http://www.penguinmagic.com/product.php?ID=31

I have an adams trick from long ago which I have long forgotten the name of, but which I still love performing. The effect is: A clear tube is displayed. The tube is open on one end and closed on the other. A silk is stuffed into the tube. The tube is wrapped in paper. The wrapped tube is handed to a spectator, some magic happens, the spectator opens the paper, and there is the tube, but the silk is gone. I have floored people with this since I was 10, and that is 24 years ago. I think it was about $2 at the time. I've seen it recently, and I know adams still makes it. It is hands down my favorite inexpensive trick within the abilities of a beginner.

Chris

Penetration Frame

Color Cube

Color Monte-The best (I use a much better method rather than that hockey push move)


Ron

"Disintegration Chamber" from Royal Magic.
It goes for $2.50 at Magicwarehouse and is one of my favorite close-up tricks.
Although I do the reverse of what the included instructions say but it is a great trick and everything can be examined before and after you're done.

GlenD

Hot Rod.

One of the finest tricks a sawbuck'll getcha. And don't forget to buy yourself a cheeseburger with the change afterward.

Now how could I forget Jumping Gems? Another great trick that won't cut into your Espresso budget.

Nick trosts Lie Detector. I picked up this manuscript for $2.00 a few years ago.

All of these are terrific. The TT and Sponge Balls or Sponge Rabbits would be tops on my list.

I just bought a $7.50 download from Ron Jaxon's site called Bill Burner Clear. Yeah, it's a little over $7.00 and you have to buy a small prop that'll cost you less than a dollar but this effect is killer. I love it. Definitely a lot of bang for the buck.

No, I am not affiliated with Ron or this effect in any way. Just a satisfied customer.

Oh yeah, Ron Jaxon has lots of great magic that is very well priced. He puts thought into his routines and effects that can inspire us all. I have seen him perform Bill Burner many times, and it is always so cool to see the people's reactions.

Shrinking die.They keep trying to cram the solid tiny die into the solid little wand when allowed to inspect the props.

I bought Professor's Nightmare for $1.50 40 years ago. I don't what it sells for now but maybe it's under $7.00

I recently bought a Professor's Nightmare. I think it was about $5.00.

Great trick for about $3.50: Fortune Telling Swami

http://funinc.com/product_pages/ftswami.html

It's an "Out to Lunch" routine with nicely printed swami/genie cards. I used to sell a ton of these in the shop.


Another fooler is "Oddball", one of the best versions of the popular principle which partially fuels Dean Dill's beads routine (obviously Dean's version doubles the "fooler" quotient, but not for $7 or under.) Sells for $3 to $5.

http://www.funinc.com/product_pages/oddball.html


And lastly, one other fooler is the "Chain Escape" (aka "Siberian Chain Escape) for about $5.

http://funinc.com/product_pages/chainescape.html

Part of my close up show includes:
Sponge balls
Steel Ball & tube
invisible deck
_______________

Also love color monte

Deifnitely a tt, the invisible deck, mental photography, a Svengali, Prof's Nightmare,a bag of Dan Harlan's Bands.

I would go for:

Hotrod
Four Fifty cent pieces
TT
Plastic Cups and Balls

And for some reason when I bought Color Monte, I think I paid 8... mmmmm.

John

Ball and Vase. Right Marlo? Right Skinner? Right Gallo?

Adams Linking Rings (if you have the Marlo routine)

I enjoyed:
Perky Penney
Cut & restored rope
A two dollar bill into two singles
TT
Mental Choice

Well I paid 12 for ID, so........

A deck of playing cards.
Any type of pull
plastic thimble set

Frank