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.  

Often when we think of educational toys, electronic drill machines and flash cards come to mind.  Stephanie Oppenheim appeared with WNBC-TV'™s Jane Hanson on Today in New York to talk about more interactive and entertaining ways to keep those school skills alive.

Pokemon Monopoly

(Hasbro $29.99) Calls for the same math, reading and negotiating skills of the original game.  Pokemon fans will be motivated to play.  If your child is older, let your child be the score keeper, although be prepared for some creative score keeping!  It'ss a lot more fun than flash cards for learning math facts. 7 & up. Toy Supermarkets.

 Safari RushHour

(Binary Arts $20) The object is to get your jeep out of the jungle.  Players must move the animals on the grid board in order to get the jeep to safety.  Calls for visual discrimination and logic.  A game you can play together or solo. 8 & up. (800) 468-1864.

Hummingbird Feeder and/orButterfly Pavilion

(Curiosity Kits $12/ Insect Lore $29.95) Science is waiting to happen outside all summer long. The key is get kids interested.  Here are two kits you can bring home that invite observation. Kids can keep a written log of what they see.  Draw pictures or take photographs of what they observe.  Curiosity Kits (800) 584-5487/ Insect Lore (800) LIVE BUG.

 I Dig Dinosaurs

(Earth Lore $24.99) Requires staying with the task- it's not instantaneous. Gives kids a sense of what it's like to be an archeologists.  This kit will appeal to both boys and girls.  Bring home some books on the topic.  This company also makes an Egyptian kit as well. (800) 440-2630.

 Lego Polar Kit