The Best Magic Sets
While there's a lot of magic in our everyday lives, sometimes we want to spice things up a notch by watching a real magician baffle and shock us with some seriously unbelievable tricks. But you don't have to spend a fortune on floor show tickets just to get a bit of awe into your agenda. Many of the illusions you see on stage can actually be performed in your very own living room. You just need a little bit of instruction and the right accessories to make it happen. That's why we've taken care of the big reveal for you to show off our favorite magic sets available today. Check them out below to make your sleight-of-hand even better.
National Geographic Science Magic Kit
Sorcery by STEM
While science can definitely be a tough subject at school, it can also be super fun if presented in the right way. In fact, sometimes science experiments can seem like true magic, which is exactly what the game designers at National Geographic want you to think with their excellent Science Magic Kit. As educational as it is mind-blowing, the kit includes a wide variety of tricks, including the floating coin, vanishing test tube, bending metal trick, and more. Best of all, you’ll learn how to turn regular objects in your home into magical props thanks to the handy bonus guide.
Pros:
- Two kit size options available
- Includes a magic wand and pair of white gloves
- Detailed, illustrated instructions
Cons:
- Some of the tricks are similar to one another
Marvin’s Magic Kids Magic Set
More magic for the minors
When you’re a kid, magic feels like the most mysterious thing in the whole world. When we first saw that magician pull a dove out of thin air, it was as if anything at all could be possible. And that’s precisely why magic sets are such a great toy for young ones. They get to know the big secret behind it all and perform that secret for their friends and family. Fortunately, there are some great kid-friendly magic kits out there like this ultra set of magic tricks by Marvin’s Magic that will show them the ropes. Designed for children aged 6 and above, this kit uses child-friendly props and easy step-by-step instructions that your kids can follow on their own to impress their audience. Plus, you’ll get 225 tricks in total for one super low price.
Pros:
- Great cost value
- Bright and colorful accessories
- How-to videos available on Marvin’s Magic App
Cons:
- Box holding all the items isn’t very durable
Click N’ Play Magician Pretend Play Dress Up Set
Presto like the pros
Magic isn’t just about sleight of hand, it’s also all about the performance. While the stage setup directs the audience’s attention to the right places, the magician’s outfit gives him control of the stage. And now you can help the amateur showman in your life get their look just right with this pretend dress-up set by Click N’ Play. In addition to your standard magic trick kit, this set comes with a theatrical hat and cape so that your mini-magician can feel right at home on the stage. A perfect gift for any youngster looking to impress their friends, this magic kit will teach them what they need to know to get ready for their own big reveals.
Pros:
- Great for ages 8 and above
- Comes with easy to follow magic trick booklet
- Durable materials
Cons:
- The hat is not designed to be worn due to its small size
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Magic Set
A vintage voila
Though there are a lot of magic kits out there today that make use of clever plastic props or digital interfaces, there’s something about the mystery of classic stage magic that we just can’t shake. Well, if you’re also looking for that nostalgic experience in your magic kit, then look no further than the Melissa & Doug Deluxe Solid-Wood Magic Set. Every prop in this set is made of solid wood, harkening back to the days of Houdini and Penn & Teller. And just like the old-school wizards, you’ll be able to perform everything from the Great Escape to the Egyptian Prediction with this traditional trickery kit.
Pros:
- The hinged box also serves as performance space
- Tricks vary in difficulty to accommodate different ages
- Includes accessories for 10 different magic tricks
Cons:
- The storage case doesn’t latch to keep everything in
Marvin’s Magic Fifty Greatest Card Tricks Set
Compact card conjuring
As much as we love a stage show, a true magician can also perform their tricks anywhere and any time for a willing audience. Now, here’s where card tricks can really come in handy. Perfect for travel and spontaneous shows, a deck of magic cards is always ready to go and can be just as impressive as a big display act. We love Marvin’s Magic Fifty Greatest Card Tricks Set because it gives you a total of 50 tricks with which to show off your skills. Compatible with both abracadabra amateurs or presto professionals, this kit comes with a regular deck of cards as well as five secret sets to really faze your fans.
Pros:
- Suitable for children and adults
- Bonus tricks available online with purchase
- Comes in a handy gift tin
Cons:
- Kids may have a bit of difficulty figuring out a few of the harder tricks without an adult’s help
Frequently Asked Questions
Are magic kits just for kids?
Not at all. In fact, some of the most beloved tricks are actually quite “tricky” to perform. So adult help is usually needed for the youngsters to learn. That’s also why magic kits are a great family bonding activity. But even if you don’t have a kid in your life, magic is a great way to train your hands and show off your public speaking skills. And of course, it’s just plain fun at parties of all ages.
Is magic real?
While we can’t answer that question with full certainty, we can say that magic plays upon basic psychological experiences that we all have. Magicians have to learn a lot about how we think and they use that knowledge to direct our attention. In doing so, they play with the assumptions we naturally make and turn our belief systems topsy-turvy to make their tricks seem real. Now, we think that’s pretty magical in itself.
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