Oppenheim Toy Portfolio 2004 Edition [Paperback]

Joanne Oppenheim (Author), Stephanie Oppenheim (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2003 | Series: Oppenheim Toy Portfolio

As featured on NBC's TODAY Show! The experts from the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, the independent consumer organization rate the best (and worst) in children's toys, books, videos, music and software. Don't waste any more money on products that are a waste of your money and your child's time. Here's the guide that every parent (and grandparent) should have before they go shopping.

Guide includes important child development information, basic gear checklists, product comparisons, best shower and birthday presents for every budget, multicultural products, science toys, educational toys and a full chapter on adapting ordinary products for kids with special needs.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Joanne Oppenheim is one of the country's most trusted and respected child development experts and the author of more than fifty books for and about children. Joanne is a Contributor to NBC's TODAY Show.

Stephanie Oppenheim, a former corporate attorney, is the publisher and cofounder of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio. She is a leading consumer authority and a Contributor to NBC's TODAY Show.

James Oppenheim, an attorney and computer consultant, is the technology editor for the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio.

Product Details

• Paperback: 312 pages
• Publisher: Oppenheim Toy Portfolio (August 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 097210500X
• ISBN-13: 978-0972105002
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 4.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,514,239 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Baby Shower/New Baby Gift, October 5, 2004

By 

Sarah Martin (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, 2005: The Best Toys, Books, Videos, Music & Software for Kids (Paperback)

Ususally skeptical about some so-called "experts" rating kids' products, I happen to catch one of the co-authors one morning on NBC's Today Show. Her approach to evaluating kids' toys, books, software, etc. was so straightforward, smart and dead-on that I immediately went out and bought the book. Best investment I ever made.

I have two kids, age 11 and 7, and I know what they like. The problem is I tend to buy the same type of toys over and over for them. The beauty of this guide is that it introduces you to types of products and brands that you may not have considered before. I find it's lack of gender-stereotyping also refreshing. It is invaulable for holidays and birthdays, and I find myself referencing it constantly.

I understand that this is the one and ONLY guide that does not accept any form of payment for review of products. Therefore, I can unequivocally trust the reviews to be impartial. Each product is not just reviewed by adults imposing their values on it, but by kids of the targeted age group. This makes me confident that the products aren't just "good for my kid," but actually will be enjoyed by them.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wish I could give more than 5 stars...., September 26, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Oppenheim Toy Portfolio 2004 Edition (Paperback)

This book is INVALUABLE. I have seven neices and nephews, but no kids of my own, and I rely on this series as a reference for gift-giving ALL the time (I've used these books since 2000). Before that, gifts I gave to them were often not age-appropriate, didn't appeal to the kids, or drove the parents NUTS with the noice levels.

And then, I started using the Portfolio!!! I know, this sounds like a bad infomercial, but I'm being honest, I promise. So far, it's been ABSOLUTELY FLAWLESS - no kidding. I've given my nephews (ranging from newborn to 10 years old) several gifts, books, and videos, all of which have been perfectly age-appropriate, well-recieved, and played with for long periods of time. It's easy to follow, has great hands-on tips, and is cross-referenced for easily finding ideas and tips.

The best part, however, is that not only does it cover toys, books, and games... but it also explains developmental stages, provides tips for making up your own games, and creative inspiration for thinking outside the toy-box! I cannot recommend this highly enough for parents, aunts/uncles, grandparents, or anyone who needs to buy gifts (or anything else) for kids! This is one review book that is WORTH THE PRICE, every time.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The next best thing to being Santa Claus, November 6, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Oppenheim Toy Portfolio 2004 Edition (Paperback)

Thanks to the Oppenheims, I am the best gift giver in my family. I'm not letting anyone in my family know about my secret weapon...but you should all know that my nieces and nephews think I am the best uncle ever. The book tells you what to get for every age and every budget. I love being the hit of every family party.