My grandfather used to take us rock hunting at a quarry in Franklin, New Jersey. These adventures with my grandparents (my grandmother went along for the ride, but did not share my grandfather’s enthusiasm for the rocks)…were part of our childhood. After finding our rocks, we would then go into the dark room with our black light (along with other rock folks) and see if we had found any with fluorescent substances. Pretty cool right? Kick in a guaranteed trip for ice cream cones–and you could see how much fun this would be. My grandfather (an engineer by training) sold the first tv in their area (in upstate New York). My mother recalls that when there was a big fight or important event on tv, that people would gather to watch it in front of their appliance store. His backroom was always fun to visit because there was always something to look at including his great collection of rocks. He always encouraged us to build our own collections. One of my last road trips with him before he died was to a rock show. He was still delighted that I was interested (I was 17). Truth be told, I just really enjoyed being with him.
World Discovery Box with a sampling the treasures
So when I first came across World Discovery Box, it made me think of my Grandfather. The focus of the company is to help build your child’s own collection of nature and science collectibles. Of course, you could do this yourself if you were so inclined but I really love the quality of the materials and boxes you can order. The wooden boxes and artifacts range in price from $69 to $199. You can add to your child’s collection from their site – making this a gift that you can add to as your child grows.
I also like the idea of using the box as a starting point. Adding treasures you may find together-from a trip to the beach, on a walk in your own neighborhood. Maybe because of my own experience, I think this is a great present for grandparents to give since it starts a dialogue. The only aspect of this product that could use some beefing up–the limited reading materials about the insects, minerals, shells, fossils that comes with the box. (It’s just a folded guide). For the money, I would have thought it would be paired with a book about these topics and maybe some tools for your own rock, fossil and bug collecting adventures. In any case, it’s something you can add on your own.
Two great books:
Smithsonian Rock & Fossil Hunter
Bug tools: