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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The end of the year is also a time for reflections.  And our two favourite DVDs of the year are going to be our first recommendations.  BBM’s Ultimate Self-Working Card Tricks was a superb release (see our review here) with some killer effects which are easy to do (£19.99).

And Mark Bendell’s The Unknown is full of really clever magic which is extremely workable (£25.50). Both would make great stocking fillers for you or your magical loved one!

Favourite tricks of the year are harder to pick.  On the shortlist is definitely Genetics (see our review here).  Easy to do, entertaining – what more could you want.  And a great wedding routine (£26.99).

This isn’t a trick, but would look great on your bookshelf. An Impossible Bottle, containing a deck of Bicycle Cards is hard to beat for a ‘must have’ non-trick item for the magic lover. We’ve got one on our shelf! (£59.99 – also available in red)

We can’t close the year out without mentioning at least one deck of Bicycle Cards!  There have been so many released this year that it is very hard to choose.  But in honour of the year that was, why not grab a deck of London 2012 cards.  The Blue Crown produced limited runs of these decks with a Gold, Silver or Bronze case design.  Why not get one of each to remember a really significant time for the UK? (£9.99)

Choosing a Magic Set for a child

We promised you some recommended magic sets for any young would-be magicians you know. If you’ve got a bit of money to spend, then you could do a lot worse than the Fantasma Legends of Magic Set. Some of the items in this are of pro quality – and it seems to get away from the plasticky feel of some of the more common sets. At £59.99 it feels like quite a significant investment, but it should keep their interest.

The Secret Magic Set is a cheaper option and comes in a nice case, but the props are of less good quality. At this price you might also consider the Marvin’s Magic Fifty Greatest Magic Tricks – which contains some classic effects and is more widely available.

If price is an issue, then the Joshua Jay books are worth a look. He is a great teacher and the combination of book and DVD is a killer.  And they are readily available at Amazon (see below)

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Our first suggestion is for a youngster just getting interested in magic and looking for their first set. This collection includes some great card magic and coin magic and would make an excellent introduction to the art. £29.99
Our second suggestion is for a magic enthusiast. He probably has a box of magic stuff he never uses, and you don’t know what to buy him. Well Think by Shin Lim has only just hit the shops in the UK. It’s a stunning new card prediction effect and looks devestating. £24.99

Our final suggestion is a wonderful magic book. It is something we’ve mentioned before, but we mention it again because it would make a great Christmas present – in time for the new year. Secret Agenda is a collection of 366 daily readings to make you think more deeply about your magic. Full of wonderful tips and stimulating ideas, but the author of the famous Card College series of books. £34.99 for a year’s worth of learning!

PS – don’t forget you can have a chance of winning some classy Bicycle Cards in our Christmas Competition!

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