While other posts exist about the "most expensive trick" and whether it was worth it,
I'd like to start a threat on tricks that may not be expensive but still generate a great "WOW" factor, or may be expensive, but prove their worth by creating lots of gasps and sighs. The implication being that some really expensive apparati demonstrate their value, but that some "old standbys" and classics also mystify, and that the two categories don't often get compared (separate threads for expensive illusions and for smaller scale, but also electrifying tricks). I guess this could boil down to two simpler questions: Which tricks have the best audience impact at the lower cost range (say under $50), and which tricks, while expensive (up to $500 or even higher) nonetheless justify this cost by adding substantially to your show?

To me, in the first category (under $50), the Invisible Deck, Linking Rings, and the Coloring Book (for kids) offer a great value at a very low cost. In the second category (loosely defined as over $50, but encompassing stuff into the high hundreds which may still be accessible to working professionals and part-timers), I'd put Tim Wisseman's Remote Vision Cube, Chance Wolf's Blow Yur Stack (not cheap, but "makes" the middle of my kid show), Barry Mitchell's Presto Box and Derek Rutt's auto flower (again, not cheap, but impressive to kids when combined with the Magic Tea Pot) and Tortoise and the Hare by Tim Sonefelt (colorful silks and great routine).

Others rave about a wide range of tricks and accessories from spring animals, and egg bags, to flipper coins and sub trunks. What tricks would you rate as "best values" in the two categories (1) under $50 and 2) from $50 to say $999? I know my selections are biased towards the kids show set, but ask more generally for stage, close-up, and mentalist input too.

Thanks.

Category I:
1) Coloring Book
2) Sponge Balls
3) What's Next?

Category II:
1) Hippity Hop Rabbits
2) Die Box

These are from my standard kid/family show.

Vijay
http://www.amazingvijay.com

Card warp

In addition to my all time faves such as Coloring Book, Sponge Balls/Bunnies, Hippity Hop Rabbits, I also like to use Mike Close's Dr. Strangetrick, The Ring and Shoelace, and the El Cheapo Magic Club.

Don Alan's Comedy Egg Trick. At one time it sold for just $5. Great for stage, platform, and living room. It pops-up on the Big Auction every now and then for $10-$15.

It has all the elements necessary for a very entertaining situational presentation: Comedy, Magician In Trouble, Spectator In Trouble (in a good-funny way)
and a Surprise Finish.

That's a lot of bang for your magical buck!

Julie

I guess mine has to be my trusty 'Lit Cigarette Pull'. I have had it for almost 15 years now and must have used it thousands of times. It cost less than £1.50 and I haven't had to replace any part of it in all this time. I carry it with me nearly every day but the recent ban on smoking in public places here in the UK, means the opportunities to use it are gradually dwindling.

Paul Mc.

I think the best bang for your buck effect is "Michael Skinner's Ultimate 3- card Monte" I use that as I table hop and gets the best responses as you seemingly do not touch the cards.

My other favorite is the mis-made bill. Both of these are about the same price and definably get the "WOW" factor every time

My Sponge Bunnies just keep going and going and well.....going!

Skinner's 3 Card Monte
U.F. Grants Swing a Ring

I guess we're talking miracles?

Card to Wallet ( the old standby )

MindCast by Scott Grossberg with Mike Sturgeon's brilliant touches ( http://www.vinnymarini.com/ebook/mindcast.html)

Untouchable by Jeremy Hanrahan ( on the Impervious DVD-www.precisionmagic.com )

Haunted Deck ( Ktanzo's Box Monster-www.ellusionist.com or Justin Millers The Cloak- http://thecloakdvd.com )

Of course there are others. Lots of others. Those are ones I use that come to mind.

Thank you, Chris, that's very, very kind. - Scott

Gems Under $50:
Invisible Deck = $10
Kamillion Koins = $35 (Almost new store demo )
Sponge balls = $6
Silk Worm IET = $18
Colouring Book (even though it seems like more and more kids have seen this and aren't interested in it anymore) = $10
Don England's Plastic Lady with Plastic Surgery = $18
Kids Comedy Funnel = $25
Good Ole Deck O Bikes = $1.90 (buy in bulk from Costco....12 packs for $19.99)

Let's not forget all the good books....Royal Road to Card Magic, Karl Fulve's Self Working Card Tricks, Now You See It Now You Don't..etc

Basically, I don't buy anything that's too expensive (I can't justify the costs, since magic isn't my profession) I completely respect my magician friends who have elaborate and expensive props, but at this point in my life, it's not for me.

Cups and balls..cant go wrong with that. Oh, and some IT as well.

Hopping half, expanded shell, fire wallet, jumping knot.

To Pick one for now, I would have to say Holy Moly. I get such great reviews on this one, so the $15-$20 spent on it was really worth while.

Prohibition,and once I get it set up I'm sure Workeroo.

The professor's nightmare. I posted earlier but I didn't think of this at the time. Fairly inexpensive and seems to always get a wow.

A shell, a TT, Skinner's Ultimate 3 Card Monte

One of my favorites would a modified version of Miser's Miracle. I usually perform in short sleeves, and the reaction I get is, "and he's got no sleeves!!". I like doing this one with borrowed cards when I can.

WOW by Katsuya Masuda gets my vote