Review of the TMX Elmo

After looking in eight stores in my area over a four day period, I finally got lucky and found one lone TMX Elmo sitting on a shelf at my local Target store. I was ecstatic, and as I walked up to the register with it, several people stopped and asked where I found it (ahem, so sorry...last one!). I wanted this review of TMX Elmo to encompass more than just my opinion, so I brought him to my sorority meeting that evening to enlist help with my review.

There were nine women between the ages of 25 and 65 who took part in reviewing TMX Elmo and many of them had either children or grandchildren. Most had heard of TMX Elmo, but only one had seen him in action previously, when he was introduced on TV by Rosie O'Donnell.

First, everyone enjoyed the packaging. Elmo comes in an attractive, completely sealed box. The box looks like a briefcase, with TOP SECRET and a no-tickle symbol. Everyone agreed that it was refreshing to NOT have a window-box for the product. When you lift the box flap, Elmo's voice surprises you and says "ah ha ha...no peeking!" This set the ladies into gales of laughter. The only disappointing thing about the package is that it looks like it opens on top--like a briefcase, and all the ladies thought of many things they could use such a sturdy, cute, top-opening box for. However, the top-opening is just an illusion for the voice flap, and the box opens on the side to take Elmo out.

I freed Elmo from his box, and Cheryl Andrews (who had seen Elmo on Rosie's show) cleared a large coffee table so he would have room. Elmo has three tickle spots (tummy, foot and chin), and Cheryl started Elmo off with one tickle. This set Elmo into gales of laughter and rather entertaining anamatronic movement. After the first tickle, Elmo giggles wildly slaps his leg, and falls down sitting. He then rocks back up to a standing position (laughing the whole time). After the second tickle, he repeats more of the same, but then falls backward and kicks his feed in the air, laughing big belly laughs. Finally, after the third tickle, TMX Elmo continues his mirth and ends by rolling onto his tummy and hitting the floor a few times. He finishes in his original standing position.

To say the least, the ladies loved him! Elmo's laughter was contagious, and it was truly fun to see what Elmo was going to do next. I was in awe at how Elmo moved--a doll or stuffed toy like this wasn't even remotely possible when I was a child. The ladies demanded to see Elmo go through his paces several times.

It was immediately clear that everyone in the room loved TMX Elmo--the husband of the hostess even stopped in his tracks when walking by to watch. So, I was interested in whether or not my Elmo-testers wanted to have an Elmo or give Elmo as a gift this Christmas, and whether or not everyone thought he was worth $39.99

The feeling was unanimous that TMX Elmo was well worth $39.99, especially since the six AA batteries that power Elmo were included (in fact, Target, K-Mart and Wal-Mart carry the item for less than $39.99). It also seemed that everyone wanted an Elmo for a gift...and that several wanted an Elmo for themselves.

Cheryl said that she had never had a Tickle Me Elmo. "I think I might feel sort of silly buying one for myself" she said, "but I'm still thinking of buying one for me." Terri McKenna has two boys under six, and she definitely wanted one under the Christmas tree this year. "My boys would love it!" she said.

Abra De La Torre felt that Elmo's real plus was his "contagious laughter." She loved that he laughed "the way people really laugh when they get into it."

Sharida Rice felt even adults would want Elmo as a gift. "Look how much everyone loved TMX Elmo. "He was the life of the party tonight!"

There is no denying it--TMX Elmo is an extremely well-designed toy that delights people of all ages. I think that you cannot miss with TMX Elmo as a gift this holiday season. My only concern is that just like other dolls or figures which have a gimmick, how well will Elmo wear over time? TMX Elmo is definitely not cuddly--he is sturdy and solid so that he can accomplish his movements, so he can't be used for a bedtime pal. Does Elmo have any play value other than the tickle-him routine? Only time will tell.

How Can I Find a TMX Elmo?

My advice is to be patient. It took me quite a bit of looking, but I did find one at retail. There should be many deliveries of TMX Elmo between now and Christmas--he is not a limited edition! On eBay, many of the very overpriced Elmos are going unsold. Do not panic and pay eBay prices (unless you absolutely have to). The eBay prices for Elmo stabilized after his initial release and were down as low as $69 for awhile, but right now they are back between $80 and $100. There is no telling whether eBay prices will go up or down--that will depend on the supply of the Elmo dolls from Fisher-Price.