VTech® Receives Platinum, Gold and SNAP Awards from Oppenheim Toy Portfolio

CHICAGO, Dec. 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Today VTech® announced three products received top honors from the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio. The Kidizoom® Action Cam was given a coveted Platinum Award, recognizing the most innovative and engaging products of the year. Gold Awards, presented to outstanding new products that enhance the lives of children, were presented to the Sit-to-Stand Ultimate Alphabet Train™ and Lil' Critters Soothing Starlight Hippo™. The Soothing Starlight Hippo also won a SNAP Award, given to products that can be used by or easily adapted for children with special needs.

"We are honored to receive these top awards from the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio," said William To, President, VTech Electronics North America. "They continue to validate our commitment to creating innovative toys that make learning fun for kids."

"Our kid testers raved about the Kidizoom Action Cam and the ability to take photos, video and stop motion video," said Stephanie Oppenheim, publisher of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio. "Toddlers will love the magical repetitive action of dropping the blocks into the engine of the Sit-to-Stand Ultimate Alphabet Train, and the Lil' Critters Soothing Starlight Hippo is a great diversion to soothe babies to sleep."

Additional details about VTech's award-winning products can be found at www.vtechkids.com and include:

• Kidizoom® Action Cam: The Kidizoom Action Cam is a great first video and photo camera for kids and is durable enough to handle drops and tumbles. It can go anywhere kids go, and do anything kids do with two included mounts so they can attach it to their bike, skateboard and more, making it perfect for interactive play and capturing life's adventures. It also comes with a waterproof case so they can take videos and pictures up to 6' underwater – perfect for budding snorkelers and splashing fun. The Action Cam features a 1.4" color LCD screen and can take stop-motion videos and time-lapse photos in addition to regular videos and photos. Children can also explore their creativity with fun effects, frames and photo filters. It's easy to upload their photos and videos to a computer using the included micro USB cable so parents can choose to share them with family and friends. For even more fun, they can also play three exciting games. Available in yellow/black and purple. (Ages 4 years and up, MSRP $59.99)
• Sit-to-Stand Ultimate Alphabet Train™: Hop aboard the Sit-to-Stand Ultimate Alphabet Train and play ten activities while learning letters, numbers, colors and more. The train helps build motor skills with six manipulative features including a storybook, clock, gears and 13 double-sided letter blocks that little ones can plug into the side of the train to learn letters and build their vocabulary. The train also recognizes the blocks when they're dropped down the chute. For role-play fun, pick up the walkie-talkie and press the number buttons to pretend to talk to animal friends. The Ultimate Alphabet Train is designed to grow with children and can be used with floor play or as a ride on and transforms into a walker. When little conductors get older, the caboose converts into a wagon they can fill with toys and pull along to develop gross motor skills. (Ages 12-36 mos, MSRP: $49.99)
• Lil' Critters Soothing Starlight Hippo™: Sweet dreams are ahead with the Lil' Critters Soothing Starlight Hippo. This adorable hippo projects a vibrant starry night sky onto the ceiling in four different colors to the sounds of peaceful tunes, seven nursery rhymes, nature sounds and lullabies. Colorful light effects enhance visual awareness, while the comforting sounds and songs help soothe babies to sleep. This helpful hippo also responds to babies' cries with calming music. (Ages Birth and up, MSRP: $24.99)

About VTech
VTech® is a world leader in age-appropriate and developmental stage-based electronic learning products for children. As a pioneer in the learning toy category, VTech develops high-quality, innovative educational products that enrich children's development and make learning fun. With a rich, almost 35 year history, VTech has not only established itself as a learning authority but also consistently remains at the forefront of innovation with multiple award-winning products. The company also has a broad range of award-winning infant and preschool products available in 24 different languages worldwide, with more than 100 new products introduced every year. VTech was awarded a prestigious 2015 Toy of The Year (TOTY) Award for its Go! Go! Smart Animals® Zoo Explorers Playset™. In order to further strengthen VTech's position as a learning authority, the company's Expert Panel, with esteemed experts in reading, language arts, science, math, and child development, consult on new product introductions.

VTech Electronics North America, LLC is based in Arlington Heights, Illinois. VTech Electronics Limited is headquartered in Hong Kong with distribution globally.

For more information on VTech's additional product lines, visit www.VTechKids.com, www.facebook.com/VTechtoys on Facebook or follow @VTechToys on Twitter.

About Oppenheim Toy Portfolio
The independent consumer organization rates the best children's toys based on a number of criteria including quality, innovation and whether a toy is fun and engaging.  Toys are reviewed by child development and toy experts Joanne and Stephanie Oppenheim as well as their network of family testers all over the United States. The Oppenheims are Contributors to NBC's TODAY Show. The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum, Gold and SNAP (special needs) Awards for 2015 are available at www.toyportfolio.com.

Media Contact:
Nicole Centinaro
Coyne Public Relations
973-588-2000
[email protected]

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