Short answer: The best gift for someone who likes magic depends on one thing: are they a fan of magic, or do they already perform it? Fans want something they can do right away. Performers want something that fits the style they already practise. This guide covers both, by budget, with no toy-store kits.
First, figure out which kind of magic lover you're buying for
| If they... | They're a... | Buy them... |
|---|---|---|
| Watch magic videos, love being fooled, have never performed | Fan / curious beginner | An easy, visual trick they can perform within a day |
| Carry a deck of cards everywhere, show you tricks at dinner | Hobbyist | A new effect or a video course in the style they already do |
| Perform for money or talk about "routines" and "angles" | Working magician | A gift card or something from their wish list |
If you can't tell, ask one sneaky question: "What's the last trick you learned?" If they can name one, they're a hobbyist. If they can name the creator, they're serious.
Gifts for magic fans and beginners
For someone who has never performed, the best gift is a trick that works with very little practice and uses normal-looking objects. Avoid boxed kids' kits for teens and adults. They feel like toys, and they usually end up in a drawer.
- Absolute Zero: a highly visual effect where borrowed objects appear to frost over in the spectator's hands. It's the kind of trick that gets a reaction on the first try.
- Self-working magic tricks: no sleight of hand needed, which is ideal for a true beginner.
- Beginner magic tricks: our full range of tricks rated for first-timers.
Gifts for hobbyists who already do tricks
Hobbyists usually have a favourite style. Look at what they perform most and stay in that lane:
- Cards: PADO by MJ, a card-switch gimmick designed to be performed live with the audience right in front of you. Or browse all card tricks.
- Coins: How To Do Coin Magic, a video course that gives structure to a coin-magic hobby, or explore coins & money magic.
- Mind reading: Touched by Morgan Strebler, a modern take on the "invisible touch" plot that needs no props. See all mentalism.
- Everyday objects: Liquid Killer, a practical metal-bending routine performed with an ordinary fork. More in everyday object magic.
Gifts for magicians who perform
Working magicians are the hardest people to buy for, because they already own most of the classics and know exactly what they want. Two safe approaches:
- Ask for their wish list. Most performers have one, and they'll appreciate that you asked.
- Choose a stage or parlour piece they'd use in front of bigger groups, such as The Vanishing Cane, which vanishes a solid cane or transforms it into another small object like a rose.
Gifts by budget
- Stocking stuffers: start with our $20 items and pocket magic tricks.
- Mid-range: a single strong effect in their favourite category (cards, coins, mentalism, or phone & tech magic).
- Splurge: a signature prop such as a stage or parlour piece, or one of our exclusives they won't find everywhere.
Physical trick or digital download?
Many of our most popular tricks are instructional downloads or streaming videos rather than physical props. They're excellent for hobbyists, but they don't come in a box you can wrap. If you're giving one, consider printing the product page as a card to put under the tree. Here's how downloadable and streaming purchases are accessed.
Three mistakes to avoid
- Buying a kids' kit for an adult. Adults want magic they can perform in real life, not a plastic box of props.
- Buying something too advanced for a beginner. A difficult sleight-of-hand trick can discourage someone who's just curious. Check the skill level first.
- Ordering too late. Physical tricks ship, and holiday delivery windows get tight. Order early, or choose a download for last-minute gifts.
Frequently asked questions
What's a good gift for someone who likes magic but doesn't perform?
An easy, visual trick that works with little practice, ideally one using ordinary-looking objects. Self-working and beginner-rated tricks are the safest choices.
What do you buy a magician who has everything?
Ask for their wish list, or choose a newer release or an exclusive they're unlikely to own yet.
Are magic kits good gifts for adults?
Usually not. Most boxed kits are designed for children. Adults are better served by one high-quality trick they can perform anywhere.
Can I buy magic tricks as a gift in Canada and the US?
Yes. The Online Magic Store ships magic tricks, props, and playing cards across Canada and the United States.
Still not sure? Contact us with who you're buying for and your budget, and we'll suggest a gift.
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