A Magician's EDC: The Daily Magic Kit
EDC refers to the everyday carry items you consistently keep on hand. Whether it's for your personal or professional use, it's about preparedness to accomplish tasks if needed. For a magician, they make it possible to turn an impromptu moment into a magical one.
You never know when you'll be asked to perform. In my experience, the topic of conversation comes about after friends or family introduce me as a magician. What follows is a brief silence and a few curious stares as if to cue the magic. These moments are a chance to practice and try out material. It can also be a great networking opportunity. And if you're anything like me and love this craft, you won't pass up an opportunity to bring some fun and wonder.
With that being said, let's unpack my pockets. I'll be sure to skip the lint.
The Wallet
Along with essentials like my credit card, ID, bus card, and cash, my wallet can carry a few extra things. If you're familiar with Gaffs and Gimmicks, you can hold special playing cards, bills, or credit card props. My wallet carries all that and more, giving me several possibilities on the fly.
My favorite use is a Card-to-Wallet routine. A spectator freely selects and signs a playing card so it's unique. Once the playing card is returned to the deck, another spectator holds my wallet while the individual who selected the card shuffles the deck. The deck is shuffled thoroughly; they hold onto the deck so I never touch it, and I mime taking their selected card and dropping it into the wallet. When the wallet is opened, a playing card is revealed in the card slot. It is shown to be the selected sign card.
This one always gets an incredible reaction!
House Keys
Having access to my home is a given. last thing I want is to be locked out, but being asked to perform and having nothing on hand is worse. With this particular item, a Ring Flight can be performed.
Imagine borrowing a spectator's ring, making it vanish, then having it reappear attached to your keys. I know, mind-blowing! I'd say it's a trick that can open doors, maybe even bars.
Especially when the magic happens in their hands.
The Ring
Rings are a part of my aesthetic, and there is a vast amount of magic you can do with them. I have a routine with my ring that has multiple phases that build off each other. The kicker? It's all sleight of hand so I can borrow a spectator's ring and perform the same routine with someone else's ring. If someone is wearing one, I'll often ask to use it. The only time I don't use their ring is if it's extremely valuable or holds sentimental meaning.
It's not that I don't trust my ability as a magician. I simply prefer to be respectful. Treating people's possessions with care is part of being professional.
Lip Balm
Aside from preventing chapped lips, a classic-style lip balm, specifically the cap, can also allow you to do some fun, impromptu tricks. If you're familiar with thimble magic, you can see how some of those techniques and sleights can apply to the lip balm cap.
I usually apply some lip balm, excuse myself, and then draw attention to the cap. The routine only lasts a minute or less, but watching the cap disappear and reappear in different ways makes for a wonderful moment.
Also, there is nothing worse than performing for people with cracked lips. Just saying.
Rubber Bands
Of all the things, these are the most convenient to carry. They fit in any pocket, and you can always wear them on your wrist like bracelets. The effects that are capable with these tools are so visually stunning they make you question reality.
Keep in mind that latex allergies do exist. Unless you're using specially made magicians' rubber bands that are latex-free, make sure you take proper precautions. I like to openly ask spectators directly if they are allergic to latex; they're always appreciative.
Safety first!
The Coin
I'm sure we have all seen a coin be plucked from someone's ear, but a lot more can be done with a single coin. In fact, not only are there cool tactile moves you can do that look astonishing in their own right, but I believe coin magic is some of the best magic to perform.
Coin techniques are some of the more advanced magic you can learn, which makes it some of the most visually impactful magic. A coin is shiny and easy to spot. When it vanishes, the moment feels like real magic.
If you are a fidgeter like me and enjoy tactile stimulation, coins are fun to manipulate. And if you need to make a quick decision, you can always flip a coin.
Permanent Marker
Maybe one day I'll be asked for an autograph. Until then, I find myself losing my markers because I use them so often. As I mentioned earlier, I have spectators sign on the cards they select, making the impossible feel more impossible. The signed card becomes a souvenir they can have as a keepsake. Yay gifts!
A marker can also add some fun vanishes and productions that help elevate your repertoire. It is the modern conjuror's wand.
They say the wand chooses the wizard, but I think the magicians will agree that we chose Sharpies as the gold standard.
Sponge Balls
Easy to carry and compact. That's the name of the game! These are so compressible you can carry a large quantity. I personally only carry two at a time; simple works best for me. I have a strong enough routine with them that's easy to clean and reset.
Sponge ball magic is very dear to me because it was some of the first magic I learned. It's visual, astonishing, and always gets a great reaction.
I think people get a kick out of how interactive sponge ball magic can be.
Playing Cards
A magician's best friend and the audience favorite. Playing cards are what I'd consider an essential in the magician's toolkit. The amount of card magic out there is practically endless. One could not learn it all in a lifetime. Cards are extremely versatile, and I have enough repertoire to perform an entire walk-around gig with just one deck. If I had to choose a prop to have at all times, it would be a deck of cards.
There are countless brands and designs, but I tend to gravitate toward the classic Bicycle Rider Back. They're the epitome of iconic and are easily recognizable.
52 is a world of possibilities.
Special Mention
Being a magician is also being an entrepreneur. Networking opportunities will arise unannounced, so carrying business cards is extremely valuable. I always have a few, and I have some tricks that use my business cards ending with my information as a souvenir. It's a memorable way to make an impression.
The Lint
I know I said I'd spare you the lint, but what's a pocket without a little lint at the end?
It's not really about how much I carry; it's about the possibilities these items present. They all become an excuse to connect with people and share moments of fun and wonder. I like knowing I'm prepared when a magical opportunity comes along. You never know when you'll have a chance to make someone's day a little more wonderful.
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