Tickle Me Elmo Surprise

The new Tickle Me Elmo Surprise doll is poised to reprise the original version's extraordinary success as the hit toy of Christmas 1996. This year's Elmo has a host of improvements -- five tickle places instead of the first Elmo's one (under each arm, on both feet and on his tummy) and you have to find the one that makes him shake and roar with hysterical laughter -- it's in a different place each time. And as if that wasn't enough, on January 9th, every new Tickle Me Elmo is going to deliver a secret message to the child who owns it that unveils a secret new way of playing with Elmo that the manufacturer steadfastly refuses to divulge. Trust me, more people know where Dick Cheney is hiding than know what Elmo's going to say on January 9th to millions of kids around the world.

And as if THAT wasn't enough, five Elmos will also tell their owners that they just won prizes including a new computer, a Volkswagen New Beetle, savings bonds for college, and $200,000 toward a new home. Unless you carry extensive medical coverage you'll do well not to be standing between a parent and a Tickle Me Elmo Surprise between now and Christmas. $25. www.fisherprice.com