About us
Once upon a time, there was a little girl who spent hours in her grandparents’ garden mixing up mysterious potions and “scientific experiments” (a.k.a. mud, leaves, and whatever she could find). That girl was me.
I was endlessly fascinated by my fizzing, bubbling creations — I had no idea what I was doing, but I was very committed to it. As I got older, the potion-making faded away, but I never forgot those hours spent in my grandpa’s delightfully creaky old shed.
Fast forward to 2013 — I was 21 and had my first child. When he got older, I got to dust off my old Harry Potter books and dive back into the wizarding world with him. We made our own spells and potions (with slightly less mud this time). It reminded me just how fun and magical childhood can be.
When he turned six, he asked for a Harry Potter–themed birthday party. I won’t lie — I was probably more excited than he was. We turned the house into a mini Hogwarts, made a wizard-worthy cake, and gave every child their own wand and potion-making kit.
And that, without me realising it, was the start of The Potion Lab.
The kids were obsessed — bubbling, fizzing chaos everywhere. I couldn’t stop thinking about their little faces lighting up, so I decided to see if I could turn it into something more. Then life happened: baby number two arrived, I started drafting a business plan… and then lockdown hit. Oh, and baby number three decided to make an appearance too.
With schools closed and everyone stuck inside, Halloween was looking grim. My kids were heartbroken about missing trick-or-treating, so I decided to trial my potion kits — paper bags, tea-stained recipe cards, burnt corners (on purpose!), and hand-cut stickers. I advertised locally and set up collection days, and honestly the response blew me away.
Over the next year, I redesigned everything, made it more sustainable, and created refillable kits with affordable ingredients. I teamed up with Royal Mail (shout-out to the true heroes of small business) so I could send our potion kits all over the UK. Everything has been tested and certified to UKCA and CE standards.
What started as a through the night kitchen-table experiment has grown into a full-time business, complete with a little workshop and thousands of potion kits flying out across the country each year. I still can’t quite believe it.
I’m so grateful to everyone who’s supported The Potion Lab — from our first customers to our regulars who send in amazing photos of their little witches and wizards. And of course, huge love to my three beautiful kids (the original muses) and my lovely partner.
Here’s to bringing a little bit of childhood magic — and a lot of fizz — back into everyday life.
Thank you,
Sophie x
Frequently Asked Questions
A little help before the magic begins. Find answers about our potion kits, parties and orders below. If your question isn't here, email us at info@thepotionlab.co.uk.
Choosing a potion kit
What ages are your potion kits suitable for?
Our Frog Froth Potion Kit and Frog Froth Party Pack are recommended for children aged 8+. Our Rainbow and Volcano Fizzing kits, and Fizzing Potion Party Pack, are recommended for children aged 4+. Please check the age guidance on each product page before ordering. All potion making requires adult supervision.
What's the difference between Frog Froth and the fizzing kits?
Frog Froth Potion is reusable and follows a magical recipe, comes with detailed ingredients, wand and makes a colourful, frothy potion in a cauldron. It includes a handmade wooden wand and a refill list. The Rainbow and Volcano Fizzing kits are designed for children to explore colours, textures and fizz through imaginative, open-ended play. Explore our kits.
Is everything needed included?
Each kit contains its listed potion ingredients and equipment. You'll need water for the fizzing kits and a suitable space for some potion-making mess. Check the individual product page for the full contents of the kit you choose.
Does the Frog Froth Potion Kit include all four colours?
The four colour set is an optional extra and is not included in the standard Frog Froth kit. Select it on the Frog Froth product page if you would like all four colours.
Can I personalise a Frog Froth kit?
Yes. You can choose the personalisation option on the Frog Froth product page. A personalised recipe comes as a scroll. Check the options and any additional cost before adding it to your basket.
Can the kits be used again?
Yes. Frog Froth includes a refill list so you can replenish ingredients yourself and enjoy the reusable equipment again. See Frog Froth Potion Kit.
Safety and ingredients
Are your kits safety tested?
Yes. All the kits are independently UKCA tested. Please follow the age guidance and safety instructions for the particular kit.
Do children need adult supervision?
Yes, an adult must supervise potion play at all times. The kits contain small parts; store them out of reach of children and pets when not in use. Potion ingredients are for play and must not be eaten or drunk.
Do the kits contain allergens?
Our kits are packed in premises that handle cereals, nuts including peanuts, soya, sesame and products containing gluten. Sweet almond oil is used in the fizzing rocks and salts. Please read the allergy information on the individual product page before ordering, particularly if your child has an allergy.
Will potion making be messy?
A little mess is part of the fun. We suggest using a tray or wipe-clean surface and clothes you don't mind getting splashed. Protect delicate surfaces and fabrics while children play.
Potion Parties
Which party pack should I choose for my child?
The Frog Froth Party Pack gives children their own cauldrons and wands to make the signature frothy potion and is recommended for ages 7+. The Fizzing Potion Party Pack is recommended for ages 4+ and provides ingredients, mixing tubs, pipettes, scoops, stirring sticks and test tubes for colourful, free-form potion play. Explore party packs.
How early should I order for a party?
Please allow approximately one week for a party pack or party bags to be made and dispatched, plus delivery time. If your party is sooner, email info@thepotionlab.co.uk before ordering to check what is possible.
Delivery and returns
When will my order be dispatched?
We dispatch Monday to Friday. Orders placed after 12 noon are generally dispatched the next working day. Party packs and party bags take approximately one week to make and dispatch. Check the product page for any pre-order or seasonal dispatch date. See delivery information.
How much is delivery?
The delivery charge for Frog Froth, Rainbow, Volcano, Fairy and Christmas Wish kits is £3.70. Orders over £75 qualify for free delivery, except the Frog Froth Party Pack due to its size and weight. Check the rate shown at checkout for your full order. Read delivery and returns.
Can I track my parcel?
Yes. You'll receive an email with a Royal Mail tracking number when your order is dispatched. Please check your junk folder if you can't find it. Standard shipping is listed as Tracked 48, which can take two full working days from dispatch.
My parcel hasn't arrived. What should I do?
Check your tracking and any Royal Mail delivery updates first. If it has not arrived within 10 working days of dispatch, email info@thepotionlab.co.uk with your order number so we can arrange a replacement or refund in line with our delivery policy.
Can I return my order?
Please email info@thepotionlab.co.uk within 14 days of receiving it to request a return. The item must be unused and in the condition received, with proof of purchase. We'll send return instructions; please don't send it back before contacting us. Read the full returns policy.
Something arrived damaged or is missing. How can you help?
We're sorry if something isn't right. Email info@thepotionlab.co.uk with your order number, a description of the issue and photos of any damage. We'll help put it right as quickly as we can.
Still need a hand?
Email info@thepotionlab.co.uk with your question, or include your order number if it's about an existing order. We're happy to help you find the right kit or plan a potion party.
