December is here – whoop – so it’s time for our Christmas magic issue. Looking for present ideas for that budding magician in your life? Magical stocking fillers? We’ve got ideas for everyone in our Christmas magic Trick of the Month…
If you’re looking for a magic set for a new magician then you could do a lot worse than the new Dynamo Magicians Kit. It contains a much more interesting selection of effects than the standard children’s magic set – with a more professional and contemporary feel – cut and restored headphones, self-tying shoe laces – a street magic feel. And good value at only £29.99
Another alternative, if you want to spend a little more, is the Marvin’s Magic iMagic Interactive Tin of Tricks. Marvins have been producing decent set of magic for years, but this one goes interactive with a special app for your smart phone. I love the idea of this, but fear that the execution slightly misses its target – by combining cool tech with slightly naff looking card designs and boxes. But it may be right up your child’s street – have a watch of the video and see what you think. £44.50
When I was a young magician – 30 years ago – I was always excited to get hold of the new Tenyo Magic products. These tend to be easy to do yet baffling wonders. The 2016 range – which is already available – has some interesting items. For me, the one that grabs my attention is the Future Puzzle – a clever piece of mental magic where a jigsaw puzzle predicts the spectator’s chosen card. £12.99
For a child, Mystery Doghouse might be a good bet – a very clever prop does the work for you – but probably not suitable for professional use (£16.99). I also understand that the Magical Plunger (£19.99) is well made (and cheaper than the ‘original’ Tiny Plunger). If you’re a Tenyo fan and want to get the whole set, our friends at Merlins are doing a deal on all four for only £60 (though out of stock when we last checked).
If you’re looking for more of a stocking filler for the magician who has everything, you can never go wrong with a deck of cards. The Blood Kings Playing Cards are not only a festive red colour, they look the part with a foil embellished tuck case and handle beautifully. Only £7.99.
In a similar, accessory, vein, respected magician Paul Romhany has put out a close up mat – designed to be rolled up for transport and unrolled for performance. These are getting some positive reviews and come in the classic black design (pictured) or a more contemporary looking red design. £24.99
I can’t leave this particular issue without mentioning a magic book – since there’s nothing I like more than grabbing some time at Christmas to sit back with a classic magic book from my library. One I recently bought and am enjoying – both for the originality of thought and the production values of the book – is Tom Stone’s Vortex. It is mainly orientated towards stage work but some of the essays will really make you think in ways which will affect all your magic. Well worth a read. £40.99.
Whatever Christmas magic you get – may you have a wonderful time this year.
And if you haven’t yet seen our Christmas Giveaway – you’re missing out on the chance to win some great prizes. Giveaway closes on 12th December!
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