Even the geologist use small notebooks like this. You could put little sketches of the place you found some rocks and call your sketch a name and number. This will help you remember, when you get home, just where you found that pretty one. This book is known as a fieldbook and you can keep it with your mineral collection and field trip tools. Another important and inexpensive item you really need, is wrapping paper for your specimens.
Old newspapers do just fine for the larger pieces.
You can put a little toilet tissue in these containers to cushion your find. When you get more experience with rock hounding, you may want to get a rock hammer and a couple of cold chisels. Interesting rocks and minerals can be found almost anywhere. Another way to add to your collection is by trading with rockhound pals. Some people have penpals who collect minerals and they trade by mail.