It's that time again to hang some Poké Balls on your Trevenant or Exeggutor and get festive, but it's not Christmas without spending some Pokédollars on some good old Pokémon merch, right? I'm a massive Pokémon trainer (both in circumference and fandom), and I know a thing or two about the video games, TCG, plushies, and Funko.
So I thought this is the best time of year for a Pokémon Gift Guide, with the back end of 2025 focusing on the return of Mega Evolution. First introduced in the Pokémon X and Y video games and TCG, it's the most favored Pokémon gimmick, and it's back for the mainline games’ return to Kalos in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. So let's get into it, because there's a gift here for every budget and Pokéfan:
The Pokémon Trading Card Game has seen the end of the Scarlet and Violet era this year, ending with the Black Bolt and White Flare expansions. We're now a base set and expansion into the Mega Evolution era, with the most recent set being the Mega Charizard X-fronted Phantasmal Flames. Speaking of:
I'd be shocked if you haven't at least tried a mainline Pokémon game, seeing as they've been around since 1999, but there's a first time for everything. I've focused on Nintendo Switch 1 and 2 Pokémon games here, and there's currently some great discounts going. I've even managed to work out the cheapest way to get the Switch 2 version of Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
Cheapest Pokémon Legends: Z-A Deal
Obviously, this is while stocks last, but if you pick up the Nintendo Switch 1 version of Pokémon Legends: Z-A for $44.99 on Woot, then upgrade it to the Switch 2 version for $9.99 via the Amazon digital code service, you're saving $15 over buying the usual Switch 2 copy of Legends: Z-A. If you're going to dive into the Mega Dimension DLC too, you're paying a total of $84.97 vs. the full-fat price of $98.99.
More Pokémon Video Games
Legends: Z-A isn't the only Pokémon game getting a nice discount right now, either. One of the top games for Nintendo Switch is Pokémon Legends: Arceus, a pseudo-prequel to Z-A that showcases similar mechanics and carries on the trend of turning the traditional gameplay of Pokémon games on its head.
If you're rocking a Switch 2 this Christmas, I'd highly recommend getting Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. They're the latest traditional Pokémon games that get a much-needed and free upgrade for Nintendo Switch 2. That means it now runs at a full 60 frames per second in handheld and docked mode, with 4K resolution when playing through the TV. There's more Pokémon hanging around in the wild now, too, and some other quality-of-life improvements that fix most of the issues it had at launch.
Now, I won't collect Funko Pops, as I'd end up not feeding my kids, and you have to do that every now and again, apparently. But they're awesome nonetheless; I just have zero self-control with collectibles. There's some bargains to be had right now, such as 2 for $24 on select Pokémon Funkos on Amazon, to some cheeky discounts on others.
Funko Pop Moments Deluxe: Pokémon Starters
Squishmallows are the softest and most cuddly Pokémon plushies you can get, and they come in various shapes and sizes. They're super high quality and hardwearing, too, so they're perfect for little trainers as well.
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