(Milwaukee, WI, USA) July 31, 2013 - Getting the design just right on toys needs approval from the child playing with the toy and parent and industry experts. Thirteen of Hape’s toys recently earned the internationally-recognized Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award when it scored big among two testing groups. Several of these winners will be shown on the Today Show for their award announcement in October. 

“The Hape products that have just been awarded Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Seal Awards were a huge hit with our testers. The toys were engaging and fun and our child and expert testers gave the highest ratings for quality and design of the products we reviewed,” said Stephanie Oppenheim, Co-Founder of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio. 

“We are very proud to have our products receive this recognition,” said Maggie Qiu, president of Hape. “Hape is committed to creating quality products that inspire play, learning and the exploration of the world we live in.” Hape uses natural sustainable materials, water-based paints and has strict quality and safety standards that make every toy an investment kids love and parents trust. 

Here’s what impressed the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio testers:

Quadrilla Music Motion - Music Motion adds a musical element to the marble run formula! Music Motion includes xylophone keys that are placed into different building pieces, so marble run builders can get even more creative with their construction! Set them up in crazy ways, or why not try having marbles play a tune as they roll down the raceways? Music Motion can be combined seamlessly with other Quadrilla marble run sets.

Incredibly, the entire new range of Quadrilla has earned the Platinum Seal Award. The Oppenheims regard Quadrilla as one of their favorite toy collections. 

City Parking Garage - Hape's City Parking Garage has three levels of parking and a helipad for the city's high rollers. The structure is connected by ramps and by a garage elevator that services the entire structure. The set comes with three cars and one helicopter.
Shopping Cart - This brightly-colored Shopping Cart is the perfect size for youngsters who want to do some shopping. Hape's Shopping Cart has rubber on its wheels to protect floors, a spacious basket for groceries, and a convenient space underneath for transporting larger items.

Scoot Around - Hape's Scoot-Around is a four-wheeled scooter perfectly-sized for a little one's speedy escapades. The bright green colors add a splash of character to this scooter while also highlighting the rubberized wheels which won't mark up floors when a youngster goes for a spin. Best of all, Hape's Scoot-Around is a sure way to get kids moving around, having fun, and building strength!

Galloping Zebra Cart - Hape's Galloping Zebra Cart is a sturdy walking toy with a pair of prancing zebras perfectly-suited for new and experienced little walkers. As they push, the zebras prance, gallop, or stampede depending on how quickly your youngster moves the walker. It's built strong and sturdy with set-back wheels to allow little ones to safely and easily pull themselves up to walking level.

High Chair - If your child’s doll needs a comfy seat when it's time to chow down with the family, Hape's Highchair is the perfect perch. The Highchair has a tray for food, a soft seat pillow, and it's the perfect height for your little one to attend to dolly. The chair is painted pink and white with a child-safe finish.

Founded in 1989 by child development and toy experts, Joanne Oppenheim and her daughter Stephanie Oppenheim, as the leading independent guide to children's media.The organization does not accept entry fees for reviewing products. All award winners are reviewed by the Oppenheims for age-appropriateness and fun. Products are further tested by their network of kid testers all over the country.
Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award represents the most innovative, engaging new products of the year.


Their reviews are posted on www.toyportfolio.com.