T.M.X. Elmo eXtra Special Edition

Manufacturer: Fisher-Price
Ages: 18 months and up
Suggested Retail Price: $39.99

Launch Date: November 2007
Available At: Toy and retail stores nationwide
as well as online e-commerce sites
Date of Review: November 2007

What It Is

It wouldn't be the holidays without a new (well, sorta new) Fisher-Price Elmo doll. This year's, T.M.X. Elmo eXtra Special Edition, is new version of the insanely popular T.M.X. Elmo, which was released last year. 

Aside from a gold badge, which Elmo wears on a ribbon necklace, T.M.X. Elmo eXtra Special Edition is identical in looks to last year's. What makes this year's edition eXtra Special is that Elmo is now packed with new hidden surprises that can only
be discovered when kids play, pose and tickle Elmo in the right sequence.  The key is to find the right combination of movements (raise his arm, tickle his belly, etc.)
to activate the fun.

Why It's Fun

Finding the sequences that make Elmo perform is what makes this doll fun. There are two ways in which kids can discover these sequences. First, kids are free to explore all the possible combinations of movements, which often will reward them with an Elmo surprise and second, Fisher-Price is leaving clues on the Internet in the form of little poems that reveal the combinations.

The first clue is included in the box. Additional clues will be released weekly between November 19 and December 17 at www.fisher.price.com.  On January 2, 2008, all of the correct silly sequences needed to unlock all of Elmo's hidden surprises will be revealed on the Fisher-Price web site.

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 literally rolling around on the floor laughing along with Elmo.

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

What To Be Aware Of

According to Fisher-Price, T.M.X. Elmo eXtra Special Edition is a limited edition item and will only be available during the 2007 holiday season.

A parent or adult will need to access the online clues.

This is a very complicated toy for younger kids to fully enable and parents will really have to do the manipulation. This can become tedious and frustrating for kids who want to be in charge of the play.