LOL Elmo

$40, Smart Toy

Teaches: causality, language

CTR Rating: 72%

CTR Review

LOL (Laugh Out Loud) Elmo is a sound activated robotic plush toy that is smaller than previous Tickle Me Elmo Toys. He also does less in terms of his movements -- he waves his hands and rocks back -- and he also moves his mouth as he talks. After you install the 4 AA batteries and find his "on" switch (well hidden behind a fabric pocket) Elmo starts to laugh whenever he detects a loud sound. A small squeaker toy is included, but any sound will work. You can also make Elmo laugh when you tickle his tummy or his feet. Elmo can tell eight jokes, such as the classic "Why did the cookie have to go to the doctor?... Because he felt crummy!" Each laugh is accompanied by foot-kicking motion, that sends Elmo backward, laughing and waving his hands. Our testers found Elmo hard to turn on/off. This type of toy has a big novelty effect, with little or no contribution to learning or development. It is commonly called a "watch me" toy; more for entertainment.