Independent Consumer Group, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, Announces Best Toy Awards for 2013 on www.toyportfolio.com

NEW YORK, Oct. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The independent consumer organization, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, announces this morning their annual awards for the most outstanding toys of 2013 on their website, www.toyportfolio.com. Co-founder and child development expert Stephanie Oppenheim will share some of the winners on NBC's TODAY Show.

"There's plenty of good news this year," notes Stephanie Oppenheim. "There's a new brain trust in toyland with many young engineers and inventors working to bring smart, innovative toys to market. There's also a return to more classic forms of play - crafts, games, and props for pretend - are all well represented on our list. We're also delighted that construction toys for girls continue to be a growing sector. On the downside, the price of toys continues to rise."

Co-founder Joanne Oppenheim adds how the organization makes its selections: "Each product is evaluated for age-appropriateness, quality of design, and most importantly, whether kids are engaged and having fun. There's nothing worse than spending money on a toy that doesn't deliver. On the flip side, there's nothing better than bringing home a toy that's a winner - that remains the mandate for us and our testers from all over the country."

The organization's top award, the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award is given to the most outstanding and innovative products of the year. Other notable awards: the Gold Seal Award is given to highly recommended products; Blue Chip Award honors classic products; and the Special Needs Adaptable Product Award recognizes toys most appropriate for kids with special needs. Complete reviews of all winners are online at www.toyportfolio.com.

About the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio

Founded in 1989 by child development and toy experts, Joanne Oppenheim and her daughter Stephanie Oppenheim. The organization does not accept entry fees for reviewing products. The Oppenheims are Contributors to NBC's TODAY Show.

To arrange an interview, please email [email protected].

Website: www.toyportfolio.com

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SOURCE Oppenheim Toy Portfolio