Juggling

Best Juggling Supplies in the UK: Where to Buy Balls, Clubs and Starter Kits

Why the right juggling gear makes a huge difference

If you've ever tried juggling with a pair of apples or some rock-hard tennis balls, you know equipment matters. The right set of juggling balls, clubs, or rings can feel like a magic carpet — steady, predictable and forgiving — while the wrong gear turns practice into a crash course in frustration. Picking the right tools makes learning faster, performance smoother and practice more fun. In this guide I’ll walk you through where to buy juggling supplies in the UK, what to look for, and how to choose items that suit beginners through to seasoned performers.

Overview: types of juggling gear to shop for

Before we dive into stores, let’s map the landscape. Most jugglers buy from four broad categories: juggling balls (beanbags and stage balls), clubs, rings, and speciality props (poi, devil sticks, cigar boxes). You'll also want to consider accessories like practice mats, carry cases, and replacement parts. A good beginner set usually includes three balls or three clubs sized to match your hands — for balls that often means around 2.5 inches to 3.0 inches in diameter, and clubs commonly run 22 to 24 inches long.

Where to buy juggling supplies in the UK: trusted options

The UK offers a mix of specialist sellers, high-street retailers and online marketplaces for juggling gear. If you want novelty items and easy click-and-collect, stores like Menkind are handy. For curated kits and unique props, niche gift shops such as Good Tuesday sometimes stock creative juggling or circus-style toys. If you prefer choice and fast delivery, marketplaces like Amazon UK, eBay UK, and Etsy host a wide range of sellers including independent UK-based makers. Below we’ll break down the strengths of each type of retailer so you can decide where to shop.

Menkind — novelty meets practical juggling tools

Menkind is a well-known UK gift retailer that carries quirky and fun items alongside sensible juggling starter kits. If you like the idea of juggling with bright, novelty props that double as conversation starters, Menkind often has themed sets and amusing takes on juggling balls — for example, novelty-shaped juggling items designed as gag gifts. The advantage is convenience: you can often find sets suitable for beginners at a reasonable price and in-store for same-day pickup. Just be mindful that novelty gear may prioritize looks over long-term durability, so if you're serious about progression you might eventually upgrade to performance-grade balls or clubs.

Good Tuesday — creative gift shop finds and colourful kits

Good Tuesday is a smaller creative and stationery brand that sometimes branches into playful, colourful kits. While they’re primarily known for lifestyle and planner products, they occasionally carry colourful beginner kits and juggling-themed party items. These are perfect if you’re buying for children, a quirky gift, or a casual hobbyist who wants something bright and fun rather than a professional stage set. Think of Good Tuesday as a place to pick up clever, Instagram-ready props for practicing in the living room or at a picnic, rather than heavy-duty performance equipment.

Amazon UK — vast selection and fast delivery

When you want a huge range and quick shipping, Amazon UK is hard to beat. You’ll find everything from foam beginner sets to professional leather stage balls, juggling clubs with reinforced handles, and practice rings. Look at product reviews and seller ratings; many UK-based juggling shops list on Amazon and you can often filter by seller location so your items arrive sooner. Amazon also tends to have bundled starter kits that include three balls, a carry bag, and sometimes a training guide — great for beginners who want an all-in-one option.

eBay UK and Etsy — unique finds and handmade gear

If you’re after handmade quality or discontinued models, eBay UK and Etsy are treasure troves. Many small UK makers sell custom leather balls, hand-painted clubs, or unique practice sets. Etsy is particularly good for bespoke items like personalised balls or custom-weight clubs, while eBay can be useful for chasing down second-hand performance gear at a bargain. Shopping here requires a bit more patience — check seller feedback and ask about sizes and weights so your props match your needs.

High-street shops: Argos, John Lewis and toy departments

Big retail stores like Argos and John Lewis sometimes stock basic juggling sets, especially in the toys or outdoor play sections. These are excellent for kids and absolute beginners because they’re inexpensive and widely available. You won’t always find specialist sizes or pro-grade clubs, but for learning the cascade pattern or basic three-ball tricks, a simple foam or beanbag set from one of these stores will do the trick. Think of them as gateway gear: cheap, cheerful and designed to get you hooked.

Specialist and independent UK suppliers

There are also independent UK suppliers that focus on circus arts and juggling. These shops often offer expertly weighted clubs, stage-grade leather balls, fire performance gear, and the kind of accessories you won’t find on the high street. If you want gear designed to last through years of practice or tools for performance, leaning on specialist sellers is the smarter investment. Look for shops with clear sizing charts that list ball diameter in inches and club length in inches so you can pick items that fit your hands and height.

Choosing the right juggling balls

So many people ask: which juggling balls should I buy? For adults starting out, beanbags around 2.5 inches to 3.0 inches in diameter work well — they’re easy to catch and don’t roll away when dropped. If you prefer a heavier feel, look for balls that weigh around 3 to 5 ounces each; stage balls (smooth, 3-inch to 3.5-inch) are heavier and roll more, but they look great in performance. For kids, choose slightly smaller balls around 2.25 inches and lighter weights under 3 ounces. Remember, beanbags are forgiving and ideal for learning because they won’t bounce or roll far when you drop them.

Picking juggling clubs: size, weight and balance

Juggling clubs are a different beast. Clubs come in lengths from about 22 inches to 26 inches. Shorter clubs are easier to control and better for smaller hands or fast tricks; longer clubs provide more visual presence and are popular on stage. Club weight is usually given in ounces — a common beginner club weighs roughly 12 to 16 ounces. Balance matters too: a well-balanced club rotates smoothly and lands handle-first, making catches more reliable. If you plan to perform or progress to complex patterns, invest in clubs with reinforced handles and replaceable knobs.

Rings, poi and speciality props

Rings are light and flashy — usually around 13 inches in diameter — and great for visually striking tricks. They’re less forgiving than balls but add variety to your practice. Poi, devil sticks and cigar boxes each demand specific learning curves. If you’re drawn to fire performance, only buy certified fire tools and consult local safety guidelines before trying anything combustion-based. Many specialist UK sellers offer fire-safe training versions so you can learn technique before ever striking a flame.

How to compare prices and find the best deals

Prices vary widely: a cheap beginner foam ball set might cost under £10, while pro leather stage balls can run into the tens of pounds each. To get the best deal, compare across marketplaces and independent shops. Don’t just chase the lowest price — factor in shipping, durability and whether spare parts are available. For instance, if a club’s knob is replaceable, that’s a big long-term saving. Use bundled kits if you want an all-in-one start, but if you care about feel and control, buy one high-quality ball or club to test before committing to a full set.

Tips for testing gear in-store and online

If you can try gear in person, test how a ball sits in your hand: can you comfortably cup it with your fingers? Try a toss and catch — does a club rotate predictably? In-store trials are rare, but at least handle the product to check materials. Online, read detailed reviews and ask sellers about exact measurements in inches and weights in ounces. Sellers who provide clear specs and photos from multiple angles make better buying experiences. Ask whether there’s a warranty or replacement parts — those details often indicate a reputable seller.

Accessories that accelerate progress

Don’t overlook practice aids. A soft practice mat or carpet square helps protect props and reduces bounce. A drawstring carry bag keeps your set together and is handy for lessons in the park. If you’re serious about improvement, consider a metronome app (to work on cadence), finger tape for grips, and a small notepad to track progression: how long you can keep three balls in the air, new tricks learned, and practice durations measured in minutes. Little bits of organization make big differences over time.

Beginner routines and drills

Practice in short bursts — 10 to 15 minutes several times a day often beats a single long session. Start with one ball tosses to master the arc and height (aim for about head height above your eyes, roughly 2 to 3 feet depending on the trick), then progress to two-ball exchanges before attempting a three-ball cascade. Work on consistent release points and quiet hands. Try drills like the "box" pattern or reverse cascade as soon as you’re comfortable; these keep training fresh and teach control rather than just repetition.

Buying for kids: safety and size considerations

Kids need lighter, softer balls and shorter clubs. Foam or plush beanbags under 3 ounces are safe and cushion falls. For very young children, choose larger, softer items around 2.5 inches to 3 inches so tiny hands can grip them easily. Also look for brightly coloured sets so the learning process is visually engaging — many stores like Menkind and Good Tuesday stock playful, kid-friendly designs that make practice feel like playtime.

Where to learn and community resources

Beyond buying gear, connect with juggling groups and clubs. Many towns have circus or juggling meetups where members share equipment, tips and feedback. Local community centres, university clubs, and performing arts schools often run beginner sessions. Online forums and social media groups are also great places to get localized advice — members can point you to trusted UK suppliers and sometimes sell lightly used gear at discounted prices.

Final buying checklist

Before you click buy, run through this quick checklist: are the ball diameters listed in inches? Is the club length stated in inches and weight in ounces? Does the seller provide clear photos and return options? Are replacement parts available? Do reviews mention durability? If you can answer yes to most of these, you’re ready to order or walk into a shop with confidence.

Whether you’re picking up a novelty juggling set from Menkind, a colourful starter kit from Good Tuesday, or investing in pro gear from specialist sellers or marketplaces like Amazon UK and Etsy, the UK has plenty of options to get you juggling. Start small, choose gear that fits your hands measured in inches and ounces, and most importantly, have fun — juggling is as much about patience and play as it is about precision.

Now grab a set, head to a quiet patch of grass or your living room, and give it a go. You’ll be surprised how quickly a few minutes a day adds up to real progress.

Conclusion: With the right selection of stores and a clear idea of sizes and weights, picking juggling gear in the UK is straightforward. From novelty kits to performance-grade props, there’s an option for every budget and ambition. Shop smart, practice consistently, and enjoy the ride.