Norman the Farting Elephant

November is here, and December is just around the corner.... time to start making a holiday gift-giving list! Wondering what to get for the person who has everything? How's this for a funny novelty gift? A farting elephant! We recently received Norman PhartEphant to try out; here's what we thought:

The Basics
Norman PhartEphant is a plush elephant that makes farting noises when you squeeze his tail. Apparently Norman is from Africa and has moved to the US, and the change of diet has caused him to become rather gassy.Here's how the makers of Norman PhartEphant describe him:

Norman PhartEphant™ was designed for the 3-10 year old crowd, but has become a favorite among those of any age that are yound at heart. Norman PhartEphant™ is adorable, cuddly, and hilarious; a combination not seen in other products! Laughter follows him where ever he goes.

Super soft and squeezable, at 10 inches round, Norman PhartEphant™ offers a variety of 8 fart sounds with a squeeze of his tail. Norman PhartEphant™ makes a favorite gift for your difficult to surprise child, co-worker, spouse, friend, and/or spouse.




The Bongga
Only Norman could turn a fart into something adorable. He's soft and cuddly and huggable, with the saddest little doe-eyes that say, Ooops.... sorry, I didn't mean to do that! Don't hate me! Of course we don't hate you, Norman! You're so cute and your farts don't even smell! Men, take note: if you have a tendency to belch and fart, this might make a great "I'm sorry" present for your girlfriend or significant other! On a deeper level, Norman's story offers a great opportunity to talk with kids about friendship and acceptance of other people's anomalies, follies and differences.


The Blah
The fart sounds are electronic recordings; I don't know whether they were recordings of actual farts or synthesized farts, but they sounded pretty genuine. However, for some reason I was expecting the fart mechanism to be mechanical rather than electronic. So I was expecting Norman to sound like a whopee cushion -- instead, his farts sound a bit "tinny", with the faintest hint of static. Also, I love the little back story that comes on Norman's tag but I'd have loved to learn more. The website sells storybooks, coloring books and kids' teeshirts for those who can't get enough of Norman, but I think Norman should come bundled with the storybook so that kids can get read Norman's story, and he can become more than just a farting elephant -- he can become their friend.


The Bottom Line
Norman Phartephant would make a humorous, whimsical present for farters of any age -- but for kids to find a special place in their heart for Norman, they should read the storybook as well.

I received a sample in order to review this product, but no monetary compensation. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.