Top 7 Authentic Fossil Gifts to Give

Whether you're sending a gift near or far, when it arrives in the hands of a loved one, you want it to be memorable and authentic. In Hawaii, the ancient creatures of the ocean inspire us. The mementos they left behind help us remember where we've come from, and perhaps to peer around the corner to where we're going. 

7 Fossils to Give as Interesting Gifts

On the big screen, dinosaur fossils get all the credit (usually, it's the T-Rex or a Velociraptor stealing the spotlight). But what's lesser-known is that millions of years ago, the ancestors of today's bears and sharks were similar in many ways but very different in others. Our Hawaiian gifts provide a conversation piece, unlike any other. With free shipping for purchases over $50 (and a flat $5 fee otherwise) to anywhere in America and gifts that range from modest to extravagant, you're sure to find something for every dinosaur fossil fan on your list.  

1. A Trilobite Makes a Modest, Unique Thank-You Gift

Looking for a small thank-you gift for a colleague to display at their desk or on a bookshelf? While trilobite fossil gifts can be tiny or the size of a dinner platter, their unyieldingly dazzling and intricate array of protective spines show how complex these species are. Trilobites date back around 250 years and lived in a range of marine environments, from coral reefs to the farthest depths of the ocean. Even if your favorite dinosaur fossils enthusiast already has a trilobite in their collection, there are so many types of trilobites, it's nearly impossible to have too many. In the 300 years since trilobites were first discovered, more than 17,000 species have been documented, making these the perfect Hawaiian gifts.

2. A Pleistocene Cave Bear Jaw Is A Nod to Evolution 

Did you know that bears were among the first creatures that coexisted with humans? It's (sort of) true: These weren't the same bears that live among us today, and they shared the continent of Europe with the Neanderthals. The Neanderthals drew these giant bears in their cave drawings millions of years ago, but archaeologists remain uncertain about the human descendants' feelings about the bears. Some theories posit that the Neanderthals were afraid of these giant bears, while others suggest they worshipped them. Romanian cave bears were nearly 50 percent larger than the largest grizzly bears are today. These bears evolved in Europe more than 100,000 years ago. A cave bear jaw fossil gift from these magnificent mammals is a spectacular piece for any fossil collection.  

3. Shark Tooth Pendants are the Quintessential Hawaiian Gift

There are few gifts out there that give both a sense of place and history as a fossil mako shark tooth pendant. Perfect to wear as a necklace or a charm on a bracelet, this Hawaiian gift is perfect for those who have a love of history and the ocean. There are several shark species to choose from for a shark tooth gift:

• Megalodon
• Mako
• Great White
• Otodus Obliquus
• Parotodus Benedeni

The Mako tooth's polished yellow, orange, ivory, and black hues complement the heavy gauge gold-hued hardware. It would pair perfectly with a thin silver chain for a complete jewelry gift set. 

4. For the Flexible Friend, Choose an Ammonite Fossil Gift 

One of the most recognizable fossils for its signature spiral-shaped shell, ammonites can date back more than 400 million years and belong to a group of predators known as cephalopods that lived in the ocean. Scientists believe these animals of the species Cleoniceras ate crustaceans and zooplankton, among other marine life. These animals are distinguished by their complex shell structure that allows them to adjust to a variety of water depths. Ammonoids were among the most versatile sea creatures of their time, making these mesmerizing highly-polished fossil gifts the perfect present for a friend who's always been there, no matter the conditions. 

5. Gift Your Pet Sitter a Sand Dollar Fossil

Dating back 150 million years to the Jurassic period, echinoderm fossils, when polished, make for beautiful Hawaiian gifts. Similar in design to the sand dollars that can be found on our shores today, these Mepygurus marmonti fossils are polished to a shine and come in a variety of sizes and range in price from $18 to $22 to please your wallet and everyone on your fossil gifts list.

6. Choose a Monosaur Fossil Tooth for the Movie Buff

For those who love the classic type of reptile dinosaur fossils, the monosaur fossil tooth will capture the imagination of how these giant, water-dwelling reptiles once lived. These large marine reptiles contain 38 genera in total and could grow to more than 30 feet long. Because of their impressive stature, they were depicted in the 2015 blockbuster film "Jurassic World" and again in 2018's "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom."

This authentic fossil tooth is sourced from Khouribga, Morocco, from the Prognathodon species and dates back more than 60 million years. At less than $70, a real mosasaur fossil tooth's magnitude will impress even the most cynical of recipients on your Hawaiian gifts list.

7. For the Collector Who Has Everything: A Fossil Sculpture Gift

Small sculptures of dinosaurs also make a wonderful present for anyone interested in dinosaur fossils, but who can't quite find the right one. Our handmade bronze sculptures like our "Battle to the Death" bronze Tyrannosaurus Rex Sculpture, the diminutive Gallimimus dinosaur fossil sculpture, the angular Triceratops Sculpture, and the vicious Velociraptor sculpture, are a tangible connection to the past. The artist created them to be historically accurate and to last a lifetime. Award-winning artist Nelson Maniscalco handcrafts this dynamic dinosaur and paleo sculptures. His bronze creations are recognized worldwide as anatomically accurate, detailed skeletal depictions of extinct animals that once roamed the earth. His sculptures are also displayed in art galleries worldwide and make an excellent gift for a collector, special friend, or dinosaur fossil enthusiast.

Finding the perfect gift is always a challenge, but for those looking for authentic Hawaiian gifts that inspire the imagination and bring history to life, dinosaur fossils promise to leave your friends and loved ones in awe. Choose one of these special gifts for archeology professionals or hobbyists, history enthusiasts, and those who love to show and share the science behind evolution in a tactile way.