Tickle Me Elmo

Tickle me elmo

Dissecting Elmo Live, a Look Inside the Popular Furry Red Toy (2989173073)

Tickle Me Elmo is a children's plush toy from the Sesame Street franchise. It was first released in 1996 by Tyco Toys, a division of Mattel. The toy is designed to laugh and shake when squeezed or tickled, mimicking the character Elmo from the popular children's television show.

History

The concept for Tickle Me Elmo originated from a previous toy called "Tickles the Chimp," which was developed by Ron Dubren and Greg Hyman. Tyco Toys acquired the rights to the toy and rebranded it with the Sesame Street character Elmo. The toy was released in July 1996 and quickly became a sensation.

Popularity

Tickle Me Elmo gained immense popularity during the 1996 holiday season. The demand for the toy far exceeded the supply, leading to widespread shortages and high resale prices. The toy's success was driven by its innovative use of technology to create a lifelike, interactive experience for children.

Features

The original Tickle Me Elmo toy is equipped with sensors that trigger laughter and shaking when the toy is tickled or squeezed. The toy's design includes a soft, plush exterior and a hidden mechanism that produces the laughing and shaking effects. Subsequent versions of the toy have included additional features, such as more advanced sensors and a wider range of responses.

Cultural Impact

Tickle Me Elmo has had a significant impact on popular culture and the toy industry. It is often cited as one of the most memorable and influential toys of the 1990s. The toy's success led to the creation of numerous other interactive plush toys and solidified Elmo's status as a beloved character in the Sesame Street franchise.

Related Products

Following the success of Tickle Me Elmo, several other interactive Elmo toys have been released, including:

• Elmo Live
• Let's Rock Elmo
• Big Hugs Elmo

See Also

• Sesame Street
• Elmo
• Tyco Toys
• Mattel
• Interactive toys