Magic: September 2010

Which magic tricks to buy kids?

Buying magic for kids can be a challenge and some people fall into the trap of buying that pretty magic set in a box that promises so much. Often, the box is better made than the tricks inside!

In this guide, I provide a simple overview of what to buy that young magician so that she or he will have quality magic tricks that will be enjoyed for years and not minutes!

Magic tricks fascinate kids, knowing which magic box to buy can be tricky. There is a stumbling block- most "magic sets" produced for children are terrible! They contain very cheaply made plastic toys that not only fall apart easily but look suspect and don't always work very well- this is because some manufacturers want to give the illusion of value by having lots of things in a "set". It is far better to get a few quality magic items or a DVD or book on performing magic with everyday things- this gives the child the ability to perform magic almost anywhere and will remain a treasured part of a child's library as they grow up. This lens is about selecting the right magic for a child whether complete novice or keen amateur. What you buy a young magician depends on their level or skill and how interested they are in learning, a well motivated child will happily spend the time to learn a trick which requires some sleight of hand, some children expect the props to do the work. To be honest, it's how magic is performed that makes it magic and not clever moves or ingenious props. The best way to learn to perform is simply to perform and find what audiences like. You may even discover a new hobby yourself whilst doing all this!

Finding the right magic for a young magician

Because you need to know where to start

Firstly-when looking for magic for children you need to look at what level they're at- can they already do some magic? Have they performed for family and friends a few times or even wider audiences, what magicians do they really like- this is likely to be the main area of interest in magic and a good indicator of the type of magic they will want to learn, at least initially.

Easy magic tricks for beginners

Magic for complete beginners

It helps to know what inspired your young magician to want to learn to do magic tricks- was it watching magic on TV or in real life such as at a party? How serious is the child about learning magic- do they have a passing interest or do they really want to go to town?

Many children (and quite a few adults) think that once the secret of a trick is known- it can be performed as magic- this is a common mistake! A very simple trick can make people's jaw drop when performed well- so, encourage a child to spend a bit of time thinking of ways to make a trick look like magic. If it was real magic what would be said, how would it look?

So, it's best for a complete beginner to learn one or two very simple tricks and play with ways to perform them like real magic- even if the magic props do all the work- the magic comes from the performance.

If the child is an avid reader then a good magic book would be a great introduction to magic and remain an inspiration in years to come. If your budding magician doesn't read much then a DVD of simple magic is a great way to learn magic and to see how it looks when performed by a professional magician. Simple magic using everyday objects offers many more performing opportunities than a prop based trick which can only do one thing.

However, if you do want to buy a prop I can recommend some appropriate for beginners.

Beginners magic on Amazon for USA.

Easy magic for children starting out.

Easy to Learn Magic Series Disk 1: Beginner's Magic & Card Magic

Amazon Price: (as of 09/30/2010)

The Magic Book: The Complete Beginner's Guide to Anytime, Anywhere, Sleight-Of-Hand Magic

by: Harry Lorayne

Amazon Price: (as of 09/30/2010)

Snapper Magic Trick

Amazon Price: $1.99 (as of 09/30/2010)

Easy magic that can be developed further. (UK)

For the beginner or for slightly experienced young magicians.

Learn to do the Ball and Vase with DVD instructions. The ball mysteriously appears and disappears from the vase. What makes this a little unusual is that it includes a DVD- although this trick often appears in children's magic sets - the instructions are usually not enough- a DVD of the trick being performed well will help a child develop real sleight of hand skills and presentation.
CLICK HERE! Ball & Vase Magic Trick with DVD Instruction

For the beginner (UK)

Learn visually to create a better show!

Are you watching closely? Magic is in the air. From Harry Potter Mania sweeping throughout the world, to the rise of major motion pictures like 'The Illusionist' and 'The Prestige'. This programme is the essential companion for any budding magician - whatever their age, the tricks are visually impressive but incredibly easy to learn and perform effortlessly. Matt Lloyd is a young budding actor who appears at Hogwarts in all the Harry Potter movies, but on this occasion he takes centre stage to demonstrate how to perform a series of tricks. From the classroom to family dinner parties, you will be able to impress with ease. The few simple props needed in this programme can easily be made using items from around the home. We show you how to make most of the props yourself allowing you to perform tricks whenever and wherever you desire!

CLICK HERE! A Beginner's Guide To Magic Tricks [DVD]

Magic for children with some experience with magic

So, the child has some magic books and props and has at least dabbled in some magic, probably already owning a pack or cards and a few small tricks. This is where choosing the right magic is slightly more tricky than with a beginner or advanced performer because you need to get the balance just right.

If you can, find out what props the child already owns and if they have an interest in a particular branch of magic like card tricks or coin tricks or even platform magic. If you cannot find out then you'll have to guess and it could be better to give a book on magic rather than a trick.

Magic for children with some magic experience USA.

For children who already have some skills.

Here are some suggested books and other resources for children who have already got a few props and have some experience of performing magic and want to take it to the next level.

Melissa & Doug Deluxe Magic Set

Amazon Price: $16.99 (as of 09/30/2010)

Magic Makers Color Changing Hanky - Easy Magic Trick with Silks

Amazon Price: $2.59 (as of 09/30/2010)

Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic

by: Mark Anthony Wilson

Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 09/30/2010)

Self-Working Table Magic: 97 Foolproof Tricks with Everyday Objects

by: Karl Fulves

Amazon Price: $6.95 (as of 09/30/2010)

Magic Tricks Fast & Easy: For Kids and Adults, Vol. 1

Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 09/30/2010)

A good general magic book (UK)

For those who like all kinds of magic

Mark Wilson is first and foremost a famous magician but is also the hugely successful author of numerous kits and books devoted to instructing younger readers in the magical arts. The New York Times has recognised Wilson in print as "probably the nation's leading authority on magic". He is equally well-known in the UK.

CLICK HERE!Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic

Magic for children with advanced skills

Now if the child has a good collection of quality magic props and has developed sleight of hand skills he or she is likely to have one area of magic that they are mire interested in such as card magic etc. They may even have developed a style of performing such as comedy or "street" magic- find out if you can because you can buy them something they will treasure when you get it right.

Here it's better to buy one quality prop, book or DVD than to buy several poorer quality ones. Look for magic that has been demonstrated either in a magic shop or online in a video- these tend to be the more advanced tricks as are tricks invented by magicians famous to other magicians!

Pro level magic that is not too advanced (USA)

For children who are already well into magic

These are for more advanced young magicians who have already got some sleight of hand skills and have performing experience. Items are chosen for quality and for longevity- these will be treasured by young magicians and will still be of interest when the young magician becomes an adult magician.

Magic: The Complete Course (Book & DVD)

by: Joshua Jay

Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 09/30/2010)

Amazing Magic Tricks with Sponge Balls

Amazon Price: (as of 09/30/2010)

Street Magic: Great Tricks and Close-Up Secrets Revealed

by: Paul Zenon

Amazon Price: $10.36 (as of 09/30/2010)

Marvins Magic Freaky Body Illusions

Amazon Price: $129.99 (as of 09/30/2010)

Tricks with Your Head: Hilarious Magic Tricks and Stunts to Disgust and Delight

by: Mac King, Mark Levy

Amazon Price: $10.80 (as of 09/30/2010)

Amazon magic for more experienced kids (UK)

For those who like to prank as well as mystify!

Boys Toys, April 07
Your audience will be left so gob smacked they'll think you've sold your
soul to Lucifer himself. Brilliant.
Tricks to Freak Out Your Friends

Amazon magic for more experienced kids (UK)

You won't believe your eyes, ears, hands or feet!" Marvin's Magic has collaborated with some of the best magicians and illusionists from around the world to produce some innovative and highly visual illusions that you will be able to do with your own body. Using these incredible magic props and exclusive DVD you will amaze your friends and family with a whole list of Freaky Body Illusions including: Twisting your head 360 degrees, levitating yourself, flossing your brain, performing crazy finger stunts and even holding a living hand!
Marvin's Magic Freaky Body Illusions

Amazon magic for more experienced kids (UK)

For the urban, close up magic performer.

This is a how-to magic book that teaches the real secrets of close-up, under-your-nose, in-your-face magic as seen on television. Magic is one of the longest surviving forms of entertainment and is as popular today as ever, having undergone a huge renaissance recently. This book contains great tricks, as popularised by today's greatest magicians. The book is very accessible, and is fully illustrated with very high quality, original two-colour illustrations.

About the Author
Paul Zenon is the UK's leading comedy magician, with dozens of television credits to his name, including Paul Zenon's Trick or Treat, Paul Zenon Turning Tricks and Paul Zenon's White Christmas. He has performed live shows in 30 countries around the world, from Las Vegas to Belize and from Bosnia to London. His two previous books 100 Ways to Win a Tenner and Paul Zenon's Dirty Tricks are steady sellers.
CLICK HERE! Street Magic: Street Tricks, Sleight of Hand and Illusion