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Our TeamJessica Hartshorn

Jessica Hartshorn

About Me

Jessica Hartshorn has 30 years of editorial experience with titles such as Parents, American Baby, and Woman's Day. She's evaluated children's gear and toys for more than 20 years and currently contributes to the Good Housekeeping Institute. She grew up in Pittsburgh, holds degrees in journalism and world literature from the Pennsylvania State University, and is the mom of one grown and one nearly-grown kid, which lets her file stories as a digital nomad more often than ever before.

Latest Stories

21 Fantastic Gifts for 10-Year-Olds
10-year-olds are practically tweens, so look for gifts for their evolving interests and abilities!
Stephanie Ganz
Dec 15, 2025
The 19 Best Toys for 8-Year-Olds (Kid-Tested and Approved!)
Cool gifts to get them excited and keep them engaged!
Chantal Lamers
Dec 15, 2025
The 23 Best Toys for 3-Year-Olds (Preschooler Tested & Approved)
The world of toy options opens wide when your child reaches age 3.
Alicia Betz
Dec 12, 2025
20 Cool Toys and Gifts for 9-Year-Olds
20 gifts to fit a range of budgets — each promising to delight and engage any 9-year-old on your gift-giving list!
Lizzie Goodman
Dec 12, 2025
The Best Baby Toys, from Birth to 12 Months
Educational and developmental toys for the little learning sponge that is your baby, from birth to 12 months.
Jessica Hartshorn
Dec 11, 2025
The 40 Best Toys for 1-Year-Olds (Parent & Toddler Tested)
The cutest (and most developmentally appropriate!) toys and gifts for 1-year-olds.
Megan Gray
Dec 11, 2025
The 25 Best Toys for 4 Year Olds (Tested by Our Own Kids)
Open-ended toys and art supplies are the winners here.
Cambria Bold
Dec 10, 2025
The 31 Best Toys for 2-Year-Olds (Parent & Toddler Tested)
Editor-approved favorites for two-year-old tots.
Megan Gray
Dec 10, 2025
27 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
Dec 9, 2025
24 Great Toys for 6-Year-Olds, According to Parents
From card games to clay animals, here are 24 gifts we think will thrill the six-year-old set.
Beth Shea
Nov 18, 2025
16 Personalized Gifts That Will Make Your Kid Feel So Special
Get them before the holidays!
Jessica Hartshorn
Nov 14, 2025
The Best Holiday Toy of 2025 Is Gorgeous (And Will Keep Your Kids Entertained)
Smash that “Add to Cart” button.
Jessica Hartshorn
Nov 11, 2025
Our Favorite Toys from Amazon’s 2025 Toys We Love List
Our favorites include a LEGO set, a Montessori toy, and several picks under $25.
Jessica Hartshorn
Nov 5, 2025
The 37 Very Best Gifts for Kids of All Ages
Our list of all-star gifts for kids — timeless, versatile gift ideas that hit all the marks.
Cambria Bold
Oct 28, 2025
The Best Kids’ Scooters for Every Age
From toddlers to tweens!
Jessica Hartshorn
Aug 20, 2025
My 6 Favorite “Mini” Backpacks for Preschoolers (All Lightweight and Adjustable!)
Just big enough for a snack, stuffy, and change of clothes.
Jessica Hartshorn
Aug 14, 2025
My 6 Favorite “Midi-Size” Backpacks for Kindergarteners (Not Too Big, Not Too Small!)
Not too big, not too small.
Jessica Hartshorn
Aug 14, 2025
10 Super Cute (But Durable!) Kids' Backpacks for the School Year
Including a few super cute finds you may not have seen before!
Cambria Bold
Aug 13, 2025
10 Reasons an Ice Cream Sandwich Is Truly the Greatest Summer Treat (And Which Ones to Buy)
Is it ridiculous to write a list of reasons to love an ice-cream sandwich? Yes, but here I go.
Jessica Hartshorn
Aug 2, 2024
The 22 Best Toys for 7-Year-Olds
Gifts that'll help them explore their imagination while learning more about the world around them!
Stephanie Ganz
Jun 17, 2025
Squishmallows Has a New Line of Toys That Work With LEGO (And They Are So Cute!)
These little scenes all include a Squishmallows character with a soft belly.
Jessica Hartshorn
Apr 7, 2025
Bluey Toys Are Everywhere, and We’re Here for It
Bluey LEGOs! Bluey camper! Bluey water table! Kids who love the Heeler family are gonna have a good year.
Jessica Hartshorn
Apr 7, 2025
20 Great Educational Toys for 3-Year-Olds
Interactive learning toys for reading, math, motor skills, and more.
Jessica Hartshorn
Mar 24, 2025
We Got to Try the New Barbie You Create Kit
Our first impression? These are very sophisticated dolls.
Jessica Hartshorn
Mar 6, 2025
The Best Stocking Stuffers for Kids, Starting at Just $1.25
For extra moments of joy during the holidays.
Stephanie Ganz
Dec 13, 2024
The Hottest Holiday Toys of 2024
And they’re selling out quickly!
Jessica Hartshorn
Nov 14, 2024
This Remote-Control Gecko Is the Hottest Toy of the Year — Adults Will Want to Play, Too!
And it’s selling out quickly.
Jessica Hartshorn
Nov 13, 2024
This Less Expensive Diaper Pail Works Just Fine (Even Better than Fine)
If you think you don’t need a diaper pail, think again.
Jessica Hartshorn
Aug 2, 2024
The Hottest Toy This Season Is One That Even Adults Will Recognize
Gotta catch ‘em all — and quickly, because they’re selling fast!
Jessica Hartshorn
Nov 15, 2023
The Newest, Coolest Art Supplies for Budding Artists
From markers and beading supplies to investment-worthy tables and easels.
Jessica Hartshorn
Nov 10, 2023
The 20 Best Toys for Under $30
From Barbie and Paw Patrol toys to new Fingerlings and Magic Mixies.
Jessica Hartshorn
Nov 8, 2023
The Best New LEGO Sets You’ll Want to Snag for the Holidays
Some are even starting to sell out!
Jessica Hartshorn
Nov 7, 2023
The 20 Best STEAM Toys for Kids of All Ages
They’re equal parts educational and fun!
Jessica Hartshorn
Nov 3, 2023
The Hottest Holiday Toys for 2023
They’re definitely not stocking stuffers!
Jessica Hartshorn
Nov 1, 2023
Forget the Kids — These LEGO Sets Are for the Grown-Ups
A LEGO succulent? A floral LEGO tablescape? Sign me up.
Jessica Hartshorn
Sep 6, 2023
The Wubble Is a Terrible Toy, So Why Do We Love It So Much?
It’s complicated.
Jessica Hartshorn
Aug 15, 2023