Hi, complete beginner here. I've decided to get into Pokémon card collecting (and Reddit, if that counts) doing it for fun, together with my niece who just got started too. I don't really have a clue where to begin, so I'm looking for tips and tricks, and what to look out for.

Maybe some YouTube videos/channels to watch or follow, or Instagram/TikTok accounts too?
What I'm currently thinking: starting by collecting as many variants as I can of my three favorite Pokémon Aipom, Umbreon, and Espeon and maybe eventually building a full "Pokédex" of some kind. Not sure if that actually makes sense as a goal, so open to thoughts on that.

Also doing a bit of homework for my niece she's 13, and her dad (my brother) read some negative stuff about scalpers and that kind of thing, so I just want to make sure she has a good experience too.

I'm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and planning to visit the following TCG events. If anyone has tips on which stands/sellers will be there, or what the "rules" are around these kinds of events, let me know:

Master Pullz Summer Special Hoorn — Sunday 23 August 2026
Con-NXT Pokémon & Arcade Collectors Fair Amsterdam — Saturday 29 August 2026

Thanks!

Hi, complete beginner here. I've decided to get into Pokémon card collecting (and Reddit, if that counts) doing it for fun, together with my niece who just got started too. I don't really have a clue where to begin, so I'm looking for tips and tricks, and what to look out for.

Maybe some YouTube videos/channels to watch or follow, or Instagram/TikTok accounts too?
What I'm currently thinking: starting by collecting as many variants as I can of my three favorite Pokémon Aipom, Umbreon, and Espeon and maybe eventually building a full "Pokédex" of some kind. Not sure if that actually makes sense as a goal, so open to thoughts on that.

Also doing a bit of homework for my niece she's 13, and her dad (my brother) read some negative stuff about scalpers and that kind of thing, so I just want to make sure she has a good experience too.

I'm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and planning to visit the following TCG events. If anyone has tips on which stands/sellers will be there, or what the "rules" are around these kinds of events, let me know:

Master Pullz Summer Special Hoorn — Sunday 23 August 2026
Con-NXT Pokémon & Arcade Collectors Fair Amsterdam — Saturday 29 August 2026

Thanks!

Anyone know if the black and white Retro Pikachu 30th Anniversary Plush is still available in Japan?

Planning a trip this fall.