Gifts for Magicians: What a Performer Actually Wants

Buying for a magician is hard: they already own the tricks they want, and they guard their methods. The trick is to give them what every performer uses up, upgrades or would never buy for themselves. This guide is for gifts for adult performers and hobbyists.

The safest gift: a close-up mat

Every close-up magician needs a mat, and most are working on one that is too small or worn out. A large mat — around 60 × 40 cm — gives room for a full set, makes cards easy to pick up and coins quiet to land, and makes everything look more professional. Few magicians buy the big one for themselves.

Classic props in a better version

Magicians often learn on cheap props and never upgrade. A heavier, better-made version of a classic is a welcome gift:

• Cups and balls in spun metal — the oldest trick in magic, and one every magician respects. More on the cups and balls.
• Linking rings — a stage set of 30 cm chrome rings for a parlour or stage performer.
• Chop cup balls — the matched pair a chop cup routine depends on.

Supplies they go through

Some things wear out, get lost or are given away during shows:

• Sponge balls — always in demand, always disappearing.
• Thumb tips — a performer goes through several, and a set of five is always useful.
• Flash bags, silks and snowstorm paper — consumables for parlour and stage acts.

You do not need to know how anything works to give these; a working magician will know exactly what to do with them.

Something for the performer, not the act

• A tarot deck with the classic artwork — the Magician card began life as a street conjurer with cups and balls on his table, which makes it a lovely gift for anyone who performs. The Magician tarot meaning.
• A pocket watch for the performer with a vintage stage look.
• A handsome deck of cards to fan and display — gold foil, holographic or transparent. How to fan cards.

What to avoid

• Beginner trick kits for an experienced magician — they have outgrown them.
• Asking how a trick is done. Respect the secret.
• Specialist gimmicks you are not sure they use. When in doubt, a mat or consumables are always right.

For a magician just starting out

If they are a beginner — an adult hobbyist rather than a pro — a set of classic, self-working and easy-to-learn effects is the best gift. Best magic tricks for beginners · Magic trick gifts for adults.

Each product page says whether instructions are included; a working magician will know the routine, or where to learn it.