If your child is ready to stun an audience with real magic tricks, you need the right kit to get them started.
We compared dozens of products and read hundreds of reviews to help you narrow your search and find the best magic kits for kids. These sets are age-appropriate, include easy-to-understand instructions, and feature a wide range of illusions. Whether they want to perform street magic or stage a grand show, we found options to keep your magician and their audience fascinated for hours.
Surprise your child with one of these mind-blowing kits and watch the magic unfold.
- Illustrated manual & instructional DVD
- Multiple learning levels
- Excellent storage system
- Easily portable
- Entertainment for all ages
- Excellent icebreaker
- 10 science magic experiments
- Encourages hands-on learning
- Great for science enthusiasts
- Science-based magic kit
- Cast spells & create concoctions
- Fun for the whole family
- Easy-to-learn magic tricks
- Cool & sturdy storage box
- Child-friendly instructions
- Access to online videos
- Includes magician's hat
- Versatile suitcase
- Learn from a master illusionist
- Hundreds of magic tricks
- Levitation secrets included
The Benefits of Magic for Kids
Beyond simply entertaining family members at the dinner table, magic kits offer developmental advantages for growing children. Here is why you should encourage the hobby:
- Promotes creativity: Your kids will explore different card tricks and out-of-the-box thinking. The performance demands creativity as they determine what to say during the act and how to present themselves.
- Boosts self-confidence: The applause and appreciation your child receives when they successfully pull off a trick boosts confidence. It helps them believe in their abilities and public speaking skills.
- Great icebreaker: Asking “Do you want to see a magic trick?” is an excellent way to start conversations with new friends or adults. It gives socially shy children a structured way to interact without the pressure of small talk.
How to Choose a Magic Kit for Kids
There are specific features you should look for to ensure the magic kit doesn’t end up gathering dust in a closet. Keep these factors in mind while shopping:
- Versatility: Magic kits containing a wide variety of tricks (cards, coins, vanishing objects) will keep them entertained longer than kits with just one gimmick.
- Bolster imagination: Toys that push your child to think for themselves will increase their problem-solving abilities (1).
- Clear instructions: A straightforward manual or video access is vital. If the instructions are too dense or complex, your child may get frustrated and quit before mastering the illusion.
Other Things to Consider
There are several other things to keep in mind as you shop for a magic kit for your kids. Let’s go over them.
Age Appropriate
People of all ages love magic, but dexterity varies wildly by age. Look for a magic set that is suited to your child’s age. A kit meant for a teenager will be impossible for a 6-year-old, leading to confusion and disappointment.
Safety
As with any toy, inspect the box thoroughly upon opening. If you have toddlers or pets in the house, ensure that no small pieces, plastic bags, or choking hazards are left unattended.
Perform some tricks with your child when you first open the box. This helps you gauge the safety features and identify any small parts that could potentially be dangerous for younger siblings.
Skill Level
Does your child know the basics of sleight of hand, or are they a total novice? A beginner requires a set with self-working props, while an intermediate magician needs props that rely on practice and skill.
A little challenge is good, but you want to strike a balance so the learning curve remains fun rather than like homework.
Product Reviews
We have tested and reviewed the top-rated kits to find the best options for your aspiring illusionist.
Learn & Climb Jumbo Magic Kit
All-Inclusive Magic Kit
Ultimate fun begins right here with this mega magic kit. Your little magician will have access to 28 props and a large variety of tricks that stretch their imagination and creativity. The kit features different difficulty levels, allowing your child to grow with the set from age 6 and up.
As your child stages their performance, their self-esteem and confidence will improve naturally. They also gain public speaking skills, memorization abilities, and better hand-eye coordination through repetition.
The kit consists of two drawers that provide easy storage for all the props. You also find a comprehensive instructional DVD and an easy-to-follow illustrated manual. If you prefer digital formats, scan the included QR codes to access the manufacturer’s full game tutorials online.
Pros
- Illustrated manual and instructional DVD included.
- Multiple learning levels for varying ages.
- High-quality materials.
- Excellent storage system keeping rooms tidy.
- A variety of props and tricks to keep kids entertained.
Cons
- The instruction manual can be complicated for very young users.
Our Ratings
Marvin's Magic Fifty Greatest Card Magic Tricks
Card Magic for Tweens
Marvin’s Magic kit gives your child a chance to engage in one of the oldest forms of magic known to man.
You will find a comprehensive instruction manual to teach your kids how to perform over 50 tricks. It won’t be long before your child becomes a pro at shuffling and revealing. You can expect to say “wow” frequently as your child stages their act.
The kit is recommended for all ages, but due to the hand size required for card manipulation, it is best for tweens and older kids.
Pros
- This kit is compact and easily portable.
- Instructional video accessed by an online QR code.
- Entertainment for the whole family.
- An excellent icebreaker for social situations.
Cons
- Some of the tricks are difficult to master without patience.
Our Ratings
National Geographic Science Magic Kit
Best Educational
Create evidence-based science magic tricks with the National Geographic Magic Kit. It is a fantastic way to introduce your kids to the concept that magic is often just science we don’t understand yet. This kit is suitable for children aged 8 and above and paves the way for honing scientific skills.
It is perfect for kids who are just beginning to show interest in STEM subjects. With simple and easy-to-learn tricks, your child will impress their audience in no time.
The kit contains 10 experiments like making snow magically appear in your hand, changing solution colors, and floating coins. All tricks are backed with scientific explanations so they learn while they play.
Pros
- Easy-to-master tricks for beginners.
- Incorporates magic into the world of science.
- Very affordable price point.
- Great hands-on learning for science enthusiasts.
Cons
- Some of the tricks are very similar in nature.
Our Ratings
Scientific Explorer Magic Science Kit
For Wizards Only
The inquisitive child who wants to know the “why” behind the illusion will find this kit fun, informative, and educational. This make-it-yourself kit is suitable for children aged 6 and above, but the branding makes it clear: it is for wizards only!
The magic kit comes with an activity guide, test tubes, measuring scoops, and an assortment of safe chemicals. Your kid also gets to create their own wizard hat, which is an essential accessory for any serious spellcaster.
The kit engages kids in nine fun activities, including creating test-tube crystals and a fizzy frenzy. Between exploration and entertainment, there will be plenty of learning and tons of laughter.
Pros
- Science-based magic kit focused on chemistry.
- Cast spells and create bubbling concoctions.
- Fun for the whole family to do together.
Cons
- Adults must supervise closely given the ingredients.
Our Ratings
Melissa & Doug Classic Magic Tricks
Classic Magic Moments
Any magic-loving 8-year-old will appreciate this high-quality set of tricks. Your child will have a chance to master and perform well-known magic tricks and illusions using durable wooden props rather than cheap plastic.
It is a great kit for individual play or when they have friends over for a party or sleepover. From a vanishing coin to a disappearing ball and magic number prediction, this kit is designed to improve hand-eye coordination. Additionally, some of the tricks require a bit of thinking, so they will stretch your child’s imagination.
Pros
- Easy-to-learn magic tricks for immediate success.
- Comes with a cool and sturdy storage box.
- Quality wooden materials used.
- Child-friendly instructions.
Cons
- The kit contains only 10 tricks, which is less than competitors.
Our Ratings
Ideal Magic Spectacular Magic Suitcase
Magic on the Go
If you are looking for a magic kit that allows your little magician to travel in style, this is your go-to option. It comes with a wand, hat, and suitcase that doubles as a magician’s performance table. Your child can put on a show anywhere, from the living room to Grandma’s house.
Suitable for children aged 8 and above, the kit contains tons of quality props. Your child can learn and master up to 100 tricks, including multiplying balls, a magic card shuffle, and disappearing juice.
Pros
- Access to online videos for more tricks.
- The magician’s hat makes for serious business.
- Versatile suitcase for storage, practice, and performance.
Cons
- The “suitcase” is made from sturdy cardboard and may wear out over time.
Our Ratings
Criss Angel Platinum Magic Kit
For Little Mindfreaks
If your children like watching popular magicians in action on TV, they will love this magic kit by Criss Angel. It provides a comprehensive tutorial of over 350 tricks for beginners, intermediate, and advanced young magicians from 8 years old.
Your kids will learn magic tricks from one of the best illusionists alive. They will have tons of fun conducting stage performances and showing off their mastery of mind-blowing illusions that feel cooler and edgier than standard magic sets.
The kit includes cups and balls, penetration glass, sponge balls, a secret floating device, and the “Mindfreak” secret deck.
Pros
- An included manual for trick time.
- Learn from a master illusionist.
- Hundreds of magic tricks to master.
- Levitation secrets included.
Cons
- The instructional DVD is basic, so reading the manual is required.
Our Ratings
FAQs
What Is the Best Magic Set For Kids?
The best magic set for kids often includes a variety of easy-to-learn tricks that are age-appropriate, engaging, and come with clear instructions. Popular sets like Melissa & Doug’s Deluxe Magic Set or the Criss Angel Ultimate Magic Kit are excellent choices for budding magicians.
What Age Can Kids Do Magic Tricks?
Kids can start doing simple magic tricks around ages 5 to 6 as they develop the necessary dexterity and patience. However, there are magic sets designed for different age ranges, so younger children might enjoy simpler self-working tricks while older kids can handle more complex illusions.
What Is the Easiest Magic Trick?
One of the easiest magic tricks for kids to learn is the disappearing coin trick or the broken pencil illusion. These typically involve simple sleight of hand or deceptive movements that are easy to master with just a little bit of practice.
How Do You Do the Rubber Pencil Trick?
To do the rubber pencil trick, hold a pencil loosely near the bottom between your thumb and fingers. Quickly move your hand up and down while keeping your eyes focused on the top of the pencil. The pencil will appear to bend due to the motion blur, creating the illusion of rubber-like flexibility.
How Can I Help My Child Learn Magic Tricks?
The best way to help is to be a patient audience member. Encourage them to practice in front of a mirror first, then watch their performance and give positive feedback. Avoid trying to figure out the secret out loud, as this discourages them; instead, react with amazement to boost their confidence.
