Magic tricks for sleepovers: a buyer’s guide
Three easy picks for a sleepover magic show, from sponge balls that multiply in someone’s hand to a story deck that does the work for you.
By The Online Magic Store
· 2 min read
In this story 6 sections
A sleepover gives you a small, close audience and a long evening, which suits close-up magic. For a routine that happens in a friend’s own hand, get Super Sponge Balls. For a big laugh, produce a Sponge Burger. For a card trick with a story that does the work for you, try Kids Kards. Every product detail below comes from the product’s own description.
Why does magic suit a sleepover?
Everyone is sitting close together, often on the floor or around a table, so small props are easy to see. There’s no stage and no rush, and the people watching can join in. As a suggestion, pick tricks that use a spectator’s hands, because the magic then happens to them rather than in front of them.
If you’d like something to learn tonight for free, start with the detachable thumb trick, which needs only your hands, or pushing a coin through a hole smaller than the coin, which needs a card, scissors and two coins.
What is the best all-round pick?
Super Sponge Balls (T-217) from Tenyo. Sponge balls appear from a purse frame, then disappear, multiply and jump into a spectator’s tightly closed fist. For the finale, three balls change into one jumbo ball.
The description says the enclosed instructions are written in careful detail and include both easy and advanced routines, with English instructions included. That makes it a good fit for someone who wants to start simple and keep improving.
What gets the biggest laugh?
Sponge Burger from Alan Wong. You produce a hamburger instantly from your closed hand. It’s made of sponge, with a sesame bun, a beef patty, tomato slices, cucumbers and cheese, and the package contains one sponge burger.
It also pairs naturally with midnight snacks. If you already have sponge balls, it makes a funny ending to a sponge routine.
Which card trick tells a story?
Kids Kards 25th Anniversary Edition by Richard Pinner. The story: a group of children made you a special deck as a thank-you gift. You change it into a normal deck, do a little mind reading with it, and then change it back to the children’s design.
The description says the deck does all the work for you, and that the design is language-free, so it works anywhere. Richard Pinner created it as part of the act that won The Magic Circle Close Up Magician of the Year in 1999.
Which one should you choose?
- For hands-on magic with a friend: Super Sponge Balls.
- For a quick, funny surprise: Sponge Burger.
- For a card trick with a story: Kids Kards.
Planning a bigger party? Read our kids’ party magic tricks guide and our picks of magic tricks for kids to learn.
Frequently asked questions
Which sleepover trick is easiest to start with?
Super Sponge Balls. The instructions include both easy and advanced routines.
Is there a card trick that does the work for you?
Yes. The Kids Kards description says the deck does all the work for you.
What comes with the Sponge Burger?
One sponge burger, with a sesame bun, a beef patty, tomato slices, cucumbers and cheese, all made of sponge.
Can I do magic at a sleepover without buying anything?
Yes. Try the detachable thumb trick, which needs only your hands, or pushing a coin through a hole smaller than the coin.
