Newsletter

Jessica Hartshorn

Jessica Hartshorn has more than 25 years of editorial experience with titles such as Parents 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 and Scarymommy.com. She grew up in Pittsburgh, holds degrees in journalism and world literature from the Pennsylvania State University, and is now the mom of two nearly-grown kids in Brooklyn, NY.
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
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
10 Outdoor Art Kits Under $30 That Let Kids Get Creative Far Away from Your Furniture
When you know the kids are in a creative mood and you’re cool with them leaning into that … outside.
Jessica Hartshorn
Jul 26, 2023
13 Retro Outdoor Toys That Have Totally Held Up (Meaning: Kids Still Love ‘Em!)
Roller skates, Wiffle balls, the turtle-shaped sandbox... we know you remember them all.
Jessica Hartshorn
Jul 12, 2023
Barbie’s New Pool Party Dreamhouse Is Totally Over-the-Top— Get It Now Before It Sells Out!
If you wait till November, you probably won't be able to get it anymore.
Jessica Hartshorn
Jul 12, 2023
This Nerf Slip and Slide Is the Water Toy You Need This Summer — And It’s On Sale for $10!
Better jump on it - and get a few for friends and family, too!
Jessica Hartshorn
Jun 16, 2023
The Best New Water Toys of 2023
Fun toys that get the kids wet in the backyard — most don’t require a pool, just a hose!
Jessica Hartshorn
May 26, 2023
8 Backyard Toys We Wish We’d Had as Kids (So Now Obviously We’re Buying Them For Our Kids)
Kids today can ride on light-up bikes and run under a waterpark-worthy rainbow sprinkler. Not fair!
Jessica Hartshorn
May 9, 2023
10 White Elephant Gift Ideas for Kids of All Ages (and All Around $20!)
If your kid is invited to a White Elephant and needs a $20 gift that works for any child from about age 4 to 14, these are for you!
Jessica Hartshorn
Dec 20, 2022
The Hottest Toy This Season Involves a Birthing Guinea Pig and Just … Come Look
Get ready to hunt down Mama Surprise.
Jessica Hartshorn
Nov 27, 2022
18 Kids of Every Age on The One Gift They *Really* Want This Year
You can click and order any of the gifts below, wrap them up, and trust that they’re kid-recommended.
Jessica Hartshorn
Nov 22, 2022
The Hottest Holiday Toys for 2022
These 15 toys are all very BIG this year. Get them now while you still can!
Jessica Hartshorn
Nov 16, 2022