NEW YORK CITY, NY—With Christmas coming soon, many parents still struggle to find the “it” toy, the thing every child sees in a TV commercial and wants for the holiday. However, these popular items, though high in demand, are often low in supply. History has repeated itself this year as the most popular “it” toy for the year is the heir apparent to the Tickle Me Elmo of the 1990: the Strangle Me Elmo.
Since advertising for the product began in October, Children across the nation have been requesting the red, 15-inch tall doll that responds to strangling, backhands, other forms of violence, even verbal abuse. Many parents see the furry doll as a feasible, more humane alternative to pets, which often become neglected or harmed and have to be trained or acclimatized.
Additionally, many children need an outlet to vent their frustration for a rough day of preschool or play; the Strangle Me Elmo allows them to experience what they hear many of their parents or neighbors doing, especially in an attempt to procure one by the end of the holiday season. The Strangle Me Elmo comes programmed with verbal responses to physical stimuli, such as “Ow! My kneecap,” “Can’t…breathe… *gurgling sounds*,” and “Get your hands off me, you big ape!” Aside from making drowning noises and pleas for help when water boarded or submerged under water, the doll will also alternate between apologizing and attempting to defend itself when insulted or otherwise abused verbally.
The Strangle Me Elmo, which has already sold more than 6 million units in the United States and Canada, flew off shelves in its first month of in-store availability. Retailers have had to resort to issuing rain checks or tickets to frustrated parents, who frequently treat associates or employees like one of the in-demand toys.
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