This boring-looking rock is actually full of crystals.
Kids who like to play with rocks, think volcanoes are cool or are captivated by dinosaurs are usually interested in geology-related topics. If the child that you're buying for is a budding geologist, there are plenty of fun, educational geology-related gifts for kids that aren't boring.
Geodes
Geodes are small, round rock formations that are relatively inexpensive. The child can put the geode in a pillowcase and give it a few sharp (but not too hard) hits with a hammer: The goal is to crack the geode open, not shatter it. The geode will likely have many small crystals inside for the child to examine.
Magnifying Glass and Minerals
Give a large Sherlock Holmesian magnifying glass to the child you're buying for, as well as a large selection of minerals and rocks for him to examine close up. You can buy a mineral/rock kit or put together your own set. Gather together mica, feldspar, obsidian, pumice, quartz, granite, marble---even petrified wood---for your kit. You may be better off simply purchasing the rocks, however, instead of trying to find them on your own, as pure specimens can be difficult to find. Such minerals and rocks can be purchased online from science and educational supply stores (even Amazon.com sells educational specimens of rocks and minerals under its "Industrial and Scientific" category). Include a rock and mineral identification book so that the child can look up all of the rocks you included in the kit. Educational rock and mineral books that are designed with kids in mind often have large, detailed pictures of each rock and mineral.
Grow-Your-Own Crystals Kit
Buying a crystal-growing kit plays into the fascination many children have with crystals. The kits usually come with clear instructions for make the crystals grow, but younger children, such as those in elementary school, may need parental supervision.
If you want a less expensive alternative, look up a rock-candy recipe (see Resources), gather all the ingredients needed to make it and print out the instructions on a card. The child may even like the homemade rock-candy kit better since they'll be able to eat their final result.
Dinosaur Skeleton Model
Buy a dinosaur skeleton model kit for an older child. Such kits are often composed of wood and fit together like a puzzle. The small pieces can be easily lost or broken as the model is put together, so don't buy such a kit if your child is prone to breaking things or easily frustrated.
Tags: rock mineral, minerals rocks
