Kids love rock tumblers! They can provide hours of fun and hands-on project opportunities. If you’re interested in what some of the top kits have to offer, you’ll want to check out our review of 7 of the very best rock polishers for kids below. It includes what we think are the top rock tumbler kits that have been made with children in mind.

[Please note that we might share a small portion of the sales from the links on this page. We only share products that we truly love and recommend. Thank you for your kind support of The Moneywise Teacher! Now on to the awesome rock tumbler kits for you.]

What are the Best Rock Polishers for Kids?

Here are Our 7 Top Recommended Rock Tumblers:

1. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Hobby Rock Tumbler Kit
2. Discover with Dr. Cool Hobby Rock Tumbler
3. Dan & Darci Advanced Professional Rock Tumbler Kit
4. Smithsonian Rock Tumbler Kit
5. Tumble-Bee Rotary Rock Tumbler
6. NatureBound Starter Rock Tumbler Kit for Kids
7. Discover with Dr. Cool PRO Series Rock Tumbler

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1) NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Hobby Rock Tumbler Kit

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Hobby Rock Tumbler Kit. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

First on our list of rock polishers for kids is this excellent tumbler kit from National Geographic.  This rock polishing kit comes with everything that kids need to clean their rocks and observe them in clarity. It features four polishing grits, a tumbler, a sifter, as well as nine different kinds of gemstones and a guide.

Children can read through the guide that’s included to learn more about rocks while having a fun hands-on experience. They’ve also provided a set of instructions that allows kids to have an easy time when it comes to learning how to use the tumbler set.

These instructions are simple to follow and children can use them to figure out how to use the kit on their own or with assistance if needed. We also liked how the tumbler itself is easy to operate.

It comes with functions that can be set with one touch. Furthermore, it has a feature that enables it to turn itself off due to the automatic timer. Some customers have expressed concerns about the durability of the tumbler due to the plastic parts rub against each other in motion.

The process of turning rocks into gemstones is also pretty straightforward and fun. It involves kids putting the rocks into the tumbler, followed by grit and water. They can then use the one-touch settings to tumble the rocks and wait for them to come out looking like gemstones.

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2) Discover with Dr. Cool Hobby Rock Tumbler:

Discover with Dr. Cool Hobby Rock Tumbler. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

This Discover with Dr. Cool set comes with all of the equipment that kids need to polish their rocks. They’re provided with ½ a pound of gemstones that include a variety of nine varying types for children to observe.

In addition to this, the set includes four grades of polishing grits, jewelry fastenings, a tumbler, barrel, and a set of instructions that kids can follow to start polishing their rocks. We also liked how a learning guide is available.

This gives children a great chance to learn more about rocks and gemstones while they’re in the process of polishing them. Users have also mentioned how they’ve been impressed by the barrel design.

Kids can operate the tumbler without the barrel causing too much noise. This is a result of how it has been made with rubber materials that keep the noise to a minimum. The lid has also been made with stainless-steel materials that improve the quietness and boost the barrel’s durability.

A timer has been included that has a programmable feature. Some people have mentioned that they have issues being able to operate this function. However, those who can use it properly find that it’s excellent for helping to save energy while preventing the rocks from being over-tumbled.

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3) Dan & Darci Advanced Professional Rock Tumbler Kit:

Dan & Darci Advanced Professional Rock Tumbler Kit. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Next up on our review of rock polishers for kids is the Dan & Darci Advanced Professional Rock Tumbler Kit.

We liked how this rock tumbler kit has a large capacity that allows children to put up to 1 lb of stones into the barrel. It’s great for letting you polish a higher quantity of rocks each time. The set comes with 4 packets of grits, ½ a pound of rocks, a mesh strainer, a storage bag, and jewelry fasteners.

In addition to this, a set of instructions is available that has been made with illustrations. As a result, kids can have an easier time when it comes to learning how to use the kit independently. A learning guide is also included which is great for providing children with an opportunity to strengthen their knowledge.

Customers have been pleased to discover how the barrel has been made with a design that prevents it from operating with too much noise. Not to mention, the motor that has been fitted is of a high standard to last your child for longer.

Some were disappointed with how the tumbler is smaller than they were expecting. However, with such a good selection of functions and controls, most people don’t find the smaller size to be an issue.

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4) Smithsonian Rock Tumbler Kit:

Smithsonian Rock Tumbler Kit. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

If you are interested in a complete set that kids can use to make gemstones and jewelry pieces, this tumbler kit by Smithsonian could be a great option. It features over 15 accessories that include key chains, rings, and bracelets.

Therefore, children can have a blast when it comes to getting creative and using the gemstones that they’ve made to design their jewelry pieces.

The kit comes with a total of 226g of stones, 18g of coarse grit, 29g of medium grit, 5ml of glue, and 23g of polish. There’s also a barrel with a lid that functions with a powerful and durable motor. A lid is also available to prevent any leaks.

Some people have mentioned that the set takes a while to polish stones. However, kids will have an easy time when it comes to polishing their rocks due to the awesome set of instructions that are included.

They’re simple to follow so that children can spend less time stuck on how to use the kit and more time having fun creating fantastic gemstones.

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5) Tumble-Bee Rotary Rock Tumbler:

Tumble-Bee Rotary Rock Tumbler. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

This tumbler by Tumble-Bee can polish stones, as well as metals and glass. Therefore, children have more functions available to use other than making gemstones. We were impressed with how the tumbler comes with a large capacity that allows for plenty of rocks to be tumbled at once.

The kit comes with an Allen wrench, a rubber barrel, and a set of instructions that are easy for children to follow. These instructions are available in written and visual forms to make it even simpler for children to use.

In addition to this, the AC motor that has been fitted has a fan cooling system. Therefore, it can prevent itself from overheating when tumbling a large number of rocks over a long duration of time.

The housing has been made to be free from sharp edges to keep children safe. Moreover, the housing has anti-rust features that are awesome for keeping the tumbler durable for longer.

Some were hoping the rocks that are included would be larger. However, many users have appreciated how the on/off switch is lighted to make it clear and easy to use.

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6) NatureBound Starter Rock Tumbler Kit for Kids:

NatureBound Starter Rock Tumbler Kit for Kids. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Those of you who are looking for a rock tumbler kit that’s fast will be pleased with this starter rock polisher kit from Naturebound. This kit has been made with a unique design that lets you have gemstones made within as little as one day.

You can also select a two or three-day option by using the buttons available on the front. The on/off button is also available on the front which makes it super easy for children to use.

The set also comes with everything that children need to start making their gemstones. There’s a power cord, rock tumbler, polishing powder, rocks, and jewelry pieces. As a result, kids can have a blast polishing gemstones and making them into jewelry.

Some customers have discussed how you have to let the stones dry properly before adding the polishing powder otherwise the powder gets stuck to the stones. Having said that, it’s a simple problem that can usually be avoided by letting the stones dry properly.

Users have mentioned how they’re happy with how the tumbler has a design that lets you tighten it securely. As a result, you don’t have to worry about it leaking.

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7) Discover with Dr. Cool PRO Series Rock Tumbler:

Discover with Dr. Cool PRO Series Rock Tumbler. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Last but not least on our review of rock polishers for kids is the Discover with Dr. Cool PRO Series Rock Tumbler. Kids are provided with 1 lb of stones that have 9 different varieties which are great for enabling them to create gemstones that stand out from each other. The set also comes with fastenings for jewelry and 4 types of polishing grits which makes sure children have all they need to get started.

We also liked how the set of available instructions are simple to follow so that kids can get to making gemstones straight away. Furthermore, the motor that’s included has a durable design to last for longer.

The tumbler is louder than some would prefer. Therefore, you may want to operate somewhere in the house where it won’t disturb people.

An automatic shutoff timer function is included which is handy for allowing you to set a specific time that you want the rocks to be tumbled for. So, you don’t have to keep an eye on the tumbler. Instead, you can leave it to tumble the rocks and know that it will turn off by itself and save energy.

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What’s Your Favorite Rock Polisher for Kids?

After reading through our review of some of the best rock polishers for kids, you can have an easier time making a final decision on the one that’s best for your child. Feel free to leave other suggestions on rock polishers that you think are great recommendations!

Here are links to the rock tumblers we feature here as well as some others on Amazon. Also be sure to also check out our list of the best chemistry kits for kids.

Interactive kids learning globes can be a fun and engaging way to teach geography to kids. Here we share 5 of the highest rated learning globes for children that are both awesome and affordable!

[Please note that we might share a small portion of the sales from the links on this page. We only share products that we truly love and recommend. Thank you for your kind support of The Moneywise Teacher! Now onto the awesome kids globes for you.]

What are the Best Globes for Children?

Here are Our 5 Top Recommended Kids Learning Globes:

1. Oregon Scientific Smart Globe
2. USA Toyz 3-in-1 Illuminated World Globe
3. Omishome 12 Inch World Globe with Magnifying Glass
4. Shifu Orboot: The Educational, Augmented Reality Based Globe
5. Educational Insights GeoSafari Talking Globe

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1) Oregon Scientific Smart Globe

Oregon Scientific Smart Globe. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

We start our review of the best kids learning globes with the Oregon Scientific Smart Globe. This learning toy allows kids to learn over 2000 fun facts, listen to national anthems of different countries, history and more. One of the cool features of this one is that kids can touch around the globe using the “SmartGlobe” pen. There are digital touch points all over both the globe and stand base.

Included with this smart globe are 19 engaging games that help teach kids about world facts. There’s a ton of functions and ways for kids to quiz themselves. And recently, Oregon Scientific has built in an augmented reality component to this globe that allows children to use the Oregon Scientific app to bring the globe to life with animals and dinosaurs!

Most feedback on this product is very positive, with a common complaint of this particular learning globe being that the default setting can be too loud. However that was a minor complaint among otherwise fantastic reviews.

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2) USA Toyz 3-in-1 Illuminated World Globe:

USA Toyz 3-in-1 Illuminated World Globe. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

The 3-in-1 Illuminated World Globe from USA Toyz is not only a kids learning globe, but also a constellation map and nightlight! Also included with this globe is a downloadable constellation app.

Children who love to gaze at the stars will absolutely love this one. They will be able to spot no less than 88 awesome constellations. A handy illustrated guidebook is included that will help kids learn the names, location and mythology of each constellation.

This globe is light at only one pound but also very durable. If features a sturdy chrome steel base that is built for stability.

One of the only complaints about the globe is that is small, so if you are looking for a bigger globe then you should probably pass on this one. However, the smaller size (16.2 x 13.2 x 13 inches) of this one is made perfect for fitting on a desktop or dresser.

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3) Omishome 12 Inch World Globe with Magnifying Glass:

Omishome 12 Inch World Globe with Magnifying Glass. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Next up on our review of learning globes for children is the The Omishome 12 Inch World Globe with Magnifying Glass.

While not as high tech as the other options featured here, this beautiful, antique-styled globe for kids is perfect for teaching the basics of geography via fun interactive play!

One notable feature about this globe is that it comes with a built in magnifying glass perfect for spotting details that are often hard to read on other globes. Perfect for the discerning, curious child!

This scratch-proof acrylic globe is easy to assemble, rotates easily and is built to last. Plus, this globe comes with an awesome bonus – a great set of national flag stickers!

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4) Shifu Orboot: The Educational, Augmented Reality Based Globe:

Shifu Orboot: The Educational, Augmented Reality Based Globe. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

The Shifu Orboot augmented reality globe is among the best kids globes for helping to spark imagination and creativity! The globe itself doesn’t require a power source. Rather it is run entirely from the app.

Categories in the app include maps, weather, cultures, monuments, inventions and animals for a wide range of countries around the world. All of these are in 3D and enhanced with music and voices!

Within the app are also a bunch of puzzles and activities. Children can solve mysteries, take interactive quizzes and collect rewards along the way.

Besides the app-based globe and companion app, this learning toy comes with a helpful guide and a fun travel kit. Included are a passport, stamp, and country flag stickers that your kids should love.

This interactive kids globe is one definitely worth checking out!

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5) Educational Insights GeoSafari Talking Globe:

Educational Insights GeoSafari Talking Globe. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Our final product in our list of the best kids learning globes is the multiple award-winning Educational Insights GeoSafari Talking Globe, which includes more than 10,000 geography questions!

Up to 4 players can play the quiz game and can select various quiz categories, including the U.S.A, Canada, the World or ALL categories. Features include automatic scoring, question repeat, a help button, jacks for headphones or an AC Adapter (sold separately) and adjustable volume.

One small complaint about this talking globe is that the volume is on the softer side. Also, this is one of the pricier options.

This globe has won dozens of toy and education awards including from Teachers’ Choice, Parents’ Choice, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Award and others. If you are looking to instill an appreciation for the countries, people and cultures of the world, this might be a great choice for you!

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Kids Learning Globes – What’s Your Favorite?

We hope you have found our list of the best kids globes useful towards your quest to find a perfect globe for the special children in your life! If you have your own favorite learning globe for children, please share it in the comments below.

Here are links to the 5 learning globes we feature here as well as some others on Amazon. Also be sure to check out our list of the best interactive maps for kids!

Great board games are fun, engaging and can be wonderful learning tools! Here we share 6 of the top rated board games that teach money skills to young children.

[Please note that we might share a small portion of the sales from the links on this page. We only share products that we truly love and recommend. Thank you for your kind support of The Moneywise Teacher! Now onto our review of 6 awesome board games that teach money skills to kids. Header Image © Stephan Dinges /Adobe Stock]

1) Cashflow for Kids

Cashflow for Kids. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

We start our list of board games that teach money skills to kids with Cashflow for Kids. This game was developed by Robert Kiyosaki, author of the #1 selling personal finance book of all time, Rich Dad Poor Dad. He considers the game the realization of his vision for an interactive tool for financial education for children.

This highly engaging board game simulates real life situations and financial strategies in ways that both children and adults love. Through this game, your kids/students will gain insight into how money and investing work.

2) The Allowance Game

The Allowance Game. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

The Allowance Game is an involving, skill-building game where players race around the board while doing “chores” to earn their “allowance”. After earning money, they can then spend it on things they want or save it.

This game is wonderful for teaching kids how to to identify money values. As children play, they learn to make change, handle money and more.

 

 

3) Money Bags – A Crazy Coin Counting Game

Money Bags. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

As the name suggests, Money Bags – A Crazy Coin Counting Game offers a fun way to teach children money-counting and combining skills.

The object of this game is to earn money while winding along a cartoon path. Money is earned by landing on “chore” square, labeled with a practical task, such as setting the table or an entrepreneurial endeavor such as opening a lemonade stand.

To collect money, the spinner determines which coins can or cannot be used, an excellent element to the game that encourages problem-solving and critical thinking.

 

4) Exact Change

Exact Change. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Exact Change is similar to UNO in that the goal of the game is to play all of your cards first. You can discard cards by matching the color of the last card, its value, ($1.00 on $1.00, etc.), or by making EXACT CHANGE.

For example, if the last card played was a quarter, and you had two dime cards and a nickel card, you would be able to combine and discard all three of them at once!

This game is among the best board games that teach money skills to young kids.

 

5) Pay Day

Pay Day. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Pay Day is a simple but fun game. Kids will learn how to get from payday to the end of the month. The object of the game is simple: have the most money at the end of the game!

Each square on the board has an event such as receiving mail (insurance offers, bills, etc.) or buying a deal (property). Players will learn how to save and may only start or add to their savings on pay day.

This classic game is great for social interaction. It can also be very quick as games can last as little as 15 minutes.

 

6) ThriveTime for Teens

ThriveTime for Teens. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Our final game in our list of the best board games that teach money skills is ThriveTime for Teens, which can give teens a real look at finances.

During the course of the game, players have to navigate major life decisions such as paying for college, deciding whether to utilize credit cards, starting a business, investing and more. This game even gives teens the option to give back financially to the community.

 

Other Great Board Games to Teach Money Skills?

I hope you will try some of these games with your children and/or students!

Have you downloaded our huge list of 112 teacher freebies yet? Among the freebies are some great games you can download and print for free! If you know of any other great board games that teach money skills to children or would like to comment on the games above, please leave your comments below!

Are you looking for an awesome chemistry set for your child? Here we share 8 of the best children’s chemistry sets currently available!

[Please note that we might share a small portion of the sales from the links on this page. We only share products that we truly love and recommend. Thank you for your kind support of The Moneywise Teacher! Now onto our review of the best chemistry sets for children. Header Image © Andrey Kiselev /Adobe Stock]

1) Crayola Color Chemistry Set for Kids

Is this the best beginning chemistry set for kids? Many kids and parents think so! We start our list with a kit that has a ton of positive reviews, the Crayola Color Chemistry Set for Kids. This very affordably priced children’s chemistry set comes with a whopping 50 science experiments.

Along with 16 out-of-the-box experiments, there are 34 additional STEM-learning inspired science activities. The kit comes with very easy-to-follow instructions for kids, but as you’ll see from the review below, kids tend to have a blast exercising their creativity without the instructions! Highly recommended.

2) Evviva Sciences Crystal Growing Kit

The Evviva Sciences Crystal Growing Kit is the top rated crystal growing chemistry set on Amazon and allows kids to easily make their own crystals.

The manufacturer even has a “Make your Own Crystals or Your Money Back” guarantee. If instructions are followed, kids will end up with 5 beautiful crystal rocks after working with this science kit!

3) Playz Explosive Kitchen Lab

Next on our list of best chemistry kits for children is the Playz Explosive Kitchen Lab.

This exciting, easy-to-use children’s chemistry set is loaded with value and comes with more than 26 experiments, 41 tools, ingredients and a 36 page activity/lab guide.

 

4) Barbie Fundamental Chemistry Kit

The Barbie Fundamental Chemistry Kit from Thames & Cosmos allows kids to make slime, fizz, crystals and more! One commonly cited drawback to this set is that the experiments can only be used once. Other than that, it comes highly recommended!

5) Click-a-Brick Creative Chemistry: Crystals & Slime Science Kit

Continuing our review of top chemistry sets for kids is the Click-a-Brick Creative Chemistry: Crystals & Slime Science Kit, which includes many items that will help turn your little one into a true chemist!

This chemistry kit also comes with two robust study guides where kids can track the results of each experiment and compare.

 

6) Happy Atoms Magnetic Molecular Modeling Set

This set stands out among the many molecular chemistry sets on the market. The Happy Atoms Molecular Magnetic Modeling Set allows your child to build, scan and identify molecules.

Included are both a digital and physical chemistry set, as well as a free “Happy Atoms” app (free download), a scanning mat and more!

7) Kids First Chemistry Set

Another great chemistry set for kids is the appropriately named Kids First Chemistry Set, which gives kids the chance to identify different chemicals through conducting the 25 provided experiments. Your young chemists can safely explore simple chemistry with common household substances and the provided lab equipment such as beakers, test tubes and more.

8) Edible Candy! Food Science Chemistry Kit

Our final product in our review of the chemistry sets for children is fun to experiment with (and eat!) Edible Candy! Food Science Chemistry Kit, which combines STEM concepts with hands-on science projects.

This edible chemistry set is loaded with value and comes with 40 experiments, 27 tools and ingredients and a 56 page lab guide! Well worth checking out!

What’s Your Favorite Chemistry Set for Kids?

We hope you will try some of these wonderful chemistry sets with the special child in your life. If you have your own favorite chemistry set for kids, please share it in the comments below!

Here are links to the 8 kids chemistry sets we feature on Amazon. Be sure to also check out our list of games that teach money skills!