How to Choose the Right Magic Trick (Without Pulling Your Hair Out)

So, you’ve decided to learn a magic trick. Maybe you’re prepping for a talent show, trying to impress a friend, or just finally living out that childhood dream of becoming a card-slinging, coin-vanishing wonder. First of all--welcome! You’re in good company.

But now you’re standing in a magic shop (or scrolling our online shelves) and suddenly… decision paralysis. Card tricks? Coin tricks? Mind reading? Floating things?! The choices are endless--and that rabbit hole goes deep.

Don’t worry. We’ve got your back.

Here’s how to pick the perfect trick for you--whether you’re a brand-new magician or a seasoned sleight-of-hand artist looking for your next secret weapon.


1. Know Thy Audience

Are you performing for kids? Adults? Street crowds? Your dog? (Hey, no judgment--we’ve all done it.)

  • Kids: Go for bold, visual magic--think vanishes, color changes, or silly surprises.

  • Adults: Mentalism, clever plots, and elegant sleight of hand often shine.

  • Friends & Family: Choose something quick, fun, and angle-proof (especially if your uncle likes to stand directly behind you).


2. Play to Your Strengths (or Quirks)

Not great at sleight of hand? No problem! There are incredible tricks that require almost zero technical skill but still bring the house down. (We’re looking at you, self-working miracles.)

Great with people? Try interactive tricks.
Love storytelling? Go for routines with a strong narrative.
A bit dramatic? Float something. No explanation needed.


3. Match Your Personality

Your magic should feel like you. If you’re funny, lean into comedy effects. If you’re mysterious, go for eerie mentalism or bizarre magic. If you’re flashy, grab the flash paper--literally.

Trying to be someone else on stage usually results in awkward performances (and occasionally fire alarms).


4. Budget Wisely (Start Smart)

You don’t need to buy out the shop to be amazing. Pick one or two tricks that really speak to you, practice the heck out of them, and perform them well. Even a $5 trick can create a $5,000 reaction with the right presentation.

That said, if you want to buy everything… we fully support that too 😉


5. Ask for Help!

Not sure what suits your style? That’s what we’re here for! Swing by the shop or shoot us a message--we love talking shop (literally). We’ve seen it all, and we know which tricks play big, pack small, and make jaws drop.


A Few Staff Favorites

Need a head start? Here are a few go-to winners we love recommending:

  • "Invisible Deck" - Mind reading with almost no effort. A true legend.

  • "The Pen Pal" - An entire act in your pocket with a borrowed bill and a penny!

  • "Crazy Cube" - Predict a number being though of by your participant!

  • "Loops" - Always be ready to float or move objects magically!


The Real Secret? YOU.

Any trick can be amazing if you make it amazing. Magic isn’t about fooling people--it’s about giving them a sense of wonder. It’s theater. It’s surprise. It’s delight.

So choose something you’re excited to perform, and don’t be afraid to make it your own. After all, the best magic doesn’t come from a box--it comes from the magician holding it.


Ready to find your next favorite trick?
Browse our shelves, come chat with us, and let’s make some magic!

– The Wunderground Magic Shop
Where the real magic begins.


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