New Standard for Reviewing

After the upsetting number of lead recalls last year, we tried to implement a zero tolerance level for lead (both surface coated and embedded). While a handful of companies have complied, a great number of them (and their testing labs) have argued that there can be trace amounts of lead, making it impossible for them to sign our form in good faith. So what is a trace amount? No toy company or testing lab would give us a number, or percentage. The absence of a "standard" is indicative of the problem with toy testing at the moment. So where does that leave us? We are adopting the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics. The AAP has defined "trace" amounts to be 40 ppm. The current federal government level is 600 ppm. It's important to note that the AAP and our organization hold that there is no safe level of lead in children's products. The testimony of Dr. Dana Best on behalf of the before the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce is extremely informative as to the risks from even low level exposure to lead. Click here to read her testimony.

It is our hope that new government standards will soon take the guesswork and the lead out of children's products. We realize that in adopting these standards, our lists may be shorter, but we hope as more companies comply with the AAP recommendations that we will be able to add such products for review. The new form for submitting products is now available.

Instructions for submitting product to the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio for review.

Contact the Toyportfolio @ (212) 598-0502 or by email at Webmaster@Toyportfolio.com.

Copyright 1995-2008 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio - All Rights Reserved. Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award, and Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Blue Chip Award are Registered Trademarks of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio.

With such grueling schedules during the school year- it does seem like kids should have time to kick back and enjoy their summer vacation, right? While most of us want our kids to relax and play, the research indicates that kids can backslide nearly two months on their school skills! So what's a parent to do? Watch the video of Stephanie on NBC's TODAY when she discussed this issue with Matt and read her article on MSNBC.

Looking for ideas for outdoor fun? Whether you are the "neighborhood" house where everyone hangs out or if you're planning a family summer party, we have some great new suggestions that will bring everyone together. Stephanie showed off these products on the Today Show, June 26, 2008. Click here to read more, or click here to watch the video.

It can be a challenge to get kids unplugged and outside!  Click here to read her article.

Looking for some new titles to bring home for spring?  Look no further!  Joanne shares her favorite new titles for sharing with your kids.  Read more.

Read Stephanie's blog on the ever changing world of toys. The blog will also cover the parade of interesting, outstanding, cool, disturbing and gross products that find their way to the desk at toyportfolio.com.  Have a question about what's age appropriate for the kids in your life?  How many toys does your child really need? Here's your chance to discuss it all. Click here to view her blog.

After the upsetting number of lead recalls last year, we tried to implement a zero tolerance level for lead (both surface coated and embedded). While a handful of companies have complied, a great number of them (and their testing labs) have argued that there can be trace amounts of lead, making it impossible for them to sign our form in good faith.

So what is a trace amount? No toy company or testing lab would give us a number, or percentage. The absence of a "standard" is indicative of the problem with toy testing at the moment.

So where does that leave us? We are adopting the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics. The AAP has defined "trace" amounts to be 40 ppm. The current federal government level is 600 ppm.

It's important to note that the AAP and our organization hold that there is no safe level of lead in children's products. The testimony of Dr. Dana Best on behalf of the before the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce is extremely informative as to the risks from even low level exposure to lead. Click here to read her testimony.

It is our hope that new government standards will soon take the guesswork and the lead out of children's products. We realize that in adopting these standards, our lists may be shorter, but we hope as more companies comply with the AAP recommendations that we will be able to add such products for review.

We've prepared a FAQ with information about lead in children's toys, here.

Joanne and Stephanie are here with the top award winning toys of the season!Click on the video above to see our infant picks. For Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award Winning Games click here.

Read It! Play It! with Babies and Toddlers introduces new parents to the power of books, songs, stories and play at this crucial time in a child's development.

Studies show that it's never too soon to start reading to your baby.

Read It! Play It! with Babies and Toddlers' easy to follow format provides the resources, games and activities that new parents need to have at their fingertips.

Now available in Spanish.  Read more.

We don’t give ourselves awards,but we wanted our readers to know about Joanne's new book Dear Miss Breed: True Stories of the Japanese American Incarceration During WWII.

Kids often struggle with how they can make a difference. This is the story of a remarkable young children’s librarian who did just that. Clara Breed was horrified when her young Japanese American patrons and their families were sent to incarceration camps. She corresponded with many throughout the war, sending them books, supplies, and most importantly, her hope and friendship.

Joanne was captivated by this story. She located and took oral histories from many of Miss Breed’s “children,” now in their 70s and 80s. Given the current climate we live in, with the ever-present threat of terrorism, this book provides a chilling lesson about what can happen to a nation when fear overcomes reason. 12 & up. Visit www.dearmissbreed.com for more about how the book came to be and the reviews by historians and book critics.

Now you can search our database by keyword!

Simply type in the key word in the title or name of the product you're looking for:

Read It! Play It! reviews fifty outstanding award winning books that we believe every child from 3 to 8 should know, along with dozens of playful activities and enjoyable learning games to enhance the reading experience. Read It! Play It! gives the"how" and "why" for doing activities that are essential underpinnings for school success including: language & phonics games,   storytelling & writing ideas, music & active physical games as well as art, math, science and cooking projects.

We have given each of the fifty books selected, a Read It! Play It! Award -recognizing that these are outstanding examples of children's literature that also lend themselves to playful exploration of language, math, art, and/or science.

Click here to order your copy of Read It! Play It!