National Geographic Mega Gemstone & Fossil Dig Kit Only $17.49 on Amazon (Regularly $25)

I should just buy forty of these and keep them in a closet for gift emergencies. After Christmas morning, when everyone is relaxed, it’s so satisfying to talk and dig up some fossils and jewels. The preschoolers love it, the grandparents, the teens…you get the idea. When it gets old, put the remaining block back in the box for a week. Bring it back to the table on a lazy January morning. Find more jewels! We are a family of five so we use a handful of dental tools so that everyone can dig at the same time.

My 5-year-old LOVED this, and has used it almost every day for a week now to discover more “treasures”. I may also be guilty of having way too much fun helping him… really awesome specimens, I was happy they had a combination kit for both fossils and minerals/gems. Awesome homeschooling tool for many ages.

Note: Do not expect the pattern on the clay brick to indicate what types of specimens are on which half of the brick, they are all mixed together. I also recommend using the kit outside or having a large tray to work in, and even then, best to have a mini-vacuum ready.