Knowing many children who are fans of Elmo, when I spotted the Fisher Price Elmo’s Restaurant, I was attracted to it right away. It has a working cash register, a burner that makes sounds, and Grover (on the reverse side of the restaurant) talks when you take a menu from his hand. There are other favorite Sesame Street character sounds to be heard as well. It sells for $74.99 at Amazon.com. A great addition to your children’s playroom, perhaps it’ll be something to add under the tree this Christmas.

We have a much-tested (and sometimes protested) rule against cartoon characters on clothing in our house. If, however, I were to make an exception it would be for something like this Morfs Brand Elmo Tee. If ever there was an upscale Sesame Street shirt, this is it. It has a fun hand-made look that escapes much of the over-commercialized aspects of most licensed apparel. It is made from recycled fabrics with sock sleeves, and comes in sizes from 2T to 6. It doesn’t, however, come cheap. You can purchase one of these fun shirts for $68 at ronrobinson.com.

These sneakers by New Balance featuring Sesame Street characters are very popular and very hard to find in brick-and-mortar stores, from what I’ve been told. FinishLine.com, however, carries a variety of characters and sizes from toddler to preschool to little kids to big kids.

Recently featured in Scholastic Parent & Child Magazine, these sneakers are designed using the New Balance 574 style Classic Running Shoe as a guide. In addition to the Cookie Monster sneakers shown above, you can choose from Elmo, Oscar the Grouch, and the Count. The sneakers feature designs on the outside and inside of the shoe, making them even more fun for little ones to wear.

Prices range from $39.98 to $59.99 depending on the size and the character you choose. To see the full array of Sesame Street sneakers available, go to FinishLine.com.

It seems like every Christmas, a new Elmo is released, and every parent scrambles to buy one for his or her child. This year, it’s Elmo Live, made by Fisher Price. When a child gives Elmo a tickle or a squeeze, he comes to life. While his head moves back and forth, this Elmo speaks, waves his arms, crosses his legs, sits, stands, tells stories and jokes, sings songs, and plays games.

Elmo Live measures 8.1″ x 11″ x 15″ and weighs 3.8 lbs. He’s recommended for ages 18 months and up. The best online price I’ve seen for this toy is $64.87 (with free shipping) at Amazon.com. The website says this is currently in stock, so if you’re planning to buy it as a Christmas gift for your child this year, you might want to act now. Just like every other year, I’m sure there will be a mad scramble for Elmo the closer it gets to Christmas.

There aren’t many children’s television programs that kids and parents both love. Sesame Street has to be at the top of the list. I remember watching the show when I was a young child in the 1970s. Now my 4 year old son is a fan. How many shows have that kind of staying power?

I think my son would love these Sesame Street Plush Dolls. You can choose their favorite character among Bert, Ernie, Elmo, Cookie Monster, the Count, and Oscar the Grouch. Each plush doll measures 12″, and would be great to help your child re-enact skits he saw on Sesame Street, or even when reading a Sesame Street book. This would make a fabulous Christmas gift. You can buy one at Firebox.com, where each retails for $14.95. At a price like that, you might want to choose your own favorite character and buy one for yourself as well!