Important Advisory:

The Asterisk on the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Lead-Free* Platinum Award list indicates that samples from only one particular batch of these toys tested lead free.  Other production runs or samples of the same products may contain lead.

We have not had the other toys on our website independently tested for lead content. For the future, we are requiring companies to provide us with documentation that their products have been tested by an independent lab and found to be free of surface and embedded lead, as well as phthalates.  

James Oppenheim appeared on the Today Show on 12/23/02 to show off some of the best hi-tech games, gadgets and gizmos for kids.

" What we’ve been looking for are games that go beyond so-called mindless entertainment”, said Oppenheim. "Each of these products requires a child to engage creatively and intellectually. They aren’t what are sold as “educational”, but they develop and nurture a child to grow without feeling like they are being lectured at. They don’t replace school; they supplement it."

Children’s Software – For kids we were looking for non-violent, family oriented games that inspired creativity, exploration, and discovery.

Ollo in the Sunny Valley (Hulabee $20)- This gorgeous adventure told in collage and claymation is from the creator of the Pajama Sam and Freddie the Fish (which are among the bestsellers of all time in the kid's software market). This new adventure is playful, yet paced just right for quiet, thoughtful discovery.

Disney Sports (Konami $40)- Disney Sports Soccer takes the fun of a neighborhood soccer game and adds the excitement of Disney-style competition. Seven distinctive game modes, as well as a multi-player mode.

Barbie Sparkling Ice Show (Vivendi Universal $30)- Kids design their own skating routines and then help Barbie execute them in a PC title that proves that not all sports titles are for boys. Barbie skates in one of five international arenas. The title mixes creativity and arcade appeal.

Animal Crossing (Nintendo $50) - Nintendo’s most novel program of the year, this is a virtual world (sort of similar to The Sims for adults). It has a clock/calendar tied to the real world, so it knows the holidays. In addition to building their own house, and making friends, there are classic arcade games throughout the world to discover.

Zoo Tycoon Marine Mania (Microsoft $30)- Older kids will love Zoo Tycoon's Marine Mania, where they are in charge of all the animals in the zoo. The educational twist here is that they need to learn about the environments and animals under their care. The new expansion includes aquatic animals and even dinosaurs!

Gadgets for kids:

Lego Spybotics (Lego $59.99)Build wireless remote controlled vehicles that can be programmed by computer to play different games and missions.

R2D2 (Hasbro $100) – This cool robot from Star Wars can recognize your voice, and plays six different games. We’ll demo with the phrase: “Hey R2, do you remember: Darth Vader?” You’ll hear and see him freak out!

Wireless Controllers - 'Twas the day before the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a peripheral was wired, not even a mouse....

Wireless controllers are huge this year. They get rid of so much clutter and are simple to install! Get controls that operate on radio frequency, not infra-red, because they are more responsive and don't get interrupted if something gets between the control and the main unit to which it is wirelessly connected. Our picks included Logitech's wireless family of mice and its new wireless joystick, the Wavebird Wireless Controller from Nintendo, and Microsoft's wireless Natural Keyboard and mouse.

Software For Tweens, Teens and Adults

Roller Coaster Tycoon 2 (Infogrames $30)- Kids design and build their own roller coaster theme parks, complete with actual rides from the Six Flags parks. This game teaches economics and physics while kids think they’re just playing. New to this year's version are actual rides from Six Flags Theme Parks. More important, it is now easier to design your own coasters thanks to a design mode outside of the simulation part of the program.

NBA2K3(Sega $50)/Xbox Live (Xbox $50)- Sega’s NBA2K3 is the best electronic basketball game of all time. The graphics are incredibly realistic: You’ll see the reflection from the stadium lights on the court floor. Players actually sweat the more they play. Available on PS2 and Nintendo, it plays best on Xbox with Xbox live. This new service lets you play on-line against internet players all over the world on all internet enabled Xbox games. Xbox Live comes with a microphone so you can taunt opponents and talk to allies as you play. Thoughtfully, the game system "masks" your voice, so that others not know if you're male or female, young or old.

Age of Mythology(Microsoft $50)/In Focus X1 Projector(In Focus $1600) – This is a strategy game of conquest, like chess, but with animated characters. Not only do you command armies, but you can call into play mythic characters from Norse, Egyptian and Greek civilizations. And what better way to play than with a wall covering portable video projector! The one I’ll show from In-focus costs a tenth of traditional “home theatre” projectors and yet has the same high end chip set that makes projecting movies and games and even tv shows look great.