Seriously, I had a hard time finding a plain Elmo doll for my toddler that did not dance, sing, giggle maniacally, or poop. He's a decent enough character on Sesame Street, pretty cute (but can be borderline annoying sometimes), and kids LOVE him, but these toys? SCARY! Mattel is unveiling in stores this week a new Elmo doll, "Knows Your Name Elmo" that can speak your child's name and even remind him/her of certain info that is particular to your child, like her favorite color. How? Parents can download personal information into the doll via a CD-ROM and USB cable.

Mattel is hoping that the new "Knows Your Name Elmo" will create as much of a frenzy as the "Tickle Me Elmo" did in 1996. This may very well be, but you know what? Not all kids like these freaky talking, walking, do everything dolls. One of the scariest (but admittedly hilarious) toys that I've ever seen is this Love to Walk Baby Pooh doll, which is supposed to emulate a toddler learning how to walk. This translates into a very needy toy that acts drunk as it takes a few wobbly steps and when falls down, has phrases like, "uh oh, Pooh Bear fell down. Would you pick me up...please?" Toddlers at this birthday party were scared of this doll, making worried, backward glances as they scuttled away from a Pooh doll that walked drunkenly after them.

OK, so I am not a fan of these electronic toys, but I'll admit, this Chicken Dancer Ernie is one that I'd like to see.

via CNN