I usually do a torn and restored dollar bill.....

Edith and Magicman, I'm surprised you can't fit these things in your pockets! Here's my load:

Deck of cards in my pants or coat pocket.
A d'lite in my two front coat pockets.
A pull in my right coat sleeve.
A TT and book of matches in my inner coat pocket.
Two rubber bands in my back pants pocket (I keep them there so they don't get tangled with my keys in my front pants pockets).
A few coins -- ::sigh:: yes, including a folding coin =)

This might sound like a lot, but I don't even notice it. It's always there. An overcoat definitely helps. Do I need all this stuff? Absolutely not. But again, I don't even notice, and kids love it.

Jumping Gems

Couple of real easy ones: All you need is a coin, which you probably have. Place one fist up by your face, and pretend to rub the coin into your elbow. "Accidently" drop the coin, say "oh-oh", pick it up with the opposite hand, pretend to transfer it to the hand you were using, and then continue to rub it into you elbow until it disappears. Also all you need is a couple of sheets of Kleenex to do a torn and restored effect.

I have gotten great reactions from the 6 and under crowd with just a French drop repeated again and again.

Brad, I searched (quickly) for the "Finger Mouse" and all of the links that I found were for computer mice. Where would I search for something like this?
Thanks!

All good suggestions. I find in this day and age its very important that you approach strange kids and their hyper vigilant parents with tact.
Don't want some poor mom smacking you upside the head with her purse because she thinks you are some sort of wierdo making a move on her kid.
I find kids are usually staring at me anyway ( that's just the way kids are and not any particular comment on how I look ...I hope) so I do something magical that does not call for me to demand them being an audience. They just happen to be there when something happens. A TT appearance of a cloth to wipe my glasses, a multiplying coin to create change for the bus, a TT vanish of someones cigarette before they have to get on the bus. If things go well then maybe a bit more and certainly only after I am sure that the adults with the kids have "checked me out". A simple smile and wink to the parent as the kid whispers to them about seeing something happen and I usually secure permission to do anything short of sawing the kid in half - maybe even that depending on the parent's patience with the kid that day. I have had the occassional request to make the kid disappear.

I usually carry a half dollar, which has endless possibilities, along with a TT, a hot rod, and Lady Bugged.

Magicshore, most kids these days would probably just be amazed by the mere existence of a half dollar. They've never seen a coin that big!

I always have change for me so 3/4 Coins across for me

How right you are, Airship. And to top that off, after they see the half dollar they experience the jumbo version which totally blows them away. That's right. I forgot to mention I also carry the jumbo half. I don't leave home without it.

There are so many great unisex bags that men and women can carry now days. I have a TIMBUK2 that my wife bought me that holds everything I need...that I carry my wallet, cellphone, credit cards, pens, small notebook, sharpie, coins, cards, packets, etc, etc, etc. Being in Europe I'm sure such a bag would be quite stylish.

I've even used my empty digital camera bag to pack silks, TT, coins, and cards.

Es macht spass, Ja?

Certainly disappearing jelly beans, rope and coins tricks and color changing handkerchiefs can be quick tricks. If the kids' parents are with them waiting for the bus, they will be entertained too and remember you the next time when your magic flyers are circulating the neighborhood.

Sponge balls is the best way to get the kids. It works for me every time.

I use sponge balls in all my restraunt work, combined with a jumbo ball finish! Also Full Circle, one of my marketed effects is great for kids!