Pokemon Go Holiday Buyer's Gift Guide, 2023

While most of the more hardcore Pokemon Go players already have at least some form of an auto-catch item, many players may still lack this handy little device. Having a Go Plus or equivalent accessory can help out players immensely, as it can allow for easy farming of resources and Pokemon, even when not actively playing.

The basic option is the classical Pokemon Go Plus, which is the basic "press the button when the device says" accessory. While it defaults as a wrist-band, it can also be modified into a pendant or even a keychain with included hardware. It's also the least expensive option on offer, making it attractive as a stocking stuffer or when working on a budget. Moving on we have the new gold-standard auto-catcher with the redundantly named Pokemon Go Plus +.  While substantially bulkier than the basic Pokemon Go Plus, this device has the advantage of allowing the player to utilize Great Balls and Ultra Balls when auto-catching to potentially raise catch-odds significantly, while also being compatible with Pokemon Sleep to grant added utility to anyone that plays both. For a bonus, a number of accessories such as cases to the Go Plus + are also available, so this could become two gifts in one. After these comes the Pokeball Plus, which can hit up Pokestops without having to press the device's button. However, this is arguably the weakest option on the list as it's far bulkier than the other options and substantially more expensive due to its value as a collector's item. On the other hand, it can be utilized to control Let's Go Pikcachu/Eevee for the Nintendo Switch for added value.

Aside from the "official" options, off-brand devices like the classic Gotcha are also worth a look. Many of these have unique designs and functions that can situationally surpass the official options in various ways. They're also safe to use within Pokemon Go, as the game can't really tell the difference.

Gift Cards are generally seen as just one step up from gifting cash in terms of how personal they are; the easy way out when you don't have a better option available. Well, as a mobile game player myself, let me tell you that a gift card is one of the most exciting gifts that I can get in terms of pure fun-factor. If the person that you're buying for plays Pokemon Go to any real degree, then the ability to pick up items from the shop thanks to a Google or Apple gift card can be very rewarding. And to add to this, if they play other games or have other hobbies involving their phone/tablet, then they can pick-and-choose what they want to invest their gift card in.

Just note that if you're going to go this route, then make absolutely sure that you know if the person that you're buying for is using an Android or Apple Device, and buy the corresponding gift card! If you purchase the wrong card, then it's not going to work. It's also worth noting that some stores such as Sam's Club have slight discounts on gift cards like these, so it's possible to save a few bucks if you look around. Just make sure that you buy from a reputable seller, as it is possible to get scammed if you go looking for deals too hard!

While it can be easy to look at Pokemon Go as nothing more than a "drive around" type of game, for many it's an excuse to find time to go out and be active. For that reason, just about any hiking/walking gear is very much appreciated by many Pokemon Go players. Pokemon Apparel such as hoodies and hats or extra gear like water bottles and walking/hiking shoes will definitely see utility, and they don't even have to be Pokemon branded. Just note that if you do go for Pokemon-branded apparel, a lot of it is actually bootleg... though I doubt that many players will care that much.

Just note that Pokemon Go players generally don't need a pedometer, as the game does that job for them.

What's one thing that players absolutely need to play Pokemon Go? A Phone! (or tablet, or emulator of some sort on another device...). For this reason, picking up Phone Accessories such as phone cases, screen protectors, car mounts, and battery backups are all great options, as well as the plethora of other accessories available online. Just make sure that you know what phone your gift-receiver is using so that you get the right accessories!

It's also worth noting that a device known as a Phone Swing exists that can definitely help players who don't get many opportunities to get around. However, this terrible device is against the game's Terms of Service... even though it's literally impossible for Niantic to actually know that someone is using it. Just be sure to avoid considering such a device when buying for your personal Pokemon Go player.

If you're extremely generous, then a new phone or tablet is also an option, though knowledge of what carrier your Pokemon Go player is on and their personal preferences as to operating system and brand is important to know before making such a steep purchase. It's also worth figuring out if the player in question can get an upgrade via their phone carrier in the near future.

Chances are that most of the Pokemon Go playerbase are Pokemon fans in general. And while a Nintendo Switch is an amazing gift option for those who don't already have it, those who do may appreciate the latest games from the Pokemon main-line series: Pokemon Scarlet or Pokemon Violet. And if they already have one or both games, then paying for the DLC, The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, is also a great option if they don't already have that as well. The second half of this DLC, the Indigo Disk, is set to drop soon, so it can definitely be a great option that can be picked up easily via a Nintendo Gift Card.

The Pokemon TCG isn't for everyone, but many Pokemon fans find it to be one of the most entertaining ways to enjoy the series in their own way. For those who do play the TCG, then it's easy to find a lot of different gift options that are sure to make the fan in your life happy. The current expansion goes by the name of Scarlet & Violet - Paradox Rift, with Scarlet & Violet - 151, Scarlet & Violet - Obsidian Flames and Scarlet & Violet - Paldea Evolved not too far removed as of right now. A booster box or similar set from any of the more recent expansions is sure to be appreciated, though buying an individual card from resellers if there's one or more that your Pokemon fan genuinely wants is also an option. Just keep in mind that some individual cards can get pretty expensive, and make sure that you're buying from a reputable dealer as counterfeit Pokemon Cards do exist.

The Pokemon Center is the prime place to get official Pokemon merch, and let's be honest: just about anything here will work wonders in terms of gift-giving. Plushies, figures, apparel, accessories, games, limited-edition releases... the list goes on. It shouldn't take long to find something great here, though some of the options here can be a bit expensive, and shipping time may be an issue, so better to get to this one ASAP.

As of right now, there are 1017 officially numbered Pokemon, with even more confirmed to be on the way later this month. With a tremendous number like this, literally everyone who's a fan of the series definitely has at least one all-time favorite. That alone gives great gift-giving ammunition, though it's a bit more abstract than us saying exactly what's best to pick up. In this case, just find out a few of your Pokemon fan's favorites, and search their name on a site like Amazon or eBay. Once you've sorted through a sea of TCG cards, chances are that you'll find something that features your fan's favorite that's worth considering.

At the end of the day, it's pretty common to say that the holiday season is over-commercialized. Heck, just turn on the TV in the evening and chances are that you'll find 3 or more different movies with this concept as a core theme. However, at the same time we all want to give our loved ones something at this time of year, and we want to make sure that it's something at least somewhat personal. For this reason, we hope that this list can turn out to be at least somewhat useful, and that it can help to give those unfamiliar with Pokemon Go and/or the series that it's based on a bit of help when it comes to connecting with those that enjoy it. We sincerely hope that all of our readers have a wonderful time through this season, and that 2024 will be outstanding for all of us!

And as the main holiday that I personally celebrate: Merry Christmas from me!