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Alicia Betz

Alicia Betz is a freelance writer specializing in parenting and education. She researches and tests products from the hottest new toys to the most tried and true parenting products. She earned her bachelor of science degree in education from Penn State University with concentrations in English and communications. She earned her master of arts degree in education from Michigan State University with concentrations in literacy and technology. Alicia holds a certificate in literacy as well as online teaching and learning and is licensed to teach in Pennsylvania. She was a teacher for seven years and has been writing professionally since 2016. Alicia's writing has been featured in Scholastic, Brighter Higher Ed, Business Insider, Popsugar, AARP, Yahoo News, and more.
    21 Fantastic Gifts for 5-Year-Olds, According to Parents Who Know
    Every single one encourages fun and play, which is exactly what five-year-olds want.
    Alicia Betz
    1 day ago
    The Best Baby Gifts for Their First Christmas
    Even if they won’t remember it, you will!
    Alicia Betz
    Nov 2, 2023
    20 Great Gifts for 3-Year-Olds, According to Parents Who Know
    When it comes to 3-year-olds, the sky's the limit
    Alicia Betz
    Oct 27, 2023
    The Best Gifts for 2-Year-Olds, Recommended by Parents
    Editor-approved favorites for two-year-old tots.
    Alicia Betz
    Oct 27, 2023
    The Best Gifts for 1-Year-Olds, According to Parents Who Know
    The cutest (and most developmentally appropriate!) toys for the littlest tots.
    Alicia Betz
    Oct 27, 2023
    This $100 Etsy Purchase Transformed My Nursery
    It’s now our favorite room in the house.
    Alicia Betz
    Oct 25, 2023
    The Best First Barbie for Your Kid Depending on What Else They Love
    There are more than 500 different Barbies!
    Alicia Betz
    Oct 25, 2023
    12 Toy Organizers to Help Declutter a Messy Kid's Room
    No more stuffies all over the floor!
    Alicia Betz
    Oct 4, 2023
    The Best Boho Nursery Decor for a Truly Unique Space
    For boho-lovers, there’s no such thing as too much fringe.
    Alicia Betz
    Sep 27, 2023
    The Toy My Kids Play with Every Day (Inside and Outside!)
    It helps them get their energy out.
    Alicia Betz
    Sep 26, 2023
    The 10 Best Kids' Shoe Storage Ideas to Finally Declutter Your Doorway
    No more piles (and piles) of sneakers!
    Alicia Betz
    Sep 6, 2023
    10 Deals We’re Eyeing from Maisonette’s Major End-of-Season Sale
    Discounts are up to 70% off.
    Alicia Betz
    Aug 31, 2023
    The Best Back-to-School Supplies at Five Below — Starting at $1
    Here’s to a more affordable school year!
    Alicia Betz
    Aug 16, 2023
    Read This Before You Personalize Your Kid’s Back-to-School Supplies
    I like a personalized backpack as much as the next person, but there’s a very good reason not to do it.
    Alicia Betz
    Aug 15, 2023
    24 Totally Fun Art Gifts for Kids of Any Age
    From doodle tiles to shrink art kits, these gifts are so unexpected that your tiny artists will think you are the coolest ever.
    Alicia Betz
    Aug 11, 2023
    Can Babies Under 6 Months Wear Sunscreen? I Talked to a Pediatrician to Find Out
    I wanted to know: Is it ok sometimes, if you can’t totally keep them out of the sun?
    Alicia Betz
    Aug 11, 2023
    Run, Don’t Walk: Five Below Has the Best Squishmallows Under $6
    They’re like the Beanie Babies of our past.
    Alicia Betz
    Aug 2, 2023
    This Is One of the Easiest Dinners I Make, and All Three of My Kids Eat It
    It has only five ingredients.
    Alicia Betz
    Jul 26, 2023
    This Is My Favorite Summer Dessert, and It Has Only 3 Ingredients
    Learn how to make yogurt pie — a refreshing summer dessert that only has three ingredients.
    Alicia Betz
    Jul 25, 2023
    PSA, Bluey Fans: This Bluey Playhouse Is On Sale Right Now!
    It’s tricked out with lights, sounds, and even a dance floor!
    Alicia Betz
    Jul 11, 2023
    Classic Magna-Tiles Are at Their Lowest Price Ever During Prime Day
    We’re definitely scooping up a set or two today!
    Alicia Betz
    Jul 11, 2023
    I Bought a $200 Inflatable Water Slide from Sam’s Club for My Kids, and I Can Already Tell It Was Worth It
    Plus, 7 more inflatable water slides for ALL the fun.
    Alicia Betz
    Jun 27, 2023
    10 Activity Books at Five Below to Keep Kids Entertained While Traveling — They’re All Under $5!
    From no-mess coloring books for little ones to word searches and guided drawing books for older kids.
    Alicia Betz
    Jun 14, 2023
    Surprise Cake Stands Are the Most Thrilling Thing to Happen to Birthday Cakes Since Sprinkles
    This is next-level surprise.
    Alicia Betz
    Jun 12, 2023
    You’re Not Allowed to Lock Strollers at Disney Theme Parks, So Instead I Do This
    It abides by the rules while also preventing someone from walking off with my stroller.
    Alicia Betz
    Jun 9, 2023
    This “Digital Playroom” Is the Only Screen Time App I Feel Totally Fine Letting My Kids Use
    It’s designed for open-ended, Montessori-inspired play — yes, on an iPad!
    Alicia Betz
    May 26, 2023
    The Best Summer Toys for Kids of All Ages
    Including a few new toys that just hit the market!
    Alicia Betz
    Apr 29, 2023
    The Best Toy Shelves All Have One Thing in Common
    There's a reason we named our site after it.
    Alicia Betz
    Apr 24, 2023
    I Bought a Ruggable Rug After Seeing Ads All Over Social - Here's My Review
    A kid-friendly, washable rug? After six months, I have thoughts.
    Alicia Betz
    Mar 22, 2023
    I Looked For (and Found!) the Perfect Toddler Pillow
    It’s adjustable, comfortable, and will grow with your kid.
    Alicia Betz
    Mar 21, 2023
    I Can’t Believe I Had Kids for 4 Years Before I Got Around to Buying This
    I made a major change in our bathroom.
    Alicia Betz
    Mar 15, 2023
    I Found an Amazing Product for Babyproofing Outlets, but It’s Really for Anyone Who Wants to Hide Cords and Plugs
    It made the area not only safer for my kids, but also completely decluttered the mess of cords!
    Alicia Betz
    Mar 7, 2023
    I Tried 8 Baby Food and Kids’ Meal Delivery Services — Here Are the Best of the Bunch
    Of course, my kids were the testers.
    Alicia Betz
    Feb 7, 2023
    The Easiest, Quickest Way I Prep a Pile of Bite-Sized Finger Foods for My Twins
    My babies were too hungry to wait around for me to cut up food with a knife.
    Alicia Betz
    Feb 1, 2023
    The Best Toy to Give a Kid On Their 1st Birthday
    It's my go-to present for the 1st birthday, because I know it'll probably keep their interest long after that!
    Alicia Betz
    Jan 4, 2023
    When Should I Stop Using a Baby Monitor in My Child’s Room?
    At some point it may not be helpful anymore, for either you or your child.
    Alicia Betz
    Jan 4, 2023