Ask almost any magician how they started out in magic and they will have received a magic set for Christmas. Some, like me, just persisted with it. So if you’re trying to encourage a newcomer to magic you could do a lot worse than the Marvin’s Magc iMagic set. This really tries to bring the humble magic set into the 21st century – and includes some tricks you can perform with your smartphone. £35.99

(For a more ‘traditional’ set – which is endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Magicians – the Ultimate Magic Legends set also looks very good.)

I’ve always been a bit of a sucker for ring and rope routines – it is very visual and elegant magic. Muse Rope has recently been released and looks like an excellent addition to this genre. It looks fantastic and promises to be easy to do. We haven’t had a chance to have a play yet, but it could make a great gift for the magician in your life. Or yourself! £32.50

If, like me, you like nothing better than curling up with a good magic book (in fact, there are things I like better – but it is definitely something I enjoy greatly!) – then this final work by Eugene Burger is definitely worth a look. Eugene’s passing has been much lamented in the magic community – he was an outstanding magician, thinker and teacher. And so I would expect Teaching Magic to become a ‘modern classic.’ £30.99

In a lighter, but potentially no less useful, vein, AbracaDAMMIT tells the stories of mistakes made by some of the big names. A chance to learn from their mistakes instead of your own! A fun read for £16.99

We have a pile of great new releases to review over the coming weeks – but our rate might slow down a bit over Christmas! Pile in if you have things you would like us to review, or features you’d like us to add…

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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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Gift of the Magi is a lovely Christmas themed effect where some presents appear at the bottom of a tree leaving a lovely souvenir. Suitable for adults and children – perhaps a nice strolling magic idea. £20.50

We’re often asked for ideas for Christmas presents for new or young magicians. If you want a box of magic a little better quality than the ones you will find in the supermarket, the Legends of Magic Set from Fantasma Magic is well worth a look. It includes some fantastic tricks and comes complete with a DVD. £59.99.

If your budget is a little lower, we can also recommend the The Complete Magician Kit by Joshua Jay (£34.99) or the Secret Magic Set (which comes with a nice case!) £29.50.

A special deal which is probably only this week is the cute litte Santa Hat Paper Tear – where some torn up tissue paper turns into a little Santa Hat – 40% off this week at only £4.49.

And two final ideas to buy for your magic-loving partner. First a new DVD which might make a welcome break from the Christmas TV.
3 Secrets is the first DVD from a Japanese magician which sounds to have some great quality card magic on it. And it also has some secret features – so plenty to keep you occupied! £20.50

Alternatively, if, like me, you prefer to snuggle up with a new book over Christmas, then you will need a big lap for this one!  The Legendary Kabbala is a limited edition hardback book with over 200 close up magic effects, sleights and subtleties.  Be warned – you might not see your partner for some time…  £61.99

Back to our normal type of suggestions next month…

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