Our TeamAlicia Betz

About Me

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.


Latest Stories

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 keep their interest long after that!
Feb 5, 2025
The Toy My Kids Play with Every Day (Inside and Outside!)
It helps them get their energy out.
Jan 22, 2025
The Best Baby Gifts for Their First Christmas
Even if they won’t remember it, you will!
Nov 1, 2024
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.
Aug 15, 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?
Aug 11, 2023
I Loved This Bassinet So Much That I Bought a Second One When My Twins Were Born
It's amazing when you're recovering from a C-section.
Aug 20, 2024
This Indoor “Swedish Ladder” Wall Gym Is the Ultimate Activity Center (It’s On Sale, Too!)
It has nine different stations and umpteen fun factors.
Aug 3, 2024
This $20 High Chair Is Hard to Beat (I Used It For Years!)
The IKEA Antilop high chair is so easy to use, and it’s one of the cheapest on the market.
Aug 2, 2024
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.
Nov 28, 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
Oct 27, 2023
The Best Gifts for 2-Year-Olds, Recommended by Parents
Editor-approved favorites for two-year-old tots.
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.
Oct 27, 2023
This $100 Etsy Purchase Transformed My Nursery
It’s now our favorite room in the house.
Oct 25, 2023
The Best First Barbie for Your Kid Depending on What Else They Love
There are more than 500 different Barbies!
Oct 25, 2023
12 Toy Organizers to Help Declutter a Messy Kid's Room
No more stuffies all over the floor!
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.
Sep 27, 2023
The 10 Best Kids' Shoe Storage Ideas to Finally Declutter Your Doorway
No more piles (and piles) of sneakers!
Sep 6, 2023
10 Deals We’re Eyeing from Maisonette’s Major End-of-Season Sale
Discounts are up to 70% off.
Aug 31, 2023
The Best Back-to-School Supplies at Five Below — Starting at $1
Here’s to a more affordable school year!
Aug 16, 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.
Aug 11, 2023
Run, Don’t Walk: Five Below Has the Best Squishmallows Under $6
They’re like the Beanie Babies of our past.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
Jun 14, 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.
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!
May 26, 2023
The Best Summer Toys for Kids of All Ages
Including a few new toys that just hit the market!
Apr 29, 2023
The Best Toy Shelves All Have One Thing in Common
There's a reason we named our site after it.
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.
Mar 22, 2023
I Looked For (and Found!) the Perfect Toddler Pillow
It’s adjustable, comfortable, and will grow with your kid.
Mar 21, 2023