The amazement that magic can provide is the strongest for children. They may then want to learn how to perform magic tricks themselves. This is where the best magic set for kids would come into play. Getting your child a magic set will allow them to explore the world of illusion first hand.
These kits can also have a bonus. They help your children develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. They are also useful to improve their critical reasoning skills. Once they see “the man behind the curtain.”
Figuring out which kit is the best magic set for kids can be difficult. That is why we have put together a list of the five best magic set for kids, highlighting what each does best. Then we provide a helpful buyer’s guide so that you can find the best magic set for your kid.
Ideal Magic Spectacular Magic Suitcase – Best Magic Set for Beginners
Age range: from 8 years old
If you are looking for a trusted toy company brand, then Ideal Toys checks that box. The company started over a century ago and has an extensive history. It is famous for some of the best and most iconic products on the market. Most people are likely unaware of that fact, but Ideal Toys made the Betsy Wetsy doll. This doll took the American toy market by storm following World War II.
It also developed and sold the Mousetrap board game. The product was so popular it once accounted for nearly one-third of Ideal Toys’ profits. Finally, the Rubik’s Cube is still popular to this very day. It is often featured in various YouTube videos and challenges. It was the final product Ideal Toys made and sold before the Alex Brands company bought the brand. The Rubik’s Cube captivated children and adults alike.
More Tricks! We Need More Tricks!
One of the best things about this kit is the sheer number of tricks that it provides. In fact, the Ideal Toys magic set for kids offers more tricks than any other product we reviewed – 100 in total. But the tricks provided are not equal. Many of them are actually cards, and there is no need to use many props that come with this kit. Still, this is one of the few magic sets that provide intermediate level tricks for kids.
The instructions for this magic set for kids come in the form of a DVD. The instructor is a professional magician and mentalist, Ryan Oakes. He has been practicing magic for almost three decades. Ryan Oakes often performs magic for adults at corporate events. He is great at comfortable performing tricks. He also provides clear and easy-to-understand instructions for children. Moreover, he walks the viewer through the trick with step-by-step instructions.
Pros:
- Offers a wide variety of magic tricks.
- Comes with a complete kit of props.
- The instructor is a professional magician.
- The instructions are easy to follow and understand.
- Includes some intermediate level tricks.
- Instructions come with a DVD.
- Great gift for any child.
Cons:
- The props are not best-made (plastic and cardboard).
- Most of the tricks are card tricks.
Why We Like It
More than a hundred tricks, instructional DVD, excellent firm. Everything is done to ensure that the set was the best option for a gift to yourself or a child. It is really the best set to start travel in a magic world.
Starter Magic Tricks Set for Kids
Age range: from 4 years old
Like some of the other brands on our list, Uncle Bunny Magic is not actually its own company. But it is a subsidiary of a larger company instead. Unlike the other brands that fit this mold, Uncle Bunny Magic is not an old or storied brand. The Learn and Climb toy company own the brand. The Learn and Climb are specialized only in manufacturing children’s toys.
From a Good Show to Good Tricks
This magic set for kids is sponsored by Scott Barhold, who is a professional children’s magician. He has been practicing magic for almost a decade. Scott Barhold knows how best to explain the magic tricks in this kit to children. As such, the DVD is generally pretty good with the instructions. Most of them are easy to understand and follow along with.
Unlike many of the other magic set for kids on our list, this one does not come with a box that is intended to be used as a stage. The box does at least do the best job of organizing the included props. It helps to prevent your children from losing them and being unable to perform that trick in the future.
Why So Cheap
Like many of the magic set for kids on our list, the props that come with this kit are mostly made out of plastic. Some props are even made out of stiff cardboard, which is not at all an improvement. This being the case, expect these props not to withstand the abuse of some rougher children. Most of the props are more durable to handle regular use by children who are a bit more careful.
Pros:
- The least expensive magic set for kids we reviewed.
- Instructions come with a DVD.
- Comes with a complete kit of props.
- The instructor is a professional magician.
- Most of the instructions are easy to follow and understand.
Cons:
- It only comes with 12 tricks.
- Some instructions are difficult to follow without parents.
Why We Like It
This is an inexpensive set for spending time together with a little child. Not the best, but very good.
Jumbo Magic Tricks Set for Kids
Age range: from 7 years old
The magic set for kids is like another product on our list by the same brand. In fact, this is basically that product but more of it. It is nowhere near the largest magic set for kids that we reviewed. This kit does provide the second most number of tricks in total with 20. It includes the other Uncle Bunny Magic kit’s magic tricks and adds 8 more on top of that. This will definitely extend the life and use of this kit.
There is the fact that many of those extra magic tricks are actually at a higher level of difficulty. This will allow your child to grow with the product. Some of the tricks are actually a bit too advanced for younger children. This is partly why we rated this as the best magic set for 7 to 9-year-olds. Most of the other kits that we reviewed do not provide tricks at the intermediate skill level.
Not the best, but good
That said, this magic set for kids also suffers from some of the same issues as the Uncle Bunny Magic kits in general. Most of the props of this magic set are made out of plastic. When the props are not made of plastic, they are still made of materials like a sponge or stiff cardboard. This means that children who use the props roughly are liable to break them. So they are not able to perform the magic trick again.
You do not have to worry about your children losing the props. This magic set comes with a two-decked box. It provides specific spots to store each prop individually. This will help ensure that you keep track of the props. Children will not damage while in transport, unlike some of the other magic set for kids on our list. That said, this is another Uncle Bunny Magic kit. The box is not intended to be used as a miniature stage to help provide a space for the performance of the tricks.
Look, Read, Do the Trick
This magic set for kids also comes with both a booklet and an instructional DVD. The instructor is a professional magician, Lief Davis. He was neither a magician for children nor does he continue to perform magic today. Because of this, the instructions can be a bit hit-or-miss. When it comes to the beginner-level magic tricks, the instructions are clear and easy to follow. In the intermediate level, the instructions become far more difficult to follow. Even the parents have trouble with them. That said, the DVD is at least consistently functional for this Uncle Bunny Magic set.
Pros:
- Comes with 20 different tricks.
- Instructions come with a DVD.
- Comes with a complete kit of props.
- The instructor is a professional magician.
- Most of the instructions are easy to follow and understand.
Cons:
- The most expensive magic set for kids we reviewed.
- Some instructions are difficult to follow.
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Solid-Wood Magic Set With 10 Classic Tricks
Age range: from 8 years old
The Melissa & Doug company provides children with wholesome and educational toys. The owners, Melissa and Doug, both come from families with a long history of educators. They did not want to follow that direct route. They chose to start a company with excellent quality educational toys for children.
The Melissa & Doug magic set for kids does that. This magic set is the most durable and well-made magic set for kids that we reviewed. Unlike many other magic sets for kids on our list, this product does not use plastic for its props. Instead, most of the props are wooden. High-quality fabrics feature durable stitching. Altogether, the quality of these props is head and shoulders better than any other kit we saw.
With Care of Children’s Health
This is the only magic set in our list that does not come with any DVD instructions. Instead, you can learn how to perform the tricks using an included booklet.
That said, there is not a wealth of props in this kit. So this magic set for kids likewise does provide the ability to perform a large number of tricks. While not the least number that we saw, the Melissa & Doug magic set for kids only comes with 10 different tricks. Though in fairness, this is one of the less expensive magic set for kids that we reviewed. The tricks themselves help children to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
The Melissa & Doug magic set comes with a sturdy, wooden box. The box carries the props and can also double as a small stage for performances. The box does not feature any latch or locking mechanism. This can make it difficult to transport the props to perform the tricks without the risk.
Pros:
- Less expensive magic set for kids.
- The wooden props are more durable than plastic.
- Tricks are designed to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
- The hinged box serves as storage and a stage.
Cons:
- It only provides 10 different tricks.
- Does not come with an instructional DVD.
Why We Like It
Very high-quality wooden set. No DVD. Without cheap plastic. Made with care for children.
Jim Stott’s ‘My First Magic Kit’
Age range: from 4 years old
You are not looking for anything too expensive. You only want to provide your child an easy entry into the world of magic. Jim Stott’s “My First Magic Kit” is an excellent product to do that with. The product belongs to the sponsor, who is a professional magician. He works only for children. There is no surprise the Jim Stott Magic company makes their magic kits and props with children in mind. This should take off some of the concern about wondering if your child will be able to grasp the material.
That said, the “starter” designation of this magic set for kids needs to be stressed. This is in large part due to the low number of tricks provided. In fact, this magic kit for kids offers the least number of tricks out of any kit reviewed at 7. This means there is a good chance that your child will learn how to perform most of the tricks in a short time. And the kit will have run its course. Jim Stott does sell more advanced magic kits with more magic tricks. Despite that, they may not be ideal for children. The cost of this kit is a bit higher. You would not expect it to provide the least number of tricks out of any magic set we reviewed.
Simple Start With Excellent Support
The physical instructions that come with the kit have a form of an instructional booklet. That said, Jim Stott does provide instructions to the tricks through YouTube videos. He even offers a password to a secret YouTube channel. The channel goes into greater detail and provides some useful techniques.
This means that you will need an internet connection. You will get the best instruction for these tricks then. You will found Jim Stott is excellent at providing instruction. He breaks the tricks down in simple terms and works in a slow way, so your children can keep up.
Jim Stott is speedy and responsive in addressing any concerns you may have. He is a small business owner. So Jim Stott Magic will give you far better customer service than any other bigger company on our list.
Pros:
- Comes with admission to a magic workshop website.
- The owner and sponsor is a professional magician.
- High-speed and responsive customer service.
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive magic set for kids
- It only includes 7 magic tricks total
Why We Like It
Very simple set for quick start. Quick and nice support
Best Magic Kits – Buyer’s Guide
Ok, what you should pay attention to when making a purchase
Props
Most magic sets for kids differ from some of the magic kits for adults. The props can help perform more interactive and interesting tricks. This provides benefits in a couple of ways. This level of interactivity helps keep your children entertained. They will not get bored with the magic set after an hour, like card tricks or coin tricks.
There is another benefit of magic sets for kids that come with props. The tricks your children perform will be more interesting to you. So your genuine reactions will provide a confidence boost to your children. It will keep them further interested in the magic set.
One thing to keep in mind when buying a magic set for kids is the props’ durability. Most of the magic sets for kids use plastic and other less expensive materials for the props. This can leave the props a bit fragile and prone to breaking – especially in the hands of rowdier children. If this may be an issue, we recommend looking for a magic set that uses more durable materials like wood instead.
Tricks
The number of tricks that magic sets for kids provide should be a big consideration. Most magic sets do not include a large number of tricks, anything less than 10. There are risks your children become disinterested in the magic set quicker. Another factor to consider is difficulty level.
Younger children will likely not be able to pull off more advanced tricks. Older children are more than capable of doing so. As such, if you are looking for a magic set for a younger child, try to make sure that most of the tricks are at a beginner level. If you are buying a magic set for an older child, try to make sure some of the tricks are more advanced.
Instructions
Magic tricks can be too complex – even for adults. That is why any magic set for kids that you buy must include clear instructions. The words have not to be too technical. There has to be a simple, straightforward syntax.
Even better is when the magic set comes with an instructional DVD. An instructional DVD allows a child to see the trick performed in real-time and in slow motion. The best instructional DVDs will even walk your children step-by-step through the trick. They will provide some extra techniques to make performing the magic tricks easier.
Conclusion
There is no best magic set for kids that will be ideal for every child. They are developing all the time. Older children will have different needs than younger ones. Some children tend to play a bit rougher with their toys.
We recommend the Jim Stott’s ‘My First Magic Kit’ or the Uncle Bunny Magic Starter Kit for younger kids. Both of these products are starter kits for younger children. They feature simpler tricks with easier instruction.
We also recommend The Ideal 100-Trick Spectacular Magic Show Suitcase. The Uncle Bunny Magic Jumbo Set is good too. Both of these kits include more advanced tricks. They are for older children who already have some experience with magic tricks.
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