3-2-1 Blast Off!

I love the Discovery Channel Store. They always have the coolest toys, for grown ups and children. In fact, my husband has a robot and a remote control helicopter from the store sitting in our sun room right now. We've both been eying the talking globe for some time, trying to figure out just how old the boys need to be before we can justify buying it for ourselves the kids.

So when PBN gave me the opportunity to review one the Discovery Store's latest pre-school toys, I was thrilled! Discovery Store didn't disappoint me. Paz's Lift-Off Rocket is pretty cool.

The rocket comes with 4 animal astronauts, a moon crater, and lunar module. When you push the red button on the handle, ground control counts down to lift off, the lower portion of the rocket lights up and then the rocket "lifts off." In flight, the button makes propulsion noises.

The interior of the rocket also has a cargo bay, living area and, of course, space for 2 pilots. My kids love, not just launching the rocket, but pretending to be living on the moon. Well, Hollis pretends and Holden chews on the astronauts and tries to steal the lunar module from his brother.

The doors to the rockets do come off, but they're intended to do so and pop back in easily. The doors really need to pop off to keep kids from breaking them off during play, so don't be concerned if one pops off on your child. Hollis insisted it was "broken" the first time it happened, but now he just pops the doors back into place.



If you're sick of toys that your kids just watch, the toys that don't require interaction, this is a nice compromise. It has a bit of flash and show (with the lift off noises and lights), but your kids will really need their imaginations to bring this toy to life. My kids have been playing with this toy for 2 months now and they still love it, as does every. single. kid. that comes over to play.

Looking for a good holiday gift? This fits the bill. I know I wouldn't hesitate to give it to another child as a gift. The rocket retails for $39.95 at the Discovery Channel Store.