I really like those little 30x handheld microscopes with built-in illuminator (flashlight bulb) powered by two AA cells. Radio Shack used to sell them for $10 or so. They are great for looking up close at all kinds of everyday things and objects found in nature. RS now has a fancier version that I haven't tried, claiming 60-100x. I have their old 100x model (plus the 30x) but I like the 30x better (wider field, more depth of focus, etc). I'm sure other places sell these things too.