History of Toys

Tickle Me Elmo is a children's plush toy from Tyco Preschool, a division of Tyco Toys, based on the character Elmo from the children's Muppet television show, Sesame Street. When squeezed, Elmo chortles and vibrates.

The toy was first introduced in the United States in 1996 and would quickly become a fad. The doll's short supply, due to the unexpected demand, led to a secondary market where scalpers would sell the plush toy for hundreds of US dollars. Some instances of violence were reported over the limited stock amidst heavy consumer demand. People reported that the toy, which retailed for US$28.99, had been advertised in newspapers and the Internet, asking up to $1500 by the year's end.