Sarah Handley
Sarah is GoodtoKnow’s Consumer Writer & Money Editor and is passionate about helping mums save money wherever they can - whether that's spending wisely on toys and kidswear or keeping on top of the latest news around childcare costs, child benefit, the motherhood penalty. After Sarah graduated from University of Wales, Aberystwyth, with a degree in English and Creative Writing, she entered the world of publishing and is now a writer, journalist and editor with more than 15 years' experience on a range of titles including Real Homes, Homebuilding & Renovating, The Money Edit and more. Sarah is all about the latest toy trends and is always on the look out for toys for her nephew or Goddaughters so that she remains one of their favourite grown ups. When not writing about toys or family finance, Sarah can be found hanging out with her rockstar dog Pepsi, getting opinionated about a movie, book or podcast, and trying her best to learn British Sign Language.
Latest articles by Sarah Handley
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Child benefit is finally going to be made fairer - here's what's changing and when
Child benefit is finally going to be made fairer - here's what's changing and when
By Sarah Handley Published
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9 of the best mix and make toys that make perfect gifts when you have no idea what to buy
The best mix and make toys combine creativity, mystery and a touch of magic for an engaging play experience that is guaranteed to spark any child's imagination
By Sarah Handley Published
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6 best Tonies for preschoolers (perfect for independent play), including the brand new Blippi Tonie
As Tonies launches new Blippi character, we share our 6 favourite Tonies for preschoolers
By Sarah Handley Published
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How much does nursery cost in 2024? Average costs for parents explained
Wondering how much does nursery cost? Here, we look at average prices and how parents can cut costs to save money
By Rachel Wait Last updated
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Mum-of-three Helen Skelton shares 5 free and easy ways to keep kids entertained in the Easter holidays (and they all involve one thing)
Presenter Helen Skelton has revealed how parents can keep costs low when keeping the kids occupied during school holidays
By Sarah Handley Published
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Cookeez Makery is so much more than a one hit wonder, it's the toy I wish I had as a kid - here's why
We test the Cookeez Makery Baked Treatz Oven playset and explain why we think it's one of the best toys around
By Sarah Handley Published
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What are the average childcare costs in the UK in 2024?
Average childcare costs are rising in the UK, making it crucial for working parents to understand their different childcare options
By Sarah Handley Last updated
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School holidays cost parents more than £3,000 according to new survey - here are 7 ways to keep costs under control
New research has revealed how much the school holidays cost parents, and it's an eye watering sum - so we've shared our top tips on how families can keep costs under control
By Sarah Handley Published
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Childcare costs have risen by 7% in the last 12 months, according to new report - and supply shortages are still a major issue
Childcare costs have risen again, and only a worryingly small number of councils believe they have the supply to meet the demand of the final phase of the free childcare expansion, according a new childcare survey
By Sarah Handley Published
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25% of Brits regularly hide purchases from their partner, according to new research - try these 5 tips to open up the money conversation
If you struggle to talk to your partner about your financial situation, try these five tips to get the conversation started
By Sarah Handley Published
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Best interactive books for babies and toddlers - 9 tried-and-tested collections that get our seal of approval
After putting the best interactive books through their paces, these are the collections we would recommend to any parent
By Sarah Handley Published
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Working parents of children from 9 months old will be able to apply for 15 hours free childcare from this date - here's everything you need to know
The government has announced when the application window for 15 hours free childcare from nine months old will open
By Sarah Handley Published
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Best sensory toys for babies from birth to 6 months 2024: 42 toys to help little ones discover the world around them
The best sensory toys deepen your child's development while stimulating their five senses - these are our top picks
By Sarah Handley Last updated
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15 best stacking and nesting toys for babies and toddlers - and why your little one loves them so much
As well as being a great form of play, the best stacking and nesting toys are key for your infant's development too
By Sarah Handley Published
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Working mothers earned 43% less than fathers in 2023 - is now the time to end the motherhood penalty for good?
New analysis shows that working mothers are still earning less than fathers as they juggle parenting and their work life
By Sarah Handley Published
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Save up to £60 per person on days out with the kids to Alton Towers, Cadbury World and more, in the Merlin Annual Pass sale
With school holidays fast approaching, and parents scrambling for cost-effective days out with the family, the Merlin sale is well-timed
By Sarah Handley Published
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What does the child benefit shake up announced in the Spring Budget mean for your family? Here's everything we know
Changes have been announced to the child benefit system that could leave half a million families better off
By Sarah Handley Published
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These are the 8 inspirational women being honoured with their own Barbie in 2024 (but here's why you won't be able to to buy them)
These incredible women are all being honoured with their own Barbie likeness this year, but sadly they won't be available to buy. Luckily we've found six other real-life trailblazers whose Barbie form you can buy instead
By Sarah Handley Published
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Millennial parents, if you get your financial advice on social media here are 5 things to check to avoid 'misinformation' (and it's worth teaching your kids too)
Recent report shares shocking statistics on misleading financial information on social media - here's how you can fact check money advice on your social feed
By Sarah Handley Published
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17 places mums can get a freebie for Mother's Day - from a free glass of fizz or pud, to free entry to a range of attractions
If you want to make the mothers in your life feel appreciated, then check out these options where mums can get something for free
By Sarah Handley Published
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Cash-strapped millennials are set to become the richest generation in history, according to new report, (but it'll take about 20 years)
This would demonstrate a marked shift for millennial parents as they currently struggle to make ends meet amongst high living costs
By Sarah Handley Published
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From rare Happy Meal toys to scarce Power Rangers, if you've got any of these gems at home, they could be worth up to £712,000
If you need to have a toy declutter at home, keep your eyes peeled for these items that could be worth some serious cash
By Sarah Handley Published
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Money is the biggest co-parenting worry for divorced parents, according to new research - here's what else made the list
A recent survey has shone a light on the biggest co-parenting worries divorced parents face, from money to differing parenting styles
By Sarah Handley Published
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Best toys for 6 to 12 months olds 2024: 42 top-rated buys, tried and tested
Discover the best toys for 6 to 12 month olds that will help your baby learn about the world around them
By Sarah Handley Last updated