It’s been a huge year for trading card game lovers with fresh expansions of Magic: The Gathering, Lorcana and of course, Pokemon keeping our TCG friends clamouring for more cards. Knowing where the value is and for who across each of these TCGs can be a little tricky. Maybe you’re after something for an eager new player, or an expensive cardboard veteran – selecting that perfect gift in the trading card space isn’t quite as hard as you may think.
We’ve compiled a list of our top gifting picks across Magic: The Gathering, Lorcana, and Pokemon – with suggestions for new, established and even a standout pick if you’re after something really special!
It’s also worth noting that your local game store is usually the best place to source sealed TCG because the prices are typically cheaper.
Magic: The Gathering:
With a multi-set Marvel Collab on the horizon, this past year has been a great one for MTG players. There’s been an iconic Assassin’s Creed and Fallout set, among some truly iconic original themes such as Bloomburrow, Outlaws of Thunder Junction and Duskmourn. The latest set, MTG Foundations is a core set with newer and returning players in mind though it also has some incredible staples to keep veteran players happy!
For Established MTG Players:
If you know that special someone already has loads of MTG cards and is a current player then this could be a tricky decision indeed. MTG is a unique game in that so many people come to it for different reasons from loving the social element, to the characters, or maybe even the artwork. My advice here is to follow what you know about the player and if it comes down to it, ask them what sets they liked!
A Magic: The Gathering Bundle is a solid hit for booster packs, including 9 Play Boosters. If you want to ensure they pull something shiny, Collector Boosters can hold some great pulls. If in doubt, a few boosters, a 100-card deck box and sleeves might make a nice gift for that certain someone with an MTG obsession.
For New MTG Players:
Magic: The Gathering can be a pretty tough game to get into unless you’ve got another player showing you the ropes. Thankfully, Foundations is an incredible set for players who have either lapsed at playing or want to learn and teach others! My favourite feature of this set was definitely the reminder text on cards, explaining the vocabulary for terms.
A Magic: The Gathering Beginner Box is excellent value for newer players to MTG. It literally walks two players through their first game, allowing them to play the game with the guide rails on for a few turns. This is a great way for players to learn the ropes, thanks in no small part to the supporting material in the box such as playmats and deck guides. When players gain more confidence they can also begin experimenting with the jumpstart decks. Not only is this great for new players, but it’s also replayable!
The Standout:
If getting that special someone a bundle doesn’t quite feel right, A Magic: The Gathering Starter Collection is a pretty solid hit for current players, including those newer to the game. Featuring over 350 cards, the set allows players to begin building decks with the help of plenty of deck staples and even a guide.
Lorcana:
This year saw Disney’s Lorcana hit Australia in a big way! We’re now six sets deep into Lorcana with an entire roster of familiar characters appearing in the game. While it might be surprising that it’s taken this long for Disney TCG to gain a foothold, it’s seen a fairly diverse player base with fans hungry for their favourite characters and maybe even some rare “enchanted” cards. Seeing the community develop around Lorcana is quite exciting, given how much Disney IP they have to work with!
For Established Lorcana Players:
If you know that special someone is already deep into Lorcana your best bet is more cards. With Azurite Sea the latest set to launch, it’s a great place to start. The Lorcana The Illumineers Trove features 8 booster packs, a lore counter, dice and even comes in a handy storage box. There’s also a bunch of licensed Lorcana merch available separately such as sleeves, playmats and even deck boxes galore from across the expansions.
For New Lorcana Players:
Maybe you know a Disney lover who this would be perfect for? The Lorcana Gateway is a special on-ramp for players not yet familiar with the game. The Gateway allows players to learn the game in stages, progressively adding new mechanics to the play experience. I got to sit down with this one at PAX Aus 2024 and it does a great job teaching players the wider game mechanics. This is ideal for younger and older players alike thanks to the mix of familiar characters from across Disney!
The Standout:
If you are after a gift that’s a bit more curated, the Lorcana Stich Gift Set does feature a special Stitch promo card. The set also comes with a Stitch-themed 9-pocket portfolio and 4 boosters. I love how this gift set incorporates boosters with some other special goodies.
Pokemon:
Gotta catch ’em all! The Pokemon Trading Card Game has been a staple among fans of the series for years. With the release of the mobile app Pokemon TCG Pocket, it’s feeling like the Pokemon fever has definitely returned!
For Established Players:
If you know that special someone already has loads of cards or is a Pokemon Booster fiend then more boosters are a safe bet! A Pokemon Booster Bundle contains six boosters while a Pokemon Elite Trainer Box contains nine. The latter also comes with a full-art promo, card sleeves, energy cards, a player guide, a coin and a storage box. These products are typically available for each expansion.
For New Players:
Maybe you know a younger Pokemon fan who hasn’t quite learned how to play or you’re looking to learn how to play with someone else! The Pokemon Battle Academy lets players learn to play with step-by-step guides. Players can walkthrough gameplay till they’re comfortable in this guided play style. The set features three decks and a bunch of other goodies perfect for players eager to learn the TCG.
The Standout:
Boosters might feel a little risky, but Pokemon TCG is known for their focus on special collections and items. Giving someone a set that not only features several boosters but also promo cards, figures, pins or even other accessories is a sweet idea if you’re after something more meaningful. These vary a lot, but any store that sells Pokemon TCG will likely have some options for varying budgets. It’s a nice way to make sure they get something cool!
Still unsure what to get that TCG-obsessed friend?
The good news is there are plenty of helpful accessories if you’re finding the TCG selection overwhelming. From playmats, card sleeves, deck boxes and other TCG must-haves, it’s worth considering what a trading card fan might need. If you’re unsure at all, remember to stop by a local game store and ask them for help!
