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The best Pokémon toys of all time are brutal to rate. While I have favorites, so does everyone else. Luckily, I had a large group of playmates that loved Pokémon, so there is a general consensus.
As a kid, my siblings and I owned just about every Pokémon toy that came out. We had the Hey You, Pikachu! Nintendo 64 (and Pokemon XD GameCube,) the Pokémon version of Monopoly, and the gold tiles featuring only the best Pokémon.
However, not every toy is considered worth the buy. For example, the Pokémon bouncy balls with the toys inside were terrific as a kid, but compared to other toys, they were lacking.
Bottom Line Up Front – Best Pokémon Toys
If you want to hit someone right in the nostalgia, then consider the Tomy Pokémon Figures, Think Chip Pokémon Battle Stadium, Pokémon Marbles, or Pokémon Battle Coins. These are often considered the best Pokémon toys of all time.
But if you want something new, the Pokémon Battle Packs, Pokémon Trainer Guess, Pokémon Throw’ N’ Pop, and the Pokémon Center Plushies are all amazing choices. Bonus points if you can find your favorite Pokémon.
Best Pokémon Toys Ever Made
These are the best Pokémon toys ever made – in my opinion. While there aren’t statistics available on what would be considered the “best” toys, I do have enough information to list the fan favorites.
Where to Buy: If you want to purchase any of these, you’ll have to visit eBay, Mercari, or another similar site. While you can get a few of them on Amazon, they are all readily available on eBay.
Tomy Pokémon Figures
If I could delete every other Pokémon from existence and keep just these, I would be happy. I would play with these figures on the Fisher-Price playsets – jungle, castle, ship, and western town – for hours.
There are alternatives to these figures, but the Tomy toys are so well made that if you can find them, there’s no need to search elsewhere. Try to collect them all – it will take a lifetime.
Think Chip Pokémon Battle Stadium
The Pokémon Battle Stadium was one of the most immersive Pokémon toys. It was like playing Pokémon Stadium only in a tangible way. You put two of the Pokémon in the stadium, and they battled – letting you know who won. As a kid, I also had the talking Ash Ketchum that went with the stadium. The Pokémon could fit on his hand – which held a Pokéball – just as they did on the stadium.
Pokémon Marbles
The Pokémon marbles were so fun to collect but even more fun to play with. I played with these just like I would standard marbles – which was a game I enjoyed anyway.
They were a bit smaller than most shooters but larger than the marbles in the circle. When I played, I used my favorite as the shooter. But even if you only collect these – which is better if you plan to resale – they are a good buy.
Clip N’ Go Pokéballs
Any Pokéball is a delight when you’re a kid. But the Clip N’ Go Pokéballs when above and beyond to make the toys immersive. I believe they still make these, so if you’re looking for them, you’re in luck. Walmart is an affordable place to shop for Clip N’ Go Pokémon. However, some of the choices are expensive no matter where you buy them. So pay attention to which figures are the cheapest.
Pokémon Battle Coins
I love board games, and I loved Pokémon Battle Coins. When you’re quite young, figuring out the rules can be tricky. But once you do figure it out, the game is fun for kids and adults of all ages.
Shop around before you buy these because they can be severely overpriced. You can pick up lots of them on eBay or buy them individually if you want a specific party of Pokémon.
Life-Size Pokémon Plush
I have always wanted a Life-Size Pokémon Plush. I would fall in love with any of the Kanto or Johto Pokémon. The Pokémon Center rotates which life-size Pokémon they have available.
My nephew just recently acquired the Slowpoke plush, and it looks amazing. Although these are extremely pricey, if you pre-order, you will get quite a deal because they always rise in price afterward.
Weird Pokémon Toys That I Loved
Sometimes, you’re the odd one out – and that’s okay. These Pokémon toys weren’t loved by everyone. However, they are some of my favorites that aren’t listed above.
Pokédex
The Kanto Pokédex was glitchy and less than perfect all-around. However, I loved the roleplay value it added so much that I hardly cared. Even after the battery died, I played with it. After getting used to the system, it wasn’t all that difficult to control. There’s nothing like pulling “Oddish” out of the ground and holding your Pokédex up to it – no matter how fragmented the description.
Pokémon Master Trainer
Did I mention I love board games? Pokémon Master Trainer is a great Pokémon board game that is well-rounded for an original. My siblings and I even found ways to play with more than six people.
Pokémon Master Trainer reminds me of another game that I was once convinced I made up until I found it online. The game was Pokémon Jr. Adventure Game: Pokémon Emergency! – also a great find.
Pokémon Polly Pockets
As someone who loved Polly Pockets almost as much as she loved Pokémon, this was an awesome hybrid. These tiny Pokémon worlds opened up just like Polly Pockets and came with their own tiny Pokémon.
They could fit in your pocket and had ways to connect them with bridges so that you could create large worlds. These were so fun to take in the car as travel toys.
Pokémon Mini Skateboards
Being a talented finger skateboarder in the ’90s was definitely something to flex about. Each set came with three sets of wheels so athletes could switch them out and customize their boards.
I loved the Tony Hawk Pro Skater series so it was natural for me to fall in love with these boards. Dratini was cooler than any legendary board in my eyes.
Best Pokémon Toys You Can Buy Today
Since most new Pokémon toys that are purchased today are for children, I could recommend Pokémon Amiibo or something similar. But I choose to stick with the best toys that aren’t tied to the virtual world.
Pokémon Battle Packs
The Pokémon Battle Packs are very similar to the Tomy classic figures. They typically come in packs of eight to ten, but you can get two and four packs as well. However, the figures are on the pricey side. If you want a $10 gift for someone and you’re not sure if they’re that into Pokémon, then I’d skip the Battle Pack unless you find one on sale. Places like Walmart or Target sometimes have amazing in-store sales.
Pokémon Trainer Guess: Ash’s Adventures
There’s a Legacy version of Pokémon Trainer Guess and a Kanto version, but I hear that Pokémon Trainer Guess: Ash’s Adventures is the best. I would be the one to collect all three, but if you have to choose one, Ash’s Adventures is a good choice.
Trainer Guess Kanto can supposedly guess any of the Pokémon from the region. The concept of the game is the same no matter which you choose. It’s a twenty questions game for Pokémon.
Pokémon Throw’ N’ Pop
The Pokémon Throw’ N’ Pop toys are my favorite Pokémon toys of today. Each small Pokémon toy comes with a Pokéball that pops open when you throw it. The larger Pokémon – like Charizard – even fold up inside.
The concept is very similar to another game I played when I was younger – Bakugan. Bakugan were round balls that you rolled magnets which opened them up. This is similar only cooler since it features Pokémon.
Pokémon Carry’ N’ Go
This toy was released in 2021, and I hope they release more versions soon. This version features a volcano and includes the Gen I starters Pikachu, Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle. The entire playset folds up into a box tote that you can carry around. It’s like a large Polly Pocket set. There are so many possibilities here. For example, the different biomes could add advantages for different types of Pokémon.
Pokémon Center Plushies
The rotating stock that Pokémon Center has makes every plush feel like a limited edition. I would be ecstatic to receive any one of these plushies. Not only do they have replicas, but special versions too.
Happy Spring Pikachu is adorable, and so are the Pokémon dressed as other Pokémon. Pokémon Center Plushies are the perfect gift for any Pokémon fan because there are so many to choose from, and the quality is excellent.
Pokémon Carry Case Playset
This simple playset comes with multiple Pokémon, and it folds up into a backpack. I love everything about this small playset. It’s the perfect travel companion, and it would interest kids of any age. The Pokémon Carry Case Playset has rave reviews, and I can see why. Make sure you catch it when it isn’t $80 because that happens far too often. You shouldn’t have to pay more than $40 for this.
Pokémon Terrarium
You can buy these on Etsy, but they can be found elsewhere too. The concept is that you have at least one Pokémon in the terrarium surrounded by things with a similar aesthetic.
One of the best parts is that you can find these for $5 or for $500. It all depends on the complexity, the quality of materials, and the size of the container. These are great gifts for older Pokémon fans.
Pokémon Gifts – That Aren’t Toys – for Kids
When it comes to gifts, kids are usually easy to buy for because they like toys. But when you have a kid that doesn’t play with toys, things get complicated. Here are some Pokémon gifts that aren’t toys.
Accessories – or Clothing
Hats are a good place to start, but you can really get any clothing if you know their size. One of my favorite things I ever got when I was a kid was a set of Pokémon pajamas. I wore those PJs day and night.
Video Games
Video games are a great choice if you know what games and systems they have. Ask their parents if they have the newest Pokémon game for a system that they have at home. They are guaranteed to love it.
If they don’t have the system and you really want to wow them, get it for them. Ask for their parents’ permission, or else you may have trouble ahead. Otherwise, go for it and make their day.
Cards
Trading cards are risky unless you know that they play Pokémon TCG. As a former Yu-Gi-Oh! And now, an MTG player, I know that a booster pack is always a welcome gift. Now I want to open packs!
Blankets – or Home Decor
A blanket is the most generic home decor that you can get for someone – especially a kid. A Pokémon throw is a cozy gift that is also affordable. Alternatively, night lights and squishy pillows are great options.
Best Pokemon Toys: FAQs
Question: Which Pokémon Card is the most Valuable?
Answer: The most famously valuable Pokémon card is a first edition Charizard. While most won’t sell for more than a couple hundred dollars, one Shadowless version sold for $420,000.
Question: Are Pokémon Toys a Good Gift?
Answer: Pokémon toys are a good gift for most Pokémon fans. I recommend getting kids something new while getting older fans something from their childhood – nostalgia always wins.
Question: What is the Most Popular Pokémon?
Answer: Choosing a popular Pokémon for someone you don’t know well is a good idea. Charizard, Pikachu, and Mewtwo are good generic Pokémon. So is Eevee and any starter Pokémon.
Best Pokémon Toys: Subjective or Objective
The best of anything is almost always subjective. While one person may fall in love with one toy, someone else may not look twice at it. If you’re getting something for yourself or someone close to you, this won’t be a problem. However, if you’re getting a Pokémon toy as a gift, there are questions you can ask. If you find out the person’s favorite Pokémon, the battle is halfway won. Then you need to find out what they already have.
Pokémon toys are never going to go out of style. They’ve been around since the 1990s, and the value of each toy only rises. So even if you don’t love the toy, know that you are gaining as it sits in your closet.
