Who would have guessed that a show about tiny battling monsters in the 90s would become a world-dominating franchise spawning video games, animated tv series, card games, action figures and live-action movies, to name a few. When they said, “Gotta catch ’em’ all,” they meant it.
Since its conception in 1996 in Japan, the franchise has sold over 43 billion trading cards, 440 million video games and over one billion smartphone app downloads. The TV series is shown in 192 different countries.
But Pokémon is more than just running around after little creatures; there is a whole universe to explore, study and collect. To win battles, you must know who each character is and their strengths and weaknesses. This requires a lot of learning and a good memory which are excellent skills to develop.
With so many different characters, we looked into which Pokémon was the favorite in every corner of the planet. Check out our map of The Most Popular Pokémon Around The World to see if our study matches your top character.
So after 25 years of Charmander & Co., what are the best Pokemon toys in the market right now?
The Top 3 Pokémon Gifts
That top three was hard to choose so make sure you check out the rest of the list for even more awesome Pokémon toys kids will love.
1. Best Overall: Pokémon Assorted Cards, 50 Pieces
It’s amazing to see these still going strong; I remember kids trading Pokémon Cards in school. They’ve been around since 1996! It just goes to show how much fun they are to play, trade, and collect for kids of all ages and if you get a rare one, save it; in July 2021, the Pikachu Illustrator card sold for a reported $5.275 million!
| Recommended age: 7 years and above |
This Pokémon pack contains 50 cards for kids to take to their trading circles; each pack contains common and uncommon characters from the Pokémon series. This is the best way for kids to collect many characters to get right into the action.
What We Love:
❤️ You get a variety of regular and energy cards
❤️ Great value for money
What We Don’t Love:
💔 There’s no guarantee you won’t receive duplicates
| 💡 TIP: You’ll wanna keep all your cards safe, and the best way is with a Carrying Case Binder for Pokemon Cards |
2. Best Plush Toy: 8-Inch Pikachu Plush
No doubt, this cute little yellow creature is the main star of the Pokémon series. Pikachu has its own movie and video game and is printed on almost every piece of merchandise imaginable, a true icon of the ages. So it made sense I included this 8-Inch Pikachu Plush in the list.
| Recommended age: 24 months and above |
The adorable plush makes an ideal gift for kids of any age. It’s soft, cuddly and has ears that are perfect for chewing on (if you’re the dog). Take Pikachu wherever you go, whether traveling across the country, going to a sleepover, or simply relaxing on the sofa watching your favorite show…Pokémon, of course.
What We Love:
❤️ It makes for a great sleeping partner
❤️ The eyes, mouth and cheeks are embroidered for an extra sensory feel
What We Don’t Love:
💔 It doesn’t like going through the wash
| 💡 TIP: If Pikachu is too “mainstream” for you, try this adorable Squirtle Plush. |
3. Best for Skilled Trainers: Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield Evolving Skies Elite Trainer Box
Pokémon is about catching these mysterious creatures and training them to win battles against others. If you want to win, you have to be the best. There’s no better way to do this than playing with this Elite trainer box on offer from the official Pokémon store.
| Recommended age: 6 years and above |
Containing 80 cards, including Rayquaza VMAX, Duraludon VMAX, Dragonite V, and Noivern V, the Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield Evolving Skies Elite Trainer Box will take your collection to a new level. Train hard by rolling the six specialty damage counter dice and one competition legal coin flip die to learn, advance and outsmart your opponents.
What We Love:
❤️ Has a detailed players guide
❤️ Contains everything you need for hours of fun
What We Don’t Love:
💔 You can’t choose which cards you receive
| 💡 TIP: There are other training boxes to be found like the Pokemon TCG: SAS11 Lost Origin Elite Trainer Box. Be sure also to check out what we think are the best 16 year old gifts boys. |
4. Best Building Set: MEGA Pokémon Building Box Building Set
Building toys a hugely beneficial in a child’s development. Not only do they promote gross motor skills but they also advance creativity and, of course, they’re really fun to play with. This MEGA Pokémon Building Box Building Set provides all those essential development skills combined with our favorite franchise.
| Recommended age: 6 years and above |
With 450 multi-colored bricks, this set will keep kids occupied constructing different objects for their pokémon to live, play and train in. There are three ideas in the box and more in the Mega Construx Beyonders app available on Apple or Android smartphones to get them started on their building adventures.
What We Love:
❤️ It comes with two popular characters, Pikachu and Eevee
❤️ The bricks are compatible with all other Mega Construx building sets
What We Don’t Love:
💔 I wish it came with a storage box
| 💡 TIP: Add extra characters to your set housed in cool Poke Balls with this Mega Construx Poke Ball Pack. |
5. Best Board Game: MONOPOLY: Pokemon Kanto Edition
Oh Monopoly, how I love thee. This game has been entertaining families for over 87 years, with new additions being released all the time. Choose your character and make your way around the board by rolling the dice and landing on different squares. Spend your money wisely to become victorious over your loved ones.
| Recommended age: 8 years and above |
Obviously, MONOPOLY: Pokemon Kanto Edition is no ordinary board. Each square contains different Pokémon to catch, Poke Balls to throw and human characters to interact with. There is still the jail to avoid and free parking, so you don’t need to worry about different rules.
What We Love:
❤️ Choose from six characters to play as; Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Eevee and Jigglypuff
❤️ Instead of houses and hotels, you build Poké Marts and Pokémon Centers
What We Don’t Love:
💔 It’s expensive for a board game
| 💡 TIP: If you’re looking for something a little more ‘current’ you should try the Pokemon Battle Academy 2 Board Game. |
6. Best Figure: Pokemon Electronic & Interactive My Partner Eevee
The game changed when the toys started interacting with you (we all remember the Furby, right?) Having a toy that you can hold in the palm of your hand that moves and makes sounds is one thing, but having a toy with an in-built microphone and touch sensor that reacts to you is another.
| Recommended age: 4 years and above |
This adorable palm-sized Electronic & Interactive My Partner Eevee brings a new dimension to Pokémon toys with over 50 different reactions to discover. Their head swivels round to look at you, their ears and tail wag to show their excitement and they make multiple sounds; you feel like you’re bonding with your new Pokémon friend.
What We Love:
❤️ Makes 20 different sounds to enjoy
❤️ The touch sensor reacts quickly
What We Don’t Love:
💔 There’s no volume control
| 💡 TIP: There are other interactive characters to collect including Pikachu and Charmander. |
7. Itazura Pokemon-Go-inspired Electronic Coin Piggy Bank
Saving money is hard, even for adults who don’t blow their money on candy and comics (well…some of us do) but teaching kids how to save their money is a lesson worth teaching. A time-tested way has a piggy bank to store those precious coins until you’ve saved enough, but piggy banks aren’t fun unless…
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
Put some excitement into saving with this cute Pokemon-Go inspired Electronic Coin Piggy Bank. Kids will marvel as they place a coin onto the yellow pad as Pikachu pops up out of the box and uses their paw to swipe it away. This will make them want to keep putting money in time and again.
What We Love:
❤️ Pikachu makes pika pika sounds when taking money
❤️ Kids learn a valuable lesson about saving
What We Don’t Love:
💔 You can’t insert coins larger than a quarter
| 💡 TIP: If they’re a little older, this Pikachu and Poké Ball Ceramic Coin Bank is a little more mature. |
8. Best For Young Artists: How to Draw Pokémon Deluxe Edition
What if you could make your own comic books containing your favorite characters but with your stories guiding them through adventures? Being artistic and creative is not only fun, but it is also great practice to develop as early as possible. Sometimes you need a jump start.
| Recommended age: 6 years and above |
That’s where How to Draw Pokémon Deluxe Edition comes in, showing kids exactly how to construct their favorite characters on paper. Each page gives a step-by-step guide on how to draw over 65 different Pokémon from the first pen stroke to the last. Once they’ve learned the techniques, they can start creating their own Pokémon masterpieces.
What We Love:
❤️ The instructions are easy to follow
❤️ Drawing difficulty ranges with their skill
What We Don’t Love:
💔 Doesn’t come with a space to draw
| 💡 TIP: Make sure they have all the supplies they need to draw with this MARKART Professional Drawing Sketching Pencil Set. |
9. Poké Ball Plush
In the world of Pokémon, you gotta catch’em all, and you can’t do that without a Poké Ball. this spherical device allows trainers to collect pokémon from the wild by throwing the poké ball at them, which opens up and traps them inside. It sounds crazy, but that’s the show.
| Recommended age: 3 years and above |
As you can imagine, it could get pretty wild if kids are throwing plastic balls around the house to capture imaginary creatures, that’s where this Poké Ball Plush comes in. Not only will this soft cuddly ball stop anyone from getting knocked out, but it also makes for a great sleeping companion.
What We Love:
❤️ It has a weighted bottom, so it always lands right side up
❤️ It’s a great size for kid hands
What We Don’t Love:
💔 The weighted bottom kinda ruins the cuddly aesthetic
| 💡 TIP: You’re gonna need a Pokémon to catch right? Personally, I’d go for Charmander. |
10. Best Nintendo Switch Game: Pokémon Legends: Arceus – Nintendo Switch
When it comes to Pokémon video games, Nintendo Switch is king and with the new Oled screen and enhanced audio, graphics are even crisper making games that much more immersive. Pokémon Legends: Arceus is an adventure for all ages, making it my choice for this list.
| Recommended age: Rated E for Everyone |
In this action meets RPG adventure, you can’t just run around throwing Poké balls at every Pokémon in sight; you have to study them first and find the best time to pounce. This expansive world is packed with puzzles, tasks and battles to win as you discover whole new Pokémon to train.
What We Love:
❤️ There is so much land to explore
❤️ There are new free updates to expand the game
What We Don’t Love:
💔 You can spend a lot of time wandering around trying to find the action
| 💡 TIP: There are loads more Switch games in the Pokémon series, for example, the #1 seller Pokémon Violet. |
11. Best for Gamers: Hori Nintendo Switch Split Pad Pro
There are many ways to show the world how much you love Pokémon (as you’ve probably noticed from our list), so what better way to compliment your Nintendo Switch than by pimping it out with the official Hori Nintendo Switch Split Pad Pro.
| Recommended age: 4 years and above |
With a wider grip and extra buttons, your experience playing Pokémon Legends: Arceus is amplified. Each pad is removable to play multi-player games, and Pokémon games can be played to the max with its added trigger buttons.
What We Love:
❤️ It has graphics from the Arceus game
❤️ The triggers can be assigned to different game functionality
What We Don’t Love:
💔 Quite expensive for a Joy-Con controller
| 💡 TIP: There are different graphics to choose from like Pikachu & Charizard and Pikachu & Eevee. |
12. MEGA Pokémon Charizard Building Set
What is one step better than playing with a toy? Being able to build it first. Building toys are integral in developing essential motor skills and driving creativity in kids, especially when the toy their building has moving parts. That’s why the MEGA Pokémon Charizard Building Set is so popular.
| Recommended age: 8 years and above |
With 222 bricks to work with, you can build your favorite character Charizard as they’re meant to look or go rogue and make them the way you want. Standing over 4-inches tall, Charizard has many opposable limbs, including its wings, and they breathe fire!
What We Love:
❤️ Doesn’t take too long to construct
❤️ Develops problem-solving skills
What We Don’t Love:
💔 Pieces may come off in mid-play
| 💡 TIP: If you prefer Pikachu over Charizard, try the MEGA Jumbo Pikachu Toy Building Set. |
13. Pokemon Battle Figure 8-Pack
When you start to count how many Pokémon are out there…1, 2, 3, 4, I give up; there are thousands! Too many to buy at once, but you can make a great start with this Pokemon Battle Figure 8-Pack containing some of the most popular characters in the franchise.
| Recommended age: 4 years and above |
These eight mini figures of different sizes are ideal for taking along with you to battle with your friends. Each multi-pack contains a highly detailed Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Charmander, Meowth, Jigglypuff, Loudred and Psyduck.
What We Love:
❤️ Some of the figures have opposable limbs
❤️ They’re lightweight and perfect for travel
What We Don’t Love:
💔 The smaller figures are static
| 💡 TIP: If they already have these characters there are more Battle Packs available. |
14. Pokémon Mono Eeveeloutions Eevee T-shirt
So, you have all the figures, you’ve played all the games, you’ve basically caught them all, how else can you show your love for Pokémon? How about wearing it? Show everyone you meet that you’re an expert trainer and you mean business with this Pokémon Mono Eeveeloutions Eevee T-shirt.
| Recommended age: Sizes X-Small – 3X-Large |
What We Love:
❤️ Comes in various sizes to fit everyone
❤️ Made from high-quality materials
What We Don’t Love:
💔 You can’t try it on before buying
| 💡 TIP: It also comes in a long sleeve if you live in a cooler climate. |
15. Pokemon Trainer Guess
Being a Pokémon trainer is a serious business; it takes all your knowledge and concentration to become the best. What better way to bone up on your trivia than with an electronic guessing game. With Pokémon Trainer Guess trainers can put their knowledge to the test.
| Recommended age: 6 years and above |
This electronic game challenges you to guess the right Pokémon as you strive to complete all 40 missions to win the status of being the ultimate trainer. You can answer the questions out loud as the Poké ball actually listens and understands you with its voice recognition technology.
What We Love:
❤️ It comes with a trainer field guide to help you along
❤️ There are 151 Pokémons to collect
What We Don’t Love:
💔 The volume is quite loud
16. Pokemon Kids Bluetooth Headphones
There are loads of headphones out there you can put over your ears and listen to your favorite tunes, thousands, but non quite as unique as these Poképhones (I made that word up). The Pokemon Kids Bluetooth Headphones let kids dance down the street, letting everyone know they’re a Pokémon fan.
| Recommended age: 5 years and above |
These super durable headphones can connect to any device with Bluetooth technology, like smartphones, tablets and computers, or if your device isn’t compatible, use the line-in cable provided. The ear cushions and adjustable sides provide comfort, and you can fold them away when you’re done. Plus, they sound fantastic.
What We Love:
❤️ Comes with built-in rechargeable batteries and charging cord
❤️ The Pikachu ears on top are so cute
What We Don’t Love:
💔 The charge could last longer
| 💡 TIP: If you think the Pikachu ears are a little too much, try these headphones as an alternative. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Pokémon Toys
🙋 What IS Pokémon?
If you’re unaware of Pokémon, where have you been all these years? Invented in 90’s Japan, this expansive world of creatures has had kids enchanted with cartoons, movies, video games and a multi-million dollar trading card franchise.
The Pokémon universe is filled with lovable creatures who each possess special skills and powers. As a trainer, you must first capture Pokémon, then train them to battle each other. It may sound a little violent, but it is far from it.
Pokémon has secretly been teaching our kids key developmental skills. To be victorious, kids need strategic thinking and reading and math skills as they build a database of which creature does what to win battles. All while having fun with their family and friends interacting with adorable characters who are still loved to this day decades later.
🙋 What age groups love Pokémon?
The simple answer is all ages can love Pokémon. Pokémon are bright, colorful animals that make fun noises at early ages. They may not understand these animals battling each other; who cares, they’re super cute.
As kids age and start to understand the concept, they will interact with each character differently, forming bonds with their favorite Pokémon. With the amount of merchandise out there, you can pretty much cover any interest by purchasing something with a Pokémon printed on it.
As we can see from the number of adults who still love the franchise, those bonds can last a lifetime. Some of these toys are now collector’s items, and Pokémon trading cards are big business, some of which are worth thousands, even millions of dollars.
🙋 What is the most popular Pokémon in the world?
Pikachu is, obviously! How do we know? We celebrated Pokémon’s 25th anniversary by analyzing Google search data to identify the most uniquely popular Pokémon in each country.
Unsurprisingly, Pikachu came top as the most popular worldwide, but local favorites also cropped up from different countries.The large dragon-like Charizard was the most popular Pokémon in Europe and North America, aswell as the second most popularor worldwide. Third place was the rock-made Onix.
Check out our poster below for the full list of the most searched for Pokémon:
So… What Pokémon Toy Should I Get?
When it comes to Pokémon, there are thousands of toys out there. With 905 different characters to collect it was hard to whittle down this list to only 16.
When choosing the right Pokémon toy for kids, you will have to do some research first. Who is their favorite character? What type of toys do they like? What are their interests? If they love Pokémon trading cards, they’ll appreciate this pack of 50 Pokémon Assorted Cards.
If they’re artistic, get them How to Draw Pokémon Deluxe Edition and some pencils. If they spend their time playing video games, you can’t go wrong with Pokémon Legends: Arceus for the Nintendo Switch. We also produced a range of Pokémon coloring pages worth checking out.
I’ve tried to include toys and games for as many different interests and ages as possible and made sure to cater to various budgets. But if you’ve seen something you’d love to see on our list, leave me a comment so I can add it for others to see.
