Unique and Rare Pokémon Collectibles in Our Collections

The world of Pokémon collectibles is vast, ranging from trading cards to a plethora of merchandise. In honor of Pokémon's 30th anniversary, members of the team shared some of the most unique and treasured pieces in their collections. Miranda Sanchez, the Executive Editor for Guides, fondly remembers her old workspace in the San Francisco office, affectionately dubbed "Pikachu Mountain." Her collection primarily features Pikachu plush toys and figures, but she also has a soft spot for various Pokémon-themed stationery. Among her favorites are some Pokémon washi tape and Pikachu Pilot fountain pens. Although her collecting has slowed due to increased shipping costs and limited space, she still indulges in particularly interesting Pokémon items, especially from the official Pokémon Center US website, which has been expanding its specialty plush offerings. Her collection includes several quirky pieces that may not be rare but hold significant sentimental value. Mike Mamon, a Syndication & Digital Specialist, has become quite selective with his collecting due to space constraints. The Blue Version of the game catalyzed his Pokémon journey, and Blastoise remains a cherished character from the franchise's early days. Technical Producer Amir Rakib recalls how his childhood obsession with the TV series and the Yellow Version for Game Boy Color fueled his collecting of cards and figurines. He reminisces about the excitement of hunting for Mew and having Pikachu by his side. Unfortunately, many childhood collectibles were lost during moves, but a recent discovery of old boxes by his mother rekindled his passion for collecting. With a desk filled with figurines and miniatures, he primarily focuses on acquiring Pikachu and Mew cards, alongside some elusive treasures like the Pikachu in the Grey Felt Hat. Kevin Cappiello, a Senior Producer in Branded Content, has a desk adorned with nostalgic 90s action figures, obscure trading cards, and retro video game memorabilia, reflecting his deep-rooted love for the Pokémon universe. Mark Medina, Video Manager for Guides, shares that his love for collecting Pokémon cards began at a young age when he started a paper route. With his earnings, he and a friend would rush to buy packs of cards, particularly favoring the purple ones during the late 90s. Although the current trend revolves around rare pulls and unboxing for social media, his original binder containing the first 151 Pokémon cards remains a cherished artifact from his childhood. Nick Maillet, a Producer, has been a Pokémon enthusiast since the franchise's inception. He focuses on collecting unique and obscure items from the early days of Pokémon, showcasing his love for the nostalgia associated with the series. Max Scoville, a Senior Writer, reflects on his intense fascination with Pokémon during Generation 1, which has since mellowed into a more casual enjoyment. However, since becoming a parent five years ago, Pokémon collectibles have made a resurgence in his household. Bo Moore, a Senior Manager in Tech, was heavily involved in the Pokémon Trading Card Game in 1999. He participated in weekly local events and larger tournaments, managing to rank among the top players in his state. His childhood collection included a nearly complete Base Set, and he fondly remembers asking for a First Edition Charizard for Christmas, a card he acquired for around $100. Over the years, its value has greatly appreciated, especially during the pandemic. Jacob Kienlen, a Senior Audience Development Strategist, reminisces about his early days of collecting Pokémon cards and watching the anime. Although he has given away many of his childhood items, he treasures a new LEGO Eevee set that serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to start collecting something meaningful. Alan Knight, Supervising Producer, fondly recalls starting his Pokémon journey with the Game Boy Advance, which solidified Rayquaza as his all-time favorite legendary Pokémon. Marhyan Franzen, a Supervising Technical Producer, cherishes a unique promotional card from a 1999 Burger King promotion, gifted to him in fourth grade. The card is a nostalgic reminder of his childhood love for the franchise. Samuel Claiborn, Senior Manager of Content, specializes in seeking out unique, non-consumer goods and one-of-a-kind collectibles, often prioritizing sealed vintage games and rare press kits. Casey DeFreitas, Deputy Editor for Guides, has been an avid Pokémon collector since the merchandise first launched. Despite her parents insisting she give away many of her Burger King Pokémon toys, she still possesses a significant collection, including cards dating back to the original set. Frequent visits to Pokémon Centers in Japan and acquisitions from the Pokémon World Championships have enriched her collection further. As Pokémon celebrates its anniversary, there's a wealth of nostalgia and excitement among collectors. Whether you have a prized card or a unique piece of merchandise, sharing your own Pokémon treasures can add to the celebration.