Become a Master of Illusions with Penn & Teller’s Magic Lab VR

For more than 40 years, Penn & Teller have captivated audiences as masters of illusion. But behind the illusion and the “magic” lies talent that most people will never consider, and it ties back to skills that kids can learn and master.

Penn & Teller’s Magic Lab VR is the latest innovation from Abacus Brands, a pioneer in virtual and augmented reality (VR & AR) kits that make learning engaging and fun. With this 75-piece magic set, kids can learn 28 different tricks while unlocking the talent hidden within themselves and building self-esteem, confidence, and public speaking skills. 

Using the included 50-page book and the companion app (available on the Apple App Store and Google Play), kids can step onto the stage at The Penn & Teller Theater in Las Vegas for a private lesson taught in VR. Kids simply place their compatible smart device into the included VR goggles to start their journey into the world of illusion.

Penn & Teller walk kids through each trick using step-by-step instructions. The set comes with a magic wand, a trick deck of playing cards, a special coin, cups, dice, rope, a false thumb and more — all tools of the trade for pulling off a little misdirection and slight of hand!

According to Abacus Brands, more than 80% of business leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs had a magic kit growing up, and I could see that! I recall having the Fisher-Price Magic Show as a kid and performing tricks for family members during the holidays, and while I didn’t realize it at the time, that experience helped me learn to work a crowd and become confident in my own voice. Recently, I caught a spark of that with one of my own daughters who, while normally on the shy side, became interested in Penn & Teller’s Magic Lab VR.

If you’re looking for a unique gift idea that pairs old-school physical play with the thoughtful use of tech for an experience that’s both fun and educational, this kit just might, well, do the trick!