Beyond Hogwarts: Marvin’s Magic Sets for Children
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The world of children’s toys is a baffling place. I even saw a game where the entire objective is to pick up dog poop! I mean, seriously? Truly, civilisation is moving upwards!
But while some toys are… questionable… others seem to circle back into popularity every few years, and one brand that refuses to fade is, of course, Harry Potter. With the new TV series out there on the horizon (2027, maybe), the Boy Wizard is back in the spotlight yet again.
Here in York, we still have a varied number of Harry Potter and Wizard shops, so it seems the enthusiasm for the Boy Wizard will never die! It would be nice to think that this world of make-believe, of spells and magic wands, would encourage children to take up my sort of magic.
So if your child is already waving a stick around, shouting Expelliarmus, why not introduce them to real magic?
Why Magic Sets Are Great for Kids
Magic isn’t just about tricks. It helps children develop:
- Fine motor skills
- Confidence performing for others
- Problem‑solving and creativity
- Showmanship and communication
Even science agrees, as reported in the Guardian, some people recommend it be taught in schools! You can read this article here: “Teach magic lessons in school.“
Marvin’s Magic
Marvin’s Magic is the undisputed brand leader in magic sets for young magicians. Created in 1987 by respected magician — and current President of The Magic Circle — Marvin Berglas, the brand has become a staple in toy shops and online retailers across the UK. Their sets come in a wide range of sizes and themes, each packed with a mix of close‑up tricks and mini illusions, including classics like the cups‑and‑balls routine.
They are a great bridge between toy and real professional magic. Below are some products; clicking the image takes you to Amazon, where you can buy them.
First up is Marvin’s Amazing Magic Tricks – Deluxe Collection. This is your classic starter set with 225 magic tricks to perform. This set is recommended for ages 6 upwards.
It’s a huge set — far more than most kids will ever get through — and it provides enough material for them to put on a full magic show for family and friends. It’s also one of the most widely available magic kits in the UK, so parents can easily pick it up online or in major toy shops.
For parents who prefer something sturdier than plastic props, Marvin’s Magic also offer a Wooden Magic Set. It has fewer tricks, but hopefully it should last a little longer! It’s a great choice for children who love tactile, hands‑on toys, and for parents who want something that looks and feels a little more premium.
For the older kid who doesn’t want all the plastic props, Marvin also has a magic set aimed just at card tricks, with 250 card tricks including all the special cards needed to perform the magic – and in no time you will be able to “tear and repair cards, change colours, mark cards, teleport cards, turn a blank card into a real card“
The final Marvin set on my list is a little bit special and a lot more expensive! This set looks and feels more professional, but has a cost of over £90! This is part of Marvin’s premium Signature Collection and is designed to look and feel like the kind of kit a real close‑up magician might carry.
This set is ideal for kids who are already showing a serious interest in magic — the ones who want to move beyond plastic props and into the world of real close‑up magic.
“The magic isn’t in the trick, it’s in the [audience’s] eyes.” – David Blaine
For children who are a little too old for magic sets — or who’ve mastered the basics and want to move on — the next step is usually a book or video course
In a previous post, I shared my top 5 beginner books, and they’re still some of the best foundations any young magician can have. You can go wild and spend a fortune on gimmicks and tricks, but it is best to start with the basics and work your way up.
Alongside the classics, I would also recommend Joshua Jay, an excellent modern magician who has produced one of the best beginner-friendly books of recent years, complete with video instruction. His material is clear, accessible, and genuinely teaches the fundamentals that matter.
For more magical inspiration for the beginner, you could visit a real magic shop, either a bricks-and-mortar shop or online – a good place is the beginner’s section of a magic shop such as Merchant of Magic – Beginners Tricks
Anyway, I hope you all have a magical Christmas and hope some people start their journey in the world of magic!
“A lot of unconfident kids do tricks because it’s the quickest route to impressing people” – Derren Brown
Away from the stage, Adrian holds a Master's degree in Early Modern History from the University of York and occasionally volunteers at York Castle Museum in Victorian costume. When he's not performing magic, you'll usually find him building models, reading, gaming, or exploring his passion for history.
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