In the beginning, Tickle Me Elmo was conceived by inventor Ron Dubren as “Tickles the Chimp.” In 1992, the idea (and tech) was purchased by Tyco Preschool, who had a licensing play in mind.

1996: The first Tickle Me Elmo laughs and shakes to become a toy wonder. 1998: Walk ‘n Talk Elmo comes with removable sneakers. 1999: Rock ‘n Roll Elmo sings and strums a guitar that lights up.

A look back at Tickle Me Elmo. Tickle Me Elmo drove kids crazy and their parents crazier. From store mobs to scalpers, here’s how WNYW covered the fad back on December 18 and 24 of 1996.

Released in 1998, Walk ‘N Talk Elmo was a popular children’s gift, as was Rock ‘N Roll Elmo (1999), Tickle Me Elmo Surprise (2001), Chicken Dance Elmo (2002), and SHOUT Elmo (2005).

THE PLAYROOM — In 1996 a phenomenon was born. That’s when Tickle Me Elmo was unleashed on the unsuspecting free market, which was minding its own business when this interactive toy took over ...

Ending months of unprecedented secrecy that has caused a frenzy in the toy industry, Fisher-Price have finally released the new and improved Tickle Me Elmo. The fuzzy character laughs, slaps his ...

A look back at Tickle Me Elmo. Tickle Me Elmo drove kids crazy and their parents crazier. From store mobs to scalpers, here’s how WNYW covered the fad back on December 18 and 24 of 1996.

Living; Tickle Me Elmo, Furby, Ninja Turtles: Here are the must-have, top-selling Christmas toys each year in the 90s. Published: ; Dec. 19, 2022, 7:00 a.m.