Oppenheim Toy Portfolio: The Best Toys, Books, Videos, Music and Software for Kids

I have been buying this guide since my five year old was born. I can't buy a toy without consulting it. There is so much junk out there and my kids' imaginations and my dollars are too precious to waste on junk. I even keep a typewritten list of all their recommended toys/books/videos appropriate for my children in my purse. That way I'm always ready when I spy a sale. This book has helped my never pay full price for anything and my Christmas/birthday shopping is done well in advance.

What a book! The commitment of the Oppenheim's impresses me as they publish yet another wonderful review of today's best toys, books, videos, audio and software. Every parent should have a copy so they know their children are using the best toys out there.

This is the kind of book that no one thinks they need to buy but that all your friends want to borrow once you`ve got it. Even parents who insist on simplicity and refuse to buy the new, plastic gizmos that kids clamor for each year, will appreciate the suggestions for music, literature, and classic toys. Ones that will be passed down through the generations. Ones that you played with as a kid but may have forgotten or didn't realize were still around. Founded in 1989, the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio is the only independent consumer review of children's products, everything from literature and audio/video to learning toys, top-rated science products and big ticket items. The testers are real "families from all walks of life" and the criteria used to determine a toys suitability for a coveted listing in this yearly manual include: product design, safety and interactivity, developmental appropriateness, learning and entertainment value, and more. The listings are grouped by age, subject, and also into special award categories, like the SNAP award, the Special Needs Adaptable Product Award for those toys that are easily adapted for children with special needs. Despite all these groupings and listings, the book is very easy to navigate and so very useful.

If you have a child, are related to a child, or know anyone with children BUY THIS BOOK. It cuts to the chase on which toys, books etc. (in all price ranges and for all ages) are the most fun, the most durable, and the best bang for your buck. Packed with information, it's also fun and easy to read. Great for buying things by mail or over the web because you'll know exactly what you want to buy without having to stand in a toy store aisle reading boxes and puzzling over items. Tells you which toys are right for which ages so you can buy the right gifts or bring the right things home for your kids. Helps you avoid the trap of just what's advertised and pushed in the media. Saves so much time *and* makes you feel like a toy-buying genius.

the oppenheim toy portfolio, is the best source of information, when shopping for your children's toys,etc,i have used earlier versions to buy my grandaughter toys from birth to now, and she is 2, i do have this book,and i do not buy toys, without first going through it, shopping without it, would be throwing away your money, barbara daniels [email protected]