When I was little, I had a great book someone gave me called "Free Stuff for Kids". Back then, there was no Internet and free stuff - to an eight year old - sounded incredible. Here was a book of items I could simply mail away for, and some wonderful company would send me back presents in the mail.

Well, I probably sent in plenty of requests for free things, but the one that I remember most was the offer of free magic tricks. I received a small box that could hide a penny. I got a pack of cards and a pamphlet telling me how to amaze my friends. There was something about a bottle and money, but I don't quite remember that one.

The point is, magic has a wonderful pull for children, and yet as we grow, those amazing little bait-and-switch strategies and card-up-the-sleeve tricks fade away. It's too bad, really. There is nothing more fun than stunning a youngster or two with nothing but a penny and a napkin. Even better is pulling off a trick in a restaurant.

"Mom!"  The kid tugs at her sleeve, wide eyed, pointing at me. "Did you see what he did?"

Amazon still sells the book "Free Stuff for Kids," and there are used copies available for a penny.  I'll repeat that: You can buy a book at Amazon for a penny! LOL  This book makes a fantastic gift for any child that can print out his or her name and address on an envelope. It stirs up plenty of creativity, gets kids excited and motivated, and may even start them onto a new hobby.

Because that's what happened to me. Shortly after my introduction to magic, my interest spiked and for a couple of years, magic tricks were my hobby.  I received books as gifts, practiced in my room for hours, and learned to overcome stage fright to perform brilliantly - or as best as an eight-year-old child can. 

Posted by Louise.