Fan of the Month – September: Heather’s Pokémon Collection Journey
Posted by Magic Madhouse on 15th Sep 2025
Oh Hi! I’m Heather, and I'm 27 based in the south of England. Some of my favourite Pokémon are Vaporeon, Eevee, Vulpix, Luxray, Noivern, Mareep and Wooloo just to name a few. I grew up with Pokémon as I know a lot of people did, and I think based on that childhood wonder, is where my collective interest grows from. I started collecting Eeveelutions to start, plushies exclusively about 8 years ago, often getting them shipped over from Japan. However it slowly developed into stationary, and other accessories and then recently into cards.
Tell us about you, your collection and what makes it special:
Oh Hi! I’m Heather, and I'm 27 based in the south of England. Some of my favourite Pokémon are Vaporeon, Eevee, Vulpix, Luxray, Noivern, Mareep and Wooloo just to name a few. I grew up with Pokémon as I know a lot of people did, and I think based on that childhood wonder, is where my collective interest grows from. I started collecting Eeveelutions to start, plushies exclusively about 8 years ago, often getting them shipped over from Japan. However it slowly developed into stationary, and other accessories and then recently into cards.
I’ve seen Pokémon as an outlet for most of my life, dipping in and out when new games came out and when events happened. When the pop-up London Center opened in 2019 to celebrate Sword and Shield coming out, I queued from 10pm till 10am, twice. This is when I first was introduced to people who loved Pokémon outside of my immediate circle. I have a good friend who I made in the queue who I still speak to to this day and see when there's an event in London.
I have so many fond memories with Pokémon over the years, from the earliest reaches of my memory, to my formative years in my 20s and even this year. And of course, the last 8 months of sharing my collection through my social accounts.
When did you start collecting and do you remember your very first big hit card or pack? What was it?
I got my first binder just before Christmas 2024, and started to fill it with what we pulled and some cards. I started to buy some cards from eBay and go through the bulk I’d accumulated over the years.
The first pack I remember opening was a random 151 pack late 2023, as my boyfriend picked them up at a local store. Where he pulled the Venusaur SIR actually. We’d occasionally just buy a pack when we saw them and fancy a go of our luck.
My first big hit was from 151, I managed to pull a Charizard full art out of a box of Blooming Waters earlier this year. First pack of the box too!
What’s your absolute favourite card in your collection and why does it mean so much to you?
My favourite card is the Appletun IR from Surging Sparks, I love the artwork so much. I got it when attending my first event which was the London Card Show in February 2025, it was at the top of my list of cards I wanted to pick up.
What’s the crown jewel of your collection, the rarest or most valuable card you own?
My rarest card would have to be the Glaceon SIR from Prismatic Evolutions. Myself and my boyfriend were ripping packs and he froze, I saw the blue and freaked out! I thought it was the Vaporeon, which is one of my favourite Pokémon.
How do you store or display your collection, are you more binder-organised or shoebox chaos?
I am definitely a mix of both! I have a few binders, one of each size. The smallest being my trade cards, to take to events. My 3x3 binder is my general collection, and then my 4x4 is for Pokémon that I want to collect as many cards as I can, such as the Mareep line, Eevee and Vaporeon cards. A lot of my bulk has been organised by typing, I did have the intention of going by set but opted out of that. I store them in empty ETB boxes, but plan to get proper boxes to sit down and re-organise.
Do you play the Pokémon TCG, collect only, or dabble in both?
I started as just a collector as someone who wanted to collect the artwork. However, I dipped into learning to play through TCG Pocket to start, and then did the Lab event at the EUIC in London in April this year. After becoming a little bit more familiar with how to play, I attended a prerelease for Journey Together and came first place!
Do you have a favourite Pokémon artist or card artwork that really stands out to you?
Some of my favourite artworks are by Okacheke though, such as the White Flare Oshawott IR and the Destined Rivals Misty’s Psyduck IR. How they’ve captured the water and the movement within them, they’re gorgeous and one of my favourites in my collection.
Are there any cards you're currently chasing or a dream grail card on your wishlist?
I’m currently chasing the Eevee IR from Twilight Masquerade, I will get it! My biggest grail card would be the Vaporeon SIR from Prismatic Evolutions, to be the centerpiece of my Vaporeon collection.
I’ve also recently decided to complete my first Master set, of Chinese Gem Vol II, after being lucky enough to pull the Leafeon with just one box. The holo patterns and it all being Eeveelutions is what firmed my choice to make it my first attempt at completing it.
What's your favourite modern Pokémon set and why?
Every time I’ve the chance to open Crown Zenith I’ve always taken it and enjoyed it! It’s got some amazing art works and the pull rates aren’t as unforgiving as some other sets.
Do you have any card storage hacks, tips, or advice for fellow collectors?
I think the only advice would be to not chase the big hitters in a set, and not focusing on the price. I remember opening both Journey Together and 151, and I was far more excited to pull the Hop’s Wooloo than the Charizard. Trying not to feel FOMO or your collection isn’t good enough, or you just want more and more.