You’ve seen the show. Or maybe you devoured Deborah Harkness's All Souls Trilogy first. Either way, you're here because you want that specific feeling—the scratching of a quill on aged parchment, the scent of cinnamon and lavender, and the weight of a heavy silver coin in your palm. Finding a legitimate a discovery of witches kit is surprisingly difficult because the "official" merchandise market for the series has always been a bit sparse compared to giants like Harry Potter. It’s a niche world.
If you're looking for a box that makes you feel like Diana Bishop or Matthew Clairmont, you have to know where to look. Most of what you find on massive retail sites is, quite frankly, cheap plastic junk. A real kit isn't just a toy; it’s an atmospheric collection.
What Actually Goes Into a Discovery of Witches Kit?
Think about the Bodleian Library. It’s cold, smelling of old leather and damp stone. A proper kit needs to reflect that academic-meets-supernatural aesthetic. Fans usually hunt for items that mirror the Alchemical imagery found in Ashmole 782.
We’re talking about botanical illustrations of rowan berries.
Small glass vials.
The core of any kit is the stationery. In the series, Diana is an academic first and a witch second. Real enthusiasts look for heavy, 120gsm cream paper that doesn't bleed when you use a fountain pen. If the kit includes a "scroll," and it’s made of shiny, thin paper that smells like a chemical factory, it’s a bust. You want the tactile resistance of something that feels like it survived the Elizabethan era.
Honestly, the best kits usually come from independent artisans on platforms like Etsy or specialized bookish subscription boxes like Illumicrate or LitJoy Crate, which occasionally do "officially licensed" runs. These aren't just thrown together. Designers like those at LitJoy often spend months looking at the specific sigils mentioned in the books to ensure they aren't just using generic clip-art "witchy" symbols. They use the actual Ouroboros designs and the specific lunar phases described by Harkness.
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The Alchemical Connection
You can't talk about a kit for this series without mentioning the alchemy. In the story, the "discovery" is as much about science as it is about magic. A kit that gets it right will include elements of the Chymical Wedding.
Maybe it’s a small wax seal set.
But not just any wax seal. It needs to be the Bishop family crest or the de Clermont seal. Using a generic fleur-de-lis is a rookie mistake. Collectors look for the specific knotwork that signifies the "weaving" of spells Diana performs. If you're building your own or buying a pre-made one, look for "distressed" metals. Bright, shiny gold looks fake. You want antiqued bronze or "oxidized" silver to match the moody, centuries-old vibe of Sept-Tours.
Why Quality Varies So Much
There is a massive gap between "inspired by" and "licensed."
When a kit is "inspired by" A Discovery of Witches, the creator has more freedom but less access to the specific show assets. Sometimes this is better. Why? Because they focus on the feel of the world. They might source real dried lavender from Provence to represent Matthew’s home. They might find vintage skeleton keys from the 1920s.
On the other hand, licensed kits have the "official" logos, but they are often mass-produced. You’ve probably seen those kits that include a tiny book and a plastic "vial of blood" that looks like strawberry syrup. It’s disappointing. If you want something that feels like it belongs in the hands of a ten-century-old vampire, you have to prioritize materials over logos.
Realism matters.
Harkness herself is a historian. She wrote these books with a level of detail that demands respect for the source material. When a kit includes a "spell," it should be written in a way that reflects the research in the books—incorporating elements of early modern medicine and real historical occultism.
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Finding the Essential Components
If you are evaluating a discovery of witches kit, check for these specific items:
- The Ribbon: In the series, "witch threads" are vital. A kit should have embroidery silk or velvet ribbons in specific colors (red, blue, silver) to represent the weaving of magic.
- The Correspondence: Letters between Diana and Matthew are the heart of the romance. High-quality kits often include replicas of the notes tucked into the books.
- The Natural World: Think acorns, dried rowan, or small stones. Diana’s magic is elemental.
- The Lab Equipment: Not modern beakers, but small apothecary jars.
Most people get this wrong by focusing too much on the "witch" part and not enough on the "discovery" part. The series is a mystery. It’s about uncovering the past. A kit that feels like a detective’s folder—filled with clippings, old photos, and "handwritten" notes—is far more authentic than one that just has a wand in it. Diana doesn't even use a wand. If a kit comes with a wand, run. It’s a generic repackaged kit that has nothing to do with the All Souls universe.
The Problem with "Big Box" Kits
Let's be real for a second. If you buy a kit from a major bookstore chain, you're getting a mass-market product. The "parchment" is usually just printed paper. The "crystal" is often resin.
It’s fine for a quick gift.
But if you’re a die-hard fan, it won't satisfy that itch. You want the weight. You want the sensory experience of the Elizabethan era. You want to feel like you just stepped through time in a London bookstore.
How to Build Your Own if You Can't Find One
Sometimes the best a discovery of witches kit is the one you curate yourself. This isn't as hard as it sounds, but it requires a bit of hunting.
Start with a wooden box. Not a new one. Go to a thrift store or an antique mall. Look for something with a bit of "character"—scratches, faded varnish, maybe a broken hinge. This is your "Ashmole" box.
Next, focus on the paper. You can actually age paper yourself using black tea or coffee, but the trick is to bake it in the oven at a low temperature for just a few minutes to get that crisp, brittle texture. Don't burn it. Just get it to that point where it crinkles when you touch it.
Find some authentic seals. You can buy custom wax seal stamps online. Search for "Ouroboros" or "Tree of Life" designs that mimic the imagery in the show. Use dark red or black wax.
Add the scent.
This is the part most people forget. Matthew is often associated with the scent of cloves, cinnamon, and ancient wood. Diana is willow and honey. Drop a few essential oils onto a piece of fabric and hide it at the bottom of your box. When you open it, the smell should hit you before you even see the items. That's how you create an immersive experience.
The Role of the "Tenth Knot"
In the fandom, the concept of the "Tenth Knot" is huge. It represents the union of all creatures. A truly sophisticated kit might include symbols for vampires, witches, and daemons.
A small silver compass for the daemons.
A drop of "blood" (red resin or glass) for the vampires.
A woven thread for the witches.
This level of detail shows you actually know the lore. It’s about the Covenant. It’s about the struggle between the Congregation and those who want to break the old rules.
Where to Actually Buy Now
As of 2026, the best places to find these are still curated creator shops. Look for sellers who specialize in "bookish treasures." Specifically, look for those who mention "All Souls" or "Sept-Tours" in their descriptions.
Be wary of "mystery boxes" that don't list their contents. Often, these are just ways to clear out old stock of generic occult items that don't actually fit the specific themes of the Discovery of Witches series. You want specific references to the characters—like a miniature version of the miniature Matthew gives Diana, or a replica of the "Seven-Pointed Star."
Actionable Steps for the True Fan
If you are ready to get your hands on a kit, or make one, here is how you ensure it’s actually worth the money:
- Check the Paper Weight: If it's less than 100gsm, it's basically printer paper. Look for "deckle edge" paper for that authentic old-world feel.
- Identify the Symbols: Make sure the kit uses the correct alchemy symbols. If you see a generic "pentagram," it’s probably not a dedicated All Souls kit, as that symbol isn't prominent in the series' specific magic system.
- Prioritize Scent and Texture: A kit that looks good but feels like plastic is a letdown. Look for real wood, real glass, and real fabric (linen or velvet).
- Verify the Licensing: If you want official merch, check the Sky or AMC branding. If you want "fan-made" quality, check reviews for "immersion" and "lore accuracy."
Don't settle for a kit that just feels like a toy. The All Souls trilogy is about history, science, and a love that spans centuries. Your kit should feel like a piece of that history has finally been delivered to your door. Go for the items that feel heavy, smell like the past, and look like they were pulled straight from the shelves of the Bodleian.