Presto, change-o! Children can transform themselves into magicians with this ultimate prestidigitator's prop. The velvety black top hat comes equipped with a secret interior compartment and a soft, plush white rabbit that hides easily inside. Aspiring magicians can show spectators a seemingly empty hat and then proudly pull the small rabbit out of the well-concealed pocket. Great looking and a cinch to maneuver, this hat will truly set the stage for a terrific magic act. --Jane Snyder

It's as cliché as it gets--trick cards, shuffling cups, knotting rope--but kids will feel as accomplished as David Copperfield after filling an entire show with masterful performances learned from this deluxe magic kit. Of course, the central item is an illustrious, albeit floppy, black top hat. Inside it is a secret pocket, from which to pull things--including a white rabbit--as if from thin air! A discreet slit in the hat's seam also accommodates a hidden hand, which can make the rabbit (which doubles as a hand puppet) perform between tricks. Most of the tricks require some analytical and fine motor skill, and some items are small and easy to swallow, so this toy is intended for Houdinis that are at least 5 years old. --Diane Beall

Cadaco has something cool up its sleeve. This nifty set furnishes young magicians with a bag of 10 tricks, including the Crystal Box Illusion, the Block through the Wand, and the Stuffed Animal from the Hat. The how-to booklet provides clear and detailed instructions on these deceptions and other tricks with cards, balls, boxes and tubes. Kids will love being in on the secrets behind these illusions, and they probably won't want to share the mysteries with either siblings or friends. Carrying the tricks off seamlessly will take lots of practice, but this set should get kids off to a good start in understanding and performing magic acts. Pieces are made of cardboard or plastic. Some elements needed for the tricks (candy, a stuffed animal) are not included. --Wendy Slotboom

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