The Best Character Wands
Admit it: you've probably fantasized about having the same powers as a wizard from Harry Potter at least once (we won't tell anyone). Even if you haven't, you probably know some kids that would love to put the magic of this iconic franchise right in the palm of their hands. While you might not be able to cast spells with the following wands, they're sure to bring a fun splash of sorcery to any Potterhead's daily routine.
What to Look For
We looked at a few key elements when figuring out what wands would be best for you or your little ones: do they look like the genuine article, are they durable, and are there any bonus features that can add to the fun? You may be surprised at how many choices there are out there for wizarding enthusiasts of all stripes. For fans that just want straightforward replicas of their favorite wands from the movies, the Noble Collection offers some fantastic selections, while the Kano Coding Kit ingeniously blends fanciful magic with a solid education. There’s something here for the young at heart, so practice pronouncing your favorite spells and keep reading.
The Noble Collection Hermione Granger’s Illuminating Wand
Lumos. With a swift movement, you can make the tip of this wand illuminate. Then, when you wave it again, the light goes out. You can adjust the brightness of the light with a button on the side.
This 15-inch beauty is a high-quality replica of Hermione Granger’s wand that’s officially authorized by Warner Brothers. Even with space for two AAA batteries, it still looks like a real wand. How? The clever design allows you to use a small key to unlock the discreet battery compartment so that it isn’t a noticeable part of the wand’s design.
Pros:
- We like how the sturdy plastic build gives it a nice sense of heft.
- The light is dimmable, allowing you to adjust it to your comfort level.
- It comes in a nice box, making it a great commemorative for all the Hermione stans out there.
Cons:
- The key for the battery compartment is small and easy to misplace. Make sure you put it in a secure location so you can change the batteries when needed.
The Noble Collection Harry Potter’s Illuminating Wand
Almost any Harry Potter fan would appreciate this replica wand because it looks like the one Harry uses in the movies. This one arrives in a box with a plastic insert that securely holds the wand in place. The box looks great, so it’s ready to wrap up as a gift.
The tip will light up when you put two AAA batteries into this wand. You will need to use the included key to access the batteries. When you’re ready to turn off the light, you simply wave it again. The light sensor is sensitive, so it’s simple to turn on and off. There’s a button on the side so you can change how bright the light is, too.
Pros:
- It’s surprisingly luminous, which makes it a spellcasting substitute for a flashlight in a pinch.
- The thick wand feels comfortable to hold in your hand.
Cons:
- There’s no on/off switch, so it’s easy to accidentally put this wand back in the box with the light on. Because of this, it may go through batteries quickly.
Arsimus Magic Wand
Wizards and witches and wands, oh my
If you’re looking for a wand but don’t want to shell out the money for an official character wand, this is a great alternative. You can select from over twenty different designs, so you’re sure to find one that looks great with the rest of your costume. Each wand is about 13.5 inches long, so it’s a good length.
The wands come packaged in a box. It looks nice, so you can proudly gift it to any young wizard-to-be. These wands are made from resin with a strong steel core. Because of this, they have a bit of weight, so they’ll feel solid and sturdy in your hand.
Pros:
- This wand makes for a budget-friendly way to add a wand to your dress-up collection.
- Since the wand is not character-based, we think this will help a kid’s imagination to run free and make up their own characters as they play.
- The sleek finish makes it pleasing to the touch.
Cons:
- This wand doesn’t illuminate or perform any other tricks – it’s just a basic resin wand.
The Noble Collection Harry Potter Remote Control Wand
Works like magic
With a little bit of programming, you’ll be able to use this Harry Potter wand to control all of your devices. Once you’ve gotten the hang of it, you can program it to recognize up to nine different gestures. The directions are well-written, too, so it’s not super difficult to use. With just a little time, you can roll the wand in one direction to turn up your volume and roll it the other way to turn it down. You can change the channel by flicking the wand up and down or flick it sideways to turn a device on. There are so many different options.
As long as your device uses an IR (infrared) remote control, you can program this wand to work instead. Set up will take a bit of time, and you’ll need to practice the moves to make sure you can do them smoothly. But, once it’s set up, you’ll be ready to go – at least until the batteries need to be replaced. When you remove the batteries, all of the programming resets, so you’ll have to start over. But by then, you may be ready to switch things up a bit anyway.
Pros:
- We found that it’s compatible with ROKU, making it an easy fit for many households.
- The novelty of changing your channels with a wand is something no other comparable product can offer.
Cons:
- When you take the batteries out, it resets all your programming, so be prepared to reprogram it every time it needs to charge.
Kano Harry Potter Coding Kit
Harness the power of technology
You’ll get a lot of use out of this wand. It comes with everything you need to build a Bluetooth coding wand that you can program to do different things. Believe it or not, it’s not actually magic, but it certainly feels like it is. To help you get started with the coding, there’s an easy-to-follow, step-by-step book. You also get access to the app you’ll need to install on your tablet or computer. Unfortunately, it is not compatible with phones or other devices with a small screen.
With that said, the app is user-friendly, so you can get started coding right away. Seventy challenges walk you through coding basics all the way through more advanced material. It’s recommended for those aged six and up. However, if you buy this for a young child, expect them to need help and supervision.
Pros:
- Building your own wand from the components lets you learn more about how it works before you use it.
- The clever concept brings the magic of education to children in a truly ingenious way.
- We found that the wand is sturdy but not heavy, making it great for kids.
Cons:
- You will need a compatible computer or tablet with Bluetooth to get the most out of this wand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is resin?
Official Harry Potter wands are made from resin, not wood. Both natural and synthetic resins are available. Natural resin is made by plants. They produce it to help protect from insects. It’s a solid, durable material.
What kind of wand should I buy?
If you’re stuck between a couple of different wands, imagine yourself holding each one. Does a particular one speak to you more than the others? Remember that the wand chooses the wizard, so if you have a special feeling for one, that’s probably the winner. If you have a favorite character, you may decide to purchase a replica of their wand. That way, you can complete your ensemble and really play the part.
Can Harry Potter wands be played with?
Harry Potter wands are a lot of fun. But typically, they’re thought of as a collector’s item, not a toy. They are best for adults or for older kids who will treat them with respect. They can be swished and waved but shouldn’t be used as a sword. There are plastic toy wands that you can purchase for younger children, but they won’t have the same look.
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