It seems like everyone has endorsed or licensed their own Magic Kit in a Box. Even magicians no one has even heard of. They all pretty much have one thing in common. They all have an almost identical set of tricks. That is tricks, not magic tricks because most of those sets lack anything magical about them. A quick look at the prices for those tricks from wholesalers would reveal that even a kit with a retail price of 50 USD or more only cost about six dollars to assemble. Pretty much magic kits are toys and once a child has had one, there is no need to ever buy one again.
Well that sounds pretty dismal doesn't it? But Melissa & Doug Deluxe Magic Set is a refreshing departure from the standard kits everyone else is pedaling.
First the tricks are not cheap paper and plastic. They are crafted out of wood. The box they are packed in is also wood which will provide a sturdy display and place to pack away the tricks after a show. Next, these are NOT the same boring tricks that have been featured in kits since the 1940s. Even after having been a magician for many years, with a few runs as a professional, I haven't seen a couple of these methods before. None of them are difficult, and perhaps someone with a little critical thinking skill could figure them out... but these are toys meant to build critical thinking skills so that's not so important. Even so, watching an eight year old perform the tricks is quite entertaining.
There is a pamphlet included in this kit. There are roughly five pages of instructions, in a packet brochure sealed with a paper sticker labeled "Secrets Inside." Each trick is titled, has a very brief description of the effect followed by a more detailed instruction. Each explanation is also accompanied by line drawing illustrations.
One thing that stood out was the change bag. It is a bit smaller than a professional change bag, but the whole kit costs less than a professional change bag. It is the perfect size for a child and will introduce the child to a staple of magic. In the community of magicians, a change bag is almost the ultimate utility. Many professionally available routines will casually dismiss critical parts of their routines by simply saying "... with a change bag ... " Make things disappear, make things change into other things, make things appear, make things change colors. Once a child understand the secret of the change back their imagination can go wild.
Sadly, the one I got with my kit was bent a little and doesn't work smoothly. I have tried to straighten it out but haven't quite got it working as it should. UPDATE: I called Doug & Melissa customer service and let them know. They sent me a new change bag. This one works more easily than the professional one I have for my own tricks. Customer service was friendly and responsive. The replacement arrived quickly. (11/17/2014)
The other tricks each focus on a concept that is easy to understand. I know Melissa & Doug are well known for educational toys,, even though this is my first product from them. It is easy to consider this set educational. It teaches critical thinking, presentation and magic.
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From the manufacturer
Countless Ways to Play
From classic wooden toys to realistic pretend play sets, Melissa & Doug products spark imagination and wonder through screen-free, open-ended play! We make well-crafted toys that are developed with care to be passed down from generation to generation or shared family to family. When kids pretend with Melissa & Doug, anything is possible!
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10 Classic TricksLearn to perform classic magician favorites like Disappearing Ball and Vanishing Coin, among others. |
Step-by-Step InstructionsEasy-to-follow directions make tricks a cinch to master. |
Fine DesignThe sturdy solid wood construction and the beautiful artwork make this a special set. |
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With more than three decades of experience, we’re a brand you can trust. Our safe and durable toys inspire imaginative play and are designed to stand the test of time and be passed down through generations. |
We use wood whenever we can because it’s renewable and durable. To ensure the world has healthy forests AND high-quality wooden toys, we’ve committed to planting 10 million trees by 2030. |
100% Screen-Free No screens, no apps, just good wholesome toys for hours of kid-powered fun! Each one of our products is designed to engage children in the joy of imaginative, hands-on play. |
Videos
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Customer Review: Super fun, well-made, giftable, and affordable!
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Great gift for the little magician in the house!
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Melissa & Doug, Deluxe Magic Set
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Product Demo: Are the magic tricks actually fun?
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Reviews with images
"I am a great admirer of mystery and magic. Look at this life - all mystery and magic." - Harry Houdini
My seven year old has an expansive imagination so, after pulling a quarter out of his ear when he was three; he was hooked. He is now seven and over the years we have picked up individual tricks but, this was his first set. The manufacturer really put care into crafting the pieces. The instructions are easy to understand however, a few tricks takes time to learn. There are ten total tricks you can do with this set, each of which we all enjoy. The set comes in a nice folding box that all the tricks can fit into and be closed in. The top of the closed box does have an opening where some of the pieces could fall out so, we place the closed box inside of a backpack in case he wants to take it somewhere. He is building confidence and also improving his thinking/motor skills from the challenges this set provides! That alone makes the purchase worth it.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2014
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Top reviews from other countries
ZaraB
A touch expensive but a great little set
Reviewed in Canada on October 17, 2021
Arturo Celio
Muy buen producto, llego en tiempo y forma.
Reviewed in Mexico on January 5, 2017