Gift Ideas for Pokemon Fans from Kids to Teens

Pokemon has seen a bit of a revival this year with the new mobile app game - Pokemon Go released in the summer and the 20th anniversary celebrations. My kids have been Pokemon fans for quite some time, and happy there are some cool new toys, merchandise and games this year.

Fans are particularly excited about the new 3DS games, Sun and Moon. It will be especially popular among teens, who used to (or still do) watch and play Pokemon. (Well, my teen has added these games to his Christmas wish list!)

There is a ton of Pokemon toys, games, trading cards and merchandise to get for any age Pokemon fan. We've selected some of our favourites below.

• Also See: The Bad Parent's Guide to Pokemon Go

Toys and Games

1. 3DS Pokemon Sun and Moon Games

   
   
   Pokémon Sun - Nintendo 3DS
   ? @ Amazon
   
   The Pokemon 3DS games, Sun and Moon, introduces the player to a new adventure in the Alola Region of tropical islands. Both games have similar gameplay, but have different starter Pokemon and legendaries. Each game features exclusive Pokemon. There's also a new feature known as Z-Moves (see the wearable below), which give Pokemon great power for battle.
   

2. Pokemon Trading Cards

   
   
   Pokemon TCG: Fall Battle Heart Tin Volcanion EX
   
   ? @ Amazon
   
   Kids who love to collect Pokemon cards would really like these Pokemon TCG tins. There are 40 trading cards inside with one special foil card.
   
   Plus you get a useful tin to store all your cards.
   

3. Pokemon Delux Handbook

   
   
   Pokémon Deluxe Essential Handbook: The Need-to-Know Stats and Facts on Over 700 Pokémon
   ? @ Amazon
   
   The Pokemon handbook is essential for any fan. This version is a revised and updated one with facts, figures and evolutions of over 700 Pokemon.
   
   This one is on my 7 year old's wish list!
   

4. Board Game - Pokemon Monopoly

   
   
   MONOPOLY: Pokemon Kanto Edition
   ? @ Amazon
   
   Same traditional monopoly game, but with a Pokemon twist. We actually own this set, and the kids love playing the game. The tokes are small Pokemon and you buy Poke Balls instead of stations and Gyms instead of property. Apart from being a Pokemon theme, the game is played like traditional monopoly.
   

5. Plush Toy - Pikachu

   
   
   Pokemon 20th Anniversary Plush
   ? @ Amazon
   
   The Pikachu is this year's 20th anniversary plush toy. There are lots of other plush Pokemon available too. Both my boys have their favourite Pokemon as plush toys and they are currently elevated to "best teddy" position.
   

6. Connected Toy - Pokemon Z-Ring

   
   
   TOMY Pokémon Z-Ring Set
   ? @ Amazon
   
   The Z-ring is a new connected toy for 2016. It is compatible with the new Sun and Moon games. It can either be used as a connected add-on to the game for a "4D" experience or used as a role play toy. The Z-ring should work with a 3DS and 2DS. The set comes with 3 Z-Crystals, a Pikachu figure and the Z-ring (which can hold up to 6 crystals) Additional Z-Crystals are sold separately. It's recommended for ages 4+ and requires 2 AAA batteries which are included!
   

Pokemon Go Fan Gifts

Although the hype of Pokemon Go is over, there is still a strong fan base who plays the game. It is definitely still popular in my family, although we don't get a chance to play that often at the moment. The gift ideas below would be perfect for a true Pokemon Go fan!

1. Power Bank - Poke Ball

   
   
   Pokémon Lights And Sounds Poké Ball
   
   ? @ Amazon
   
   If you've ever played Pokemon Go, you'll know it eats your mobile battery life. A power bank is an essential gift for a Pokemon Go fan, and why wouldn't you want one shaped like a Poke Ball?
   

2. Wearable - Pokemon Go Plus

   Nintendo Pokemon GO Plus Bluetooth Bracelet
   ? @ Amazon
   The new Pokemon Go Plus wearable connects with your phone via bluetooth and alerts you via LED and vibration of events in the game. In theory you should be able to walk around and the wearable will notify you when there is a Pokemon nearby. See other ideas for wearables for kids.
   

3. Waterproof Carry Case - For Mobile Device

   Waterproof Case, Vansky® Universal Waterproof Dry Bag For iPhone 6, 6 plus, 6s, 5, 5s, 4, Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge S5 S4, Samsung Note 3,2 - Durable Underwater Case with IPX8 Certified to 100 Feet (Black)
   ? @ Amazon
   Pokemon Go fans would appreciate a waterproof phone case with a lanyard to during an outdoor Pokemon hunt. Read: Is it safe for kids to play Pokemon Go?
   

4. Book - Pokemon Go Field Guide

   
   
   Pokemon Go the Unofficial Field Guide: Tips, Tricks and Hacks That Will Help You Catch Them All!
   
   ? @ Amazon
   
   The Pokemon Go Field Guide is an Unofficial guide to Pokemon Go, packed full of tips and tricks to become a Pokemon Go master trainer. The idea is to use it as a reference guide, and read up useful hints to find Pokemon in the real world and help you "Catch 'em All".
   

Pokemon For Makers

We also recommend the Circuit Playground (read our review) for the more techie kids interested in making with electronics. Adafruit built a Pokemon Go badge project using the Circuit Playground. It's still in developer edition, but we're looking forward to more projects and material available for this useful and versatile electronics board in the new year.