So, why now?

Marketing, people. I wrote a post a couple of months back about the drop in sales for Barbie. Is it any surprise that a toy icon whose sales are declining would be paired with what is expected to be THE toy for Christmas this year? And what in the world does an Elmo small enough to fit in a box with a Barbie actually do that is so remarkable as to be labeled “TMX” like his larger likeness? As far as I can tell, he giggles. Oh, wait while I run out and get this amazing feat of technological genius.

It’s a scam, I think. It’s another effort to convince us that this is a collector’s item, or a must have toy, that we (not even necessarily our kids) can not live without. It’s an effort to separate us from our well-earned cash. An attempt to make us feel that we are less than able parents unless we purchase all that we can for our kids.

I think the same plan was in play during the great TMX Elmo rush of 19 September 2006. Yes, I think it was all a big plan to play on the emotions of parents and our need to provide. How else do you explain major toy stores running out of the coveted toy within a few minutes of the stores’ openings? I think it’s a ploy, and it ticks me off. The toymakers and distributers were shocked and awed by the first day’s sales? The supply will be down because they don’t have the time to produce as many due to the amazing amount of technology? And they couldn’t have predicted that sometime in the past ten years, and rectified it? I don’t buy it, and I won’t buy it.

So, my message today, is to spend your money on what is right for your family, and not on what anyone else tells you you have to buy. I almost got sucked into this year’s Guiltapalooza; don’t let yourself be.

And to those of you who could afford to buy up a bunch of them (and did) in order to milk the holiday cash out of those who couldn’t, shame on you.

Update: More about TMX Elmo at Play Library.

Post from: Play Library

There’s a countdown and all on Good Morning America as Diane Sawyer and Robin Roberts are preparing to debut the new TMX Elmo. According to their sources, only 50 people have seen the new Elmo before he is revealed this morning “Around the Watercooler” on GMA.

A drumroll, and out of the safe comes what Diane Sawyer and her co-workers refer to as “Tickle Me Elmo Extreme.” He stands and laughs. He slaps his knees. He falls down, stands up and scoots across the table, turns on his belly and slaps the table, then gets back up. He is the definition of “ROFL”.

My almost 3 year old son is watching with me, and is CRACKING UP. “Mom, Elmo is so funny!!!! Look at Elmo, Mom! He’s falling like this, Mom!” And then he proceeds to imitate Elmo’s every ticklish move. He, apparently, loves it. Lucky for me, he thinks he’s just watching Elmo on TV just like every other day, and doesn’t realize that this is a new toy that he could possess!

Although Elmo does make you want to giggle yourself, he’s probably not the super soft toy to go for if you’re looking for something especially cuddly for your little one to snuggle while dreaming the night away (not to mention that the giggles would probably keep your kid up way past bedtime!). And if you have a very little one who frightens easily, it might be a bit of a scary toy.

But, all in all, it looks as if the new generation of Tickle Me Elmo is a success in his own right. And Elmo’s laughs will be joined by his developers’ all the way to the bank.

BTW- Elmo wasn’t the only superstar featured today on GMA. Dr. McDreamy (Patrick Dempsey) also made an appearance. A little something for the moms, a little something for the kids, all in one show.

Here’s more about TMX Elmo.

Post from: Play Library