Kristen (KJ) Callihan Education: Michigan State University KJ is a freelance writer that has written about home gear, health, pets, and sleep products. She especially enjoys creating gift guides. KJ also loves doing hands-on product reviews at every opportunity. She's written about the best products in several categories for The Spruce, AAA Northeast magazine, and CNET.Highlights:KJ has a B.A. from Michigan State University featuring cognates of sociology, psychology, and rel. studies.Other types of KJ's work can be found on sites like Oh My Veggies, Ancient Origins, Trivago, Kaplan, and Outward On, as well as blog posts created via Finfrock Marketing.KJ has several years of professional experience in the mental health and educational fields as well. Experience I've written about everything from food, history, and health to hotel descriptions, activity guides, and recipe roundups. Specializing in the above categories, you may have seen my work in AAA Northeast Magazine’s Wish List, Ancient Origins, Oh My Veggies, Outward On, Bob Vila, BOTW and Knoji.As a mom of both a human and a fur kid, I enjoy researching and testing out home, pet, and sleep products whenever possible--then writing about my findings for others. You can read these articles on The Spruce, The Spruce Pets, CNET, and BOTW.Due to my love of gifts and gift giving in general, I've worked with experts to create numerous gift guides for all types of recipients! These can be found on The Spruce, The Spruce Pets, AAA Northeast Magazine, and CNET.Since developing an interest in health and health products, I've worked on improving my family's diet by exploring vegetarian, vegan, and lectin-free recipes (using our Instant Pot as often as possible!) with my son, who assists in the kitchen of a health food cafe. Recipe and food/cooking product-related roundups can be found on The Spruce, Bob Vila, Oh My Veggies, Healthy Tips, and a couple of other blogs without bylines.Favorite Purchase:My favorite purchase in recent years has been my Instant Pot. I love making dishes in it that would normally require hours to cook, and they are still just as healthy and nutrient-rich. Looking forward to getting an air fryer sometime soon as well. Education B.A. from Michigan State University featuring cognates of psychology, sociology, and rel. studies.Other Works:The 50 Best Gifts for Grandma, The Spruce30+ Smart Nursery Products You Need on Your Baby Shower Registry, KnojiThe Best Laptop Backpacks for Commuting, Bob VilaA Father's Day Gift Guide with Something for Every Dad, AAA Northeast magazineBest Mattresses for Heavy People, CNET About Better Homes & Gardens Better Homes & Gardens, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, is the only iconic home brand with a 100+ year history of providing trustworthy and achievable ideas for all doers and home-enthusiasts. We are the go-to resource for fresh takes on home, food, and gardening—inspiring people to bring their dreams to life at home on special occasions and every day. BHG reaches 45 million readers each month. Learn more about us and our editorial process.