Magic supplies in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

Coin work travels better than anything else: one gimmick in a pocket and whatever change you already have. A plate that lets a borrowed coin fall through the base of a glass, and a coin you can see straight through — both work with the coins in your hand rather than a matched set you have to go and buy. Harder than cards to learn, and considerably stronger when it lands.

Material built to survive inspection from three feet away: sponge balls, cups and balls, chop cups, ring gimmicks and close-up mats. Street and table work is the most forgiving way to get good, because the audience is small enough to restart and honest enough to tell you when it did not land.

The first year is about repetition, not acquisition. Pick one effect, perform it a hundred times for real people, and only then buy the second one. Everything in the beginner collection is chosen to survive that kind of use.

Look for a magic shop in Santa Rosa and you will turn up costume shops and toy sections. Neither stocks a Svengali deck or a close-up mat worth owning. The props a performer actually wants come by post, which is why every listing here says what is in the box, whether instructions come with it, and how hard the thing is to do.

The west coast magic scene leans close-up and comedy, and Los Angeles has the Magic Castle pulling performers through it. Expect strong local competition and a correspondingly good standard of amateur work.

We post to Santa Rosa like anywhere else in the country. That covers all of Sonoma County. Free shipping over $75 anywhere in the United States, Santa Rosa included.