Elmo's back - giggling and flapping into the Christmas toy bestseller list
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A boggle-eyed furry toy that flips on to its backside, dementedly flaps its arms and giggles is tipped to become one of the best-selling toys this Christmas.
The TMX Elmo - based on a puppet from the US show Sesame Street - has a wide range of movement for a cuddly toy and shrieks when it is tickled.
Launched at Hamley's toy shop in London yesterday, the doll is the follow-up to the surprise hit Tickle Me Elmo, which became the "must-have" Christmas present in 1996. Short supply of the world's first interactive cuddly toy caused "Elmo-mania" during which parents elbowed each other in the aisles to grab the toy. In the US, classified ads offered it for sale for £800.
Ten years on, Hamley's is confident that Elmo's latest incarnation (TMX stands for Tickle Me Extreme) will leap off the shelves.
"We expect TMX Elmo to be our number one toy for Christmas," said Dave Pope, Hamley's head buyer. "It will appeal to kids and adults and cannot fail to put a smile on your face. It will undoubtedly become a classic." Priced at about £35, the red Fisher-Price doll shuffles along, stands up, falls over and breaks into fits of laughter. It hysterically shrieks: "That tickles!" and "Again, Again! You did it, again!"
At the launch, a spokeswoman for the parent company, Mattel, said: "The kids here loved him and you can't really fail to smile." She added: "Tickle Me Elmo was the first cuddly toy with a feature -it giggled and shook if you tickled his tummy.
"He was huge 10 years ago. Everyone was buying him. He is often quoted in case studies of marketing."
Only about 50 Mattel staff knew details of TMX Elmo prior to its unveiling, the spokeswoman said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments