Sep 15, 2003 - The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio announces its annual awards today with the release of their 11th annual edition of their book, OPPENHEIM TOY PORTFOLIO 2004: The Best Toys, Books, Videos, Music and Software for Kids (suggested retail $12; ISBN 0-9721050-0-X). The book, reviewing and rating thousands of products for quality, developmental appropriateness, and educational & play value, will be launched today on NBC's Today Show.

The organization gives the following awards: Platinum Awards to the most outstanding and innovative products of the year; Gold Seal Awards to highly recommended products; Blue Chip Awards to classic products; and Special Needs Adaptable Product Awards.

"There has been a proliferation of so-called 'educational' toys with some notable and innovative products, but parents should rest assured that many traditional types of play are at the core for learning," notes child development expert Joanne Oppenheim.

"Our task remains to find outstanding products and do what parents wished they could do if they had unlimited time and money. We review all year long to find the most engaging, educational and entertaining products," notes co-author Stephanie Oppenheim.

For more information about Oppenheim Toy Portfolio and its annual awards, please visit www.toyportfolio.com.

Founded in 1989, the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio publishes the only independent review of children's media. The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio's awards for outstanding new and classic products are considered the benchmark of excellence with both consumers and the media. The Oppenheims are contributors to NBC's Today Show.