The Best Toys of 2006 – Infant & Toddler

T.M.X. Elmo

Manufacturer: Fisher-Price
Ages: 18 months and up
Suggested Retail Price: $40

What it is
Over the past few holiday seasons, a lot of people have said that there weren't any huge hits when it came to toys. At TheToyGuy.com and Kaboose, we feel this is because there were so many great toys that no one jumped out as the best. We think that holds true again this year with tons of great toys arriving in stores now. However, one of those toys is already creating a lot of buzz and quickly becoming the must-have toy of the 2006 season.

T.M.X. (Tickle Me Elmo Extreme) Elmo is the latest animatronic Elmo doll from Fisher-Price and celebrates the tenth anniversary of the original phenomenon.
Like the first Elmo doll, T.M.X. features Elmo's famous laugh, however, this time it's a full body fit. When kids tickle Elmo in any of his tickle spots he reacts with laughter and movements such as slapping his leg and falling over. With every additional tickle, T.M.X.'s reactions grow until he is literally rolling around on the floor laughing. When he is finally done, he stands back up and lets out a satisfied sigh.

Why it's fun
Elmo's infectious laughter and over-the-top actions engage people and make them feel as if they are part of the joke that ends with them in fits of laughter as well. It's impossible to watch this fuzzy little red guy literally double over and roll around while laughing and not crack up.

Who's going to love it
For kids, Elmo is more than a toy, he is also a friend, and having fun with friends is what being a kid is all about. Kids have a great time mimicking Elmo's actions and are rolling around on the floor laughing right along with Elmo.

Even adults love T.M.X. and anyone who doesn't at least smile while watching Elmo might want to have her funny bone checked out.

What to be aware of
TMX dolls are selling out as fast as stores can get them on shelves and Fisher-Price is doing its best to keep the deliveries coming. If your store is out of TMX dolls ask when they expect the next shipment to arrive.

There are dozens of the dolls on eBay and probably will be throughout the season. The average price is around $50, which is only a premium of $10 over the retail price. If you have to have it and are willing to pay, this is an option, but shop early.

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