I, along with most students I’ve ever met, LOVE looking at things through a microscope, and a hand-held field scope is one of the best classroom items I had.  It uses batteries for the light, and in my experience they last a long time.  Just set the scope on the item and it shows great magnification.  At about $10 dollars they are very cost-effective, too.  I’d put them on a wish list.  Maybe you’ll get one or two for Christmas!

Carson Pocket Field Microscope