Marvins Magic – Which Magic Set is Best?

by Dominic Reyes Leave a Comment

Marvins Magic has been producing some of the worlds most respected magic sets for over 25 years. They are the only manufacturer of magic sets to be officially recommended by the world famous Magic Circle.

The History of Marvins Magic

It all started in 1987, when Marvin’s Magic appeared in Hamleys of Regent Street with their ‘professional magic made easy’. So many magicians brought their first magic trick from Marvins magic as kids, and it started a lifelong passion for magic. The founder of Marvins Magic is Marvin Berglas – the son of David Berglas, one of the most famous magicians in the history of magic.

Marvin’s Magic quickly grew to become the ‘face of kids magic sets’ by creating small magic shops within some of the world’s most popular shops, including Harrods, Hamleys, FAO Schwarz, and Toys R Us stores.

As a result of the good work Marvins Magic has done, introducing so many people into magic, Marvin was presented with ‘Member of the Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star’ – the highest level award given by the club.

The Magic Sets Magicians Recommend

There are quite a few sets to choose from so we have picked the 3 best, picked by our panel of professional magicians.

Best Magic Tricks Sets For Kids

by Dominic Reyes 1 Comment

The Best Magic Tricks Sets For Kids – Reviews and Best Buy

Choosing the best magic tricks for kids can be quite a challenge. You want tricks that are easy to learn, fun to perform and won’t end up forgotten in a corner a few days after they are received. Most of the magic tricks available in high street stores tend to be manufactured by the same companies and repackaged in different sets, but essentially, they are the same small plastic novelty toys in every set.

The alternative is to go online and order tricks from a magic shop. The only problem is that these magic shop websites tend to be geared towards magicians, rather than kids beginning magic, and the choice can be very confusing.

WE ASKED 2645 MAGICIANS WORLDWIDE

TO CHOOSE THE BEST MAGIC SET FOR KIDS

We asked magicians which magic sets they would recommend to kids starting to learn magic. 2645 magicians answered the survey and gave their recommendations as the the best buy magic tricks for kids. These are the top 4 magic sets:

THE WINNERS – BEST MAGIC TRICKS SETS

FOR KIDS

Age 4 – 6

My First Magic Set. Very simple magic tricks picked with little hands in mind. This set is all about building confidence, self-esteem, public speaking, communication, verbal, and critical thinking skills. The set has been a bestselling both in the Uk and US for many years. Available here

Age 7 – Adult

The Classic Magicians set contains some excellent classic of magic. It wins over magic sets found in toy shops because it frames each trick in the context of the history of magic and the great magicians of the past. The set is very popular with magicians as it’s a gateway into the rich and exciting world of the golden age of magic. The set also features some stunning artwork to set the atmosphere that the owner is learning the REAL secrets of magic. Available here

Age 9 – Adult

The Deluxe Las Vegas Magic Set is the best selling set right from the world capital of magic. There are quite a few clone/copy versions of this set online, so make sure you order it from a trusted magic dealer and the set should come sealed. The most expensive of the sets that were selected, it contains some really high quality, professional grade magic tricks. Many of which are performed by working magicians today. The set teaches over 350 tricks and covers a very wide range of effects across all disciplines of magic. Available here

No1 OVERALL WINNER

Age 8 – Adult

iMagic 365 Magic Set The only magic set recommended by the world famous Magic Circle. This set is packed full of great quality magic that is bang up to date. The use of a companion app for your phone makes this interactive and very easy to use. The set includes magic X-ray machines that reveal hidden items, Apps on a digital screen that once shaken, will physically appear in the magician’s hand, and unbelievable card effects that will certainly bring classic magic into a new era. Available here

Choosing the best magic tricks for kids

Interestingly, the three magic sets that came out on top were not available in high street shops. They tend to have tricks that teach the core principles of magic and performance, rather than just being a random collection of single use tricks.

The magicians responded that they wanted sets that would teach skills that would be useful for kids as they develop their knowledge of sleight of hand, build confidence, and stage craft.

The sets that received the most votes were the Las Vegas Set and the overall winner: The image 365 Image Set. Both contain scaled down versions of tricks performed by professional magicians. The third place went to a set for younger children, which contains more plastic tricks, but teaches many skills essential for progress later on.

Need More Help?

If you need more help or advice choosing, please contact the Customer Care Team who will be happy to recommend items that you will love, and answer any questions you may have.

Learning Magic Helps Kids Confidence and Social Skills

by Dominic Reyes 1 Comment

Many parents are looking for ways to help their kids develop confidence and social skills. Magic has always been popular with children as a form of entertainment, and now it’s becoming increasingly common for parents to encourage their children to take up the hobby as a way of developing social skills and reducing social anxiety.

The benefits of learning magic have been clinically proven. Professor Richard Wiseman (a keen magician, and regular customer at the Merchant of Magic) together with Rebecca Godfrey, and Dr Sarah Woods conducted a full study on the subject at the University of Hertfordshire.

The team of scientists wanted to study the effect of teaching high school kids how to perform magical illusions, including the cut and restored rope, and mind reading

“Learning magic requires self-discipline, an understanding of how other people think, and an ability to entertain, Also, unlike playing computer games, it encourages children to interact with their friends and family.”

– Professor Richard Wiseman

The team of scientists wanted to study the effect of teaching 50 kids between the ages of 10 and 12 how to perform magical illusions, including the cut and restored rope, and mind reading and mentalism tricks.

Psychological tests, performed before and after the kids had only a single magic lesson, showed huge psychological changes and the areas of confidence and social skills:

The Results:

The kids improved on measures of confidence and social skills and also on sociability. The results were clinically significant and showed that even just building the study of magic into already established self-esteem lessons can significantly increase results.

We Know Magic Helps Kids Confidence and Social Skills

At the Merchant of Magic we get feedback from children all the time, letting us know the positive role that magic has had on their confidence and Social Skills. Kids tell us that magic has increased their ‘playground status’, gained them new friends, and helped to overcome bullying. We hear from parents too, letting us know how they have seen a massive positive change in their kids behavior and general happiness because of magic.

One of the most common questions we get asked from parents is: Where do I start?

We normally suggest getting some easy beginners magic, then as the child develops a ‘taste’ for the style of magic they like best, they can branch out later.

Take a look at any of the magic tricks here: BEGINNERS MAGIC SECTION Any of the items there would be a great choice as a ‘first purchase’ for a beginner.

Best Magic Book: An excellent magic book, that starts your kid at the beginning, but teaches them loads of magic they can do with everyday objects, as well as magicians props is The Mark Wilson Magic Course

Best Magic Tricks DVD: A great starting DVD which teaches a range of great card tricks, as well as the fundamentals of sleight of hand with cards is this one: Born To Perform Card Magic

Best Magic Set: For a general magic set that will teach a range of items: The Platinum Magic Set

Best Instant Download Tutorial: If you want to start learning right away. This instant download video is a great choice for magic that your child will be able to do with everyday objects: Worlds Greatest Magic With Everyday Objects