FISHER PRICE ELMO DOLLS 101
Elmo made his first television appearance in November 18, 1985. Since then, the furry red monster has become every toddler’s childhood friend. More than that, Elmo has become a pop icon that is recognized worldwide.
The launch of the first Tickle Me Elmo toy, a plush doll that vibrated and giggled when you pressed its tummy, in 1996 was the beginning of something huge. A variety of Fisher Price Elmo dolls have since then emerged, with each edition becoming the must-have preschooler Christmas gift for the particular year. In this article, we take a journey through the history of Elmo – in particular, the evolution of the original Tickle Me Elmo to the newly-released animatronic Elmo, Elmo Live.
Original Tickle Me Elmo History
When Tickle Me Elmo was first released, even Fisher Price could not have predicted the toy’s impact on the toy industry. Demand for the fluffy and entertaining toy was so great that parents were actually pushing and shoving in toy stores just to get their hands on one. According to one magazine article, a Wal-Mart employee even suffered multiple injuries as a result of the 300-person stampede that rushed into the store on December 16, 1996.
The original Tickle Me Elmo had a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $28.99. However, due to the massive demand, some of the dolls were being sold for as much as $1,500 each.
The year following the launch of Tickle Me Elmo, Fisher Price also released Tickle Me Ernie, Tickle Me Big Bird, and Tickle Me Cookie Monster. Unfortunately, none of these toys came even close to matching to the success of Tickle Me Elmo.
If you’re lucky, you may be able to still get a hold of one of these original Tickle Me Elmo dolls, which are now being considered valuable collector’s items. Check out this latest offer from Amazon.com.
Tickle Me Elmo TMX History
In 2006, Fisher Price came out with a 10th anniversary Tickle Me Elmo, called Tickle Me Elmo TMX or Tickle Me Elmo Extreme. This version of the toy has taken Elmo’s fits of vibration and laughter to the next level, with Elmo now falling to the floor, rolling onto his stomach, and pounding his fists on the ground once he is tickled. Elmo TMX can even stand up on his own after he has fallen down from laughter.
Unsurprisingly, Tickle Me Elmo TMX has likewise attained phenomenal success in the market. Even two years after its initial release, Elmo TMX is still a rare find in local toy stores, especially this Christmas season. Don’t wait until the last minute to buy Tickle Me Elmo Extreme dolls, as they’re going fast. Take a look at this amazing offer from Amazon.com. Their prices are very competitive and shipping is lightning-fast.
Elmo Live: The Latest Addition to the Elmo Family
By far, the most technologically-advanced Elmo toy is the new Elmo Live doll. Now, this toy is something that you really have to see to appreciate. Elmo Live, released on October 18, 2008, can tell jokes and stories, sing, dance, rap, cross his legs, waves his arms, blow kisses, say “thank you,” sneeze, and so much more.
Elmo Live is highly predicted to be the ultimate Christmas gift for 2009. You’ll have to act now if you’re planning to surprise your preschooler with a Christmas present he or she will cherish forever. When making your purchase, don’t bother dealing with online stores that are selling Elmo Live toys at over three times their suggested retail price. You can buy Elmo Live dolls at a great price over at Amazon.com, a trusted online retailer.