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EndersGame Inner circle Reviewer EndersGame 2196 Posts |
TRICKS INSTEAD OF TREATS
I also posted this in "The Little Darlings" forum about magic and kids, but figured I should re-post it here as well, since it's something new that's currently being funded on Kickstarter. The concept is: mini-magic kits to give out on Halloween. Why didn't someone think of this brilliant idea earlier? At the end of every October it's the same routine: A knock on the door. Neighbourhood kids in cute costumes. Outstretched hands waiting for candy. And the words: "Trick or Treat?" But isn't it about time that you handed out Tricks instead of Treats? Not nasty tricks, of course. But tricks that ARE treats! In other words: magic tricks, that kids can take home and learn! What a terrific idea! In today's age, kids get enough sweet things, and many people are looking for healthier alternatives to hand out. What better way to do that than by handing treat-sized packets of magic, which your costumed door-knockers can enjoy with family and friends at home and school. Plus it gets them learning about magic, thinking about others instead of themselves, and developing their abilities in new and exciting ways. That's the terrific concept from Michael Rosander and Brian South, that is currently up for funding on Kickstarter, under the title Tricks Instead of Treats. You'll find the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/112......es-cards WHAT YOU GET So what's it about exactly? Their project is in part about giving people more options when treating the young trick-or-treaters that frequent their doorstep on October 31st. But the vision is much bigger than that: Michael and Brian are of the firm conviction that kids can develop communication skills, learn to interact with others around them, and many other life-skills through magic. There's already a trend for people to give away healthier Halloween treats, like small toys and stickers. So why not something that stays closer to the Halloween theme: mini magic kits! In the words of the guys behind this project: "When kids say "Trick or Treat?" you say, "Happy Halloween, you get a TRICK at our house!" You can even show them the trick if you like." I love it already! Here's another example kit: They've designed 8 collectable mini magic kits, and have also ensured that they can be used year-round, by not making them Halloween specific (so you can even use them as favours at your kids birthday, or rewards handed out by teachers or dentists). The kits have been designed with kids in mind, with half of them geared to kids under 6, and the other half suitable for anyone (including adults!) above that age. All of them are intended to be easy to learn and perform. Each kit is printed in colour, and is about the size of a pack of collectable cards. Here's the complete list of everything in the series: #1 Grand Illusions: 3 Brain Bogglers #2 Wacky Weather Maching: Make it rain the unusual #3 Funny Fortune-Teller: Read someone's mind #4 Superhero Socks: Predict the future #5 Appearing Treasure: Find a lucky gold coin #6 Incredible Shrinking Dog: Instantly change a dog's size #7 Cool Cards: Turn any card into an ice pop #8 The Magic Trunk: Vanish an elephant Each bag comes with all 8 tricks. For $18, you get four bags, which means 72 magic kits. That works out to just a quarter ($0.25) each, which I think is pretty good value. And that includes free shipping in the US. There are also higher reward levels which offer even better value, and come with a Discover Magic Funbook, an activity book with over 150 magic puzzles, games, jokes, riddles, tricks, optical illusions, and more, valued at $20 on its own. RECOMMENDATION Is that affordable? Don't worry, these guys have done the math for you. They point out that a chocolate variety pack with 120 pieces sells for around $30, while a variety box of tricks from Discover Magic (144 tricks) is only $36. Very comparable. But unlike the candy, the magic has benefits that candy can't offer: Candy lasts for a moment ... Magic lasts a lifetime Candy is all about you ... Magic is all about others Candy rots your teeth ... Magic makes you smile Candy increases calories ... Magic increases confidence Candy makes you hyper ... Magic makes you happy Michael and Brian know what they are talking about, because they are involved with a company called Discover Magic, which creates material used to teach magic classes across the United States, and uses magic to teach kids how to build character and health self-development, including important characteristics like being respectful, prepared, enthusiastic, confident, humble, creative, authentic, and giving. The campaign target is $12,000, and it's already well-overfunded, so that's great news. And what's more, they promise to deliver by early October - well on time for Halloween! Now I haven't seen the final product, but I've seen enough to be very interested in this project, and I applaud the creators for coming up with a fresh idea to help make Halloween safer and positive. Although I have no personal connection with the project creators, I will my personal bias quite clearly: I've been involved in amateur magic for over 30 years, so I'm all for something that helps put magic into the hands of children, and helps them think more about others, and build character. Bravo Michael and Brian, and I hope that your creativity helps share the love for magic in the next generation! Want to learn more? Kickstarter link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/112......es-cards Discover Magic: https://www.discovermagic.com |
Nicolino Inner circle 2893 Posts |
Great to see you here, Ender! I love you reviews on BGG and always refer to them if possible...
The Mati Envelope
A brandnew peek device for the working mentalist! Chance's Token Tarot cards in a scenic piece of mystery..... |
EndersGame Inner circle Reviewer EndersGame 2196 Posts |
Glad to know that you've found my BoardGameGeek reviews helpful Nicolino.
My game reviews, my playing card reviews, or both? |
Tom Cutts Staff Northern CA 5925 Posts |
And coming to Kickstarter next month, Egg Wash! Remove even dried on egg from cars, house siding, windows, and more!
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mavericklancer Elite user Tustin, CA 448 Posts |
Add me to the list of those who always refer to your BGG reviews. Saves me a lot of time from having to go through user comments. Bonus points since my quotes were even featured in a couple ^_^.
That aside, I absolutely love this idea. In for a bag. |
Rook Special user I went to the Magic Cafe and all I got were these lousy 834 Posts |
Definitely backing this one!
Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.
-Roald Dahl |
RSchlutz V.I.P. 512 Posts |
I love this idea. Just backed it.
Ryan |
BtheDreamer Loyal user 246 Posts |
Don't forget to tell you neighbors too so the kids can get the complete set of 8 tricks!!!
Teach By Magic - Lessons with a magical twist
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Nicolino Inner circle 2893 Posts |
Quote:
On Jun 27, 2017, EndersGame wrote: Mostly games, actually. I'm into board gaming for 30 years now with more or less intensity but gaming just experiences sort of a renaissance right now. Maybe because of the godchildren asking for it...?
The Mati Envelope
A brandnew peek device for the working mentalist! Chance's Token Tarot cards in a scenic piece of mystery..... |
EndersGame Inner circle Reviewer EndersGame 2196 Posts |
Since posting the above preview, I've had opportunity to see firsthand an advance copy of the Discover Magic Funbook, which comes along with some of the higher reward levels.
It consists of original material that the guys at Discover Magic created themselves, with over 150 magic puzzles, games, jokes, riddles, tricks, optical illusions, and more, all beautifully presented with the help of a professional illustrator. I've seen a preview of this (I received an advance copy for review), and my family has really been enjoying it so far. This activity book is very impressive, and my kids just loved it. It consists of original material that the guys at Discover Magic created themselves, all beautifully presented with the help of a professional illustrator. I did a number of the puzzles and activities together with them (and had fun doing so - there's good variety!), and they were also able to enjoy doing them on their own. There are about 80 pages of activities and content (with solutions in the back), as well as teaching some basic tricks, and other magic related things. It's full colour, with great illustrations and content, including a great variety of activities and puzzles, all of which are magic themed. It's certainly worth considering including one of these if you're looking for a great gift to give to kids. If you want to get on board with the Kickstarter, which ends on Friday, 28 July, here's the link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/112......es-cards |
EVILDAN Inner circle 1279 Posts |
I just saw this. Is there any way to purchase these packets now that the kickstarter is over?
by EVILDAN....
"The Coin Board Book" - moves and routines with the coin panel board. - http://www.lybrary.com/the-coin-board-book-p-827955.html "SLASHER - A Horror Whodunnit" - a bizarre close-up routine based on Bob Neale's "Sole Survivor." PM me for more info. "Zombie Town" - a packet effect about how a small town turned into zombies. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nzJhcoJtyOM |
EndersGame Inner circle Reviewer EndersGame 2196 Posts |
Try contacting the guys at DiscoverMagic.com directly, since this is their project. Refer to this thread, they may be able to help.
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EVILDAN Inner circle 1279 Posts |
Thanks.
by EVILDAN....
"The Coin Board Book" - moves and routines with the coin panel board. - http://www.lybrary.com/the-coin-board-book-p-827955.html "SLASHER - A Horror Whodunnit" - a bizarre close-up routine based on Bob Neale's "Sole Survivor." PM me for more info. "Zombie Town" - a packet effect about how a small town turned into zombies. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nzJhcoJtyOM |
Mb217 Inner circle 9520 Posts |
Great idea!
*Check out my latest: Gifts From The Old Country: A Mini-Magic Book, MBs Mini-Lecture on Coin Magic, The MB Tanspo PLUS, MB's Morgan, Copper Silver INC, Double Trouble, FlySki, Crimp Change - REDUX!, and other fine magic at gumroad.com/mb217magic
"Believe in YOU, and you will see the greatest magic that ever was." -Mb |
nukraze New user NJ 68 Posts |
Looks like these are now available to order directly at https://www.tricksinsteadoftreats.com/ . I'm still waiting on my Kickstarter reward but can't wait to give these out at Halloween!
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Rook Special user I went to the Magic Cafe and all I got were these lousy 834 Posts |
Received mine this weekend. Very nicely done! My wife, a 5th grade science teacher, will likely want some for her class.
Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.
-Roald Dahl |
stempleton Inner circle 1443 Posts |
Quote:
On Oct 16, 2017, Rook wrote: Here's a question... in bulk, these are half the price of what my show giveaways are now. Would these be customizeable...a sticker with info included, and if so, would it be easily tossed, or is the packaging part of the trick itself. Also, for what age range are these appropriate. Thanks for any info. |
pegasus Eternal Order United Kingdom 10537 Posts |
Just about to purchase, however, they do not sell to England. Oh well, their loss.
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nukraze New user NJ 68 Posts |
Quote:
On Oct 16, 2017, stempleton wrote: I just received my Kickstarter reward and can answer a few of your questions. The creators have said they are recommended for ages 6 and up, but younger ages can do some of the tricks. The ones I received have either a difficulty of "Super Easy - Simple to do for any age" or "Very Easy" with clarifications such as "Requires problem solving", "Requires simple spelling", "Requires simple math skills" or "Requires basic writing". The front and back of the outer packet have the same artwork on each side, so you could probably place a sticker about 3" x 4" on one side, and these parts of the packaging don't appear to be needed for any parts of the tricks, but I haven't gone through all of them yet. The packets are made of cardstock and are about the size of a pack of standard sports or gaming trading cards but a little bit lighter. Hope that helps! |
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