It’s that time again to hang some Poké Balls on your Trevenant or Exeggutor and get festive, but it’s not Christmas without spending some Pokédollars on some good old Pokémon merch, right? I’m a massive Pokémon trainer (both in circumference and fandom), and I know a thing or two about the video games, TCG, plushies, and Funko.
So I thought this is the best time of year for a Pokémon Gift Guide, with the back end of 2025 focusing on the return of Mega Evolution. First introduced in the Pokémon X and Y video games and TCG, it’s the most favored Pokémon gimmick, and it’s back for the mainline games’ return to Kalos in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. So let’s get into it, because there’s a gift here for every budget and Pokéfan:
Best Pokémon TCG Gifts
The Pokémon Trading Card Game has seen the end of the Scarlet and Violet era this year, ending with the Black Bolt and White Flare expansions. We’re now a base set and expansion into the Mega Evolution era, with the most recent set being the Mega Charizard X-fronted Phantasmal Flames. Speaking of:
Mega Charizard X ex Ultra-Premium Collection
At market value on Amazon
Mega Charizard X ex Ultra-Premium Collection
0
It’s been a pain in the Mudbray trying to get hold of the Mega Charizard X ex Ultra Premium Collection, but it looks like stock is freeing up just in time for the Christmas rush. Plus, Amazon is currently selling it near MSRP and at market value when compared to TCGplayer. It contains the following booster packs alongside Mega Charizard X-themed card sleeves, deck box, damage counter dice, playmat, and a metal coin:
- 4 x Phantasmal Flames
- 4 x Mega Evolution
- 4 x Destined Rivals
- 4 x Journey Together
- 2 x Surging Sparks
The main pull of this UPC is the Mega Charizard X ex Mega Attack Rare and Oricorio ex SIR promo cards, which, frankly, are the best couple of promo cards we’ve had in a big box collection for a while.
The Best Pokémon Chase Cards You Can Pull in Packs Right Now
If you follow my Crashers and Climbers weekly column, you’ll know by now that Pokémon TCG is starting to find a new floor with individual card values thanks to better stock levels nationwide. That means it’s going to save trainers even more money buying single chase cards over ripping hundreds of booster packs.
The carousel above contains the top 5 Pokémon TCG chase cards from each expansion from the current Mega Evolution and previous Scarlet and Violet eras. Any of these cards would make a great gift this Christmas; it just depends on your budget!
More Pokémon TCG
Prefer to gift sealed products? No problem, I’ve gone through the regularly stocked products by big box retailers like Amazon and price-checked them against TCGplayer to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your Pokébucks. TCGplayer is an online marketplace where vendors sell single cards and sealed products for multiple different trading card games, including Pokémon TCG.
It’s owned by eBay, and sellers have their own review ratings on there, so you can check over a seller before you buy. It’s also a great price-tracking tool for Pokémon trainers and collectors in the US, so you can see what the value of any particular card or sealed product was up to 12 months ago. It’s always worth a check to make sure you’re getting the best deal before you buy from pretty much anywhere.
Pokémon Video Games
I’d be shocked if you haven’t at least tried a mainline Pokémon game, seeing as they’ve been around since 1999, but there’s a first time for everything. I’ve focused on Nintendo Switch 1 and 2 Pokémon games here, and there’s currently some great discounts going. I’ve even managed to work out the cheapest way to get the Switch 2 version of Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
Cheapest Pokémon Legends: Z-A Deal
Obviously, this is while stocks last, but if you pick up the Nintendo Switch 1 version of Pokémon Legends: Z-A for $44.99 on Woot, then upgrade it to the Switch 2 version for $9.99 via the Amazon digital code service, you’re saving $15 over buying the usual Switch 2 copy of Legends: Z-A. If you’re going to dive into the Mega Dimension DLC too, you’re paying a total of $84.97 vs. the full-fat price of $98.99.
More Pokémon Video Games
Legends: Z-A isn’t the only Pokémon game getting a nice discount right now, either. One of the top games for Nintendo Switch is Pokémon Legends: Arceus, a pseudo-prequel to Z-A that showcases similar mechanics and carries on the trend of turning the traditional gameplay of Pokémon games on its head.
If you’re rocking a Switch 2 this Christmas, I’d highly recommend getting Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. They’re the latest traditional Pokémon games that get a much-needed and free upgrade for Nintendo Switch 2. That means it now runs at a full 60 frames per second in handheld and docked mode, with 4K resolution when playing through the TV. There’s more Pokémon hanging around in the wild now, too, and some other quality-of-life improvements that fix most of the issues it had at launch.
Pokémon Gifts: Funko Pop!
Now, I won’t collect Funko Pops, as I’d end up not feeding my kids, and you have to do that every now and again, apparently. But they’re awesome nonetheless; I just have zero self-control with collectibles. There’s some bargains to be had right now, such as 2 for $24 on select Pokémon Funkos on Amazon, to some cheeky discounts on others.
Funko Pop Moments Deluxe: Pokémon Starters
Funko Pop Moments Deluxe: Pokemon – Starters – Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle
0
Some bigger Funko sets are just worth every penny, such as one of the most nostalgic moments for ’90s kids. This represents a simpler time for me, and an iconic one for many that’s been copied in some way, shape, or form in every Pokémon game since. Choosing your first-ever starter Pokémon is a big deal, and looking at this display piece just makes me smile. I picked Bulbasaur, and I will die on that hill.
More Pokémon Funko Pops
From giant Funko Pops to double packs and single Pops, there’s something here for every Funko and Pokémon fan. Just be careful: if you’re buying someone their first Funko and you’re financially responsible for them, you’re on a slippery but extremely fun hobby.
Pokémon Squishmallows
Squishmallows are the softest and most cuddly Pokémon plushies you can get, and they come in various shapes and sizes. They’re super high quality and hardwearing, too, so they’re perfect for little trainers as well.
20-Inch Sprigatito Pokémon Squishmallow
Squishmallows Original 20in Sprigatito Pokémon Plush
0
Sprigatito is one of the Paldean starters from the Scarlet and Violet games I mentioned above, and it’s an awesome Grass-type. This is a 20-inch one that’s normally $69.99, but it’s down to $37.99 for the holidays and a great deal.
More Pokémon Squishmallows
If you’re not into the Squishmallow versions of Pokémon, you can get the cuddly 10-inch full-body Pokémon, too, that are also currently on offer. There’s Pikachu and Piplup available right now, but I can guarantee any Pokémon fan is going to love a Squishmallow to cuddle, even if they’re too cool or grown up for one (I have five).
For more gift ideas, you may also enjoy our holiday shopping lists below:
Christian Wait is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything collectable and deals. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the Gaming and Tech industry with bylines at Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian also makes hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian is also the author of “Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior”. Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.
