The Pokémon TCG turned 25 in 2021, and Celebrations was the party. Released on October 8, 2021, it's a special set unlike any other in the era: small four-card packs where every card is foil, plus the Classic Collection, a subset of iconic cards from 25 years of the game reprinted with an anniversary stamp. Here's the collector's guide: the dates, the chase cards and what came in every product.
Celebrations at a Glance
- Release date: October 8, 2021
- Set type: 25th anniversary special set, so there's no booster box
- Main set: 25 cards, plus the 25-card Classic Collection
- Packs: 4 cards each, all foil, with the 25th anniversary logo
- Headliners: Legendary Pokémon from every generation, plus Flying Pikachu and Surfing Pikachu as both Pokémon V and VMAX
The Classic Collection
The Classic Collection reprints famous cards from the game's history in their original designs, marked with a 25th anniversary stamp. It's the closest most collectors will get to opening a Base Set Charizard, and it includes cards from every era of the game.
The Chase Cards
Classic Collection Charizard. The Base Set Charizard reprint is the most famous card in the set.
Gold Mew. The gold secret rare Mew is the top card of the main set.
Classic Collection favorites. Reprints like Umbreon Gold Star and Shining Magikarp bring back cards most collectors could never afford in their original print.
Flying and Surfing Pikachu. The fan-favorite Pikachu returns as Pokémon V and VMAX.
The Product Lineup
| Product | What's inside |
|---|---|
| Booster Pack | 4 foil cards |
| Mini Tins and Blisters | Celebrations packs plus coins or promos |
| Collection Boxes | Celebrations packs and other packs plus promos, including Dark Sylveon V and Dragapult Prime |
| Elite Trainer Box | 10 Celebrations packs, 5 additional booster packs, a foil Greninja card, anniversary sleeves, 45 Energy cards, dice and a storage box |
| Ultra-Premium Collection | Celebrations packs, metal Pikachu and Charizard cards and a collector's coin |
Our take: The Elite Trainer Box is the go-to Celebrations product, with 15 packs in total. The Ultra-Premium Collection is the centerpiece for serious collectors.
Tips for Collectors
- Check the stamp. Classic Collection reprints carry a 25th anniversary stamp, which is how you tell them apart from the originals.
- Watch for resealed product. Celebrations is a common target for tampered packs, so buy from sellers you trust.
- Check sold listings. Sealed prices have climbed, so compare recent eBay sold listings.
Keep Collecting With Booster Pack Cards
Browse our Pokémon TCG Elite Trainer Boxes, Collection Boxes and Tins, or shop the full Pokémon TCG collection. Celebrating the 30th too? Read our 30th Celebration collector's guide. Next up in the Galar era: our Fusion Strike collector's guide.
