This year's "it" toy has been crowned early. Yep, you guessed it. Another edition to the uber-popular laugh-loving Elmo series has finally hit store shelves. Elmo LIVE started making the rounds with a New York Toy Fair debut back in February, and a widely downloaded YouTube video depicting the very chatty Sesame star. For anyone who has seen the sneak video, Elmo LIVE is so animated that it leads you to wonder if a puppeteer is back there running the show. Nope. Elmo LIVE is simply an innovation in animatronics, which every kid will be clamoring for in short order.

So what makes Elmo Live different from his cackling predecessors? For starters, Elmo LIVE actually talks to you. Not only does Elmo's mouth move while he speaks, but his mannerisms give him a lifelike quality that didn't exist with Tickle Me Elmo or T.M.X. Elmo.

What's endearing about Elmo on television is brought into your home with Elmo LIVE; he can stand up, sit down, wave hello and cross his legs. As per usual, expect Elmo LIVE to sing his heart out, crack jokes, play games and tell stories when you touch or tickle him. The real question is, will Elmo LIVE get his rap on with his "Elmo's Gotta Get on Up" anthem?

Toy aficionados are enamored with Elmo LIVE's life-like qualities. And while many are predicting empty shelves this holiday season, Fisher-Price came to the rescue by offering pre-orders which started on August 5^th. Early bird parents anticipating the toy scene had the chance to scoop up Elmo LIVE and forego the toy store rush in the coming months. Multiple retailers and online outlets worked with Fisher-Price directly to offer pre-ordering of Elmo LIVE several months back.

Since you happened to miss the pre-order opportunity, the official Elmo LIVE launch on October 14^th means you can get a jump on the holidays and buy Elmo Live direct! With a toy as hot as Elmo LIVE, we highly suggest you do not wait until December. Of course you can choose to camp outside the stores in the cold if you're so inclined. Just don't be surprised if you pay more than the listed $59.99 retail price for Elmo LIVE. If it's far more important to you to put a big smile on your little ones face, Elmo LIVE will be worth it.

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