
Buying Guide for Pokémon-Themed Gifts

Why buy Pokémon-themed gifts?
Since its first release as a video game in 1996, Pokémon has evolved from a simple Gameboy game cartridge to a dominant media franchise. From valuable trading card collectibles and merchandise to popular television shows and movies and spin-off video games, Pokémon has undoubtedly grown into a worldwide sensation, amassing millions of fans and becoming an integral part of contemporary pop culture.
Kids and adults love the game and love the adorable characters or “Pokémon” which make awesome action figures, stuffed animals, board games, and decor. And for a Pokémon fan, amassing any and all Pokémon gear is just plain fun.
What should you consider in Pokémon-themed gifts?
- Age: Age may be a strong consideration when determining the type of Pokémon gift to buy. On the one hand, young children may not enjoy the complexities of a card game but may enjoy tangible gifts like action figures or stuffed plushies. On the other hand, older individuals may enjoy gaming as opposed to figurines.
- Experience: If your gift recipient is unfamiliar with Pokémon, you may want to choose a gift to help introduce them to it. However, if they are familiar, it may be wise to choose Pokémon gifts that feature a wider range of Pokémon or ones that offer them a new experience.
- Budget: While many Pokémon-themed gifts like cards or figurines can be easy on the wallet, other gifts like rare collectibles and video games are more expensive. Figure out how much you’re willing to spend before you settle on the perfect gift for the Pokémon fan in your life.
How do you become a Pokémon trainer?
Pokémon’s main premise is about a player who takes the role of a Pokémon trainer. In a world of several fictional monsters called Pokémon, all with unique characteristics and attributes, trainers will capture Pokémon and ready them for battle against other trainers with Pokémon of their own. These Pokémon will aid the player in becoming an elite Pokémon trainer, either by “catching them all” or by becoming the strongest battler.
In recent years, Pokémon Go has been an extremely popular game because it forges a sense of community and inspires players to become master trainers by working together. In this game, trainers must get up and go outside in order to catch them all, trade with friends, and even give one another helpful gifts. It’s fully integrated into smart devices, so you can literally go and be the best trainer possible in the real world.
Our Picks for the Best Pokémon-Themed Gifts
Lightning Card Collection Ultimate Rare Card Bundle
Featuring rare and ultra-rare Pokémon cards, this is a perfect card collection for avid players and collectors.
Pros: Each pack of Pokémon cards contains 100 cards plus five foil cards, five rare cards, five holographic rare cards, and two ultra rare cards. They come in a Lightning Card Collection box that’s compatible with the size and shape of Pokémon cards. These cards are guaranteed to be 100% authentic and in perfect condition. Furthermore, you will receive two random V cards, a GX card, and other types of ultra-rare cards with 170 HP or more so that your Pokémon trainer will be tournament ready.
Cons: Some buyers found duplicate cards in their packages.
Bottom Line: Do you have a novice Pokémon lover who needs a whole lot of new cards? This may be a great gift for them. They can be tournament ready with the high HP rare and ultra-rare cards in this set.
Nintendo Pokémon Shield - Nintendo Switch
This game explores a world filled with new Pokémon, incredible scenery, and fresh gameplay features in battles.
Pros: The eighth-generation core series title, Pokémon Sword and Shield explores the Galar region, a new world with 89 new Pokémon along with hundreds of pre-existing ones as well. The Galar region hosts a number of various settings, from countrysides, cities, forests, and mountains. Your goal in Sword and Shield is to become the region’s champion, much like traditional gameplay seen in previous titles. However, the game also offers various never-before-seen gameplay features, such as Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing your Pokémon in battle and the Wild Area—an open-world environment home to a variety of Pokémon and open to cooperative online raid battles. This popular Nintendo Switch game works on both Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite.
Cons: This game only works in one-player mode, and there are no options to add additional players.
Bottom Line: Perfect for video game enthusiasts, this Nintendo Switch Pokémon game delivers world-class graphics and gameplay. It’s a great selection for people who are new to Pokémon, and it’s fun to play.
Pokémon Official & Premium Quality 8-Inch Pikachu Plush
This 8-inch plush Pikachu is a great companion for Pokémon-loving kids.
Pros: This is a loveable plushie toy of the face of the Pokémon franchise: Pikachu. This 8-inch model of your favorite yellow friend is incredibly soft to the touch and is a great stuffed toy to cuddle with. It’s officially licensed, so it’s a great gift for collectors as well as kids ages 2 and up. Despite the fact that he’s an electric-type Pokémon, you can easily wash Pikachu in your washing machine at home, so he stays clean, soft, and cuddly. Rest assured, this Pikachu won’t electrocute you. And if your Pokémon fan already has a Pikachu stuffie, you can also buy Grookey, Skorbunny, or Sobble.
Cons: Though the size is as described, some people feel this is a bit on the small side, especially if you’re looking for something to cuddle.
Bottom Line: Pika Pika! This cute Pikachu stuffed animal is great for little kids who love Pokémon. It also makes an adorable collector’s item for adults.
POKEMON Battle Figure 2 Pack
Get ready to team up and become the ultimate Pokémon trainer with this battle-figure two-pack.
Pros: Each pack features two beloved Pokémon characters, and you can choose from Pikachu and Cinderace, Blastoise and Charmander, Charizard and Squirtle, Greninja and Torchic, or Jigglypuff and Sobble. These officially licensed action figures are great for kids ages 4 and up, or they look wonderful on a collector’s shelf. The 2-inch and 4.5-inch figures strike dynamic poses so you can replicate all the characters’ best fighting moves. And some characters, like the Charizard and Blastoise, even have moving projectiles that mimic Pokémon battle action.
Cons: Over time, some of the parts may become loose or defective.
Bottom Line: These adorable action figures are highly detailed to look just like your favorite Pokémon characters. There are many choices, so you can collect them all.
Buffalo Games - Pokémon - Fan Favorites 300 Large Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
With larger, easy-to-handle pieces, this is a challenging yet attainable puzzle for kids and adults alike.
Pros: This beautifully designed puzzle has 300 pieces that are over 30% larger than standard puzzle pieces, so children and people with dexterity issues will have little trouble putting them together. It comes with a bonus poster that can help players solve the puzzle, and it also makes an excellent wall hanging for Pokémon fans. This puzzle is made in the U.S. from 100% recycled, sustainable materials. And it’s challenging since it’s recommended for ages 14 and up, but younger kids can enjoy it as well.
Cons: Although this is a well-made puzzle, some folks’ orders arrived without all the pieces. Should this happen, it can be resolved by contacting the seller.
Bottom Line: With beautifully detailed pictures of classic Pokémon characters, this puzzle makes a great gift for the avid Pokémon fan. This high-quality puzzle is made from sturdy paperboard, and the box is durable and giftable.
Accutime Kids Pokémon Digital LCD Quartz Watch
With several styles available, you'll be sure to find the perfect watch for your favorite Pokémon fan.
Pros: What time is it? Time to catch ’em all! These cute digital watches come in many adorable Pokémon-themed styles, so the Pokémon lover in your life can tell time easily. Each watch has an easy-to-read digital face, and the battery is included. These watches come in cute, giftable packaging that’s easy for little hands to open. And the buckle is comfortable and adjustable, so it can fit just about any wrist on kids or even adults.
Cons: These watches are not water-resistant.
Bottom Line: These watches make great gifts for kiddos who are just learning to tell time, and they also make great gifts for adults who love Pokémon, too. The wristband is fully adjustable and also removable if you want to replace it with something stretchy or more stylish. Just make sure to take it off before washing your hands or going to the pool.
Final Thoughts
Pokémon continues to grow in popularity, currently introducing new games, cartoons, movies, and adventures. For collectors and Pokémon-obsessed kids, the above items make fantastic gifts for any occasion.