What are some good and cheap magic tricks I can give away to the kids after the show. (preferably something I can buy in the dozens or gross).

the question I have is why magic tricks? I think it would be easier to market yourself with a different item.

give away a signed card.

This is amazing that i was thinking about this subject earlier today, and i was considering giving away a jumbo deck of card to the birthday kid. And possibly for everyone else, end a sponge ball routine by changing 10 or so sponge balls into silly pudy and give those out.

I've only worked with adults and college students before, and am preparing for a kids show in August. This was an idea to end my show with a sponge ball routine, then about 10 sponge balls to 10 jars of silly pudy to give out.

any constructive criticism would be nice. if not, keep it moving.

I am aware that kids show are very different than walk-arounds and parties, however i have a lot of time and am already beginning with routining a show for kids. i've even begun to learn how to make balloon animals.

I'm a broken record--- sorry.....but here goes my best advice:

Insurance! Remember anything you give a child you are responsible for, which means if they choke--- you're sued! Get both liability performance & PRODUCT insurance. Better to be safe than sorry.

To me, that is one of the most valuable pieces of advice! For under $200 a year you are protecting yourself, your home, and your bank account.

besides from insurance which is a great tip. ALL giveaways should be marketing yourself. It does you no good to have people saying that they got the item from some magician. But its another to have them saying that I got this amazing item from Joe Blow the amazing and he is available for birthday parties.

you cann get coins with your name on them, you can produce them, coin pail effect ect... and then give out the coins as produced.

Orientaltrading.com

THE place to get give-away stuff. Much of it can be personalized.

I use them quite a bit. They have a lot of stuff to choose from.
To the BD child I give away a bag with several items 'toys' from there. A BD hat, magician Asst. certificate, magic wand and a color photo.
Oriental trading is a- okay-mon.

word? where is this, i've been searching for all kinds of insurance lately, and everything seems to be through the roof for any performance liabilities.

The best rates seem to be offered to group members. Check out IBM, SAM, places like that. Even clowning associations have insurance available for their members. It's worth joining just for the insurance alone.

thanks DaveV. I'm going to check those out.

First of all i don't think you should be performing card tricks at kids shows anyway. And even if you did, they would get very bored with a signed card.

Make an animal balloon for the birthday child or other people, or do a dove pan for the end, and produce candy for the children.

Can't do balloon animals - not enough time.

But you gave me a great idea - finish of vanishing bandana with candy falling out off the hank (or maybe not).