Got a kid who wants to learn some easy magic? Most magicians began with a magic set as a kid. Here are the best magic kits that I have reviewed, organized by price range.
1. Around Ten Bucks: Ultimate Magic Club Magic Sets
You can't go wrong with Scholastic's excellent Ultimate Magic Club magic sets that are designed for kids between the ages of seven and 12. The sets come in various themes such as money, party magic, animal magic and more. At a reasonable price of ten dollars and with a good mix of tricks, as well as a detailed and colorful instruction book and a DVD that shows performances of all the tricks, these are first rate magic sets. Despite their great overall value, however, as you'll see in my reviews, the sets do vary somewhat.
2. Around $20: Mysteries of the Master Magicians
With a nod to the historical giants of magic, this beginner's set from Fun, Inc. offers a solid introduction to our art. The kit offers a good assortment of classic beginner's tricks, many of which Royal (part of Fun, Inc.) sells separately. And the kit is a great deal at around 20 dollars.
3. Specialty: Freaky Body Illusions
This one is pricey at just under $100, but the kit offers an amazing and comprehensive collection of "freaky body illusions" - zany magic tricks that use body parts. Many are well known standards and the kit comes with quality props as well as a DVD that explains the techniques and use of the props. Study the moves and you can almost appear to be a flexible and malleable cartoon character.
