TMX Elmo and Barbie
September 26, 2006 by Kerri Aldrich
Filed under General Play Library Goodies
The day that the new TMX Elmo was revealed, just as prominently as Elmo himself (when performing an Amazon search) was the Barbie – TMX Elmo combination. You can see them pictured together in several of Hsien’s posts. This is the first time I ever remember, or could even find, Barbie being paired for sale with a Sesame Street character (though as I’ve told you before, I’m not so hot on the research end of things. Feel free to prove me wrong.)
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.
Wow, Kerri. This is a side of you I haven’t seen before. Or have aliens abducted the real Kerri…?
No body snatching going on here. Just trying to reverse the tide on the brain washing.
Or, you know, promote my own version of brain washing. 
Boo! A little grouchy about the toy? You dont have to buy it, but dont knock the ones that did and will!
Melissa: Honestly not at all knocking anyone who buys the toy who wants it. It is cute. I just get upset at the marketing ploys that try to manipulate it’s sales. If it’s a good toy, it should be able to sell itself, without any marketing tricks. And I do get bothered by those who buy them just so others can’t, and then recharge an exorbitant amount of money for them. It’d be nice if everyone could just play nicely.
Dear Sir,
you are right on the nose! Elmo’s nose to be precise!
I did happen to come across one at Walmart late at night– that someone returned…(smart person I feel)
and I was like..o-o-o- I HAVE to get it!- my daycare kids will LOVE IT!
well, I couldn’t wait until the next day to let the kids see it!
wow, excitement came over all the parents in behalf of their kids–’what a great sitter I was to be thinking of them too!’ was said by all
So, here comes the big moment….ta da….
well, that was a great time had by all—for about 20 minutes!
The 10 month old and I were the only ones Cracking up!
the others were just in awe- or perhaps they were not sure what to think as he rolled, stood, and was absolutely perfectly moveable on the carpet.
But, alas all good things must come to an end…and in this case way too soon for my $42.00 plus batteries….
So, it got packed up…..and headed back from whence he came!
and for those on ebay to rip the public of their ‘hard to come by these days’ dollar bill—-or Many Dollar bills…shame on you—to make a buck, I understand…..to kill the public is another. so, was just thinking…those buying on ebay when it says NEW…it may be like this one- really used! hmmmm…
I will say in behalf of the TMX Elmo—the box is hysterical! it looks like metal case and when you open it it says…ah ah ah…no peeking! in elmo’s voice. It is cuter than the toy!!!
Diana: Thanks for sharing your story. I won’t even be offended at being referred to as “Sir” b/c I’m thankful for your review!
I did think that the box was too cute, too. I think my boys would have a great time with it!!!
Hey there,
Thanks for clueing me in on this big rave about ElMO , I almost felt guilty & sad that I wasn’t one of the first one’s in line to buy him. I wanted so bad to give him to my 4 month old son -but now I will wait. Thank you & yes shame on those ebay-sellers!!!!
Valerie: I’d definitely wait! He’ll be available in abundance, I’m guessing, in just a few short months, and your baby will never know the difference. And he will benefit so much more from a less stressed out mommy than from the laughing red monster!
Of course, the Elmo craze pales in comparison now to the PS3. Craziness!
I LOVE BARBIE,She has been by best friend since my mom and dad divorced when I was 12 even though my 1st one was tropical Miko,Noone liked me as a child especially at school I was depressed a teenage boy tried to touch me on the bus, and my mom was too drunk to be their for me,All I had was Barbie to comfort me. I pretended I was her and she was me.Barbie took me to a world that was more nicer the people were pretty and their attitudes were too.I am 32 now and I still have Tropical Miko I also have the elmo Barbie as well. I bought her because I liked her long hair and face,I left elmo in the box and redressed Barbie,I say buy what YOU like ,you Barbie helped my self esteem and I just had surgery on the right side of my neck for a lump that Duke Hospital in NC tolled me was cancer,Ive been through 2 pet scans and treatment “BARBIE doll WAS WITH ME”I collect Barbie and I play with Barbie and her new Dream house I cant afford a real dream house but I can pretend I do.The real world is painful and people are mostly heartless and cruel but Barbie has always been nice regardless of a person’s age,race,sex,and whether your fat, skinny , ugly or beautiful.Maybe one day we will stop blaming a doll for other people’s ignorance.I didnt buy the elmo barbie set for the value or TV I bought for the doll to play with she was with me in the hospital for comfort,I was alone no one was their for me.Just my Barbie dolls.Thankyou,and I understood your point I hope you can understand mine.
tmx elmo is the best and funniest and unique toy for kids. Prices did sky rocket during the christmas season. I wouldn’t pay over a hundred bucks for one. They are cute though check out the youtube videos.
Selena: I’m so glad that having Barbie has been such a comfort for you. I hope you’re doing well!
Jamie: I wouldn’t pay that much, either. But you’re right, they are cute!