A photo of Pete the cat

Pete's Toy Box: Elmo and Sesame Street

Sesame Street Elmo Slide Singing and Dancing 14-inch Plush, Pretend Play, Interactive Toy, Kids Toys for Ages 2 Up by Just Play

By: Just Play

Pete's Expert Summary

So, my human has presented me with this... this crimson monstrosity. It's apparently called an "Elmo," a plush creature designed to mimic the clumsy movements of a small human child while screeching a repetitive song. I must admit, the sheer audacity of its bright red fur, a stark and vulgar contrast to my own distinguished gray tuxedo, is initially offensive. The humans seem delighted by its ability to shuffle and sing, which I predict will grow tiresome in approximately seven minutes. However, the mention of "hidden wheels" and its ability to "slide on smooth surfaces" has piqued my interest. While the singing is a clear detriment to my napping schedule, a self-propelled, fuzzy red object sliding across the hardwood could, potentially, provide a brief but satisfying hunting simulation before I grow bored and demand a real meal. Its "sustainable" stuffing means nothing to me; I'll be the judge of its softness if it ever gets close enough.

Key Features

  • Includes: Elmo interactive plush toy.
  • Dance and Sing Along with Elmo: The Sesame Street Elmo Slide plush toy dances and plays “The Elmo Slide” song and encourages kids to dance along. Children will love to move and groove to the popular dance routine as seen on Sesame Street and social media.
  • 2 Modes of Play: Press Elmo’s left hand to activate "The Elmo Slide" song and dance moves. Elmo’s arms flap, his hips sway, as he slides from side to side. Press Elmo's right hand to play the "Elmo Says" game with Elmo leading the way.
  • Elmo Habla en Español: Elmo speaks and sings in English and Spanish! This bilingual Sesame Street preschool toy features Elmo phrases and song in both languages. Just slide the switch under its foot to select.
  • Active, Imaginative Play: Mimicking Elmo’s dance routine is a fun way for kids to get some exercise, while also inspiring them to invent awesome moves of their own.
  • Sustainable Plush Stuffed Animal: This 14-inch Elmo plush toy is made with cuddly soft fabrics and is stuffed with 100% recycled fill for less impact on the environment. Hidden wheels allow Elmo to slide on smooth surfaces.
  • The Sesame Street Elmo Slide plushie is ideeal for kids ages 2 years and up.
  • 4 x AA batteries required (included).

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The thing was even more horrifying out of its cardboard prison. A riot of red felt and plastic eyes, it stood on the hardwood floor, vacant and silent. My human, with the misguided enthusiasm only a can-opener can possess, chirped, "Look, Pete! It's for you!" An insult, but I withheld my hiss. I watched from the safety of the ottoman, tail twitching, as a finger poked the creature's left hand. A high-pitched, electronically compressed voice shattered the peace. "Everybody, do the Elmo Slide!" The thing began to jerk and sway, sliding side-to-side on its hidden wheels in a pathetic display of rhythm. It was a clown, a buffoon. I gave a theatrical yawn and began meticulously cleaning my left paw, a clear signal of my utter disdain. Unfazed, my human continued to fiddle with the scarlet nuisance. A click echoed from a switch beneath its foot. Then, another press of its hand. The voice that emerged was different, yet the same. "¡Hola! ¡Juguemos a 'Elmo Dice'!" My ear twitched. I have spent many a sun-drenched afternoon listening to the dramatic telenovelas the neighbors watch with their windows open. I am, you might say, passively bilingual. The red creature shuffled and waved its stubby arms. "Elmo dice, ¡pon las manos en las caderas!" The humans giggled, cluelessly mimicking the action. Amateurs. Then, a strange thing happened. As the creature slid to a stop near the kitchen doorway, its programmed voice chirped, "Elmo dice... ¡es hora de un bocadillo!" *Time for a snack.* My head lifted. My cleaning ceased. The humans, not understanding the words, simply saw their garish toy stop in a new spot. But I understood. This wasn't a toy. It was an oracle. A fluffy, red oracle whose wisdom was aligned perfectly with my own deepest desires. The creature was no longer a clown; it was a prophet, a wheeled harbinger of sustenance. I hopped down from my perch, strolling casually toward the kitchen. I looked at the Elmo, then looked at my human, and let out a soft, expectant meow. The human's face lit up. "Oh, look! Elmo made Pete hungry!" The cabinet opened, the glorious sound of a treat bag crinkled, and a few morsels were tossed my way. I glanced back at the red prophet, who stood silent, its duty done. I gave it a slow, deliberate blink of acceptance. Its methods are noisy and its appearance is frankly tacky, but its message is pure. The Elmo can stay. It has proven its worth.
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SESAME STREET Learn with Elmo Pretend Play Phone, Learning and Education, Kids Toys for Ages 2 Up by Just Play

By: Sesame Street

Pete's Expert Summary

My human has presented me with a crimson plastic brick, apparently an auditory torture device designed for a small, uncoordinated human. They call it a "phone," and its primary function seems to be screaming in the voice of a saccharine red monster named Elmo, along with his equally loud associates. It purports to teach trivial concepts like numbers and shapes and plays a truly dreadful song about public transportation. While the incessant noise is an affront to my sophisticated ears, I must admit its chunky, 6-inch form factor seems ideal for skittering across the hardwood floors with a well-placed shove. It might be a useful tool for summoning service when my dinner is late, but otherwise, it appears to be a colossal waste of my valuable napping time.

Key Features

  • Includes: toy phone.
  • Learn and Sing Along with Elmo: The Sesame Street Learn with Elmo Phone toy plays the “Wheels on the Bus” song and over 50 learning phrases to teach kids counting, colors, shapes, rhyming, Spanish, and more. Kids will love learning along with Elmo and Friends!
  • 12 Learning Themes: This colorful, interactive toy phone features 12 buttons that represent 12 Sesame Street friends. Press any button to hear phrases related to that character. Count numbers with the Count, learn about the weather with Tamir, hear fun facts about animals with Gabrielle, learn about good daily habits with Grover, and more.
  • On-the-Go Fun: At 6 inches tall, this chunky, Elmo-themed toy is built for little hands and is the perfect size for preschoolers to bring everywhere for learning on the go.
  • This Sesame Street is ideal for kids ages 2 years and up.
  • The Sesame Street Learn with Elmo Phone ships in Try-Me mode. Upon first use, please remove the demonstration tag to allow for play at a safe volume level for your child.
  • Requires 3 x AG13 button-cell batteries (included).

A Tale from Pete the Cat

It appeared one afternoon, a garish splash of red against the tasteful beige of the living room rug. The human placed it there with a coo, then retreated, watching me from the sofa. I observed it from my perch on the armchair, tail twitching. It was clearly a communication device, a lesser version of the glowing rectangles the humans stare at for hours. My mind, ever practical, immediately landed on a brilliant application: I would use it to contact the Outside. For too long, my interactions with the birds at the feeder have been limited to silent, murderous glares through the glass. This device was my key. I approached with the practiced silence of a predator. My target was the button with the large, yellow-feathered creature. Obviously, this was the avian frequency. I extended a single, perfect claw and depressed the button with surgical precision. A cheerful voice squawked, "Big Bird loves to rhyme! What rhymes with 'cat'?" A trick question. Everything rhymes with 'cat' if you are its master. I tried again, pressing the button with the Count. A booming voice began, "ONE! ONE NOISY PHONE! AH-AH-AH!" This was getting me nowhere. My attempts to establish a diplomatic channel with the sparrows were being thwarted by a legion of babbling fools. My frustration mounted. I abandoned precision and simply slapped a paw across the keypad. The device erupted in a hellish symphony. The "Wheels on the Bus" song blared as Elmo giggled and Grover offered unsolicited advice about brushing my teeth. It was an insult. A cacophony of nonsense. In my fury, I hooked the entire device with my claws and dragged it, intending to shove it under the sofa into oblivion. As it scraped across the floor, I noticed a small, white plastic tag sticking out of the side. It was a flimsy, dangling thing, an imperfection in the otherwise solid brick. This, I realized, was the machine's weakness. The humans had overlooked it. I ignored the chaotic sounds and focused my entire being on this tag. I bit it. I pulled. It offered a satisfying resistance, a crinkly, tantalizing struggle that the smooth, dead buttons could never provide. With a final, vicious tug, it came free. The horrible music stopped. The human retrieved the phone, chattering about a "demo mode," and pulled the rest of the tag out. The silence was glorious, a testament to my victory. The red phone itself is a failure, a loud and useless bauble. But the small, crinkled piece of plastic I liberated from it? A masterpiece. A perfect toy. It is worthy. The rest can be returned to the abyss from whence it came.
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SESAME STREET Elmo’s Learning Letters Bus Activity Board, Preschool Learning and Education, Kids Toys for Ages 2 Up by Just Play

By: Sesame Street

Pete's Expert Summary

My human has presented me with a loud, plastic conveyance, the "Elmo's Learning Letters Bus." Ostensibly, it's for the education of the smaller, less coordinated human, using a shrill, red creature to teach it the alphabet. It comes with twenty-six small plastic shapes, which, I must admit, hold some promise as objects to be batted into oblivion under the heaviest furniture. The bus itself, however, with its repetitive songs and electronic squawking, is an auditory menace. It’s a tool for distracting the tiny human, but at what cost to my peace and quiet? A true test of one's tolerance for manufactured cheerfulness.

Key Features

  • Includes: Bus and 26 letters.
  • Learn and Sing Along with Elmo: The Sesame Street Elmo’s Learning Letters educational toy plays the “Alphabet Song,” and fun Elmo phrases for each letter of the alphabet. Kids will love learning with Elmo and this bus-shaped activity board!
  • Interactive Busy Board: Press the Elmo button to hear music and phrases. Open the board to practice spelling with the removable letters.
  • Developmental Skills: Playing with Elmo’s Learning Letters helps preschoolers learn their ABCs and develop fine motor skills.
  • On-the-Go Fun: The Sesame Street Elmo’s Learning Letters bus measures 9 inches x 11 inches, and features a convenient handle for carrying. Kids will want to bring it everywhere!
  • This Sesame Street interactive learning and education toy is ideal for kids ages 2 years and up.
  • 2 x AAA batteries required (included).

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The thing arrived in a flash of cardboard and parental enthusiasm. A gaudy yellow bus, piloted by that crimson menace, Elmo. The Deputy, my human’s small and sticky apprentice, was immediately captivated, mashing the button until a tinny rendition of the "Alphabet Song" echoed off the walls, shattering the sacred silence of my afternoon. I watched from the arm of the sofa, my tail twitching in profound irritation. It was an object of pure chaos, designed to offend the sophisticated ear and disrupt the vital flow of naps. Then, a new phase of the horror began. The Deputy fumbled with the plastic door, pulling out a small, green piece. It was tossed aside, skittering across the hardwood floor. I crept closer for inspection, my paws silent on the wood. A perfect, verdant 'T'. My mind, a finely tuned instrument of pattern recognition, immediately understood. 'T' for Tuna. Of course. This wasn't a toy; it was a forecasting device, a primitive oracle delivering messages through the clumsy hands of a toddler. I positioned myself near the kitchen, feigning disinterest, but my eyes were locked on the refrigerator door. Mere minutes later, the main human opened a can, and the glorious, unmistakable scent of tuna in oil filled the air. A coincidence? I think not. The bus had spoken, and the universe had obeyed. My skepticism began to melt away, replaced by a profound respect for this noisy, plastic soothsayer. I returned to my post, watching intently as the Deputy pulled out a blue 'N'. Nap time. The oracle was infallible. Now, I tolerate the chaotic sessions with the Elmo bus. I watch with the intensity of a high priest as the Deputy draws forth the day’s omen. 'F' for fish. 'C' for chicken. Sometimes, a dreaded 'V' appears, and I know to hide before the vacuum emerges. The singing is still an abomination, and Elmo’s voice grates on my soul. But it is a small price to pay for cosmic insight. The bus is not a toy; it is my direct line to the pantry gods. It is, against all odds, worthy.
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Just Play Sesame Street Chicken Dance Elmo 13 Inch Feature Plush, Music and Dancing, Stuffed Animal, Kids Toys for Ages 2 Up

By: Sesame Street

Pete's Expert Summary

My human has presented me with a large, crimson, fur-covered creature possessing unnervingly large plastic eyes. Apparently, this "Elmo" suffers from a profound identity crisis, believing it can be both a chicken and a duck, and expresses this confusion through loud singing and spastic flapping. Its primary function seems to be to disrupt the peace with canned giggles and jokes that lack any semblance of wit. While its fur, allegedly made from "recycled" materials (as if that makes the noise more tolerable), might offer a decent texture for a nap, the risk of it suddenly bursting into a cacophony of clucking and wiggling makes it a high-risk, low-reward proposition. It is, in essence, a battery-powered headache masquerading as a plaything.

Key Features

  • Includes: Elmo interactive plush toy.
  • Dance Like a Chicken: Cluck, flap arms, and tap into the power of giggles with the Sesame Street Chicken Dance Elmo Animated Plush.
  • Sounds and Motion: The Sesame Street Chicken Dance Elmo doll wiggles, dances, and giggles as only Elmo can. Press his foot to start the fun.
  • Encourages Imaginative Play: Preschoolers can make up stories and Sesame Street adventures with this lovable 13-inch Elmo plushie.
  • 2 Modes of Play: Elmo dances to his unique version of “The Chicken Dance,” singing, “Elmo wants to be a chicken, Elmo wants to be a duck, cluck-cluck-cluck-cluck!” He also tells funny jokes, giggles, and invites kids to play along.
  • Sustainable Stuffed Animal: This cherished Sesame Street toy is made with irresistibly soft materials including recycled polyester fill for less impact on the environment. Snuggle with Elmo during nap time, story time, bedtime, or while watching TV.
  • The Power of the Giggle: This adorable animated plush preschool toy makes a wonderful birthday or anytime surprise for Sesame Street fans and girls and boys ages 18 months and up.

A Tale from Pete the Cat

It appeared without warning, a silent, crimson interloper placed in the center of my sunbeam. I observed it from my post atop the velvet armchair, my gray tail a metronome of deep suspicion. It was a monument of fluff, its texture suggesting a certain softness, yet its wide, vacant eyes stared into a dimension I had no desire to visit. It did not move. It did not breathe. It simply *was*, an offense to the room's feng shui and a clear challenge to my authority. I am the only plush, pampered being of note in this household. This was an imposter. The small human, my bipedal warden, waddled over and, with a single, clumsy poke to the creature’s foot, unleashed the chaos. The thing convulsed to life. Its arms, two useless nubs, began to flap with the grace of a falling anvil. A tinny, grating voice sliced through the tranquil afternoon air, singing of its desire to be a chicken, then a duck. A chicken-duck? The sheer biological absurdity of it all was an insult to my refined sensibilities. The red creature wiggled and giggled, a frantic, joyless dance powered by unseen mechanisms. I flattened my ears, not in fear, but in profound aesthetic disgust. After its fit subsided, it fell silent once more. I descended from my perch, my movements fluid and deliberate. I circled the fuzzy enigma, sniffing for weaknesses. It smelled faintly of ozone and cheap plastic. I extended a single, perfect paw, claws carefully retracted, and gave its fuzzy head a firm, testing *pat*. It wobbled slightly. Then, feeling bold, I delivered a sharp slap to its bulbous nose. Nothing. It was a coward, all noise and no substance. My final judgment was swift. The creature was too witless to be a rival and too loud to be a companion. However, its 13-inch frame was sturdy, and its fur, while garish, was undeniably soft. It would not be a friend, but it would, after a thorough session of being aggressively kneaded into submission, make an adequately-sized, gloriously silent bed.
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Just Play Sesame Street Elmo Take Along Boombox with Lights & Sounds, 5.5-inch Interactive Toy, Learning and Education, Kids Toys for Ages 2 Up

By: Just Play

Pete's Expert Summary

My human seems to have mistaken our home for a daycare. This is a "Just Play" Sesame Street Elmo Take Along Boombox, a garish red plastic box clearly designed for the unrefined paws of a human toddler. Its purpose is to assault the senses with flashing lights and the gratingly cheerful voice of a red creature who insists on counting and singing about the alphabet. While the 5.5-inch size makes it theoretically battable, and the various "fidget sliders" and buttons might provide a moment's tactile distraction, the cacophony it promises is a high price to pay. The brand name itself, "Just Play," suggests a lack of ambition. I do not "just" play; I engage in sophisticated simulations of the hunt. This device seems engineered to interrupt my naps and is, therefore, a potential menace to domestic tranquility.

Key Features

  • Includes: Mini boombox toy.
  • Play and Learn: Get ready for giggles as children sing along to music, learn to count, and practice letters with the Sesame Street Elmo Take Along Boombox interactive toy.
  • Designed for Little Hands: This retro play boombox features a smiling Elmo face. Kids will love to watch Elmo’s nose light up as he speaks and sings.
  • Push-Button Learning Fun: Elmo helps reinforce not only music knowledge, but also number and letter recognition. To begin the fun, press the tape deck-style buttons to choose a mode.
  • Easy as ABC and 1-2-3: Press the number button to hear Elmo count. Press the letter button to hear all about the alphabet.
  • Sing Along with Elmo: Press the music button to listen, dance, and sing along as Elmo sings “Happy and You Know It.”
  • On-the-Go Fun: At 5.5 inches tall, this interactive boombox kids’ toy is a great size for tiny hands to explore fidget sliders that click, buttons that are fun to push, and a dial that turns.
  • Ships in Try Me Mode: For full range of play, flip the switch on the boombox from “Try Me” to “On.”
  • Give Sesame Street Toys: The Sesame Street Elmo Take Along Boombox sensory toy makes a wonderful birthday or anytime surprise for children ages 2 years and up.
  • 2 x AAA batteries required (included).

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The artifact was not for me. That much was clear from the moment the small, sticky-fingered human guest—a niece, I believe they called her—unleashed it from its cardboard prison. It was a violent shade of red, emblazoned with the vacant stare of that Elmo creature. From my vantage point atop the mahogany bookshelf, I observed the ritual. The tiny human would mash a button, and the box would shriek, "Let's learn the ABCs!" followed by a flash from its plastic nose. The child would giggle, a sound like tiny bells falling into a blender, and then mash it again. It was a horrifying, symbiotic relationship. Eventually, as is the nature of their kind, the small human’s attention drifted to a more compelling object: the television remote. The boombox was abandoned, face down on the oriental rug, a silent red casualty of a fickle mind. The silence was palpable, a brief, blessed reprieve. It was my duty, as chief inspector of this domain, to investigate the trespasser. I descended with the silent grace of a shadow, landing soundlessly on the rug. The object smelled of plastic and, faintly, of fruit snacks. I extended a single, cautious paw, claws sheathed. I nudged a slider on its side. It produced a surprisingly satisfying *click-clack* sound. Intriguing. Perhaps it wasn't a total loss. Emboldened, I pressed one of the larger, more prominent buttons. The box immediately blared a tinny, upbeat tune about being happy and knowing it. I leaped back, my fur standing on end. The sheer auditory violence of it! This was no toy; it was a weaponized annoyance. The light-up nose blinked in time with the offensive melody, mocking my refined sensibilities. I gave it one last, definitive shove with my paw, sending it skittering across the polished hardwood floor. It slid beautifully, I'll grant it that. It came to a stop near the leg of the sofa, where it remained, mercifully quiet once more. My verdict was clear. The object had a single, redeeming quality in its ability to slide, but this was catastrophically outweighed by its primary function as a noise-making monstrosity. I left it there in the gathering dust bunnies and retired to the velvet chaise lounge. Some things are simply beneath my notice.
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Sesame Street Twist and Pop Wheelies 3-Pack Preschool Toy Vehicles, Kids Toys for Ages 2 Up, Amazon Exclusive by Just Play

By: Just Play

Pete's Expert Summary

My human has presented me with a trio of plastic contraptions, ostensibly for a small, two-legged creature, featuring suspiciously cheerful characters trapped in wheeled prisons. The gimmick involves twisting their oversized heads—a garish red one, a frantic blue one, and a vapid pink one—to trigger a "popping" mechanism that reveals a ladder or opens a compartment. While the primary colors are an assault on my refined sensibilities, the three-inch size is intriguing. They are small enough to be batted, and the free-rolling wheels promise a satisfying skitter across the hardwood floors. The true appeal, however, lies in the sudden, prey-like "pop," though the necessity of a human to reset the mechanism each time seems a woefully inefficient design for a predator of my caliber.

Key Features

  • This product has frustration-free packaging that may reveal what's inside and cannot be hidden.
  • Includes: Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Abby Cadabby toy vehicles.
  • An Amazon Exclusive: Twist, pop, and roll with favorite characters in the Sesame Street Twist and Pop Wheelies. Vehicles come with Cookie Monster, Elmo, and Abby in the driver's seats.
  • Interactive Features: Turn each nonremovable character’s head for a surprise. Elmo's head activates the fire truck's ladder. Turn Cookie Monster's head to open the taxicab's hood and Abby's head to pop open the trunk of her car.
  • Push and Twist: Push heads down and twist again to repeat the pop-up play action.
  • Designed for Little Hands: Crafted with toddlers in mind, these 3-inch toy vehicles feature free-rolling wheels for simple play and easy movement by little hands.
  • Developmental Benefits: Play with toy cars can help build fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and dexterity. Twisting to activate the pop-up feature helps little ones understand cause and effect.
  • Fun for Early Learners: This Sesame Street preschool toy is ideal for kids ages 2 years and up.

A Tale from Pete the Cat

They arrived in a thin-skinned box, a clear betrayal of their contents. The human freed the three of them—a garish red fire truck, a nervous blue taxi, and a frivolous lavender convertible—and set them on the living room rug like offerings to a demanding god. I watched from my throne atop the scratching post, tail twitching in mild irritation. They were clearly not for me, yet their presence was an intrusion. The human demonstrated their sole, pathetic trick to the empty room, twisting each head to produce a sudden, unsatisfying *pop*. A ladder here, a trunk there. Child's play. Literally. Once the human was distracted by the glowing rectangle in her lap, I descended for a closer inspection. My initial target was the blue one, the taxi, piloted by a creature of manic energy. I nudged it with my nose. It smelled of plastic and disappointment. I gave it a tentative pat, and it rolled a few inches, its wheels surprisingly smooth. This had potential. Recalling the human's crude demonstration, I hooked a single, perfect claw around the side of the driver's head and gave it a firm twist. The hood sprang open with a satisfying *thwack*. I peered inside. Nothing. An empty, soulless cavity. A booby trap for the mind. A lesser feline might have walked away in disgust. But I am Pete. I realized the secret was not *in* the car, but *in the action*. The twist, the pop, the sudden, jarring movement—it was a contained burst of chaos. I turned my attention to the red fire truck. I batted it hard, sending it skittering across the floor until it bumped into the leg of the coffee table. I stalked it, then performed the head-twist maneuver. *Pop!* A bright yellow ladder shot up, startling me for a split second. A flicker of the hunt, a ghost of the pounce. Excellent. I spent the next ten minutes systematically "disarming" the vehicles. I'd send one careening into the kitchen, pursue it silently, and trigger its mechanism before moving on to the next. They were not toys; they were a series of kinetic puzzles. They offered no sustenance, no tactile pleasure of soft felt or crinkly foil. Instead, they offered a challenge of trajectory and a reward of controlled, repeatable surprise. They are utterly useless, of course, but their specific brand of uselessness is, for the moment, quite entertaining. They may remain.
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Sesame Street Neighborhood Friends, 7-piece Poseable Figurines, Kids Toys for Ages 2 Up by Just Play

By: Just Play

Pete's Expert Summary

My human has acquired what appears to be a committee of small, plastic dignitaries from a place called "Sesame Street." This collection from "Just Play" features seven brightly colored, poseable figures, including a disconcertingly furry red one, a giant yellow bird, and a sullen-looking creature residing in a metal can. Their primary appeal, from my perspective, is their size. At three inches, they are perfectly shaped for a vigorous game of paw-puck, with a high probability of disappearing under the sofa for months. However, their lack of catnip, feathers, or any self-propulsion mechanism suggests they will require significant effort on my part to be even remotely entertaining, an investment of energy I am not yet convinced is worthwhile.

Key Features

  • Includes: 7 figures.
  • Amazon Exclusive for Playtime Fun: The Sesame Street Neighborhood Friends set includes 7 poseable figures for imaginative play. Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Oscar, Bert, Ernie, and the Count are ready to brighten any kid’s day.
  • Spark Creative Play: Kids’ imaginations will soar as they imagine their own Sesame Street Neighborhood adventures, made more fun with these colorful, poseable figures.
  • Fun-Sized Friends: These adorable 3-inch figures are easy for preschoolers to grasp and pose. They’re the perfect size to tuck into pockets or a backpack for on-the-go play.
  • Versatile Fun: The Sesame Street Neighborhood Friends set is ideal for play and display fun. Use figures as adorable cake toppers and party favors for any Sesame Street-themed event.
  • Ages 2 years and up.

A Tale from Pete the Cat

I found them in the dead of night, arranged on the living room rug in a perfect circle. The moonlight slanted through the window, glinting off their plastic eyes. There were seven of them, silent and still, their poseable arms fixed in attitudes of strange reverence. My tail gave a single, involuntary twitch. This was no random placement of toys. This was a ritual. Creeping closer, my paws silent on the floorboards, I assessed the congregation. A large, yellow avian stood nervously, as if a lookout. A blue, googly-eyed beast seemed consumed by a silent, ravenous prayer. But the fulcrum of the entire affair was the small, red creature positioned at the head of the circle, his arms raised high. Elmo, the human had called him. He was clearly the high priest, the channeller of whatever silent, plastic malevolence they were attempting to summon into my domain. I could almost taste the foul energy in the air—it smelled vaguely of ozone and impending vet visits. I would not stand for it. This house has one supreme being, and it is me. Unsanctioned magical rites are a flagrant violation of the established order, an order which primarily involves my napping schedule remaining undisturbed. A direct assault was necessary to break their arcane formation and shatter the spell. I coiled my haunches, the hunter’s instinct overriding my usual languor. The target was the crimson priest. With a burst of speed I had not employed since the last time the can opener was used, I launched myself across the rug. My paw, a grey and white blur of righteous fury, connected with the red figurine in a satisfying *thwack*. He went airborne, tumbling end over end before skittering across the hardwood floor and vanishing into the dark, dusty oblivion beneath the heaviest armchair. The circle was broken. The remaining six figures seemed to slump, their occult power extinguished. I sniffed the air again. The danger had passed. They were just plastic. For now. This set is not a toy; it is a threat that must be vigilantly monitored and, when necessary, dismantled one piece at a time. It is absolutely worthy of my attention.
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GUND Sesame Street Official Elmo Take Along Buddy Plush, Premium Plush Toy for Ages 1 & Up, Red, 13”

By: GUND

Pete's Expert Summary

My human seems to be under the impression that every new soft object brought into this domain is for my immediate appraisal. This latest offering is a crimson fur-monster with unsettlingly large eyes, apparently called "Elmo." The manufacturer, GUND, has a certain reputation for quality, which I'll admit piques my interest—I am no fan of shoddy, scratchy materials. It is clearly intended for a human kitten, given its "Take Along Buddy" designation and floppy limbs, which suggests it's designed to be mindlessly dragged about. Its primary appeal to me would be its purported "super-soft" texture for napping purposes, and its lanky limbs seem ideal for a proper thrashing. However, its garish red hue is an assault on my sophisticated visual palate, and it could simply prove to be another piece of loud, brightly-colored clutter. The jury is still out.

Key Features

  • ELMO TAKE ALONG BUDDY: Elmo is here as a cuddly plush perfectly sized for adventure This adorable 13” plush features Elmo with embroidered facial details, super-soft bright red plush, and floppy limbs that make him perfect for playtime anywhere
  • SOFT & HUGGABLE: This adorable Sesame Street plush toy features surface-washable construction for easy cleaning and is made from a soft, premium material that meets our famous GUND quality standards. Appropriate for ages 1 and up
  • GIFT GUND: Our stuffed animals, teddy bears, and sensory toys make timeless birthday and baby shower gifts, home decor, and gifts for every other occasion. Our official Sesame Street collection is crafted for kids, fans and collectors of all ages
  • QUALITY CUDDLES: Our award-winning bears and toys appeal to animal lovers everywhere, known for their unmatched quality and huggable designs. From toddler toys to adults of all ages, GUND plush is perfect for play, collecting and cuddling
  • PREMIER PLUSH: As one of America’s oldest teddy bear makers, GUND has crafted unique and classic stuffed animals and soft toys for 125 years. To this day, we proudly carry this legacy and stand by our toys, known worldwide for quality and innovation
  • Includes: I GUND Sesame Street Take Along Buddy Plush, Poly Bag
  • Covered by the Spin Master Care Commitment. See below for full details

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The intrusion began not with a box, but with a giggle. A smaller, less-stable human, one of the visiting kind, toddled into my sunbeam, clutching the crimson effigy. I watched from my perch atop the bookcase, my tail giving a single, irritated flick. The creature was an assault of primary colors, a stark contrast to my own elegant gray and white composition. It had a vacant, unnervingly cheerful stare. The small human deposited the red thing on the floor—*my* floor—and was promptly distracted by a shiny spoon, abandoning her post. This was my opportunity. I descended with the silence of a falling shadow, circling the abandoned toy. It was an interrogation. First, the olfactory assessment. I inhaled deeply, expecting the cloying scent of cheap dye and plastic. Instead, I detected only a faint, clean smell, the hallmark of quality materials. A point in its favor. Next, the tactile test. I extended a single, cautious paw, claws sheathed, and pressed into its torso. The plush yielded with a cloud-like softness that was, I begrudgingly admit, exquisite. It was the kind of texture one's face would appreciate during a deep, soul-cleansing nap. The final test was one of structural integrity. With a sudden lunge, I seized the creature by one of its floppy arms, dragged it into the center of the rug, and initiated the ceremonial disembowelment kicks. My powerful back legs hammered against its soft, red belly. Thump-thump-thump. It offered no resistance, its lanky form absorbing the blows with a satisfying give. The stitching, a clear mark of the GUND legacy, held firm. The embroidered eyes stared blankly upward, unconcerned by my fury. After a thorough vanquishing, I lay panting beside my conquered foe. It was soft. It was durable. It was perfectly weighted for a good grapple. I rested my head upon its ridiculously cheerful face, the plush cradling my jaw just so. The small human could have her shiny spoon. This crimson hostage was now under my protection. It had passed the trial. It would serve its purpose as my new, luxuriously soft pillow of victory.
Image of GUND Sesame Street Official Elmo Take Along Buddy Plush, Premium Plush Toy for Ages 1 & Up, Red, 13” View Details

Sesame Street Rock with Elmo Guitar, Dress Up and Pretend Play, Lights and Sounds Preschool Musical Toy, Kids Toys for Ages 2 Up by Just Play

By: Just Play

Pete's Expert Summary

My human presented me with this... artifact. It's a gaudy, plastic effigy of some kind of stringed instrument, blighted by the face of that giggling crimson creature from the talking picture box. They call it a "guitar," but I see no strings to pluck, only loud, colorful buttons that promise a cacophony of "wacky sounds" and toddler-centric melodies. I am told its primary feature is a nose that illuminates, which, I must admit, holds a sliver of potential for a decent game of wall-pounce. However, considering it's made by a company named "Just Play" and intended for the clumsy small human, I suspect its true purpose is to shatter the serene silence required for my seventeen hours of daily meditation, making it a complete waste of my exquisitely soft fur.

Key Features

  • Includes: electronic toy guitar.
  • Play Music with Elmo: This pretend play guitar will have preschoolers rockin' with Elmo! Kids will love singing and playing along with the Sesame Street Rock with Elmo Guitar interactive toy.
  • 2 Songs: Little musicians can pretend to play guitar to Elmo's renditions of the children's songs, "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" and "You're Elmo's Sunshine."
  • 3 Modes of Play: Slide the switch to choose Jam Session, Sing Along, or Wacky Sounds. Press the character buttons to hear character sound effects. Push Elmo's mouth button to hear music, sound effects, and phrases. See Elmo's nose light up to the beat!
  • Role-Play Musical Instrument: Kids love pretend play! This Sesame Street light-up musical kids' toy is great for imaginative play. Toddlers will love pushing the colorful buttons to hear music and sounds from favorite Sesame Street characters.
  • This Sesame Street preschool toy is ideal for kids ages 2 years and up.
  • Requires 3 x AA batteries (included).

A Tale from Pete the Cat

The peace was shattered by a sound I can only describe as an electronic atrocity. It was a rendition of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" sung by a voice so full of manufactured cheer it made my whiskers curl. I cracked open a single green eye from my vantage point on the velvet chaise lounge. The small human was on the floor, gleefully brutalizing the source of the noise: a bright red plastic... thing. It was shaped vaguely like the acoustic device the large human sometimes strums, but this was a mockery, a hollow vessel for audio torment. My first instinct was to retreat to the bedroom and lodge a formal complaint by shredding the corner of the duvet. But then, a flash of light caught my eye. On the face of the red creature emblazoned on the object, a single point of ruby light pulsed in time with the horrific melody. It danced from the toy to the wall, a frantic, captured firefly. My hunter's brain, an instrument far more finely tuned than this plastic noisemaker, overrode my desire for quiet. The prey was afoot. I descended from the chaise with the fluid grace of smoke. The small human, lost in its world of rhythmic button-mashing, was now producing a chaotic medley of giggles, monsterish cookie-nomming sounds, and the occasional blast of song. I ignored the sonic assault, my gaze fixed on the dancing red dot. I stalked it across the Persian rug, my body low, my tail twitching in silent calculation. I timed my pounce, a leap of pure predatory perfection. My paw, with its delicately concealed claws, was meant for the light on the wall, but in my focused fervor, I struck the guitar itself. The "Cookie Monster" button depressed under my paw, letting out a gravelly "Yum yum yum!" The small human shrieked with laughter. I landed, slightly embarrassed by my miscalculation, but unbowed. The red light continued its hypnotic dance. I looked from the light, to the toy, to the babbling small human. A grim understanding settled upon me. This object was not a toy for me. It was a chaotic, noisy, infuriatingly effective prey-generator, operated by an incompetent but enthusiastic assistant. I will not play *with* it. But I will allow the small human to continue its button-mashing, for the glorious hunt it provides. It is an acceptable, if deafening, arrangement.
Image of Sesame Street Rock with Elmo Guitar, Dress Up and Pretend Play, Lights and Sounds Preschool Musical Toy, Kids Toys for Ages 2 Up by Just Play View Details