Important Advisory:

We are now requiring companies to provide us with documentation that their products have been tested by an independent lab for phthalates and lead.
Please click here for submission requirements for new products. However, as we are not a lab, we will not be independently verifying those results. Also, with the exception of the 2008 Platinum Toy Awards, toys submitted for review prior to January 2008 were not tested for lead.

Instructions for submitting product to the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio for review.

Contact the Toyportfolio @ (212) 598-0502 or by email at Webmaster@Toyportfolio.com.

Copyright 1995-2008. Oppenheim Toy Portfolio - All Rights Reserved. Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award, and Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Blue Chip Award are Registered Trademarks of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio.

Selecting Backyard Gym Sets
Buying a backyard gym is an investment in years of active fun that calls for care before you buy, as well as proper installation, maintenance, and supervision.  Having such equipment right outside your own door provides an open-ended invitation to get out and use those muscles and that endless energy. Although the primary attraction may be the swing and slide, often these hold less long-term interest than the playhouse/climber, which is used for exercising both body imagination.

The overall goal is to provide kids with age-appropriate settings that build their sense of confidence as active doers.  Don't buy a set that they will "grow into" - you don't want to bring home a set that's too high - one that can be frightening to kids and pose a real safety issue.

Safety.  Supervision is your best defense against a trip to the emergency room. Know that accidents do happen.  The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that in 1999, there were 46, 930 injuries that required trips to the emergency room from home playground equipment accidents.   The CPSC recommends a minimum of 6" of protective ground covering. Grass alone is not safe. Recommended coverings include: wood chips, recycled mulch, fine sand or pea stones.  The depth of the covering is determined by the height of the equipment. For example, if you have a play set that is 9' high, the government recommends at least 12" of covering. Experts also recommend at least a 6' perimeter around the equipment (more depending on the pivot of your equipment).  For full details on the CPSC's recommendations, visit CPCS.

( CedarWorks $$3100$ ) The Gazebo is a big time investment in backyard fun. Made out of northern cedar, the company guarantees that its sets are splinter free. What we really like about the Gazebo system is that you can add guard rails all the way around the raised platform for added safety. As your kids grow, you can remove the rails for added climbing opportunities. Kids love having a clubhouse of their very own and that's what the Gazebo does (without having to build a tree house!) Starter sets begin at $1400 from this top of the line playset company, but you can always spend more. You can customize your "dream set" on CedarWorks website, on the phone or with an authorized dealer. With all climbing systems, adult supervision is a must. The government recommends a minimum of 6 inches of ground covering (wood chips, recycled mulch, pea stones, fine sand) with a minimum perimeter of 6 feet. For more safety guidelines, please visit www.cpsc.gov. Age: Preschool, Early School Years, Late School Years. Phone: (800) 462-3327. Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2002 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Blue Chip Award

( Childlife$$3600$ ) This isn't your father's playset! ChildLife's play gyms are made from yellow cedar that is then covered with green enamel- giving it a smooth, splinter free finish. Older climbers will be attracted to the rock wall, the buoy ball swing, and the clubhouse. Starter sets begin at $800 but you can always add more and more features (kind of like designing a kitchen). The company will help design your "dream" system on their website, by phone or with an authorized dealer. With all climbing equipment, adult supervision is a must. The government recommends a minimum of 6 inches of ground covering (wood chips, recycled mulch, pea stones, fine sand) and a minimum perimeter of 6 feet. For more guidelines, please visit www.cpsc.gov. Age: Preschool, Early School Years, Late School Years. Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2000 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Blue Chip Award

( Step 2 $$500$ ) The Naturally Playful Clubhouse Climber is an update of the Platinum Award winning Bridge & Tunnel Clubhouse Climber. The only significant change is color--now done in the more muted colors of the naturally playful line. It remains a great combo gym and playhouse for older toddlers and preschoolers. Comes with two towers, a slide, and connecting bridge our testers loved. One tower is outfitted with pretend props and a table and chairs. Age: Toddler, Preschool. Phone: (800) 347-8372. Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2001