Sesame Workshop has launched a new global campaign, titled Gift of Giggles, to celebrate the positive impact of humor, joy, and laughter with Sesame Street characters. The initiative is just one movement that supports Sesame Workshop’s aim to highlight emotional well-being and mental health awareness for kids and families.
The campaign began yesterday on International Joke Day with a video of Elmo attempting to tell a well-known joke to Felix and includes a new digital series, a summer comedy tour, a new online game, new stories, and more.
In the digital series “The Giggle Group,” Elmo and others meet with toddlers and kids to discuss what makes them laugh. The videos are inspired by the interviews between a Sesame Street character and a kid, in which anything can happen and laughter often ensues. Additionally, the Gift of Giggles YouTube playlist includes several videos featuring surprise guests, including popular YouTubers and celebrities. Kids can check the playlist often for new, funny content.
A new game on sesamestreet.org, Get the Giggles, is also live. The online sound-matching game features laughs from characters like the Count, Juila, and more, and players can apply listening skills to match the giggle to the giggler. Players can choose from three levels of four, six, or even eight gigglers to match.
A summer comedy tour is also included: The Muppets of Sesame Street will pop up to share jokes and laughs with families. Additionally, the movement includes new stories that encourage reading and highlight the joy of the activity. Elmo’s Favorite Jokes and Riddles — a lift-the-flap board book — is available to preorder now and supports the Gift of Giggles ideals. Parents can also add 100 Words from the Street: Words to Grow Smarter, Stronger, & Kinder, available on Oct. 3, to the bookshelf.
The Gift of Giggles initiative is a long-running campaign, so parents can look forward to more resources and laughter as the months pass. Next year, families can use the Let’s Have Some Fun storytelling cards to ignite giggles. The cards will be released on March 6.
“With its signature mix of laughter and learning, Sesame Street creates experiences that enrich minds and expand hearts around the world,” says Samantha Maltin, Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing and Brand Officer. “At a time when children need joy more than ever, the Gift of Giggles campaign will support their emotional well-being, with a healthy dose of laughter. Whether you’re learning about healthy habits, social-emotional skills, or the ABCs, humor can turn a simple moment into an unforgettable lesson.”
For more information and additional mental health resources, visit sesame.org.
