Dowmoo Magic Trick Advent Calendar, 24 Day Christmas Countdown Surprise Box

Description

Twenty four numbered doors, and behind each one a self contained magic trick with the instructions to perform it. The props are the classic beginner set: a cup and ball vanish, a stick that separates into three segments and reassembles, coin and card work, and a run of small close up items. Each comes with a printed effect and method, so a child learns a finished routine rather than just receiving an object.

Why it lasts past Christmas

The problem with most calendars is that on December 25 you have nothing. This one leaves a child with twenty four tricks they can actually do, which is a skill rather than a pile. It also solves the awkward gap between Christmas and going back to school, because there is a reason to practise. Performing for a sceptical relative is part of the fun and none of it needs a screen.

Age and supervision

Realistically this suits seven and up. The methods need a little reading and a little manual dexterity, and the satisfaction comes from getting a move smooth rather than from opening the box. Several props are small, so keep it away from children under three. An adult who is willing to be fooled repeatedly improves the experience considerably.

Format

The box is a 24 grid with a printed magic theme across the front, roughly 310 by 240 millimetres and 60 millimetres deep. Doors are punched card. There is no date printing, only numbers, so you can open them in any order or split the box between two children.

What we cannot tell you

The supplier does not publish a full inventory of the twenty four tricks, only the theme and a few examples, so we cannot list them individually. What we can confirm from the supplier photography is that the props are generic magic items with no character or franchise tie in, and that instructions are included for the ones shown.

Order it before December

Like every advent calendar this has to be in the house before December 1, which is a tighter deadline than Christmas. Handling is 1 to 3 business days and transit is 5 to 9 business days, so order by the third week of November. Our general Christmas cutoff of Monday December 7 is too late for this one.