Tricks Instead of TreatsWhy didn't someone think of this brilliant idea earlier? At the end of every October it's the same routine:
A knock on the door. Neighbourhood kids in cute costumes.
Outstretched hands waiting for candy. And the words: "Trick or Treat?"
But isn't it about time that you handed out Tricks instead of Treats? Not nasty tricks, of course. But tricks
that ARE treats! In other words: magic tricks, that kids can take home and learn!
What a terrific idea! In today's age, kids get enough sweet things, and many people are looking for healthier alternatives to hand out. What better way to do that than by handing treat-sized packets of magic, which your costumed door-knockers can enjoy with family and friends at home and school. Plus it gets them learning about magic, thinking about others instead of themselves, and developing their abilities in new and exciting ways.
That's the terrific concept from Michael Rosander and Brian South, that is currently up for funding on Kickstarter, under the title
Tricks Instead of Treats. You'll find the project here:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1124256080/tricks-instead-of-treats-magic-puzzles-games-cardsWhat you getSo what's it about exactly? Their project is in part about giving people more options when treating the young trick-or-treaters that frequent their doorstep on October 31st. But the vision is much bigger than that: Michael and Brian are of the firm conviction that kids can develop communication skills, learn to interact with others around them, and many other life-skills through magic.
There's already a trend for people to give away healthier Halloween treats, like small toys and stickers. So why not something that stays closer to the Halloween theme: mini magic kits! In the words of the guys behind this project: "
When kids say "Trick or Treat?" you say, "Happy Halloween, you get a TRICK at our house!" You can even show them the trick if you like." I love it already!
Here's another example kit:
They've designed 8 collectable mini magic kits, and have also ensured that they can be used year-round, by not making them Halloween specific (so you can even use them as favours at your kids birthday, or rewards handed out by teachers or dentists).
The kits have been designed with kids in mind, with half of them geared to kids under 6, and the other half suitable for anyone (including adults!) above that age. All of them are intended to be easy to learn and perform. Each kit is printed in colour, and is about the size of a pack of collectable cards. Here's the complete list of everything in the series:
#1 Grand Illusions: 3 Brain Bogglers
#2 Wacky Weather Maching: Make it rain the unusual
#3 Funny Fortune-Teller: Read someone's mind
#4 Superhero Socks: Predict the future
#5 Appearing Treasure: Find a lucky gold coin
#6 Incredible Shrinking Dog: Instantly change a dog's size
#7 Cool Cards: Turn any card into an ice pop
#8 The Magic Trunk: Vanish an elephant
Each bag comes with all 8 tricks. For $18, you get four bags, which means 72 magic kits. That works out to just a quarter ($0.25) each, which I think is pretty good value. And that
includes free shipping in the US.
There are also higher reward levels which offer even better value, and come with a Discover Magic Funbook, an activity book with over 150 magic puzzles, games, jokes, riddles, tricks, optical illusions, and more, valued at $20 on its own.
RecommendationIs that affordable? Don't worry, these guys have done the math for you. They point out that a chocolate variety pack with 120 pieces sells for around $30, while a variety box of tricks from Discover Magic (144 tricks) is only $36. Very comparable. But unlike the candy, the magic has benefits that candy can't offer:
Candy lasts for a moment ... Magic lasts a lifetime
Candy is all about you ... Magic is all about others
Candy rots your teeth ... Magic makes you smile
Candy increases calories ... Magic increases confidence
Candy makes you hyper ... Magic makes you happyMichael and Brian know what they are talking about, because they are involved with a company called Discover Magic, which creates material used to teach magic classes across the United States, and uses magic to teach kids how to build character and health self-development, including important characteristics like being respectful, prepared, enthusiastic, confident, humble, creative, authentic, and giving.
The campaign target is $12,000, and it's already well-overfunded, so that's great news. And what's more, they promise to deliver by early October - well on time for Halloween!
Now I haven't seen the final product, but I've seen enough to be very interested in this project, and I applaud the creators for coming up with a fresh idea to help make Halloween safer and positive. Although I have no personal connection with the project creators, I will my personal bias quite clearly: I've been involved in amateur magic for over 30 years, so I'm all for something that helps put magic into the hands of children, and helps them think more about others, and build character. Bravo Michael and Brian, and I hope that your creativity helps share the love for magic in the next generation!
Want to learn more? Kickstarter link:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1124256080/tricks-instead-of-treats-magic-puzzles-games-cardsDiscover Magic:
https://www.discovermagic.com