I speak, too, from personal experience on that score; my three-year-old nephew, Jack, is living testament to the fact that Elmo’s laugher is equally intoxicating for a person only a tenth of my age.

A clingy monkey that blows kisses and a life-like doll that plays peek-a-boo are in contention to become the next Hatchimal, Furby or Tickle Me Elmo. If you're a parent, you know what we're talking ...