How do you keep four kids occupied during a Mom's Playdate? Go out and get the Martian Matter Alien Maker.
When two girlfriends came over with their kids, I knew that we'd be able to get some good conversations going once I pulled out this toy. After a tutorial with the kids, they were able to make "aliens" on their own. For the record, I did stay close by to assist in the "pouring" of the alien matter into the form.
The playdoh-like "martian mud" is set into an indented circle and the alien molds are connected to the lid. Shut the lid and the alien is molded into the mud. Fill with "alien lava" and cover with a martian mud circle. After 5 minutes the lava hardens to a gummy texture and you have an alien. Wait less time and the alien can be disected with gooey guts!
It would be nice if the aliens were larger than quarter size, but the smaller they are the less lava you use I guess! The space ship does not stay together well, but this does not affect play. The storage the ship offers is a neat idea; however as the ship doesn't stay together well, any storage it is a waste and better stored in a ziplock baggie.
If you want your kid to be able to play with this one his/her own straight from opening the box, I'd recommend buying it only if you have a good reader (7 and up). There are directions involved in making the aliens. If you don't mind sitting with your kids to help them, then younger kids (3-5) will do just fine. After the fifth or sixth time helping my 4.5 year old, he was able to do it all on his own.
With no batteries and no annoying lights/music, this toy is perfect for my working from home days. My son can sit, totally engrossed and occupied, in making aliens for 45-60 minutes -- more than enough time for me to take a conference call.
With the price under $20, this makes a great birthday gift. (Right now, it is on sale at ToysRUs for under $15).
My older two boys have been asking for this toy forever but Ive been afraid to buy it because of the mess and the need for me to be with them while they play with it. Your review though makes it sound like they would do just fine with it on their own. I might just have to let santa know about that little nugget of information.
Posted by: Cherish | December 03, 2008 at 12:47 PM