It happens every November. Parents and collectors scramble. They’re all hunting for that one specific Pokemon Christmas advent calendar that won't leave someone crying on December 10th because the "gift" inside was a flimsy piece of cardboard or a sticker they’ve seen a thousand times. Pokemon is basically the biggest media franchise on the planet, so naturally, the market is flooded. Some of these calendars are genuine treasures. Others? Honestly, they’re just expensive boxes of air and disappointment.
If you’ve spent any time in the r/pokemon or r/PokemonTCG subreddits, you know the drama. One year, fans are praising the inclusion of exclusive "holiday-stamped" cards. The next, they’re dragging a manufacturer for re-using the same plastic Pikachu sculpt for the third year in a row. It’s a minefield. You aren't just buying a countdown; you’re buying twenty-four tiny hits of dopamine. If the pull rate or the "toy-to-trash" ratio is off, the whole holiday vibe takes a hit.
The reality is that "Pokemon" isn't one thing. It's a card game, a video game, a multi-decade anime, and a toy empire. Depending on what kind of fan you are—or who you're buying for—the "best" calendar changes completely. A hardcore competitive TCG player will hate a calendar full of plastic figurines. A seven-year-old who just wants to play with a plastic Lucario will find a booster pack of cards confusing or boring.
The Great Divide: Figurines vs. Trading Cards
Most people don't realize there are two main types of official calendars. First, you have the Pokemon TCG: Holiday Calendar. This is the one released by The Pokemon Company International (TPCi). It’s designed specifically for people who play or collect the cards. Usually, it comes with a mix of booster packs, "fun packs" (which are smaller, 3-card packs), and special promotional cards with a festive snowflake stamp.
Then, you have the toy-based calendars. These are typically licensed to companies like Jazwares. These are the ones you see in Target or on Amazon with the little 2-inch plastic battle figures. They usually include a mix of standard Pokemon and "holiday-themed" versions—think Pikachu in a Santa hat or an Eevee wearing a scarf.
Which one should you get? Honestly, it depends on the shelf space. Those little plastic figures accumulate fast. If you already have a bin full of them, adding 24 more might feel like a chore. But for a kid who builds dioramas or plays out battles on the living room rug, the Jazwares version is king. The TCG calendar is better for older kids or adults who want something that holds its value—or at least doesn't take up much physical space in a drawer.
What's Actually Inside the 2025 and 2026 Iterations?
Let’s look at the specifics because the contents change every single year. For the TCG side, the 2024/2025 cycle focused heavily on the Scarlet & Violet era. We saw a lot of Paldean favorites like Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly. The "big" hits are usually the 8 foil promo cards. These aren't just random cards; they have that specific silver or gold snowflake stamp in the corner of the artwork. To a collector, that stamp makes them unique. Even if the card itself isn't "meta-relevant" in a competitive deck, it's a piece of history.
The toy calendars have been getting more creative lately. Instead of just 24 figures, which used to be the norm, they’ve started adding "buildable" scenery. You might get a cardboard Christmas tree one day or a plastic sled the next. Some people hate this. They feel cheated. "I paid for a Pokemon, not a plastic fence!" is a common sentiment on retail reviews.
👉 See also: Stuck on the NYT Connections Hints June 8 Puzzle? Here is How to Solve It
However, Jazwares has improved the paint quality. A few years ago, you’d get a Squirtle with eyes painted slightly too far to the left. It looked haunted. Now, the 2-inch line is much more consistent. If you’re looking at the Pokemon Christmas advent calendar from the toy line, check the box art carefully. Usually, the back of the box shows every single item included. If you want to keep the surprise, don't look—but if you’re a parent trying to avoid a tantrum over a "day of cardboard," do your homework.
The Problem with Third-Party Knockoffs
This is where things get dicey. If you search for a Pokemon advent calendar on major marketplaces, you will see dozens of results that look official but aren't. They use "generic" Pokemon-style art. Sometimes the name "Pokemon" isn't even in the title, or it’s spelled weirdly.
These are almost always a bad idea.
Why?
- The figures are often made of cheaper, potentially toxic plastics.
- The cards in third-party "bundle" calendars are frequently fake or "proxy" cards.
- The art is usually stolen from independent artists on DeviantArt or Pixiv.
If you’re buying a TCG calendar, make sure it has the "Official Nintendo/Pokemon Company" seal. If you’re buying toys, look for the Jazwares logo. If the price looks too good to be true—like $15 for a giant box—it’s probably a scam or a box of low-quality bootlegs.
Why Collectors Are Obsessed With the TCG Calendar
The TCG Holiday Calendar is a weird beast. In the world of high-stakes card collecting, advent calendars are often overlooked by "investors" who prefer elite trainer boxes or booster displays. But that’s a mistake. The stamped promos are limited runs. They don't reprint these specific holiday versions later.
Take the 2023 Pikachu promo, for example. It wasn't a "rare" card in terms of its mechanics, but because it was only available in that calendar, it became a must-have for "Master Set" collectors. If you're buying this for an adult collector, they are looking for the "hits." They want those 3-card fun packs to actually have something decent. Historically, the fun packs are mostly "bulk" (common cards), but the excitement is in the ritual. Opening one tiny thing a day is a different kind of high than "ripping" an entire booster box in five minutes.
Pricing Trends and When to Buy
Timing is everything. Typically, these calendars hit shelves in September or October.
Retail price for the TCG version usually hovers around $40 to $50 USD.
The toy version is usually $30 to $40.
If you wait until the first week of December, two things happen. Either the price triples because of third-party resellers on eBay, or they go on clearance because the "countdown" has already started. If you’re okay with starting your countdown on December 5th and opening five doors at once, you can save a lot of money. But for the "hot" years—like when a fan-favorite like Umbreon or Rayquaza is featured on the box—they will sell out by Thanksgiving.
A Closer Look at the "Fluff" Days
Every advent calendar has "filler" days. You know the ones. You open the door and it’s a sticker sheet. Or a plastic coin. Or a "damage counter" sheet.
In the Pokemon world, the community is split on this. Some people find the stickers charming. Others feel that for $50, every day should be a "real" gift. The TCG calendar is notorious for this. You might get a booster pack on Monday, then a single sticker on Tuesday. It’s a roller coaster.
To manage expectations—especially with kids—it’s worth explaining that not every day is a "Charizard day." Part of the fun is the build-up. The toy calendars handle this a bit better by giving you accessories for the figures. If you get a snowy base for your Pikachu to stand on, it feels like it adds to the set.
Customizing the Experience: The DIY Alternative
If you're a purist or if you’re shopping for someone who only likes very specific Pokemon (looking at you, Gengar fans), the official calendars might frustrate you. They are always "balanced" with a mix of types. You’ll get the starters, a few legendaries, and a lot of Pikachu.
Lately, there’s been a massive surge in DIY Pokemon Christmas advent calendars. People buy a reusable wooden advent calendar with empty drawers. Then, they buy "singles" (specific individual cards) or small plushies to fill them.
This is actually a brilliant way to ensure quality. Instead of 24 random items, you can curate 24 things you know they’ll love.
- Buy a bunch of "Holo Rare" cards from a local card shop for $1 each.
- Toss in a few enamel pins.
- Add a keychain.
- Put a high-value booster pack in the December 24th slot.
It’s more work, but it eliminates the "filler" problem entirely.
The Cultural Impact of the Holiday Pokemon Craze
It sounds dramatic, but these calendars have become a legitimate part of the "Poke-culture." Every year, YouTubers like PokeRev or Leonhart do "opening" videos of these calendars. Thousands of people watch just to see if the pull rates have improved. It’s a shared experience.
The aesthetic matters, too. The 2024/2025 boxes moved away from the traditional "red and green" look and leaned into "icy blues and silvers." It looks more "prestige." It fits in better with modern home decor, which sounds silly until you realize the box is going to be sitting on your mantle or kitchen counter for nearly a month.
✨ Don't miss: NYT Mashable Connections Today: Why You’re Probably Getting the Anagrams Wrong
Logistics: Shipping and Storage
A quick word of warning on shipping. These boxes are often large and surprisingly fragile. The cardboard "perforated" doors are easy to punch through. If you order from a big-box retailer and they ship it in a poly-mailer bag instead of a box, there’s a 50% chance a few doors will be popped open by the time it reaches your porch.
If you're a collector who wants to keep the box "mint," buy it in person. If you're buying it to open, check the edges. If a door is already slightly open, the "surprise" is ruined. Also, keep these away from heat. If you have the TCG version, the cards can "foil" or curve if they sit in a humid or hot room for three weeks. Keep it in a cool, dry spot.
Identifying Authentic Merchandise
How do you tell if that Pokemon Christmas advent calendar you found on a random website is legit?
First, check the copyright year. It should be current or from the previous year. Second, look at the character art. Official Pokemon art has very specific line weights and shading. If Pikachu looks a little too "skinny" or the colors are neon-bright, walk away. Third, look for the official "Pokemon Center" or "Licensed Product" holographic sticker.
Most official calendars are also translated into multiple languages on the back. If the text is full of typos or "Engrish," it's a knockoff. Buying fake products doesn't just suck for the consumer; it also means you're not getting the "official" promos that actually hold value in the secondary market.
Making the Most of the Countdown
The best way to enjoy a Pokemon calendar isn't just about the items inside. It’s about the ritual. If you’re doing this with a kid, make it a morning thing before school. It’s a great motivator to get them out of bed.
If you’re an adult, maybe it’s your "after work" treat. There’s something deeply satisfying about being 30 years old, coming home from a stressful job, and opening a tiny cardboard door to find a miniature festive Eevee. It taps into that nostalgia that Pokemon has mastered better than almost any other brand.
Actionable Next Steps:
💡 You might also like: Kirby Forgotten Land Walkthrough: What Most People Get Wrong
- Audit your collection: Decide if you want "bulk" (toys) or "value" (TCG). Don't buy the TCG version if you don't own any other cards.
- Check the back of the box: If you're buying for a child, ensure their favorite Pokemon is actually included. There’s nothing worse than waiting 24 days for a Charizard that isn't in the set.
- Buy by October: The "scalper" market for these peaks in mid-November. If you see it at MSRP ($40-$50), grab it.
- Inspect the seals: Before you leave the store, make sure the perforated doors aren't pushed in.
- Consider a "hybrid" approach: If the official calendar feels light on "big" gifts, buy a separate "Elite Trainer Box" and let the recipient open one pack from it every Sunday of Advent. It rounds out the experience.
Whether you're hunting for a snowflake-stamped holographic card or just a tiny plastic Squirtle in a hat, the Pokemon advent calendar is a holiday staple for a reason. It's one of the few ways to get a "guaranteed" bit of joy every day in December without breaking the bank on full-sized sets. Just watch out for those filler days—nobody actually needs six sticker sheets of a Pokeball.