This is an amazing replica of the 1980's version. There were many other incarnations of Teddy Ruxpin from the 1992 Playskool version to the 1998 Yes! Entertainment version. But, with the exception of the original Worlds of Wonder phenomenon, none have come close to capturing this character's endearing charm.
I know a lot of people will think that $70 is a lot of money for a Teddy Ruxpin, but they cost about the same, if not more, in the 1980's. This version, however, is a bit more durable. There are plenty of people who still have working 80's versions, but mine died a few years ago, and I snatched this up as soon as it was released.
Teddy is smaller, which is great for little kids. He's not as bulky or heavy. He looks the same as his 20 year-old counterpart, and sounds even better. Many people who owned a Teddy as children may remember the tapes coming unwound, and adults would have to shell out another $20 for another copy of the same book & tape. Have no fear! This Teddy takes MP3 cartridges, which means no more unwinding analog cassettes! Each set comes packaged securely in it's own special box, which is a great protection against the unpredictable nature of a three year-old.
In the 1980's $20 got you one book and tape set. Nowadays, you get two book & tape sets for $20. There's two books for each story (one with the words for older kids, the other with pictures for younger listeners...) Each cartridge holds two stories, and you can jump from one to the other using the controls on Teddy's back (no more flipping the tape over to listen to it again!)
Some might be intimidated by the hefty price tag and seduced by cheaper, lesser-known storytelling bears, but this bear is worth every penny. Teddy was the original, and hasn't changed a bit from when I knew him as a child. It's like having an old friend back again. He teaches lessons in exciting ways, surrounding them with stories that matter to kids, no because their learning, but because they're having fun. The whole idea is to teach kids in a way that doesn't put them "below" Teddy, like he's preaching to them. Teddy discovers these things WITH children, not FOR them, and you always feel like you've been taken along on some adventure that you just might learn a little something from before it's over.
For anyone who knew the original Teddy, this is the perfect gift for any young child close to your heart.
Teddy Ruxpin was the world's first animated talking toy, and to this day, NOTHING comes close!
