National Geographic kids gift recommendations?

[Shufflebumnessie]

I've just discovered that National Geographic have a range of gifts for children. There's a few different sets to choose from - create a volcano, grow a crystal, excavate fossils/gem stones etc.
They look fun and I think DS (8) would like them but does anyone know if they're any good?
We've had an excavation kit before (not National Geographic) and it was absolutely rubbish. I don't want to waste money if these are not particularly great. Thanks

We had the crystal growing set and it was pretty good - we got a good sized Crystal at any rate. I can’t compare to other brands, though, as we’ve not tried them.

I did look at the volcano set, and wasn’t sure how much more it added compared to making our own volcano (we’ve done the white vinegar, food colouring, water and bicarbonate in a bottle version several times).

Keep your eye on Black Friday deals on Amazon OP as the National Geographic sets are quite often reduced

@Equimum thanks. I think DS would like the crystal growing kit. I was actually wondering the same about the volcano.

@beepbeeprichie thanks for the tip, I'll hold off buying until Black Friday.

We had the gem stone excavation set last year and DD (8) enjoyed it and didn’t find it too quick and easy to do. Think it was quite pricey (£30?) so worth seeing if it goes on sale.