Young Archaeologists' Club

What's in the box: Rather than a boxed kit, members mainly get in-person sessions at a local branch, such as themed history activities, excavation, building recording and site visits.

The Young Archaeologists' Club is not a subscription box in the usual sense. It is a UK-wide club for young people aged 8 to 16, run by the Council for British Archaeology, and its aim is to get members doing real archaeology. It works through more than 80 local branches supported by over 500 volunteers. These clubs meet in person, so what your child gets depends heavily on the branch nearest to you. Activities vary from club to club. The Peak District branch, for example, mixes themed sessions on topics like Ancient Egypt and Roman food with practical methods such as building recording and excavation, along with outdoor trips. For older members, a Young Leaders Pathway for 16 and 17 year olds offers a route into volunteering and leadership. The club also runs competitions, a blog and a newsletter. The front page does not describe a regular mailed package, pricing or what membership includes at home. If you want a monthly kit through the letterbox, check those details before joining. If there is no branch within reach, much of the appeal is lost. For a curious child who likes to get stuck in, though, real fieldwork with a national club is hard to beat.