Sylvania PalPODzzz Rocket Nightlight/Flashlight

First things first, this thing is adorable.

Second things second, I think the name is dopey and distracting. Is it a Pal, a POD, or a "zzz"? Take a stand!

But back to the cute. This little nightlight-flashlight combo from Sylvania, reviewed via the Parent Bloggers Network, is ingenious and fun. My children were instantly charmed and so was I. It's simple--just plug the base into any outlet, and it automatically illuminates as the room darkens (and vice versa). On this rocket ship version (there is also a ladybug), the base has small, circular yellowish lights, and the rocket itself turns a soothing shade of blue. Remove the rocket from its base, and it becomes a flashlight, with a bright white light beaming from the top; use the button on the side to turn it on and off.

I am very picky about nightlights. It's hard to find the right level of brightness. Many are too weak and many are too strong (kid, if you can read your book without squinting, your nightlight is not really a nightlight). The blue light of this rocket ship is just about right--and my kids agree, which is important.

This gadget also uses LED lightbulbs, which are much more durable, efficient, and longer-lasting than incandescent or even compact fluorescent bulbs. They also remain cool to the touch, so I feel comfortable having this flashlight in my preschooler's room where he can have access to it unsupervised. Plus there are no batteries (to run out because your kid turned on the flashlight and forgot about it)--the flashlight recharges when it's in the base. And it'll even stay on during a power outage too.