Magic Tricks for Kids Vs. Magic Sets for Kids

Choosing the right magic tricks for kids can be a real challenge. The easy option should simply be to go for magic sets for kids rather than individual magic tricks. However, even this option can bring you face to face with a wide range of magic tricks to choose from. We will take a look at some of the best magic sets available, as well as individual magic books, magic DVD’s, and stand alone magic tricks for kids, so you have all the different choices laid out for you. But first, let’s look at the goals to aim for when choosing the right magic tricks.

Easy to follow instructions:
Ideally magic tricks should have an instructional DVD included. Magic DVD’s aren’t essential, as long as the magic tricks instructions are clear with lots of illustrations, but they do help. You can always sit down with your child and work through the method together. It’s a bonding experience you can share together.

A simple, clear and easy to understand presentation and premise:
Magic tricks for kids of a younger age, should have a simple easy to follow ‘story line’. Multi-phase magic tricks tend to have a lot of stages, so keeping the method simple, means your child can focus on his or her magic presentation and drama skills.

Clear age suitability ratings:
Magic sets will generally have an age range advertised. However, individual magic tricks, magic books and magic DVD’s may not. If in doubt, ask the magic dealer. Good magic dealers will be happy to tell you if particular magic tricks or magic sets would be suitable for your child’s age.

Safety tested parts for small children:
If you are choosing magic tricks for kids under 3, it’s very important that you check the props have been safety tested and don’t have very small parts that could be a choking hazard. Many magic sets are produced outside of the EU and imported into the country. Make sure you check with the magic dealer that the magic tricks have been rated and certified.

Transferable magic skills:
Some magic tricks for beginners are self working, others will require your child to learn basic sleight of hand techniques. When choosing magic tricks for kids, try to select those that will teach the core techniques of magic and misdirection. Totally self working magic tricks are fine, but don’t develop your kids skills in magic. Good magic sets will contain a mixture of self working tricks and those that will require more work. Magic tricks such as The Cups and Balls are easy to follow and learn, but continue to develop as your child becomes more experienced. The best magic tricks for kids are those that can be simple or complex depending on how technical the magician wants to be with the props.

Magic sets for kids Vs. Individual magic tricks for kids

Going for magic sets gives you a wide range of magic tricks to choose from, but you have little or no choice as to the magic tricks included in the magic sets. Some tricks will be great, and other just ‘fillers’. Magic sets tend to include a lot of small plastic magic props that older children will find childish.

Individual magic tricks allows you to pick exactly the magic tricks your child will learn, but requires more guidance from the magic dealer to pick appropriate items. It can also be much more expensive, as magic sets tend to give you a lot more tricks for the money.

We generally recommend a magic set for kids up to age 9. Older children may be better suited to individual magic books, magic tricks and instructional magic DVD’s.