Customer Reviews
An excellent resource 
2006-02-14
The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio continues to be the standard against which other toy reviewers are judged: Every product is kid & parent tested and reviewed by the Oppenheims for value, safety, and age appropriateness, and I've found that the products that they recommend are excellent. Unlike magazines and other reviewing sites that take advertisements or fees, the Oppenheims do not. They call it like they see it and are independent.
I've relied on their annual guide for years. I also like the fact that you can get a "feel" for their reviews for free just by going their website (www.toyportfolio.com) to see if their views coincide with your own (and to find reviews of things that might not yet have been covered in the book). Nevertheless, the book is so fully packed with useful information (not just what to buy, but what to avoid) that it ranks as an excellent value
I've found their recommendations to be right on. I love the way the book is organized (by age and sub-topic) so I can zero in on just the right product for my kids. For instance, where else will you find comparison reviews of the best musical instruments for five year olds, or the best active toys, or craft project or science books, for that matter? Some of the products are available at chains, other's can be bought on-line; I like the balance.
Like any good critic, the Oppenheims have a point of view: Emphasizing quality over "hype" - they take the products out of the package and really see if they deliver lasting play value. The Oppenheims are parents, authors, and child development experts and this multi-faceted background shines through in their informative (and blessedly short) reviews.
I really respect that they look at mass-market toys as well as less well promoted products, because I like to mix and match the kinds of things I give. Whether I'm looking for a big ticket toy or a product for under $10, a game to share with my child or a toy to develop independence, the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio is always where I turn to first.
From a kid and her mom 
2006-02-09
This book recommends dumb, unpopular toys. My mom says that parents who have to buy this book in order to find good stuff are just lazy. Honestly, reviewing this 2006 copy, I don't want anything in it and I still like toys (unlike most of my friends) I'm 9 and my brothers are 7, 4 and 3 and the educational toys they list in here for them and dorky and not fun. A couple things they have but nothing that really stands out. All of their favorites are not even in this book. I think that if you want to know what kids really want, you should ask them, not read a book. All kids like different things and honestly, when my aunts send me toys, I am supposed to be nice and send thank you notes back but if I knew they were reading a book to find out what I am supposed to like, I would have just said, "ask me."
Thumbs up for OTP ! 2006-02-08
This book is great! As a working Mom I don't have the time to spend hours in a store searching for the appropriate toys, books, DVD's, etc... for my nieces, nephews, and birthday gifts for my son's friends. I've every edition since 2001 and it has never failed to please. The added bonuses are the great safety tips and smart parent tricks. I also love OTP's "Read It! Play It!"
I don't think this book is worth it. 
2006-01-29
I don't think this book is worth it. Why? Because so much of this information is free from other moms. They have the experience. These people just write about it. What is that saying: Those who know, do it. those who don't write it?
A few moms in our play group mentioned how sad they were that some of the toys they bought their kids for Hannukah (based on this book) are stuck on the shelf already and what a waste of money that was. I have to agree with another reviewer about the SNAP awards too. There is no infomation at ALL in the book that explains what they are, what they mean or even how they came up with them. I think this book lacks credibility and it is nothing more than a ploy to get you to spend more money. Do manufacturers pay them to list their toys, I wonder.
The cream always rises to the top 2006-01-26
The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Inc. has done it once again with with their 2006 edition. They consistently bring us the best information regarding toys, books, DVD's, etc. which makes it easy for us, as parents, to surround our children with the most meaningful items available on the market today. I have used their resources before purchasing gifts for my nieces and nephews, and now that I am approaching "Grandparent Status", and with guidance of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, I will be able to continue providing my family with items that are sure to improve the quality of their overall experiences. Thank you Oppenheim Toy Portfolio for helping to make us better informed parents and grandparents.
Goes over VERY few toys. 2008-02-27
I thought I'd love this book and that it would help me pick the right toys for my baby on the way. Unfortunately, I quickly realized that the book analyzes very few toys (only the ones sent to them for free). It actually recommends very few toys too. The book helped me learn the categories of toys I should be on the lookout for but that's it. Also, their website being updated more regularly than the book, I'm tempted to sell my book back and use only their website for guidance. Haven't learned anything from it so I say : Not recommended.
Great Idea; Disappointing Reality 
2007-08-26
I really liked the idea of this book and quickly purchased a copy. However, after reading it and working with it, I have become frustrated with the content of the book. I have had a difficult time finding many of the recommended toys. Some of them are no longer being produced by their manufacturers, others are primarily produced and retailed overseas, and therefore these items can be difficult to purchase. You can find some sold used through sources like eBay or possibly have them shipped from overseas. Neither is my perferred option.
I also would like to comment on the online website the Oppenheim's offer to compliment their books. I really find pictures of the recommend toys very valuable for helping to identify them online or in stores. I wish the online site and the book would provide many more pictures of the most recommended toys. Also, I found some of the editing of the paragraphs regarding certain toys confusing. Other toys are mentioned embedded in the text of the paragraph either as picks or pans. Some of the editing of the paragraphs is rough and doesn't make sense to me. On the web site some of the paragraphs read like poor cut and paste jobs. I am very appreciative that the site and the information on it is free without registration, but it seems like the authors would not want the site so sloppily edited. Some of the headers and links in the Toddler section, for example, relate to products in the Preschool group, which I found confusing. I could not tell if the hyperlinks were incorrect. I also had some difficulties in the Toddler section differentiating between toys which were more appropriate for my 14-month old daughter and those that are more appropriate for a 2-year old. I wish there were more differentiation and clarity in the recommendations. That said, many of the toys I've purchased based on recommendations (either the recommended toys themselves or toys that seem somewhat similar in properties) have generally been enjoyed by her.
Great guide for new parents 2007-01-04
I have purchased several issues of this book. Everyone is very pleased with the contents. A very valued source of reference for all new parents.
Two books were for my grandchildren and I wanted them to have the best in educational toys at the appropriate ages.
Wonderful resource for parents! 2006-11-03
While their website does provide a good amount of information, the book is much more in depth and detailed. Our son, 6 months old, loves all the toys we have gotten him that were listed as winners by the book. We make our christmas shopping lists based upon the recommendations from this book. I would highly recommend this to any new parent.
always right on 2006-02-19
The oppenheims never fail to recommend kid tested toys, books and videos that have been perfect gifts for my friends' kids. I read a bad review from a grouch who thought name calling was helpful.It was probably written by a toy person who did not get a good review.
I think the Oppenheims use excellent toy testers and I truly respect the assessments done by children. They are always right on!!
Myra Klahr
