Bottle rockets describe any of a large variety of small scale skyrocket. The name derives from people launching them out of bottles. There are many varieties with different effects, that is, some may whistle to report while others leave a spark tail as they ascend. Many of these rockets were cheaply mass-produced and could be sold for a relatively low price, providing amusement to young boys and girls.
Bottle Rocket is also the name of the 1996 film by Wes Anderson.