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diamondjack New user orlando,fl 59 Posts |
I always wondered about something. If you were given the chance to put your name on a beginners magic set for kids, what would you put in it? The same old tricks they do now? I tried to think of some different things to put in my set but I haven't really come up with something I think would sell really well.
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MGordonB Loyal user Toronto, Canada 279 Posts |
I think this is a challenge for the ages. A beginner set for kids needs to have things that would cheaply and quickly get them hooked and interested in going further, so lots of bright, shiny, simple tricks that can be quickly learned and performed.
While probably ideal as a second or third set, a beginner set with a book or DVD, a deck of cards or two, some coins and a set of cups and balls would probably not keep most kids interested for long. |
jimgerrish Inner circle East Orange, NJ 3209 Posts |
When I put together a magic collection (what you might call a "set" or a "kit") for a Wiz Kid I don't think about what might be good to make it sell, or even to work for another Wiz Kid. I pick out what I know the individual needs to work on next, or will soon be needing in the future. It is personalized for that one Wiz Kid. The way this might work commercially would be to give the recipient a check off list of (say) a hundred magic tricks and the recipient can choose ten of those for his or her collection of magic tricks. Each "kit" would then be unique and filled to order for the individual. One would expect that the recipient would get advise from a mentor, parent, or magic friend with some experience before choosing the ten items.
Jim Gerrish
magicnook@yahoo.com https://www.magicnook.com Home of The Wizards' Journals: https://magicnook.com/wizardsTOC.htm |
LightningRod New user 7 Posts |
I'd fill it with easy-to-use gimmicks and that's all. If a wash'n'wear kid had the interest to go further, they'd seek out the additional information online and end up finding some of the standards we all use as well as areas that pique their particular interests. If a kid has zero interest in cards, they wouldn't be welcomed in a kit; but if he wanted to learn card magic, he'd probably find info on that interwebnet thing or with MyFace, SpaceBook, Tweeter, or InstaSnap or one of those other things kids use. (Heck I'm lucky I can figure out the Magic Café forum site... this compueter stuff is like... MAGIC!!!)
LRod |
Melephin Regular user 103 Posts |
Please, if you have the chance, to create a magic kit, don't put in those cheap looking plastic gimmicks. Don't put in those silly magic props. Put something in for real, good quality and good tricks, that require practicing. It is the grownups who have to watch over and over again the kids magic shows… So please, put in some real good stuff..
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Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts |
Those "ball and vase" tricks are what SELL the kits! 8 Year olds are not too ready for much practice. In how many magic shops, have you worked?
I've worked behind the counter in three. The old EdMar shop in Norfolk, VA, Abbott's in Colon, Michigan, Magic Inc, in Chicago.
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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Melephin Regular user 103 Posts |
I haven't worked in any magic shops. I had to watch those "ball and vase" tricks for years when kids wanted to to their magic shows (actually without practicing). Can't watch it any more (lucky me! Those kids are all grown up now and none of them is interested in magic at all). When it is about selling - put in what ever sells!
If you want to really get the kids interested in magic, put in something good wich requires practicing. When a kid wants to learn how to play the piano, it has to practice. No short cuts. When it wants to learn how to juggle, it has to practice. Why the hell has it to be different with magic. If it would require the support of their parents - the better. That way they have something they could practice together! Just my opinion (I hate the regular magic kits) |
Julie Inner circle 3936 Posts |
Quote:
On Jul 9, 2019, Melephin wrote: IMO the plasticy sets are OK for the very young, 5-8, because very little of it maintains interest or lasts more than a few days. For that special youngster you observe who does have a more than passing interest, I would suggest something akin to the "Executive Magic Sets" that were on the market not too long ago. These featured fewer items, but contained some really good tricks. Still at the "beginner level" such items as Nickels to Dimes etc. might propel the budding Prestidigitator into the lofty heights of real(?) Magic. |
Ravenspur Regular user Granby, MA 167 Posts |
I inherited a Criss Angel Magic Kit from my daughter, whose sister gave it to her one Christmas. The quality was not terrific. I use the sponge balls. I wore out the cards, which were cheap. There is a cup and ball set that is usable, but hardly attractive. The plastic nails through the plastic coin didn't pass the smell test on the kids I tried it on.
I actually bought a ball and vase trick, and it was great with little kids. (My wife teaches piano and insures I have a steady influx of tikes for practice). I'm basically a beginner. Been at magic since November. What's working for me because they don't need much practice and allow me to perform with my limited skill: 1. Coin Casket from Airship. I actually convinced my high school students I was reading their minds. 2. Turbo Stick. A paddle trick that uses white board materials 3. Scotch and Soda. Magnetic. These are relatively expensive. Thirty-five dollars or so, but the quality is good. The effects are strong, and they work for beginners. (Incidentally, I practice with cards and sponge balls. But if I waited to be able to do some great card sleights or sleight of hand, it would have take me a lot longer to start learning about how spectators view tricks and how to handle the unexpected when I screw up or something doesn't work). |
Julie Inner circle 3936 Posts |
Passing thought: replace the plastic nails with real nails & the plastic coin with a half dollar and you will have a pretty good trick!
Julie |
solidoak Loyal user 201 Posts |
In my opinion, both easy, flashy plastic tricks and also a few effects which take a bit of practice should be combined to make the best starter set for kids. Many years ago I got my first set with a ball and vase, finger chopper, and a variety of wonderful beginner tricks. I've been hooked ever since. Those simple and colorful beginner tricks often are just perfect to catch a child's interest and put him on the path to searching out the more advanced stuff.
I love Julie's suggestion. But I do wish the quality of today's sets was as high as the "My favorite Martian" set that got me started back in the 60's. Rick |
TomB Veteran user Michigan, USA 330 Posts |
Double back cards, some double face cards. Pop and cup floating trick, wax and thread, carbon paper, cheap zombie ball, finger guillotine,linking rings, and some Sherwood cup and balls (I wish).
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Kong Regular user Cymru 149 Posts |
I had a few different "sets" as a child, The first one, when I was very young (around 6-7 yes old), was full of very cheaply made props.
The first set I had that really grabbed me was a Paul Daniels set. While still plastic, it was a much better quality set. Among other things it had cups and balls (proper mini pom-pom style balls), a clever disc/arrow trick and I sure it even included the pencil through glass trick too although that may have come later (I used this so much that I cracked it. I built the crack into my "patter" by saying that sometimes the magic isn't quite strong enough and the glass gets damaged). |
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