This engaging game’s 3-D design and magical concept appeal to kids, and it’s more challenging than it looks. The theme: A magician’s young apprentices are learning to concoct potions and must carefully toss ingredients (wooden balls) into the cauldron; players must guide the apprentices to the pot using “magic wands” and tip the balls into the pot.
The catch: the bottoms of the apprentice pieces are magnetized, and metal balls randomly hidden beneath the game board create stumbling points to trip up the apprentices.
Players deal with the challenge of tipping the apprentice’s balls into the pot without sending the balls flying (which kids find hilarious); Magician’s Kitchen is great for practicing dexterity and eye-hand coordination.
Components: 4 magic cauldrons, 1 fireplace, 4 wooden magicians, 4 wands, 16 wooden potion balls, 1 fireball, 1 game board with 12 built-in magnetic balls. Dimensions: 2.75 x 11.625 x 11.625 inches.
For ages 5 and older. No reading necessary.
Awards: Nominee for German Children’s Game of the Year.
WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—this toy contains small balls. This toy contains small magnets. Swallowed magnets can cause complications leading to serious infections and death. Seek immediate medical attention if magnets are swallowed or inhaled. Keep away from children younger than 3.
Magician’s Kitchen, Playroom Entertainment item PLE89400; UPC 803004894008.
The video below is in German, but it provides a great demonstration of the game!