Pokémon as a franchise may have started with Pokémon video games, but it has since moved on to just about every other medium. Its popularity as an anime, a game series, and a trading card game has spawned an entire line of products that the fandom can't get enough of. Whether you're a kid just getting into the series or an adult who has been there since the beginning, there's never a wrong time to add some Pokémon toys to your collection.
Although there is a seemingly endless amount of Pokémon merchandise on the market, we've gone ahead and narrowed it down to 5 categories worth your time. Here are the best Pokémon toys you can buy in 2024.
Pokémon MEGa Block Sets
MEGA Pokémon Action Figure Building Toys Set, Kanto Region Team
Pokémon doesn’t have an official LEGO set, per se. As much as LEGO loves video game collaborations with Super Mario Bros. and Animal Crossing, its MEGA block sets are a close second and a solid LEGO alternative. The MEGA Pokémon Kanto Region Team Set comes with Pikachu, Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur figures, as well as environment stands that represent their type and powers (i.e. the volcano for Charmander and an island for Squirtle).
This MEGA set has 130 pieces for you and/or your child to build your Pokémon world with these starter Pokémon, plus the beloved Pikachu. When you’re done building them, you can keep the figures separate or connect their stands together, creating a lovely addition to your desk or bookshelf — all for just $20.
Pokémon Squishmallows
Piplup Squishmallow
Squishmallows are all the rage among Pokémon fans for their high-quality softness. With plenty of Pokémon designs to choose from, we narrowed it down to the cutest one to put in your plushie collection ASAP: the Water-type starter from the Sinnoh region, Piplup.
Just like the other Pokémon Squishmallows, Piplup is ultra-soft and made with high-quality materials, making it the perfect plushie to snuggle up with in bed, on the couch while watching Pokémon shows and movies, and take on a long road trip, cruise, or flight. The 20-inch version costs $50 on Amazon, but if you want to get the 12-inch version, it’s $30 at The Pokémon Center. The Piplup Squishmallow is cute no matter what its size!
You can check out our guide on where to buy Pokémon Squishmallows for more options.
Pokémon Funko Pops
Funko Pop! Games: Pokémon - Mewtwo Vinyl Figure
If you need the most powerful Pokémon figure to look at when you’re working at your desk or streaming in your gaming room, there’s the Mewtwo Funko Pop. This figure is sculpted after Mewtwo’s iconic stance — feet hip-width apart with his left hand raised and ready for a psychic attack — and bulging eyebrows to match his piercing black eyes.
This Mewtwo Pop figure is great to put on your desk, bookshelf, or even your bedside, giving you the confidence you need to take on the world with just one long look at his powerful pose. You can get this amazingly detailed Pop figure of Mewtwo for just $12.
Pokémon Keychains
Bioworld Pokémon Characters 5-Charm Black Keychain
Carrying only one keychain is boring, so why not carry around five of them? Bioworld has a keychain with five Pokémon figures hanging out on a black loop, including Pikachu, Charmander, Squirtle, Bulbasaur, and the Poké Ball. Pikachu and the Kanto starters are dangling from a single chain, while the Poké Ball is sitting idly by touching at least one of the Pokémon.
You can hang this cute keychain from your purse, your backpack, your car keys, or even the belt loop of your pants to show off your love of Pokémon to your friends, family, and co-workers. At just $13, it’s well worth the price of fashion.
Poké Ball Toys
Pokémon Clip & Carry Poké Ball Belt
If you’re cosplaying your favorite Pokémon Trainer for upcoming conventions or looking to give your child a chance at pretending to be one, the Pokémon Clip & Carry Poké Ball Belt from Tomy is the best Pokémon accessory for you. It comes with an adjustable belt with the Pokéball buckle, the original Poké Ball, the Nest Ball, and a two-inch Pikachu figure that can be placed in one of the balls.
The belt can fit up to six Poké Balls, though other Poké Balls are sold separately — but that shouldn’t stop you or your child from having fun catching every Pokémon you discover. You can get the belt with the Poké Balls and complete your Pokémon Trainer wardrobe for just $30.
What are the Best Places to Buy Pokémon Merchandise?
Most major retailers will have some sort of Pokémon merch for sale, but some stores are often better than others. The most reliable online storefront is Pokémon Center, which offers officially licensed toys, shirts, and just about everything else a fan could ever want. It's also a great place to find new toy releases before they hit other stores. Amazon, which we've heavily featured above, is also a great place to find plushies, toys, and even Pokémon card packs at a discount. Both Walmart and Target tend to have a decent selection of toys as well.
Cristina Alexander is a freelance writer for IGN. She has contributed her work to various publications, including Digital Trends, TheGamer, Twinfinite, Mega Visions, and The Escapist. To paraphrase Calvin Harris, she wears her love for Sonic the Hedgehog on her sleeve like a big deal. Follow her on Twitter @SonicPrincess15.
