Shovel

The Shovel is a useful tool not only for finding Rupees and other valuables underneath the soil, but also to find hidden passages and air gusts. Occasionally, Ropes and bugs are unearthed. It was first seen in A Link to the Past and has since appeared in quite a few Zelda games such as Link's Awakening,  Oracle of ages and  Seasons and its most recent appearance in Phantom Hourglass.

A Link to the Past
In A Link to the Past, the shovel is given to Link by the Flute Boy in the Haunted Grove. The primary use is to find his hidden ocarina. The shovel is used in the Digging Game.

Link's Awakening
The Deluxe Shovel found in Link's Awakening can be purchased from the shop in Mabe Village for 200 Rupees. It is mainly used to find the golden leaves to give to Richard, so Link can get the Slime Key. It is also used to find some of the Secret Seashells.

Four Sword Adventures
The shovel in Four Swords Adventures serves the same purpose as in A Link to the Past and Link's Awakening. However, a Level 2 Shovel can also be obtained. The Level 2 Shovel differs from the Level 1 in that it chimes whenever Link stands over treasure, a hidden passage, or other hidden secrets.

Phantom Hourglass
In Phantom Hourglass, the shovel is the only non-weapon item Link can hold, excluding bottles. It is found on Molida Island and is used to find Old Wayfarer's secret hideout. There is also a game on Harrow Island where Link can dig up ten treasures for a price of 50 rupees.

Other Games
A digging function is also served with the following:
 * Mole Mitts
 * Wolf Link's abilities
 * In Ocarina of Time, Dampé offers a tour in which he will dig selected areas.
 * In Majora's Mask, Link can help Dampé dig for the Royal Family's treasure under a grave in the Ikana Graveyard by providing light from Tatl.
 * In The Wind Waker, Link can use a large pig and All-Purpose Bait to dig for treasures, including a Heart Piece.