Marisa LaScala
Senior Parenting & Relationships Editor
Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; previously, she wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother. She lives with her toy-collecting husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found helping out her team at bar trivia or posting about movies on Twitter and Bluesky.Â
15 Fun Stocking Stuffers for 2-Year-Olds Getting Into the Spirit
We can't believe they're all under $20!
155 Funny Knock Knock Jokes for Kids And Adults Who Love to Laugh
Orange you glad we compiled all these jokes for you?
30 Best Advent Calendars for Teens Who Deserve a Treat
Beauty products, pop-culture trinkets, and snacks—you can't go wrong!
120 Unique Nature Baby Names Inspired by the Sky, Sea, Flowers, and More
Say hello to Coast, Ridge, River, and Forest!
Good Housekeeping’s Favorite Play Couch Just Got a Makeover That Hides Messes Better Than Ever
But it's for a limited time only!
40 Best Toys for 2-Year-Olds Who Love to Have Fun
When it comes time to buy a toddler gift, choose from these expert-approved and kid-loved block sets, games, and open-ended toys.
Go Behind-the-Scenes With the Illustrator of the New, Interactive Harry Potter Book
Karl James Mountford takes us through rough sketches, his favorite characters and Easter eggs, and how he designed the interactive paper elements for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
10 Things Kids Should Know How to Do by Age 10, According to Child Development Experts
How many of these skills does your tween have?
40 Best Gifts for 12-Year-Old Girls That Will Earn a "Thank You"
It's a tricky in-between-age, but we found toys, games, books, things for her room, and more that should win her approval.
I Cover Toys for a Living, and This Is the Surprising Toy Trend I'm Seeing Everywhere This Year
Mooooove over, axolotls!
This Award-Winning Toy Is Still 51% off Post Prime Day
I'm a toy expert, and I'm telling all my friends to get this STEM robot!
These Y2K Baby Names Bring Back the 2000s Vibes
Chillax with your peeps and fondly remember these turn-of-this-century baby names.
When People Ask Me What Toy Deal Is Worth It, I Always Say Magna-Tiles
These building toys never seem to go out of style—and they're currently up to 35% off.
The Most Coveted Advent Calendars of the Year Are on Sale
For Star Wars fans, this is the deal you seek.
I'm Calling It: This Is the Best Gift for Kids This Year (and It's Under $30)
Our kid testers couldn't get enough of it!
Inside the Rigorous Process of Toy Testing at the Good Housekeeping Institute
Every year, our toy experts—with the help of hundreds of real kid testers—rigorously evaluate the hottest toys before they earn our recommendation.
I'm a Parent and Toy Expert, and These Are the Toys I'm Telling My Friends to Buy on Sale
Because no toy purchase is a good deal if the kids won't play with it.
51 Nostalgic '90s Halloween Costumes That'll Transport Any Adult Back to a Kid
Remember the good old days of cosmic brownies, Power Rangers and the Spice Girls?
40 Best Toy Advent Calendars for Kids Who Are Counting Down the Day Until Christmas
Because everyone wants a little treat each day.
70 Clever Halloween Costume Ideas for Kids Who Love to Get Creative
Minecraft, KPop Demon Hunters, witches, and axolotls will be everywhere this October 31.
65 Easy Family Halloween Costumes Great for Everyone in Your "Boo Crew"
Whether they love Disney movies, super heroes, or delicious desserts, everyone can get in on the fun
30 Best Non-Scary Halloween Movies of All Time
Adults, teens, and even kids can get in on the scary-movie fun—without having nightmares.
70 Best Halloween Movies of All Time to Watch Tonight
From horror classics to family-friendly Halloween movies, these will keep you busy throughout spooky season.
35 Kid-Approved Toys and Gifts for 5-Year-Old Girls
They're getting bigger—and the toys are even better!
There's Only One Way to Get Those Cute American Girl x Hanna Andersson PJs
How to snag the vibrant holiday pajamas for the kids (and dolls) in your life.
60 Totally Awesome '80s Costume Ideas That Take Things to the Max
You can buy or DIY these gnarly ideas.
45 Creative Trunk-or-Treat Ideas for the Whole Family
Whether they want to go silly, spooky, sweet, or scary, kids will love these all-out designs.
250 Popular Short Boy Names for Parents Who Like to Keep It Brief
From the popular to the unique, these punchy names are just right!
Joanna Gaines and Barbie Are the Collab We Didn't Know We Needed
The Magnolia founder tells us the dollhouse details she couldn't live without.
Amazon’s "Toys We Love" List Just Revealed the Must-Have Toys of the Year
Including some Good Housekeeping Institute favorites!
30 Best Family Gifts That the Whole Clan Will Love
Buy one gift, please the entire fam!
30 Best Toys and Gifts for 12-Year-Old Boys With Strong Opinions
From analog games to high-tech toys, these are what 12-year-olds want this year.