Pokémon continues to experience a surge in popularity it has not seen since the late 90s and early 2000s, which means that items from the franchise make the perfect presents for many kids and adults alike.

For shoppers looking to buy those presents for friends, family, other loved ones or even themselves, we’ve created another in our series of Gift Guides focusing solely on Pokémon.

Below are some of the best products we’ve used recently and where to buy them. For the online links none of them are affiliated and Hypertext earns nothing if you decide to make a purchase – we’ve simply provided these links for your benefit.

Trading Card Game Battle Academy 2 | R500

The Battle Academy is an ingenious idea, taking the Trading Card Game format and adapting it into a board game of sorts. Inside of the Battle Academy there are three complete TCG decks which can be used to teach newcomers how to play and how to battle with more advanced mechanics after that.

Also included are all the other accessories you need to enjoy the game including deck boxes to home the decks afterwards, and a decently-sized box to pack everything away.

At the time of writing the Battle Academy seems to be sold out online (aside from Bid or Buy), but still available in stores. Call up your local toy or hobby store to see if they have any available.

Buy here: Bid or Buy.

Mega Construx Charizard | R500

For many years Mega Bloks was seen as a cheap alternative to LEGO, but recently it has rebranded to Mega Construx, increased the quality of its products and picked up some key licences like Tesla, Halo and Pokémon.

We’ve chosen to highlight this Charizard set as the big lizard remains one of the most popular Pokémon ever even after 25 years of the franchise. The price is also good here and should fit into a lot of budgets.

Those looking for other options can find Mega Construx Pokémon sets at R210, R410, and R1 100.

Another fantastic option is a huge buildable Poké Ball with lighting for R659.

Buy here: Loot.

Pokémon Adventures Collector’s Edition, Vol. 1 | R347

Many are surprised when they learn that there’s an ongoing manga called Pokémon Adventures that is still popular in Japan.

Those of us not in Japan can now catch up on this story with the first volume of the Collector’s Edition which combines the original three issues of the manga. And yes, these are full English translations.

Having read this ourselves we can report that this is a real treat in just how different and action packed Adventures is when compared to every other Pokémon story out there.

Buy here: Takealot.

Pokémon Build-A-Bear | R400

While there are countless Pokémon plushies around, Build-A-Bear offers them too with the ability to make and customize your own.

At the time of writing only Teddiursa, pictured above, is available online. Calling stores we have been told that Pikachu and Eevee are also available in person. Said stores can be found around Gauteng, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

Just keep in mind that the R400 price is for the base plushie with accessories increasing this amount.

Buy here: Build-A-Bear South Africa.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet | R1 199

Scarlet and Violet are the latest in the mainline games, these being the core pillars of the Pokémon videogames. Because of this Scarlet and Violet are arguably the biggest items on the Pokémon wishlist this year.

Due to the popularity of these games, just make sure your intended recipient hasn’t already bought their own copy, or will be receiving one from someone else.

Those buying for others should stick to physical copies, instead of download codes. Physical copies of Pokémon games are highly sought after, and the codes cost the same so there’s no savings to be had. We’ve linked below to the South African Nintendo Store, a physical location located in Sandton City that also ships to the entire country.

For more on Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, read our review.

Buy here: The Nintendo Store.

A visit to a local Pokémon event | Free!

South Africans may be unaware that Pokémon Leagues operate in many parts of the country. A Pokémon League is a structured gathering focused on the card game where participants can learn, play, trade and even participate in tournaments.

The higher level tournaments even offer special points and those who earn the most of these points can attend the World Championships held every year.

To find Pokémon TCG Leagues near you, use the official Event Locator tool available here. Simply provide the tool with your postal code or city to find hobby stores which are hosting events.

Outside of hobby stores also pay attention to the Unplug Yourself initiative started by Solarpop, the official distributor of the Pokémon TCG and many other board and card games. Unplug Yourself will routinely host their own events at toy stores, book stores and many other locations. These events include dedicated days where anyone can come in to be taught how to play the game, or to simply trade cards.

The Unplug Yourself events, like the Pokémon League, are also completely free to attend.

Events of all kinds may slow down during the peak holiday season, so if you miss them make sure to join in as the new year begins.