Tanglewood Hollow
Natural History Mystery
Please note: our turnaround time currently is about one to two weeks before shipping. Thank you for all of your support!
A collection built around curiosity, discovery, and the feeling of not quite knowing what you’ll find.
Each Natural History Mystery begins with a set of small wooden acorns. Inside each one is a hidden slip that helps shape what will be included in your collection. From there, your bundle is thoughtfully assembled into something that feels connected.
Guided by chance, then thoughtfully brought together into a collection that invites you to explore, observe, and spend time with what’s inside. You may even receive an acorn that let's us choose more than one item!
No two are the same.
Choose between a 15 item or 25 item collection. Each one is built as a layered mix of natural history pieces. You might open your collection to find things like a small fossil or shark tooth, a piece of amber or fulgurite, an insect specimen, a porcupine quill or feather, along with tools like a magnifier or field guide bookmark, and journaling materials or paper goods to help you record what you discover.
Some pieces are real specimens and will vary in size, shape, and appearance, making every collection entirely unique. Great care is given to make sure all items are ethically sourced.
You can select either a Young Naturalist or Field Naturalist version. Each is assembled with age and use in mind, with differences primarily in journaling materials and the types of items included.
If there are particular areas of interest, a note can be left at checkout. While the contents remain a mystery, those preferences are taken into account when your collection is assembled.
Each collection is put together by hand, one at a time, with care given to how the pieces fit together as a whole. This is not a box of random items, but a small, intentional collection designed to spark curiosity and invite a closer look at the natural world.
Want to watch your collection come together? A personalized reveal video can be added to your order, featuring the acorn pulls and the process of assembling your Natural History Mystery collection. Click here!
Pickup available at 93 Storrs Street
Usually ready in 4 hours
WHAT EXACTLY IS A NATURAL HISTORY MYSTERY?
Each collection is a curated mix of natural history items. The process begins with a set of acorns that introduce an element of chance, and from there, the collection is assembled into something that feels connected and intentional.
WHAT KINDS OF ITEMS MIGHT BE INCLUDED?
Collections may include natural specimens like fossils, minerals, shells, bones, feathers, or insect specimens, along with tools for observation, journaling materials, paper goods, and other small curiosities.
WILL I KNOW WHAT I AM GETTING AHEAD OF TIME?
No. The details are part of the experience. A few examples are shared to give a sense of what’s possible, but each collection is different.
CAN I REQUEST SPECIFIC ITEMS AHEAD OF TIME?
You’re welcome to leave a note at checkout with general preferences (such as insects, ocean life, fossils, favorite colors, or journaling tools). While specific items can’t be guaranteed, preferences are taken into account when possible.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE YOUNG NATURALIST AND THE FIELD NATURALIST?
Young Naturalist collections are designed with children in mind, while Field Naturalist collections include materials better suited for teens and adults. The biggest differences are in journaling materials.
ARE THE SPECIMENS REAL?
Many of the items are real natural specimens. Because of this, they will vary in size, shape, and appearance. Each one is unique.
IS EVERYTHING ETHICALLY SOURCED?
All specimens are sourced with care from reputable suppliers. Nothing is taken illegally or irresponsibly.