Customer Reviews

Oppenheim Toy Portfolio 2000 Edition

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

What a useful resource: it really surveys the whole field quite well and has clued me in to many great gift ideas. I think the book is best in reviewing toys. For software, another great resource is The Parents Pocket Guide to Kids & Computers, which has meaty reviews of the top 100 kids' software programs.

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 BDani45871@aol.com

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.

We are finally able to have a clear idea about what we can expect from most toys, books and video games we have seen around. we are able to look beyond the "toymakers' personal description" of their product. Everything is always so nice and great on tv ... Thank you to the OPPENHEIMS for this great help. At least now, that we have read the test results, we can better understand some objections our parents make to certain toys.

Whenever I go into a toy store, I see the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio award seal on the best toys. They have their finger(s) on the pulse! I've been keeping track of their reviews for years, and they're consistently accurate.

This latest edition makes me wish my kids were younger, so I could play with the new toys they recommend.

The 2001 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Edition has once again kept parents worldwide gleaming in the eyes of our little ones. The Oppenheim's commitment on informing parents of the best toys, videos, music, software, and books has become the new bible of a parent's life. Thank you for your commitment.

This book guarantees that my kids love what I bring home. It's so well organized that I can look up the best books, toys, videos and software and know quickly what's appropriate for each of my kids. The 800 numbers are also great for finding the products.