BEST TOYS for 2017: Independent Consumer Group, Announces Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Awards on www.toyportfolio.com

    NEW YORK, NY, October 23, 2017 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The independent consumer organization, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, launches their annual awards for the most outstanding toys of 2017 on their website, www.toyportfolio.com. Co-founder Stephanie Oppenheim will appear on NBC's TODAY Show on Black Friday, November 24, 2017.

Trends to Watch (Good and Bad) noted by child development experts and co-founders Joanne and Stephanie Oppenheim:

Coding is the buzz word of the year. We found toys for all ages that introduce the concept of coding to children - some more successfully than others.

Claims of STEM learning are everywhere. A good many of them offer what can only be termed "lite" STEM learning. Putting dinosaurs in a game does not make a game STEM learning. The label STEM is no guarantee of real learning content.

Gender Free Marketing. Girls are appearing on building sets that in the past would have been marketed strictly for boys. This is a very positive trend in toyland. We are also seeing more boy dolls this season, also a positive sign that encourages boys to tap into their nurturing side.

Russian Roulette and Toilet Bowls. Games that squirt or slam people in the face with whipped cream, water filled eggs, or water that sprays from toy toilets. Is getting sprayed with toilet water (even if it's pretend toilet water) ever really funny?

Games and Puzzles. These classic forms of play remain at the top of our testers favorites. A chance to put all the electronics away and spend time together -- still gets top marks from kids and their parents. This is the best trend of all.

Even more Assembly. Parents continue to complain about the amount of assembly required. Be sure you have all the tools (and time) required.

The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Awards are 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.

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

Website: www.toyportfolio.com

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