tree Pet Christmas Sweater ($12.99)—Buy Here!

Santa Riding Pet Sweater

Amazon

Terrible. Absolutely terrible. And so good (just read all the reviews, actually).

Santa Riding Pet Sweater ($23.99)—Buy Here!

Pet Wreath Scrunchie Collar

Amazon

This is a great alternative for furry family members who don't do well with pet clothes.

Pet Wreath Scrunchie Collar ($19.99)—Buy Here!

Gingerbread Playhouse Pet Sweater

Target

Gingerbread pretty much scream the holidays. Uh...bark the holidays?

Gingerbread Playhouse Pet Sweater ($13.00)—Buy Here!

Christmas Trees Pet Hoodie

Target

For dogs who get warm easily, or if you live in a mild climate, this sporty pet hoodie is the perfect way to go.

Christmas Trees Pet Hoodie ($10.00)—Buy Here!

 

 

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

This Advent calendar is a top seller at Trader Joe’s for the holiday season

Run, don’t walk to your closest Trader Joe’s. The grocer’s annual 12 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar is back for 2023!

Our editors spied the famed Trader Joe’s 12 Days of Beauty on Nov. 8, and it’s packed with plenty of must-have products. This coveted calendar tends to sell out before Thanksgiving, so if you’re in the market for one, act fast.

As soon as you bring this cutie into your car, the dreamy aroma of citrus will take over and you’ll be glad you nabbed it.

What will you find inside Trader Joe’s 12 Days of Beauty Advent calendar?

  • Lavender bath salts
  • Brazil nut hair mask
  • Gingerbread cookie moisturizing lip balm
  • Brown sugar carob lip scrub
  • Sweet nectarine scented ultra moisturizing hand cream
  • Neroli bamboo scented shave cream
  • Cake batter scented body butter
  • Orange popsicle scented exfoliating sugar scrub cube
  • Rice polish face cleansing powder
  • Vitamin C firming body butter
  • Yuzu bath fizzer
  • Daily facial sunscreen broad spectrum SPF 40

You can find the calendar in the beauty aisle of your local Trader Joe’s for $19.99—but not for long. This one is very popular!

While we were there, we also spied this year’s 12 Days of Scented Candles Advent Calendar for $29.99. We love this option along with the chocolate Advent calendars priced at just $1.99 and the Advent calendars for pets.

Keep an eye out for other holiday favorites that have been trickling in. All the elves on your list will want a bottle of Peppermint, Gingerbread, or Egg Nog Liqueur—perfect for all those holiday cocktails you’ll be mixing up. Felted wool trivets have been hitting the shelves, along with dog toys, holiday snacks, and the scented candle trio.

Cross your fingers that year’s felted wool garlands will come in the mini size again as we loved pairing them with our Elf on the Shelf along with those mini totes they sold last month. Get ready, Instagram!

There’s something for everyone on your list at your neighborhood Trader Joe’s

The holiday season is here—are you looking for that last-minute gift idea? No need to make a separate run to the mall, just head to your local Trader Joe’s. The grocer has the perfect selection of quick gifts, including Trader Joe’s gift cards, beauty products, home decor, and more. Your recipients will be thrilled with whatever you pick out for them—we know it. And don’t forget to pick up the best Trader Joe’s holiday products while you’re there!

Felt Ball Wreath

Felt ball wreath is a Trader Joe's gift idea
Kate Loweth

What says "I love Trader Joe's and I love the holidays" more than a festive wreath made out of colored or white felt balls? Gift it with a bottle of wine. $19.99

Gummy Bear Flavored Lip Duo

Trader Joe's gifts: Gummy Bear Flavored Lip Duo
Kate Loweth

New for 2022: The word on TikTok is that this is a pretty close dupe to the favorite set from Lineage but we'll leave that judgment to you. We love this option as a stocking stuffer. Get it for $6.99

Crackling Red Fruits in the Forest Candle

Trader Joe's gifts: Crackling Red Fruits in the Forest Candle
Kate Loweth

New for 2022: These have a wood wick so you'll think you're sitting by the fire this holiday season. $9.99

Grump Tree

Kate Loweth

Whether you’re feeling a little Grinchy or you’re short on space to decorate, these adorable little trees are the perfect accent to warm your home and your heart. The skinny evergreen Cyprus trees are wrapped in a red ribbon and topped with a single red ornament. Perfect to bring to your neighbor's Christmas party. $9.99

Moisturizing Lip Balm Set

Kate Loweth

The mango flavor tops our list but with six to choose from, you'll definitely find one that suits your mood. $5.99

Hot Cocoa Polar Bear

Kate Loweth

New for 2022: These take hot cocoa bombs to the next level and we.are.here.for.it. They make the perfect stocking stuffer or gift to go along with your gift card. $1.99

Olive Wood Cutting Boards

Trader Joe's gifts: Olive Wood Cutting Boards

We love these for charcuterie any time of year and Trader Joe's has a pretty epic cheese selection to get the party started. $12.99

Chocolate Passport

Trader Joe's gifts everyone will love
Kate Loweth

Go on a journey of indulgence with these too-cute boxes of chocolates that take you to Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, The Dominican Republic, Ghana, Papua New Guinea, Sao Tome, and Tanzania. Perfect for the chocolate lover on your list. $9.99

Paperwhites

Trader Joe's gifts: paperwhite bulbs
Kate Loweth

These are an inexpensive addition to any gift this holiday season and they are pretty fool-proof as well. $3.99

Boozy Little Chocolate Truffles

Kate Loweth

Whether you gift these to the mailman or your child's teacher, we know they'll love these tiny chocolates with a kick. $6.99

Merry & Bright Skin Care Trio

Trader Joe's gifts: Merry & Bright Skin Care Trio

Vitamin C serum, face mask, and lip balm are the favorite products that make it into this set for just $9.99. 

Candle Trio

Kate Loweth

Cranberry pine, fresh currant, and nutmeg are the holiday scents that make up this fun trio. $7.99

Hand-Woven Newspaper Basket

Kate Loweth

These baskets are a great size for displaying those holiday books by the fireplace or for tucking in a snuggly blanket. $6.99

Olive Wood Bowl Trio

Kate Loweth

For $29.99, you can snag this set of three that's perfect for displaying your Jingle Jangle at your holiday party. 

Jingle Jangle

https://www.instagram.com/p/CWb6DeiPby2/?hidecaption=true

Cookies, chocolate, candies, pretzels, oh my! The coveted Jingle Jangle tin makes the perfect hostess gift (or maybe even a little gift to yourself!).

Find it in the seasonal section for $10.

Hot Chocolate Sticks

Trader Joe's

Perfect as a family gift or to bring for a hostess, these hot chocolate sticks will power any giftee through the chilly winter.  They are made with 46% dark cocoa, with cocoa butter and pure cane sugar and fashioned into 3.5-inch sticks that dissolve when stirred for two to three minutes. 

You can pick up a 7 ounce box for $3.29.

Cookie Mixes

Karly Wood

Whether you break up this trio of baking mixes or give them all to one person, you can't go wrong with TJ's variety of cookie mixes. After all, the holidays are all about getting your bake on, but not everyone has the desire to make cookies from scratch. Perfect for teachers or neighbors, pair a mix with a cute dishcloth or whisk and you've got a fun and festive gift! This year, Trader's has Peppermint Chocolate Chunk Cookie Mix and a delicious Pfeffernüsse Cookie Mix.

Find these mixes in the baking aisle starting at $2.99 each.

Felted Wool Trivets

Kate Loweth

Multiple colors are available this year, perfect for dressing up your holiday table. $4.99

Peppermint Cream, Gingerbread & Egg Nog Liqueur

Kate Loweth

Want to spice up that holiday beverage? Just top it off with a little Peppermint Cream, Gingerbread, or Egg Not Liqueur! Made with vodka, these come in at $7.99.

Felted Wool Garland

Kate Loweth

Three colors to choose from and some are even seeing a mini version of these, perfect for your Elf on the Shelf holiday display. $9.99

Mistletoe

Karly Wood

Meet me under the mistletoe! This preserved product is meant to last the entire season and would make a sweet gift for the loved ones in your life.

A box is just $2.49 and can be found near the front of the store.

Trader Joe's Gift Card

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5p4uymF7HI/?hidecaption=true

Can you ever go truly wrong with a gift card? Let your family and friends grab their fave products on their own time when you wrap up a Trader Joe's gift card that can be used in any store at any time.

Fantastic Florals

Karly Wood

No need to spend copious amounts of moolah on a seasonal floral bouquet, especially when you hit up Trader's. Before you check out, sample the amazing holiday bouquets, classic bunches and glam greenery that always lines the buckets of the grocer's floral department. You'll never need to show up at a holiday shindig empty-handed again!

Wine

Karly Wood

TJ's has long been known for its excellent and well-priced array of wine and this holiday you can take full advantage. Whether your giftee loves a good import or prefers a subtle sauvignon blanc, you can easily shop the vino department with confidence that whatever you choose, it has Joe's stamp of approval––and it won't break the bank.

Cheese, Please

Good Trader Joe's gifts include a variety of cheese
Trader Joe's

Cinnamon Toscata, Chimay Autumn Cheese, Baked Blood Orange Chocolate Chip Ricotta––these are just a few of the decadent cheeses at your fingertips at TJ's. Pick up a few unique wedges and pair with chocolates, crackers or wine for the perfect hostess gift!

Chocolate

Trader Joe's

There's something for everyone for the holidays at Trader Joe's! Sink your teeth into Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups, the Taste Test of Caramels or Dark Chocolate Liqueur Cherries. Keep an eye out for specialty assortments, too!

Gourmet Coffee & Tea

Trader Joe's

Help your loved ones cozy up this holiday with beautifully packaged teas and coffees that only Trader Joe's can do. Tins of teas and artful bags of coffee make great gifts that are easy to snag on your next TJ run.

All the Nog Products

Trader Joe's

Egg nog, almond nog, Greek whole milk yogurt egg nog––oh my! Nothing says the holidays like a nosh-worthy nog product! Pick up a few to wish your fam and friends a festive season on your weekly grocery run.

Candy Cane Joe-Joe's

Karly Wood

We've yet to meet a person who doesn't love Trader Joe's coveted Candy Cane Joe-Joe's! Loved one, neighbor, teacher or friend, you can't go wrong picking up a few boxes of these to keep around for last-minute gifts. Top with a red bow––or maybe a half-gallon of milk––there's no wrong way to Joe Joe.

Additional reporting by Karly Wood

 

We came to drink egg nog and play Christmas games. And we’re all out of egg nog.

Boring? Not on your life. Holiday parties, get-togethers, and class shindigs don’t have to all be the same. Sure we love snacks, festive Christmas music, and getting together with our friends and family and coworkers and classmates (the list keeps going!) to celebrate all things holiday, but what if we could add a little more “Most Wonderful Time of the Year” vibes to your celebration? That’s where these Christmas games come in. These are perfect for early gifts to tide the kiddos over, to bring to white elephant exchanges, and to use as fun prizes or giveaways for events!

They aren’t the usual party games, either. We’re talking holiday-infused, jolly, and juiced up versions of the classics with some brand-new ideas, too, to bring everyone together all season long. Whether it’s family game night or a whole reunion, there’s something for everyone on our Christmas list, so everyone can participate. Above all, no one gets left out with our picks!. We know a lot of party games out there are for grown-ups only. Instead, we’re making sure to keep it all-ages-friendly! From cards to ring tosses to board games and more, we’ve got every category covered. The gang isn’t going to be able to wait to unwrap these.


Last Christmas

The Naughty or Nice Holiday Party Game for the Whole Family

$30 BUY NOW

12 Games of Christmas

12 Hilarious Party Games

$25 BUY NOW

Reindeer Toss

Inflatable Wearable Christmas Ring Toss

$15 BUY NOW

Santa Cookie Elf Candy Snowman

Holiday Edition of the Hit Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza Card Game

$10 BUY NOW

10 Office Party Games

Office Party Digital Downloads

$13 BUY NOW

Personalized Memory Game

Christmas Characters Memory Game for Kids

$14 on Sale BUY NOW

Personalized Claw Machine

Personalized Mini Christmas Claw Machine (contents not included)

$60 BUY NOW

Christmas Scavenger Hunt

Indoor & Outdoor Item Card Decks Included

$8 BUY NOW

The Christmas Express Game

The Christmas Express Board Game

$15 BUY NOW

Penguin Bowling

Penguin Bowling Ball & Pins Party Kit

$10 BUY NOW

Mickey's Christmas Carol Game

Puzzle Scene Game

$10 BUY NOW

Ornament Tic-Tac-Toe

Wood Christmas Present with Ornaments & Stars Tic-Tac-Toe Game

$10 BUY NOW

Flamingle Bells

Tropical Flamingo Christmas Party Game Scratch-Off Dare Cards

$14 BUY NOW

Animal on Animal

Christmas Stacking Game

$30 BUY NOW

Santa & Tree Bowling Game

Pull-Back Santa Bowling Game

$24 BUY NOW

Stocking Bundle by Maisonette

Festive Toy Shop Set

$44 BUY NOW

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

Show them that you love them a latte with these gifts for coffee lovers

We get it; we were waiting on the return of the Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte, too (tip: we actually think it’s even better with oat milk, but keep that between us, okay?). Holiday coffee concoctions have become a tradition, and even if you’re not a brew-lover yourself, something about the smell of spiced seasonal coffees can really put anyone in the spirit. So imagine what kinds of gifts coffee lovers are asking Santa for!

Our guide to gifts for coffee lovers covers all sorts of bean-tastic ideas for the caffeinated in your life! It’s also not just suggestions for grounds that’ll get their blood flowing (although those are fantastic, too!). We’ve put together a great list of gifts for coffee lovers that range everywhere from coffee machines (you had to see that coming, of course) to coffee-inspired art and apparel that there’s a good chance they don’t have in their lives yet. Keep reading for all the details on our favorite gifts for coffee-lovers!

Nespresso VertuoLine By Breville With Aeroccino3 Frother

If they (or you!) haven't jumped on the Nespresso train, now is a great time to do it. This by-the-cup coffee system brews both classic drip and espresso while it intuitively knows which Nespresso coffee pod you've put into it and adjusts to create the perfect blend!

Nespresso VertuoLine By Breville With Aeroccino3 Frother ($269.99)—Buy Now

Fortessa Northern Lights Mugs, Set Of 4

We just adore these gorgeous mugs. Designed to pay homage to the Northern Lights, we're definitely reminded of the dreamy night sky!

Fortessa Northern Lights Mugs, Set Of 4 ($31.80)—Buy Now

Holiday Coffee Syrups

Gingerbread, Peppermint, Egg Nog, and Irish Cream? Yeah, that's pretty much the holiday lineup of our coffee dreams!

Holiday Coffee Syrups ($9.99)—Buy Now

New Wave Caffe Coffee for 2 Gift Set

This Asian-inspired coffee set is a unique way to help your favorite coffee lover enjoy the whole ritual of having a moment to relax!

New Wave Caffe Coffee for 2 Gift Set ($96.04)—Buy Now

Reusable Iced Coffee Sleeve

Friends, it's an iced cofee koozie. An. Iced. Coffee. Koozie.

Reusable Iced Coffee Sleeve ($12.99)—Buy Now

Copper Moon 36-count White Christmas Coffee Pods

Hazelnut, coconut, and caramel with a hint of vanilla? The Copper Moon White Christmas blend is the perfect holiday flavor.

Copper Moon White Christmas Coffee Pods ($23.95)—Buy Now

Floating Spilling Coffee Cup

These are so cool! They're super unique and with the choices of cup and coffee hue, they'll be a great addition to a kitchen or coffee bar.

Floating Spilling Coffee Cup ($24.99+)—Buy Now

Coffee Socks

Keep their feet as warm as their hands with these coffee lovers socks!

Coffee Socks ($12.00)—Buy Now

Coffee Bar Pallet Sign

We love a good personalized gift and this farmhouse-chic coffee sign ticks all the boxes!

Coffee Bar Pallet Sign ($39.00)—Buy Now

Buffalo Plaid Moose Coffee Sweatshirt

We love coffee in all its forms, and we're definitely in the mood for plaid this season.

Buffalo Plaid Moose Coffee Sweatshirt ($10.20+)—Buy Now

ChapStick Coffee Collection

$100s off gifts under $20, including this fun ChapStick stocking stuffer! Extra Offer 20% off CVS Pickup Orders with Code: PICKUP20

CVS 20% Off Here

16oz Reindeer Mug

How cute is this sweet reindeer mug? Perfect for holiday coffees, teas, and cocoa.

16oz Reindeer Mug ($29.99)—Buy Now

W&P Design Terrazzo Mug

Reduce environmental impact and enjoy doing it with this reusable 16oz mug made with durable ceramic and wrapped with a matte silicone sleeve that’s grippable, soft on the hands, and prevents scratches on surfaces!

W&P Design Terrazzo Mug ($30.00)—Buy Now

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

Costumed kids’ dashes, turkey trots, and jingle bell runs are all part of family fitness this fall

For so many Atlanta families fall is all about picking apples in the North Georgia mountains, carving pumpkins, and taking advantage of the last vestiges of summer. For others, it’s about getting outside and enjoying fall’s beautiful weather. What better way to enjoy the changing seasons than with a run? Fall race season is in full swing, and a family-friendly walk or run is ready for your crew to enjoy. Whether you want to exercise as a family or support a local charity, we’ve rounded up the best family races in Atlanta between now and the winter holidays. So grab your tennis shoes and carve out time to train with the kids. These local races should be on your fall bucket list.

Sign up now for these October 5K races Atlanta families can run

Trick or Trot 5K Race & Fall Festival
Get ready for the most fun run around where you and your crew can enjoy games, prizes, raffles, snow cones, face painting, and more. Sign up for the 5K run/walk or the free Spooky Sprint for kids ages 9 and younger. Hosted by Easterseals North Georgia, the race supports its mission to strengthen the health and development of children with disabilities, their families, and the greater community.

Date: Oct. 15, 2022

Thrasher Park
93 Park Dr.
Norcross, GA
Online: atlantatrackclub.org

 

100 Black Men Health & Wellness 5K & 1 Mile Run/Walk
Give back to support the mission to improve the quality of life within our communities and enhance educational and economic opportunities for all African Americans. Runners, joggers, and walkers enjoy a healthy, fun-filled event while supporting a worthy cause. Strollers are welcome on the course, so bring yours along. The easy mile-long course is great starting point for kids of all ages.

Date: Oct. 15, 2022

400 Ernest Barrett Pkwy.
Kennesaw, GA
Online: towncenteratcobb.com

 

Spooktacular Chase 5K and 8K
Register today for this annual Halloween-themed run through Historic Downtown Powder Springs. Come dressed in costumes and ready to enjoy the scenic routes of the surrounding area and Silver Comet Trail. Plus, you'll run for a great cause. All race proceeds support the life-changing services provided by Vision Rehabilitation Services of Georgia to individuals of all ages who are blind or visually impaired across 31 counties of North Georgia. Costumed or not, this will be a great family event.

Date: Oct. 22, 2022

Cobb Park
Powder Springs St. S.E. & Sanford Pl.
Powder Spring, GA
Online: raceroster.com

Related: Scare Up Fun! 15 Halloween Happenings around Atlanta

Fantastic 5K races & family runs to get you through November

https://www.instagram.com/p/CIEJPZnjDeM/?hidecaption=true

Atlanta Lab Rescue 5K
Lace up for the 8th Annual Atlanta Lab Rescue 5K at Still Family Farm in Powder Springs, GA. The 5K race begins and ends at the farm. It's a dog-friendly flat trail race, and everyone gets to go home with a long sleeve race t-shirt. The top three finishing dogs participating in the timed race get a prize, too. After the race, stick around for the Fall Festival featuring food, drinks, live music, activities for kids, and some fantastic local vendors with unique handcrafted items. A great way to spend the day!

Date: Nov. 12, 2022

5682 Macland Rd.
Powder Springs, GA
Online: atlantalabrescue.com

 

Cobb County Public Safety Foundation 5K
It's the inaugural year of this new race where athletes of all abilities can run, walk, or jog this 5K course. The CCPSF will be offered both in-person or virtual this year, and it's a fantastic race for young and old alike. Head to The Battery for the big event and a chance to support the Cobb County First Responders. But the best part of this race, at least according to your kids, has got to be the first responder vehicles, displays, and a fun kids' dash with The Atlanta Braves' Blooper. It doesn't get much better than that!

Date: Nov. 19

The Battery
800 Battery Ave. S.E.
Atlanta
Online: raceplace.com

 

Gobble Jog
Hundreds of local families will come to Marietta Square on Thanksgiving morning to participate in the 20th Annual Gobble Jog, benefiting MUST Ministries. The local charity is experiencing its greatest food need in 50 years, so sign up to give back to local families and have fun with yours in the process. Runners and walkers choose between a 10K, 5K, 1K or Tot Trot (50 yards). After registering your crew, help raise money by letting family, friends, and co-workers know how they can donate and give back. It's a great way to spend Thanksgiving morning and the excuse you need to go ahead and indulge in a slice of pumpkin pie.

Date: Nov. 24

99 S. Park Square N.E.
Marietta, GA
Online: must.enmotive.com

Related: 15 Fantastic Festivals & Fairs to Put on Your Fall Calendar

 

End the year on the right foot with this December run

Jingle Bell Jog
It's time to celebrate all things winter with a 5K and one-mile run to kickstart the holiday season. We're talking jingle bells, Santa, mistletoe, egg nog, reindeer, and elves. The fun starts with the jingle bells racers get to tie on their shoes and it ends with a Santa suit costume you get to take home (race shirts are so last year). After you cross the finish line, don't forget to collect the holiday-themed medal for finishers. Plus, the fun run is just the right speed for tots to give racing a try.

Date: Dec. 11

Piedmont Park, Charles Allen entrance off 10th St.
Atlanta
Online: jinglebelljog.net

The holiday season usually means an above average consumption of special treats, and a recent study by Zinnia has figured out which sweets are the most popular by state.

The career site used Google Trends to search over 40 classics and determined which treat was searched for the most in each state. They found some interesting results!

photo: Zippia

All in all, 20 states prefer cake, 12 love candy, 10 need their cookies and nine states vote cheesecake as their top treat. Other notable treats include cinnamon rolls, vegan Christmas cookies, yule logs and yes––even fruitcake.

Zinnia also let a few liquids slip through, including egg nog and hot chocolate. You can get a more detailed view of the report at Zinnia.

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: Marc Markstein via Unsplash

 

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If your mini chemists enjoy concocting their own slime, then they will love giving it a signature scent with SlimeScent.

Demeter Fragrance just launched a unique line of slime scents to take your slime to the next level. So what exactly does slime smell like?

The line includes fragrances like Jasmine, Lychee, Dark Chocolate, Pixie Dust, Kitten Fur, Vanilla Cake Batter, Asian Pear, Dragon Fruit, Monk Fruit, Butterscotch, Lavender and Sunshine. “Demeter lives at the nexus of fun and fragrance. Scenting slime is the purest fun with fragrance I have experienced. I just love this product,” commented Mark Crames, Demeter Fragrance CEO and Chief Perfumer.

Demeter is also featuring Limited-Edition SlimeScents for the holidays including Christmas Tree, Egg Nog, Gingerbread and Candy Cane Truffle, which are sold individually or in a boxed set. The company will soon launch a Limited-Edition Valentine’s Day set featuring SlimeScent in Pixie Dust, Cotton Candy, Bulgarian Rose and Dark Chocolate.

Each half-ounce bottle of SlimeScent contains enough fragrance to scent two 6 to 8-ounce portions of slime. The fragrance bottles are priced at $5 each and the holiday sets are $20. You can shop the full line here.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Demeter Fragrance

 

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After all the egg nog has been drunk, the carols have been sung and the presents unwrapped you want to keep the festive spirit going, but what to do? Never fear, we have compiled a list of things to do in the District on Christmas day after Santa Claus has already come to town…and eaten all of your cookies.

Photo: Francisco Antunes via Flickr

Memorials & Monuments
Taking the wee ones downtown to see the Washington and Lincoln Memorial can be a bit of a trek. Avoid the crowds this year and head over to them on Christmas day! There’s a plethora of parking close by and all of the daily hubbub of tourists and civil servants will be missing. Enjoy the stillness as you and the tykes take in unobstructed views of the Washington skyline and all the glory of our monuments and memorials, including Mr. Lincoln himself!

Monuments & Memorials
Various locations throughout the city
Open: Dawn-Dusk
Cost: Free
Online: nps.gov/nama

Photo: ktylerconk via Flickr

All Aboard
The U.S. Botanic Gardens might not be the first thing to come to mind but the always-free conservatory with its seasonal plant exhibits and displays pairs nicely with the Garden Railway model train exhibit aptly named ‘Pollination Station’. Blow their minds when you head to the West Gallery to show them the largest indoor decorated tree in the city.

U.S. Botanic Garden
100 Maryland Ave., SW
Christmas Hours: 10 am-5 pm
Cost: Free
Online: usbg.gov

Photo: Washington Harbour

Skate Away
Scoop up the kids and skate the day away at the Washington Harbour ice rink in Georgetown. This rink is even bigger than Rockefeller Center and boasts over 11,000 square feet of icy, skate-tastic fun for the whole family. Little ones can push penguins along to help them stay upright and in skating position while you take in the city’s sights of Roosevelt Island, the Kennedy Center and the Potomac River. The perfect cure for everyone’s cabin fever!

Washington Harbour Ice Rink
3050 K St., NW
Open: Christmas Day 12PM-10PM
Cost: $10/adults; $9/kids; $5/skate rental
Online: washingtonharbour.com

Photo: Mt. Vernon Estate

Presidential Affairs
Get into the olde tyme Christmas spirit at Mt. Vernon for an early-American Christmas. Tiny tykes with their eyes all aglow will enjoy the many themed Christmas trees, chocolate making demonstrations and holiday treats throughout the estate. A special holiday season bonus is the often-closed third floor where Martha Washington lived out her days. It is open this time of year for viewing. Get in while you can! Just be sure to purchase tickets for your visit online before you go as it does tend to sell out.

Mt. Vernon Estate
3200 Mount Vernon Hwy. (Mt. Vernon, Va)
Cost: $17/adults; $8/kids ages 6-11; free/kids under 5
Online: mountvernon.org

Photo: Richard Pyrker via flickr

Seeing Stars
You dashed through the crowds all Christmas season and now you can stop and enjoy the holiday moment and avoid the crowds. Today is the perfect day to take in a movie! Visit the multiplex and see the flick that you and the kiddos have been dying to view but just couldn’t squeeze into the frenzied holiday schedule. Nosh some popcorn with The Good Dinosaur or see the newest battle of the light sabers with Star Wars – The Force Awakens at a theatre near you.

Times and Locations vary per theater.

Do you have any cool plans for Christmas day? Tell us all about them in the comments section below. 

—Victoria Mason

 

January 19 is National Popcorn Day. While some like to celebrate with popcorn related activities like popcorn air hockey, popcorn relay races, and popcorn haikus, we at Red Tricycle have a different suggestion: How about just eating it? (But do it quickly, and possibly furtively, there are some voices in NYC government who would like to add popcorn to the list of banned substances, right alongside big sodas.) On the other hand, if you’re going to become a Popcorn Outlaw, you want to make sure you are downing the very best stuff possible. Here are our picks for some great spots to satisfy your snack fix when hunger strikes.

Garrett Popcorn
242 West 34th Street
Though it launched in Chicago, it didn’t take Garrett Popcorn long to conquer The Big Apple with their classic, cooked in old-school copper kettles, thank you very much, delicacy. Favorite flavors at their Penn Station location include Chicago Style (cheddar and caramel), Gingerbread, Macadamia, Cashew, Hawaiian Islands Cane Sugar, and more.

Good to Know: The Penn station locale means delicious popcorn is only a short train ride away on the 1, 2, 3, A, C, E,  B, D, F, M, N, Q, or R. And if Oprah puts it on her list of favorite things, it’s got to be good!

Pop Karma
95 Orchard Street
With a menu that boasts Zen Cheddar and Pure Caramel alongside Mediterranean and Masala flavors, you can be certain to find a unique taste to tickle anyone’s palate at this Lower East Side establishment open seven days a week from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Good to Know: Don’t feel like schlepping downtown? Pop Karma delivers! Choose a flavor, choose a size and call in your order before 7 pm to get door to door service (there’s a $10 minimum) not only in Manhattan, but also in Brooklyn and Queens!

Populence
1 W 8th St (between 5th Ave & MacDougal St)
Calling themselves Popcorn Artisans, this is a Greenwich Village spot that takes their corn making very seriously. Favorite hand-crafted flavors include Ginger Caramel, Raspberry, Cinnamon, Sundried Tomato, Smoked Jalapeno and Garlic Rosemary. For those having trouble making up their minds, samplers are also available.

Good to Know: Perfect for the civil-minded. Once you purchase your first gallon tin of popcorn, you can keep returning to have it refilled, adding a little fun and flavor to your recycling!

Kettle Corn NYC
It’s a quintessential New York Story: Fresh faced youngster comes to New York City with nothing but some unpopped corn, and a dream. Fresh faced youngster opens Kettle Corn truck to drive around the city, hawking his wares. Kettle Corn truck gets stolen.  The now jaded, formerly fresh faced, youngster decides – no more! And proceeds to sell his popcorn on-line. Along the way, his flavors of Cherry Chocolate, Sour Cream and Chives, Cotton Candy, Frutti Bam Bam, Egg Nog and Spicy Ranch pick up the Food Network’s seal of approval as New York’s Tastiest Popcorn. If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere…with or without a truck.

Good to Know: In addition to their on-line shop, Kettle Corn NYC runs stands at NYC street festivals all summer long. Keep an eye on their schedule and, odds are, they’ll eventually land on a block near you (alongside those knock-off T-shirts and bargain bundles of socks).

Of course, no overview of popcorn options could be complete without mentioning the family’s primary site for chewing down: Movie theaters.

The temptation is to assume that all theater fare is the same (over-greased, over-salted, and possibly several days old, to boot).

However, a few movie palaces in New York do buck the trend, offering not merely palatable, but downright tasty snacks along with your cinematic escape. Try:

  • The Film Forum. Not only do they pop fresh and top with only peanut oil and sea-salt, but they also host a Film Forum Jr. of classic movies like “The Red Balloon” and “King Kong” just for kids!
  • IFC Center brings organic kernels and real butter to the table, along with flavorings like cinnamon sugar, and documentaries like the popular 7 Up series you’ll be hard pressed to find screening anywhere else.
  • Of course, when nothing but a chain will do, opt for Landmark Theaters. In New York City, they offer their trademark Rattle & Reel Screenings where adults pay full price, but babies are free… and, more importantly, welcome, along with their popcorn cooked in coconut oil and topping selections of sour cream and onion, jalapeno, barbecue, Cajun, apple cinnamon, chocolate marshmallow and more!

Where do you go when you need your salty snack fix?

— Alina Adams

photo credit: Genevieve C. via yelp, Pop Karma facebook page, Populence facebook page, Kettle Corn NYC facebook page