Are Potion Kits Just Play? Or Something More?

At first glance, our Fairy, Mermaid, and Dinosaur Potion Kits might look like nothing more than sparkles, wands, and colourful magic—the stuff of children’s dreams! But look a little closer and you’ll see that potion play is so much more than fun. It’s a rich, educational experience that nurtures creativity, curiosity, and essential life skills. And I should know….I’m a teacher!

Learning Through Hands-On Exploration

Maria Montessori believed that children learn best by doing, and that their hands are key to building intelligence. Our potion kits are built with that in mind. The whisks, droppers, and scoops inside aren’t toys, but real, purposeful tools designed for small hands. Using them strengthens fine motor skills, builds independence, and boosts confidence. As occupational therapist Jane Case-Smith highlighted, these skills form the foundation for later school success.

A Gateway to Science and Inquiry

Albert Einstein often described play as a form of research, and potion play is a perfect example. Children watch fizzing reactions, mix colours, and explore the different reactions with different ingredients! All authentic opportunities to think and act like young scientists. It’s early STEAM learning wrapped in magic and wonder.

Creativity, Imagination and Storytelling

Sir Ken Robinson reminded us that imagination is the spark behind every form of human achievement. Potion kits bring this to life: children invent stories, create spells, and design their own magical recipes. Through role play, they explore emotions, practise resilience, and develop problem-solving skills. Montessori also recognised imagination as essential when children are given the courage and freedom to create and with no instructions, our kits provide exactly that.

Literacy, Art and Music

Potion play naturally connects across the curriculum. Each kit comes with an educational booklet that opens up opportunities for literacy, art, and music:

• Potion recipe writing – sequencing steps, using descriptive language, and writing for purpose

• Wand making – design, craft, and hands-on creativity

• Spell singing – rhythm, rhyme, and music that supports early language and memory

Lev Vygotsky, a leading developmental psychologist, observed that in play, children often perform beyond their everyday abilities. Potion play gives them that chance to stretch themselves, experiment, and grow.

More Than Play

To children, potion kits feel magical. To parents and educators, they are purposeful opportunities for growth across many areas of learning. Montessori described play as the child’s work, while child psychologist Bruno Bettelheim explained that play helps children make sense of their experiences.

So, are potion kits just play? Absolutely not. They are play with purpose: a joyful bridge between fun and learning that nurtures fine motor skills, scientific thinking, creativity, literacy, and imagination, one whisk, scoop, and spell at a time.

Fairy Potion Play Kit

From£7.99

Buy Now