Martian Matter Alien Maker

I think I have the solution to world peace. At the next summit, as heads of state bicker over trade this and disarmament that, someone should simply pull out a Martian Matter Alien Maker kit and put it on the table. Disagreements would soon disappear as everyone clamors to make one of these slimy concoctions. I have great faith in my plan because in my house (a tiny UN), no matter who’s here, when the kids pull this kit out everyone wants to play. For a time, no matter if they’re young or old, boy or girl, everyone gets along.

I’m not a big fan of gooey playthings, or toys that replicates the innards of creatures, but my kids love this kit. An alien spaceship (a cool toy in and of itself) comes equipped with plastic molds for a variety of alien body parts, and they can be mixed and matched for numerous possibilities. The kids then use “Martian Mud” (a creative name for Play-Doh) to create a cast of their martian. Into that they pour “Lunar Lava” (slime) into the mold and wait for the slime to set. They set the microwave timer, count down together, and in three minutes, voila! They have a gelatinous alien creation.

There are pictures on the box of happy little children putting their slime monsters in the spaceship and playing contentedly, but that scene never plays out in my house. No, once the aliens are complete it’s time for the alien autopsy. Fortunately the kit comes equipped for such a scenario, providing “tools” such as a pair of plastic tweezers, plastic knife and a rolling pin. Soon my kitchen table looks like a crime scene and it’s time to start all over again. Best of all, it’s easy to clean up! The Lunar Lava does eventually need to be replaced, but it’s sold separately and lasts a long time.

The Alien Maker has kept my kids and their friends busy at the table for hours at a time – always my favorite sign of a fun toy. Even if we can’t get world leaders in on the action, I’ll be happy with the peace it creates at home.