BEST TOYS of 2014: Independent Consumer Group, www.toyportfolio.com, Announces Awards

    NEW YORK, NY, November 13, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The independent consumer organization, toyportfolio.com, announces this morning their annual awards for the most outstanding toys of 2014 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 on November 20th.

"This was a rather lackluster year in terms of innovation in toyland," notes Stephanie Oppenheim. "There is also no 'it' toy for the season. The toys linked to popular entertainment properties like Frozen, Star Wars, and Doc McStuffin are attracting most of the buzz."

Co-founder Joanne Oppenheim notes that the lack of a "hot" toy is actually better for consumers. "It means that parents are not in a frenzy to find the elusive product. They can bring home toys that are age-appropriate. We have a wonderful list of recommended award winners for each age group. Parents can use our list to bring home a variety of toys, games, and art supplies that will last long past the holidays."

The Oppenheims identify the following positive trends for 2014: continued emphasis on building sets for both boys and girls, fun and engaging games for the whole family, multiethnic doll collections, and better uses of technology integrated into play.

The organization's top award, the 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; the 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.

Toys receive awards based on the following criteria: each product is evaluated for age-appropriateness, quality of design, and most importantly, whether kids are engaged and having fun. Stephanie notes, "our mission is to take the mystery out of finding the best toys because there's nothing worse than spending money on a toy that doesn't deliver...and nothing better than bringing home a toy that's a hit."

About the Oppenheims
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].

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