My kid wants to get into Pokemon cards. Help.

"Pokémon was the No. 1 toy property globally last year, generating $2.5 billion in the US, up 87% from 2024, according to a report from market research firm Circana. As of the end of last year, collectible card games were the most-purchased secondhand product category for American Gen Zers on eBay, the e-commerce company said."

"Most children's hobbies don't involve products that can cost as much as a Rolex, so the pressure is on for parents to figure out how to navigate this complex marketplace. If a parent were a collector themselves, that can help. But plenty of parents come in blank, with no idea of the difference between a Charizard and a Charmander."

"You probably think to yourself, what is my child getting into right now and how do I have them approach it in a healthy, responsible way. You can get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information."

Pokémon trading cards have experienced explosive growth, becoming the top toy property globally with $2.5 billion in US revenue, up 87% from the previous year. Collectible card games rank as the most-purchased secondhand product category for Gen Z on eBay. Parents unfamiliar with the hobby face challenges navigating a complex marketplace with products ranging dramatically in price, from individual cards costing $1 to premium items potentially exceeding luxury watch prices. Understanding budget constraints, product types like Elite Trader Boxes and Booster Bundles, and distinguishing between Pokémon characters represents essential knowledge for parents supporting their children's interest in this expensive hobby.

Read at Business Insider