With Elmo’s Tickle Hands set to hit retail shelves on August 4, Fisher-Price Friends and Sesame Workshop are launching an online campaign through Facebook.

Beginning today, fans can send a Ticklegram to their friends through Facebook’s birthday calendar and new bumper sticker sites. Recipients of the Ticklegram, which features Elmo’s signature laugh, will be directed to the Elmo’s Tickle Hand web page at www.ticklehands.com to see Elmo’s new Tickle Hand Groove dance. Viewers will be encouraged to submit videos of their own dancers trying it out.

The product – big, furry red Elmo hands featuring Elmo’s face – fit over kids’ hands and pressing his nose will trigger the hands to vibrate and emit phrases when they touch a surface to tickle.

Targeting kids 18 months and up, Elmo’s Tickle Hands (approximately US$29.99) will be available across the US at mass retailers.