A survey of hundreds of magicians reveals the top 15 everyday carry (EDC) magic props they never leave home without. From decks of cards and wallets to phones loaded with magic apps, billets, pens, coins, thumb tips, and more, these items reflect how magicians integrate magic into daily life. The true EDC is not just props but the awareness to create magic anytime, anywhere.
Magic is not just a performance art confined to stages or special occasions. For many magicians, it is a daily companion, a part of their everyday life. Recently, a question was posed to hundreds of working magicians: "What's the one magic prop you never leave home without?" The responses were overwhelming and insightful, revealing not just a list of tricks but a glimpse into how magicians live with magic every day.
This article compiles and analyzes the responses from hundreds of magicians who shared their essential everyday carry (EDC) magic props. Unlike typical EDC videos or lists that reflect one person's preferences, this compilation represents a broad consensus from the magic community. Surprisingly, despite hundreds of answers, only 15 items consistently rose to the top.
Unsurprisingly, the most common item magicians never leave home without is a deck of cards. Whether it’s a standard Bicycle or Tally Ho deck, a marked deck, a stack deck, a stripper deck, or even a memorized deck, cards are fundamental. For many, carrying a deck is not just about performing tricks but also about comfort and muscle memory. It’s something to fidget with, a familiar companion that feels wrong to leave behind.
The wallet came in second place, but not just any wallet — magicians often carry specialized magic wallets such as the Orphic, Stealth Assassin, FPS, Quiver, or Nexus. These wallets often contain magic tools like B'Wave cards, Palm Reader cards, or Powerball 60, allowing magicians to have entire routines quietly tucked alongside everyday essentials like credit cards and receipts.
Phones have become a powerhouse tool for magicians. Many carry apps like Inject, DFB, Enigma, Akron, and Cypher Pro, turning their phones into versatile magic devices. The phone is always charged and ready, becoming the new everyday carry for many performers.
Billets — small slips of paper, business cards, or index cards — are a staple. Magicians emphasize how paper and pen slow down the moment, making magic feel more intimate and less like a trick. Having paper and a pen on hand can create magical moments anytime.
Sharpies, in particular, are popular. While some magicians carry gimmicked Sharpies, most rely on a reliable pen that writes well. The simplicity of paper and pen remains one of the most dependable magic tools.
Coins, including half dollars, Morgans, shells, hopping halves, and Scotch and Soda coins, are classic magic props. Although coins ranked lower than expected, they remain essential for creating impossible moments with ordinary objects.
The thumb tip is a versatile and timeless tool loved by beginners and veterans alike. It can be used with silks, bills, writers, and even fire, making it a quiet but powerful presence in magicians’ pockets.
Invisible thread, loops, and ties are favored for their ability to animate objects like cards, keys, or dollar bills, creating the illusion of floating or movement with seemingly nothing.
B'Wave, a packet trick involving four cards in a wallet, was the most popular packet trick mentioned. Many magicians consider it a safety net — a reliable routine they carry for years and return to repeatedly.
Minimalist mentalism is represented by pocket-sized ESP decks, such as Eclipse decks with just ten cards. These allow magicians to perform impactful mentalism without carrying bulky props.
Simple, cheap, and often overlooked, rubber bands are a classic prop. Tricks like Crazy Man’s Handcuffs continue to earn their place in magicians’ pockets decades later.
Beyond the standard deck category, many magicians carry specialty decks such as marked decks, stripper decks, or stack decks. These prepared decks are intentional and personal tools for specific routines.
Ring magic is more popular than expected. Some magicians wear PK rings as wedding bands, carry ring and string props, or have ring flight devices on their keychains. These props are literally worn and never taken off.
Wallet-sized Palm Reader cards received surprising love. Often paired with billets and peeks, these cards are always ready for impromptu magic.
Perhaps the most profound insight from the survey is that the real everyday carry is not a physical prop but awareness. Being ready and knowing how to turn everyday objects and moments into magic is what truly defines a magician’s EDC. It’s about carrying something so well that magic can happen anytime someone asks, "Show me something."
This comprehensive look at the everyday carry items of working magicians reveals a blend of traditional props and modern tools. From decks of cards and wallets to smartphones loaded with magic apps, billets, pens, coins, and invisible thread, magicians equip themselves to create magic anytime, anywhere.
More importantly, the essence of a magician’s EDC lies in their awareness and readiness to transform ordinary moments into magical experiences. It’s not about owning every prop but mastering a few so well that magic is always at hand.
Do you have a favorite packet trick or magic prop that you carry everywhere? Is there a routine that stands alongside B'Wave in your wallet? Share your thoughts and experiences with the magic community.
Remember, when purchasing magic props, seek multiple opinions and reviews to find what best fits your style and character. Magic is a personal journey, and your everyday carry should reflect who you are as a performer.
Until next time, keep the magic alive in your pockets and your heart.
