Just came from Dollar Tree and they had Pop-Up Top Hats (think Axtell Pizza) that comress down realy small. I'm going to use these as part of the "Instant Magician" and give the hat to the kid!
They also have lots of magic sets which make good giveaways.

They also have inexpensive yo-yo's which I guarantee the kids will enjoy far more than magic sets. I know I speak only for myself on this one, especially here in the Little Darlings, but STOP TRYING TO MAKE EVERY KID A MAGICIAN! Thank you for your kind attention. Now back to your regular talk about the appropriateness of magic set giveaways at birthday parties.

Thanks - great tip.

I'm always concerned that the toys from China may have lead in the paint or dangerous plastics. Is there any way that anyone knows to check or do you just figure if they are selling it, it must be OK (which I'm sure isn't true)? The last thing I want to do is give a child a subtly poison toy.

- Mary Mowder

I think that's a valid concern these days. Until China can tighten up its safety standards you really need a big company between them and you to ensure those standards. (Which didn't help with Playschool, but I think everyone else learend from their disaster.)

Companies importing items from China are required to test for lead content. While it is continuing to be a problem legit companies are capturing the lead before it gets into the system. It is a very basic test.

And no doubt they self-certify?

Im not at all sure I trust some reputation-less importer.

YMMV.

Ummm....whan I checked the dollar tree magic sets seemed to be imported by Fantasma Magic. As far as I am aware they have something of a good reputation.