Melyssa Williams

Melyssa Williams has been writing since she could hold a pen (or a quill, as she was an odd little duck).

Sadly, she was born to two loving parents who fed her broccoli, taught her manners, and raised her with love and affection – this was a striking blow to someone who wanted desperately to adventure like only an orphan can.

Once she got over this terrible malady, Melyssa wrote several novels. These include The Lost Trilogy, a young adult sci-fi/fantasy saga, and Once Upon a Winter, a steampunk retelling of the The Nutcracker.

Melyssa has been on staff for magazines such as Mary Jane’s Farm and Home Educating Family, she has ghostwritten several popular books, and her work has been featured on Crosswalk, Farm Girl Sisterhood, Well Planned Gal, and more.

When she’s not writing fiction, you'll find her blogging, thrift store shopping, or annoying her children (who also wish they were orphans).

She was a professional ballerina back in the day, has taught ballet for over 30 years, and currently pours wine at the most darling tasting room in Southern Oregon.

21 Lovely Ballet Teacher Gifts that are On Pointe

November 13, 2024September 17, 2021 by Melyssa Williams

Gift Ideas for Your Child's Ballet Teacher

Looking for ballet teacher gifts that are srsly on pointe? Welcome to All Gifts Considered, Ballet Edition!

Ballet teachers teach their art anywhere from a couple classes per week to the rough equivalent of a full time job (or more). Add in those rehearsals with sweaty children and teenagers, and they deserve a great gift, whether it’s National Teacher Day, Nutcracker audition day, or recital night.

Here are 21 ballet teacher gift ideas over which we think any ballet teacher would pas de chat for joy.

Sweet 16 Ideas: Your Guide to the Ultimate Coming-of-Age Party

July 21, 2023September 10, 2021 by Melyssa Williams

Today, we’re going to look at the best Sweet 16 ideas, and how to throw the perfect coming of age party.

You have to admit, as sweet (and tempestuous) as the toddler phase was, as adorable (and loud) as the preteen and Tween phase was, you and her need a REAL party for this next milestone!

Sweet 16 is a big deal, because come on, it’s literally halfway through the Teenage Years. (Trust us, they need capital letters. If you know, you know.)

So don’t hold back. This Sweet 16 bash is going to remembered for years and years to come! Scroll on for some awesome ideas.

45 Best Outdoor Gifts for Kids (No Screens)

April 9, 2024September 6, 2021 by Melyssa Williams

Looking for some screen-free outdoor gifts to encourage your kids to play outside?

We’ve put together the best collection of outdoor toys, games, gifts, and activities for kids of all ages. From toddlers to teens, you’ll find something unique and fun below.

45 Best Eco-Friendly Gifts for Sustainability Lovers

November 13, 2024September 3, 2021 by Melyssa Williams

How can you become more sustainable and eco-friendly with your gift giving?

After all, no one needs yet another blender, toaster, gift card, or jelly of the month subscription. (One jelly of the month subscription should be enough, amirite? C’mon, people.)

The Ultimate List of Going Away Party Ideas

April 9, 2024August 30, 2021 by Melyssa Williams

Here’s the ultimate list of going away party ideas.

Because, sadly, it’s inevitable… people go away. As much as we hate it.

They move away, change jobs, get deployed, go to college, buy a new house, want to be closer to grandbabies, or need to take care of an elderly family member.

16th Birthday Gift Ideas for an Amazing Teenager

September 21, 2023August 16, 2021 by Melyssa Williams

I am 16, going on 17…
~ Liesl, The Sound of Music

I’m 16 years old! I’m not a child anymore!
~ Ariel, The Little Mermaid

16 is a big year! You need to get her an amazing gift!
~ The Staff at All Gifts Considered

13 Year Old Gifts: The 30 Best Birthday Gifts for a New Teenager

February 16, 2024August 10, 2021 by Melyssa Williams

“They fight wars with men like you!” my husband cheerfully likes to tell our 13 year old when he complains about something drastically awful, like a bad wifi signal.

But in all seriousness, 13 is a tricky age to be. They’re a newly minted teenager. There’s all this social pressure, plus hormones, puberty, and a love for all things that are silly and immature along with a pull towards wanting to be an adult (and be treated as such).

Thirteen can really be tough. So why not get them a gift that will really take the cake? (And don’t forget the cake. Teens need a heck of a lot of carbs to keep their moods sunny).

Let’s take a look at the 30 best birthday gifts for 13 year olds.

21 Best Movie Lover Gifts (Director’s Cut)

August 20, 2024August 4, 2021 by Melyssa Williams

What are the best gifts for movie lovers? Don’t worry – we have got you covered.

Sure, an upgrade of Casablanca from DVD to Blu-ray is good too, but here are some more unusual and unique gifts for that film buff in your life.

And if the movie lover is you… well, happy birthday! Treat yo’self!

5th Anniversary Gifts: Best Ideas (Traditional & Modern)

September 2, 2024August 2, 2021 by Melyssa Williams

It’s half a decade, you guys! As a couple, you two deserve a party, a relaxing vacay, AND a really amazing gift. We are impressed at your commitment, and you should be too.

I mean, if you were celebrities, you’d have been divorced and remarried eleven times by now. Pat each other on your backs and buy your 5-year sweetheart something great.

But wait – what should you get? What’s the traditional gift? Or maybe you want to chart your own path, and discover a creative, romantic, and personal 5th anniversary gift for your beloved.

We’ve got the best ideas for you, both traditional and modern. And more.

Let’s dive in!

40 Wanderlust Gifts for Travelers & Globetrotters

February 7, 2024July 19, 2021 by Melyssa Williams

Travelers, wanderer, nomad, wanderlust, tourist, trek, wayfaring, itinerant, roadie, explorer, rover, vagabond, hodophile, travel buff, travel lover, travel enthusiast, gadabout, peripatetic: call them what you will, but when it comes to gifts, these globe trotters (oooh, there’s another) need something special.

Here are some of our favorite gifts for travelers!