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Nathan Alexander Inner circle 2021 Posts |
Sorry if this is the wrong sub-forum for this (I figured this is where we talk about good tricks? Please move if inappropriate.) I'm looking for ideas I may not have considered. I want to get my nephew (he's 11 in a few months) a trick for Christmas. I wanted to avoid magic sets (or at least "cheap" magic sets) for a few reasons. I instead want to get him a solid, single-use routine or tool to use and carry with him if possible and all I could come up with was a Scotch and Soda set, thumb tip (his hands are probably too small), etc.
He's intelligent, and would dedicate serious practice. Thoughts? Over the years I'm sure I've encountered a number of tricks that would fit the bill, from color-changing handkerchiefs to special card decks and so on. But maybe there's a "cool" trick I'm forgetting that would just kill it. He loved when I performed PB60 for his dad, so he's inquisitive (but I wouldn't want that version for himself to own) and worthy of "involved" effects. Otherwise something fun he can carry with him that's well-made and not too obviously for kids. (Heck, a pea-can is fun, right?) Ideas? |
sjrw Special user 571 Posts |
Something to consider is that kids at school are likely to snatch props and inspect the hell out of them.
This is from my experience when I was at school, and also my partners nephew is into magic and had similar problems. So I'd advise going for something which can end examinable. I like any sort of Coin Unique. Scotch and Soda is even better in that regard. |
charliemartin Special user Rapid City, SD 779 Posts |
Get him a book and a deck of cards. The Magic Book by Harry Lorayne is a good start.
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randirain Inner circle Fort Worth, TX 1650 Posts |
Why would you want to avoid magic sets? There are some decent ones out there that teach the basics of magic, which is where one should start. Nothing wrong with Fanstasma. Even Penn & Teller have a magic set.
I would also say a book, if it's a child that would actually read it. That's pretty rare today, or at least it seems that way. Randi |
Nathan Alexander Inner circle 2021 Posts |
Great suggestions. I'm not completely adverse to magic sets, but in past experience for my own kids, I haven't come across a lot that haven't appeared of lesser quality (I admit there are surely some I haven't seen) or that scream "magic prop" for sake of magic props. I like the book ideas, he's a reader, so that's good.
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Obviously Regular user 186 Posts |
The Penn and Teller set is pretty good. Magic with Cards by Garcia and Schindler is a good start for a book.
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Chessmann Inner circle 4242 Posts |
Since I was a kid, "Color Vision" has fooled 'em all. Completely examinable, easy to do.
The basic, quick Okito box routine - just putting the coins in, adding the lid, turning your fist over & putting the box on the back of your fist, tapping the box and letting the coins fall out of your hand - is another great fooler, is examinable, and when an enterprising youngster is ready, he can add to the routine as he likes. For me, these are great 'confidence builder' tricks for a young magician. Easy to do, tough for anyone to figure out, yet have strong impact.
My ex-cat was named "Muffin". "Vomit" would be a better name for her. AKA "The Evil Ball of Fur".
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Nathan Alexander Inner circle 2021 Posts |
Ha! Exactly what I'm looking for Chessman, thank you. Great ideas above for sure from everyone, thank you.
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randirain Inner circle Fort Worth, TX 1650 Posts |
Just about every magic set has color vision in it.
Randi |
Nathan Alexander Inner circle 2021 Posts |
Okay thanks all. Going with almost all the suggestions actually, heh. A book, a kit (thanks Randi, good call on the color vision inclusion) and an Okito box (why didn't I think of that!)
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Chessmann Inner circle 4242 Posts |
You're welcome, Nathan!
Something I just thought of is the old '(Indian) Prayer Vase' - the one where the small length of rope is placed into a small vase and the vase holds onto the rope. I've got an old, old version on my shelf. It is another trick that you find in many magic kits. Maybe you'll find one that has both that one and Color Vision, I wouldn't be surprised. If not, the PV is easy to put together - dollar store vase, hardware store for the rope and cork/rubber gimmick.
My ex-cat was named "Muffin". "Vomit" would be a better name for her. AKA "The Evil Ball of Fur".
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John C Eternal Order I THINK therefore I wrote 12938 Posts |
I know kids can pull stuff away but a Svengali deck is always cool if he learns how to use it.
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