Tickle Me Elmo – 10th Anniversary

In 1996 Independence Day rocked the box office, the “Macarena” began its trek up the charts before landing on wedding dance floors, and Elmo first showed the world his predilection for tickles. Tickle Me Elmo is remembered as one of the most difficult-to-find toys of the 1996–or any–holiday season.

Ten years later, T.M.X. Elmo (the X stands for 10) was unveiled to the world on Good Morning America on September 19. The most secretly guarded toy of the pre-holiday season, if not all time, T.M.X. Elmo was shown only to a few toy-industry insiders prior to his release. This secrecy didn’t stop thousands of pre-orders from piling up. Though now that all is known, the obvious question is: Does T.M.X. Elmo deserve the hype.

When you first take him out of his box, T.M.X. Elmo doesn’t seem all that grand. He looks after all, well, like Elmo. Covered in the soft red fur that one would expect from everyone’s favorite Sesame Street character, T.M.X. Elmo stands an unimposing 14 inches tall. Even worse, he feels all hard and plasticy under his fur. But this Elmo is not meant for cuddles or hand holding or swaddling.

Tickle Me Elmo TMX

This Tickle Me Elmo is all about tickles.

Sit T.M.X. Elmo down and hit one of his three “tickle” spots. There’s one under his chin, one on his belly, and one on top of his foot. Yes, this Elmo wiggles just like he did 10 years ago, but that’s just the start. Elmo slaps his belly, falls forward with his butt sticking out, stands back up again only to topple backwards, kicks his legs over his belly, and then stands right back up, all while laughing hysterically.

“Again! Again!”

Elmo gets more outrageous when you “tickle” him a second time, and the fun really starts with the third “tickle” session. Elmo’s fancy moves include falling over on his side, shimmying on his back, and what seems to be everyone’s favorite: lying flat on his belly slapping the floor next to him as if he can’t stop laughing. This Elmo has a serious case of the giggles. His trademark voice builds into a fit of histrionics, endless snickers that drown out everything but an unintelligible cackle until even Elmo admits he has had too much.

Fisher Price Tickle Me Elmo – 10th Anniversary

Tickle Me Elmo T.M.X. requires 6 AA batteries, which are included, although these wore down quickly in our review copy. Elmo also has an on/off switch, so the tickles can be brought to an end when more than just Elmo has had too much. He moves a lot and needs a little open space for the full performance, although he does use his arm to determine his orientation periodically and stand back up if nothing is in the way. He gets a little stuck on uneven surfaces but for the most part performs amazingly well on carpet. On hardwood floors, Elmo works, but he occasionally slams his eyes on the floor in a way that seems it should halt the show.

In the end, Tickle Me Elmo T.M.X. is undeniably a trooper. Early reviews show that this turbocharged version of Tickle Me Elmo will follow the stellar path enjoyed by his much simpler predecessor. –David Morel

Tickle Me Elmo Reviews

5 Stars Elmo T.M.X.
Awesome gift. Another toy that can make you laugh till you cry. Great price, shipping and product.

4 Stars Reviewing Elmo
I purchased this product because I had seen it demonstrated as a means to make ill or depressed people laugh and thereby make them feel better. I have an 84 mother with dementia and Elmo really created smiles and laughter from her. And of course my 4 and 6 year old grandchildren can’t get enough of him.

4 Stars Elmo TMX
We got this Elmo for our 8 month old. Not to play with but for entertainment. It is very entertaining. Elmo makes us and the baby laugh so much. Unfortunately I paid $100 for this and found it in Babies-R-Us for more than half that. Elmo also sheds terribly. Red Fuzz everywhere. He also doesn’t do well on carpet. Although I paid a lot for it and he sheds, he is lots of fun!

4 Stars TMX Review
Purely for entertainment. I don’t consider this an “educational” toy. But it is fun and absolutely hysterical! Great for a good belly laugh when you are feeling blue, it’ll get you snorting every time!

2 Stars Tickle Me Elmo
I bought this for my 1 and 4-yr. old grandsons. While they did like it somewhat, it really did not keep their interest. I also thought that this doll was suppose to flip over and move its arms, which I think would have been a lot better. Perhaps that’s a different model???

5 Stars This was all about me!
I saw thie Tickle Me Elmo do his tricks at my great-nieces 1 year birthday party and fell in love. I bought this for me and I keep it at my office. When our meetings get boring, we bring Elmo out to liven things up. Everyone loves him and with a fun break in the action – we don’t take everything so seriously and it makes our hard projects fun. It’s a great gift for people of all ages. AnnO

5 Stars A Fantastic Toy For Adults and Kids!
I love this toy. Kids love this toy but adults are mesmerized by Elmos ability to fall down, roll over, and stand himself back up. Every kid in my family has one and I will continue to buy TMX Elmo for birthdays and christmas gifts. The 10th Anniversary Edition is the same as the newer released TMX Elmo but the Anniversary box is sooo much cooler. The Anniversary box is silver checkerplate and it appears that Elmo is trapped inside waiting to be released. The Anniversary Edition of Elmo also includes the batteries! You will not regret this purchase.