Hollis Johnson/Business Insider
- New Yellies characters are hitting shelves in 2019, as Lizards and Bunnies join the "Spooders."
- Many people were disturbed or confused by the idea of Yellies, which have the tagline: "The louder you yell, the faster they go."
- Despite some backlash, the toys are a hit, with sales tripling over the holiday season and selling out at certain retailers.
New Yellies characters are hitting shelves after viral success and an explosive holiday sales season.
Hasbro is debuting new Lizard Yellies this month, followed by Bunnies in March, the maker of the controversial toy told Business Insider.
Yellies quickly gained both fame and infamy with the arachnid-esque "Spooders" in 2018. The basic concept: The louder kids yell, the faster the Yellies scoot.
Many people were perplexed and disturbed by the concept. After all, giving a child a toy that requires yelling - specifically, yelling at increasingly aggressive volumes - seems like a declaration of war against anyone trying to enjoy a quiet, peaceful Christmas.
"Who on earth thought inventing this toy would be a good idea?!" Karen Alpert, the writer behind the parenting blog Baby Sideburns, said on Facebook.
Business Insider had a chance to try out the Yellies before they hit shelves. Here is what to expect from the new Yellies:
Just saw an ad for "Yellies" which are apparently little electric bugs that move faster the louder your kid yells at them.
I feel bad for the inventor of these whose childhood was so bad that he hates all parents.
- Phony Bennett (@IfTonyTweeted) December 24, 2018
Just learned about these absolutely real toy spiders called "Yellies" that react to sound??
They move and run if you yell at them, effectively creating a nightmare loop of terrified screams and a spider rushing at you faster every time pic.twitter.com/SnqNm6fERS
- devon giehl ❄️🎄vileblood hunter (@devongiehl) December 5, 2018
There is an actual toy that goes faster the louder you yell. If you buy this for my child, I will cut you.
- Amy Elizabeth (@amymeggs) January 21, 2019