2008 American International Toy Fair

By Fisher-Price
For ages 18 months+
$59.99

If you've never been a fan of Elmo's before, you might fall for this latest incarnation of the chirpy, red monster, which speaks and moves so naturally (naturally for a Muppet, that is), you'd swear it was alive. He sits, stands, crosses his legs and gestures with his arms, while telling stories, singing, playing games and telling jokes. The toy falls under the category of "interactive plush" — kids can activate Elmo by squeezing different parts of him — and goes way beyond the original Tickle Me Elmo or its successor, the TMX Elmo. This one is so life-like, it feels like he just walked off the Street.

— By Alexandra Silver