Kristen Secrist

I’m a busy mom, so I don’t have time for complicated routines. These are the things I actually use and love.

I’m a mom of four and a former elementary teacher, so I live right in that sweet spot between what kids are obsessed with and what parents actually feel good buying. I’ve shopped for Swiftie birthdays, holidays, and “just because” moments, and I know how tricky preteen tastes can be—too babyish isn’t cool, but too grown-up isn’t right either. These picks are fun, age-appropriate, and genuinely exciting for Swiftie preteens, not just trendy for five minutes. If it made my own kids light up or passed my teacher-mom test, it made the list.

As a former kindergarten teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how the right tools can make all the difference when kids are learning to read. This category is full of hands-on, playful, and engaging materials designed to build phonics, sight word recognition, and early reading confidence—so learning feels like fun, not a chore. Each item encourages active exploration, making it easier for little learners to connect letters, sounds, and words while building a strong foundation for lifelong reading.

I recommend and rate gifts based on quality, creativity, age-appropriateness, and how much joy they’re likely to bring to the recipient.

As a mom of four and someone who plans thoughtful, kid‑friendly gifts every year, I know what kids love to receive and what makes Valentine’s Day extra special for little hearts.

Almost transplanted, fully exploring! I’m on a mission to find all the San Antonio kid favorites—hands-on museums, splash pads, and treats that make outings fun for the little ones and manageable for parents.

Having lived in the Fairfax County area for five years with young kids, I can confidently recommend a mix of nature, play, and family-friendly spots that make this area so special.

Having taught in Dayton and raised young kids there, I’ve seen firsthand what really engages children and sparks curiosity. Between knowing what works in classrooms and exploring the city with my own kids, I’ve learned which activities are worth the time and which are truly memorable. You can trust my recommendations!

I recommend these books because I’ve read them with my own kids and seen what actually holds a baby’s attention. They’re the ones that get grabbed, chewed on, and asked for again—simple, sturdy, and engaging enough to make early reading feel fun instead of forced.

I read over 200 books a year, and I’m sharing the ones that stuck with me, inspired me, or just couldn’t be put down. From page turning thrillers to heartwarming stories, here’s your ultimate reading list, you’ll want to add these to your TBR immediately.

As a former teacher and mom of four, I’ve spent years curating books that educate, entertain, and inspire. Whether it’s a middle-grade page-turner, a thought-provoking thriller, or a laugh-out-loud read, these are the stories I personally love and recommend, perfect for busy parents, fellow educators, or anyone looking for a meaningful and enjoyable read.

I look for games that don’t take forever to explain, don’t cause sibling meltdowns, and are genuinely fun for adults too. If a game keeps kids engaged, survives mixed ages, and gets pulled off the shelf more than once, it earns a spot on my list

Finding the perfect gift for kids doesn’t have to break the bank. I’ve put together a list of 14 fun, engaging, and affordable toys under $25 that kids will actually love. Each item is chosen with play, creativity, and learning in mind, whether it’s hands-on sensory fun, imaginative play, or interactive games that get the whole family involved. These are the kinds of gifts that don’t just sit on a shelf, they get used, loved, and remembered.

These fine motor activities keep kids engaged while strengthening hand muscles, coordination, and focus through playful building, molding, and creating.

I’m qualified to give these recs because I’ve painted tons of custom banners for clients, from parties to classrooms and special events. Over the years, I’ve tested all kinds of tools, paints, and surfaces to figure out what actually works for clean lines, vibrant colors, and professional results. My recommendations come from real hands-on experience, so you can trust they’ll make your banner projects easier, faster, and more polished.

I love sharing Glowforge tips because I know what actually works. I’ve tried the tools, tested the materials, and know which supplies make projects easier and results look professional. My recs come from real experience, not just what looks good online, so you can skip the trial and error and get right to making something amazing.

As an Etsy seller and avid crafter, I’ve tested countless tools and supplies, and these are the ones that truly elevate your DIY projects. From portable Cricut machines to sticker papers, holographic overlays, and magnet sheets, these are the products I rely on to create professional-quality crafts that sell and wow customers. Perfect for makers, small business owners, or anyone who loves creative, polished projects.

As a mom of four, I’ve tried it all—from newborn must-haves to toddler essentials, and I’m sharing the products that actually make life easier. These are the items I swear by, use every day, and recommend to friends: baby gear, sleep solutions, feeding favorites, bath time lifesavers, and more. If you want tried-and-true, parent-tested recommendations, this list is for you.

Items are thoughtfully chosen to support a comforting, predictable nightly routine. Each item works together to signal calm, security, and rest.

If it’s in my diaper bag, it’s there because it’s earned its spot — practical, compact, and useful in real life.

Between kids, schedules, and everything else, I don’t have time for complicated kitchen tools. These are the things I use daily that help me still bake, cook, and feed my family without losing my mind.

I’ve been on 6+ cruises, including Disney, and I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) what actually matters once you’re in a cabin with kids. I’m not recommending things that look cute online but never get used—I’m sharing the items that make small cabins feel more functional, keep kids organized, and make the whole trip smoother. These are things I pack again and again because they truly make cruising easier for families.