30 Years of Pokémon: Why It’s More Than a Game for This Gen 1 Trainer

30 Years of Pokémon: From Game Boy Blue to the Next Generation

Can you believe it’s been three decades since we first stepped into the world of Pokémon?

This past weekend, during Super Bowl LX, The Pokémon Company International officially kicked off its 30th-anniversary celebrations with a star-studded commercial that asked one simple yet iconic question: “What’s Your Favorite?”

For me, answering that question requires a trip down memory lane that spans nearly my entire life.

A Journey That Started in 1998

I’ve been a Trainer since day one of the U.S. release in 1998. I still remember the weight of the original Game Boy in my hands and the glow of the screen as I started my journey in Pokémon Blue. That experience hooked me so deeply that I eventually went out and got a job specifically to save up for the Pokémon Yellow Game Boy Special Edition set. There was nothing like seeing Pikachu follow you around on screen for the first time!

My journey didn't stop with my Game Boy. I spent my weekends at Wizards of the Coast, marveling over the booster packs, opening packs to trade and play with fellow budding trainers back when the Trading Card Game (TCG) was at the height of the original craze. Back then, it felt like a community; today, looking back, I realize it was the start of a lifelong passion.

More Than a Game—It’s a Lifestyle

Now, 30 years later, the cycle is continuing. Pokémon has influenced my life in countless ways, but the most rewarding part of this anniversary isn't the nostalgia—it’s the legacy. Today, I get to watch my sons discover the magic of Pokémon for themselves. We love to all play Pokémon GO together as a family. We have a trip planned to go to Pokémon GO Fest in Chicago in June 2026, which is a big deal! Also during that time, the Pokémon Fossil exhibit opens at the Field Museum. You can read more about that event here! 

Watching my boys build their own decks and get excited about a rare pull from a booster pack reminds me that Pokémon isn't just a video game or a hobby; it’s a lifestyle that bridges generations. When I take my sons to Trade Days, Pokémon card in-store drops, Pokémon GO events, or even trade shows, we meet so many trainers like us. Pokémon has given my older son, Marcello, so much confidence! When he was just six years old, he was diagnosed with PANDAS, which is a neurological disorder that is sparked by strep infection. During that dark time, Pokémon was the only thing that he was actually sure about. He developed Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and during a time of worry, confusion, and just being unsure of himself, he was sure about Pokémon. Now, Marcello is 12 and still an avid Pokémon player. He is out of the woods health-wise, but we still get scares here and there. You can read more about our journey and his heroic story here. At the time of his diagnosis and years after, he did not have a voice. He was always second-guessing himself, but with Pokémon and even Nintendo games, he gained control back of his life. Now, he calls stores on his own asking if they have Pokémon cards in stock. He is working on starting a Pokémon Trainer Club at his school. Marcello has truly evolved -- as a young man and as a Pokémon trainer.

My youngest, Rocco, is eight now and following his big brother’s lead into the world of Pokémon. They’ve become best friends through their battles and card trades—a bond forged in the same world I fell in love with back in the day. It truly is a lifestyle. Rocco who is a spunky kid has always had a voice, but he was always a little shy. He is definitely not shy about Pokémon or playing his video games.

For our family, Pokémon isn’t just a game—it’s the thread that ties our generations together.

The 30th Anniversary Celebration

The Pokémon Company is leaning hard into that "What's Your Favorite?" theme for 2026. Check out the campaign that kicked off during Super Bowl LX, where a new commercial introduced “What’s Your Favorite?” The video can be viewed on the official Pokémon YouTube channel. The Super Bowl spot featured global icons like Lady Gaga, Trevor Noah, and Jisoo, proving that no matter who you are, everyone has a favorite Pocker Monster that speaks to them. 

How you can join the celebration right now:

• Pokémon GO: A new "What’s Your Favorite?" camera feature is live. You can snap photos with your favorite Pokémon even without an account.
  

  
  

• Day Out vs. Night Out: Coming later this year, "Pokémon Day Out" will offer family-friendly events (perfect for my boys!), while "Pokémon Night Out" is designed for the veteran Trainers who grew up with the franchise.

• The Big Reveal: Everything is leading up to Pokémon Day on February 27th, where we expect the biggest announcements for the future of the franchise.

What’s Your Favorite?

Whether you’re a veteran who remembers the  original 151 Kanto Pokémon or a new Trainer that is just starting your journey in the latest region, this year is for you.

For me, the answer to "What's Your Favorite?" isn't just a specific Pokémon—it's the memories of the last 30 years and the ones I’m currently making with my kids. Well, if you must know, I am partial to the Kanto region, so you can see me in selfies with Chansey, Dragonite, Clefairy, Kabuto, Jynx, Mr. Mime, and so many more! 

So, I’ll ask you: After 30 years, What’s your Favorite? Let’s talk about it in the comments!

My Secret Weapon for a Sparkling Clean Home: Casabella at Target!

Target Circle days are here! Stock up on cleaning essentials and get a $15 Target GiftCard with a $50 purchase on select home essentials with Target Circle, including the Casabella line. 

*Target Circle Days are now over, but make sure you follow my page for more reviews like this one with time- and money-saving tips!* This post contains affiliate links. 

Let's be honest, cleaning can often feel like a chore. We all want a sparkling home, but the effort involved, especially when tackling those notoriously tricky spots, can be a major deterrent. That's why I'm thrilled to share my recent cleaning game-changer: the Casabella cleaning line, readily available at Target! 

I was kindly gifted a collection of Casabella cleaning products that included a mix of their power scrubbers. I decided to tackle my arch nemesis, our main bathroom! This bathroom is full of scum, soap scum, and enough rings around the tub to make Saturn jealous. However, the tub was no match for Casabella’s smallest power scrubber, the Power Spin Detail Scrubber. I would recommend that you use the Casabella Power Spin Scrubber with 100 minutes of run time, and a longer telescopic handle for shorties (like me), but I was up for a challenge!

I've always been on the lookout for tools that make cleaning more efficient and less of a back-breaking task. And let me tell you, Casabella has truly delivered. My personal favorites from their collection are the spinning brushes, and they've made a remarkable difference, especially in my bathroom. The Power Spin Detail Scrubber has three interchangeable brushes, takes batteries so it is very portable, and has a ton of power! I soaked my tub in toilet cleaner, which is just Clorox gel, and that really cuts down the cleaning time. I scrubbed away the gross bits, rinsed, and my tub and tiles were sparkling again! I also used the Power Spin Detail scrubber to clean my sink. We have a tight squeeze from the faucet and the wall, so getting behind there is challenging for sure! I’ve used every thin brush imaginable, but nothing quite scrubbed behind the faucet like the Casabella! 

The sink in my kids' bathroom drives me nuts!  See how well it works in my video! 

You wouldn't think that brushes that take batteries would work so hard, but they do!

For years, getting into the tight corners of my bathroom sink felt like an impossible mission. The grime would build up in those little crevices, mocking my attempts with regular sponges and brushes. But with the Casabella spinning brushes, those days are over! The design allows me to reach every nook and cranny with ease, leaving my sink looking brand new.

And if you've ever battled with dirty grout and caulk, you know the struggle is real. It's often the last frontier of cleanliness, requiring intense scrubbing and sometimes even questionable DIY solutions. Again, Casabella's spinning brushes have been a lifesaver. They tackle that stubborn grime and discoloration with surprising power. They spin with enough force to loosen and lift away even embedded dirt, saving my elbows and knees from endless scrubbing.

This handheld scrubber comes with different pads to clean multiple surfaces! Great for the kitchen - from the countertop to the stove to the microwave!

What I truly appreciate about the Casabella line is that it takes the "elbow grease" out of cleaning. Instead of feeling exhausted after a cleaning session, I'm left with a sense of accomplishment and genuinely clean surfaces.

So, if you're like me and constantly seeking ways to make your cleaning routine more effective and less daunting, I highly recommend checking out the Casabella cleaning line at Target. From tackling hard-to-reach places to making grout and caulk sparkle, these tools are a positive game-changer for any home!

The LEGO Group & Harvard Team Up for IWD to Support Creatives of Tomorrow

The LEGO Group and Harvard Have Partnered for International Women's Day to Support Creatives of Tomorrow.

Happy International Women's Day! Women have made leaps and bounds throughout history paving the way for our children and their children to seek out strong role models, break down societal barriers, and raise awareness in general. I am a boy mom. I was not blessed with daughters to guide and nurture, but I am the daughter of a mother and father who raised four strong, tenacious, and determined daughters. Since I have sons, I am doing the same with my sons - raising strong, hardworking, intelligent, and sweet boys who will help nurture and support your daughters to realize their dreams. Shout out to my husband for being one of those guys!  I am hoping other parents are doing the same! It takes a village to create a world where we can all live harmoniously. 

Speaking of creation, the master creators of the world's most innovative toys, The LEGO Group, has teamed up with Harvard parenting expert and author, Jennifer Wallace, to help inspire the female creatives of the future. The campaign has spawned a new short film called, 'More Than Perfect,' where their creativity, thoughtfulness, and intelligence are not just deemed as cute or as just a hobby, but classified with bravery, ingenuity, and uniqueness. The video is now live to watch on YouTube and is a part of LEGO's Play Unstoppable efforts. LEGO bricks truly provide miles and years of play, so their slogan of unstoppable play definitely rings true. 

The LEGO Group has performed a global study where they found that girls as young as five feel like their creativity is impacted due to the pressures of being perfect. Harvard-trained parenting researcher and bestselling author, Jennifer B Wallace says, 

When children fear failing, it can hamper their willingness to explore and think outside the box. This impacts the key skill of creative confidence - which can carry into adulthood. Creative confidence is the self-assurance to generate ideas, take risks and contribute unique solutions without fear of failure. It’s been found to be a cornerstone of well-being by boosting self-esteem, reducing stress, and increasing happiness, as well as a top-ranked skill for future workplaces according to the World Economic Forum. With over three quarters^[1] of girls aspiring to work in creative industries it underscores the urgent need for change.

Another staggering number is that 80% of the girls studied said that they would branch out more and try new things if they received more praise. The takeaway here is that we need to nurture and foster all of our children's creativity, and truly listen to their ideas. I feel like this study brings us many steps backward into history. I read through The LEGO Group's '10 Steps for Fostering Creative Confidence,' and it's a colorful spread of ideas with supportive data to help inspire your child (boy or girl) to push their creative boundaries further without the pressures of perfection. The power of play is so important! We cannot lose sight of this as parents. You can find the article on LEGO.com.

The LEGO Group is fully supporting this initiative to promote change in the mindset of these young builders. The LEGO Group has introduced an exciting series of free creativity workshops in select LEGO Stores and on LEGO.com aimed at young creators aged 6-12. The building workshops focus on Entertainment, Space, Gaming, Dreams & Imaginations and will take place throughout the year – starting this month. You can sign-up for the first set of in-store workshops now, but act quickly because tickets are going fast! 

Here are some LEGO sets to help support your girls this International Women's Day! These links are affiliate links for various stores. 

Support Wonder and Fantasy with the new LEGO® ǀ Disney Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ Cottage (43242). This beautiful 2,229-piece display set features a thatched roof, all seven dwarfs, Snow White and her Prince Florian, the Evil Queen as the old woman, and loads of play potential. This structured build is a great to hone fine motor skills, and build confidence! LEGO.com $219.99

Foster confidence early on through this STEAM Park by LEGO® Education. This set has everything that you need to begin a path of creativity and confidence. Ideal for Pre-K aged children, I would recommend the LEGO® Education StoryTales Set with Storage by LEGO® Education. This set has so many fun and whimsical elements and will help promote pretend play in addition to fostering a child's creative impulsivity. LEGO.com $169.95

Happy International Women's Day! Today and every day, we celebrate the many women who have changed the world for the better, saved lives, created life, and created epic LEGO sets! You can also view a collection of female LEGO Ideas creators to show your child that there is power within them to make a change - one brick at a time. 

^[1] 79%

The data and more information supporting The LEGO Group's study:

To help champion and stand up for girls’ creativity, the LEGO Group is rolling out its biggest ever campaign celebrating girls and their creative worlds. Introduced as part of this is a series of exciting, free creativity workshops in select LEGO Stores and on LEGO.com aimed at young creators aged 6-12. Developed to show the power of creative freedom, the building workshops focus on Entertainment, Space, Gaming, Dreams & Imaginations and will take place throughout the year – starting this month. Sign-up for the first in-store workshops is now open but be quick, tickets go fast!

About the study

·       Commissioned by the LEGO Group, carried out by Edelman DXI

·       36 countries including Australia + New Zealand, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Turkey, UAE, UK, and the USA.

·       Total sample: 61,532, including 36,000 Parents (appr. 1000 per market) and 25,532 Children aged 5-12 years old (appr. 700 per market). 

·       Fieldwork: 13.12.23 – 24.01.2024

 

Chart 1

 

Chart 2

% of parents who would associate each of the terms exclusively to either gender *US
33% for Males	COOL	14% for Females
31% for Males	GENIUS	12% for Females
28% for Males	INNOVATIVE	12% for Females
26% for Males	CLEVER	13% for Females
40% for Males	BRAVE	16% for Females
9% for Males	SWEET	64% for Females
9% for Males	PRETTY	64% for Females
10% for Males	BEAUTIFUL	60% for Females
10% for Males	CUTE	55% for Females
10% for Males	GORGEOUS	55% for Females
15% for Males	PERFECT	22% for Females

 

About the LEGO Group 
The LEGO Group’s mission is to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow through the power of play. The LEGO System in Play, with its foundation in LEGO bricks, allows children and fans to build and rebuild anything they can imagine. 

The LEGO Group was founded in Billund, Denmark in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen, its name derived from the two Danish words LEg GOdt, which mean “Play Well”. Today, the LEGO Group remains a family-owned company headquartered in Billund. However, its products are now sold in more than 130 countries worldwide. For more information: www.LEGO.com 

 

 

About Save the Children 

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. Since our founding more than 100 years ago, we've changed the lives of more than 1 billion children. Around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children—every day and in times of crisis—transforming their lives and the future we share. 

 

 

About the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media (GDIGM) 

Founded in 2004 by two-time Academy Award Winning Actor Geena Davis, the Geena Davis Institute (GDI) is the only global research-based organization working collaboratively within entertainment media to systemically increase diverse representation on screen, focusing on six identities: gender, race/ethnicity, LGBTQIA+, disability, age (50+) and body type. If they can see it, they can be it. For more information visit: www.seejane.org 

 

About Peppy Agency 

Peppy agency is a Swedish consulting company supporting brands across the kids' media, game and toy industries. We use our deep insights and experience within social and emotional learning to help brands create safe and age-appropriate products, content, and experiences for kids. 

Our mission to nurture well-being, empathy, and kindness in kids everywhere. 

www.peppyagency.com 

 

About the LEGO Foundation 

“The LEGO Foundation aims to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow; a mission that it shares with the LEGO Group. The LEGO Foundation is dedicated to building a future where learning through play empowers children to become creative, engaged, lifelong learners. Its work is about re-defining play and re-imagining learning. In collaboration with thought leaders, influencers, educators and parents the LEGO Foundation aims to equip, inspire and activate champions for play. www.learningthroughplay.com” 

Paw Patrol Rescue Knights DVD + Rescue Knights Toy Reveal

The Paw Patrol are it again, but this time the pups are set during the Middle Ages, and this thematic overlay features the pups saving Barkinburg from dragons, and a disgruntled ex-Knight, Claw!

Paramount Home Entertainment and Nickelodeon Home Entertainment will release PAW Patrol: Rescue Knights on DVD on June 7, 2022! You can find the DVD through online retailers like Amazon, and in store at Best Buy, Walmart, and Target. 

Ultimate Easter Basket Parent Hack Is Right Here! Regifting to Your Kids, and Why It's Okay To Do It!

How to create the ultimate Easter basket using this fun, cheap, and useful parent hack!

Let's face it! We're all broke, mentally and financially, from the last two years of lockdowns, stay at home orders, and just staying home to stay safe! Well, at least I am. With two little kids, I thought of everything to keep my kids busy and that meant accumulating stuff. I am really trying to spring clean and declutter. With decluttering comes yet another holiday that sort of requires more ... things. Easter. Easter is indeed a holiday of spiritual reflection, and giving thanks to Jesus Christ for his ultimate sacrifice for us, and that sentiment and teaching is definitely taught, but that Easter Bunny, he is also a visitor in this house. Easter has turned into little Christmas, and with two kids, the numbers add up. This hack I have to share will work on all kids, I promise you. If you have a sly eight year old (like my Marcello), you may have to be more creative. 

Here's a hack that my sweet mama taught me. Regift to your children. Yes, it is perfectly okay to regift toys to your children. This is how you do it, and I promise you will spend $12 at most!

This hack may already be in use with seasoned parents, but new parents, take some notes!

Toddler/Pre-schooler Basket

Step One

Think of a theme. My theme is Paw Patrol, because my four year old son, Rocco, loves Paw Patrol, and he just rediscovered the Paw Patrol toys that I was hoping to cut in half and donate. I missed the donation train on that one.

Step Two

I hope you saved your baskets or beach pails from last Easter, because you need one. Otherwise, you have to go to the Dollar Tree and get a basket. Save that basket, it will work every year! Gather some tissue paper or Easter grass (hopefully you have this one hand). Fill the basket with this grass or tissue paper. 

Step Three

Dig up some fillable eggs, which I hope you saved! Otherwise, add that to your shopping list for the Dollar Tree. Tip:  Your local supermarket will have empty fillable plastic eggs in the candy aisle for .89 to $1, too. Sometimes there are at the front end of the store.

Step Four

Head to the toy box! All of our toy boxes are organized by license, because I am insane and I am also a toy blogger by trade and hobby, so this sort of organization makes sense to me. Paw Patrol has so many filler type toys like the mini Paw Patrol figures that are the perfect size for eggs. Fill that basket up with some cool Paw Patrol vehicles too! Have any stickers from left over crafts? Put those in the eggs too! Want to be really snazzy? Throw in some Hershey kisses!

Step Five

This is the go above and beyond part -- add in something new! It will throw them off, I promise. Round out the basket with a new DVD, which is something for them to watch, and while they watch they can nosh on their Hershey's kisses and play with their "new" toys that the Easter Bunny gave them! Nick Jr. Spring is Here DVD is the perfect addition for this Easter basket hack. It's brand new, and under $10 right now from Amazon. Spring is Here includes 103 minutes of Nick Jr. spring-themed episodes with kid favorites like Paw Patrol, Blaze and the Monster Machines, Baby Shark, and Blues Clues and You! You can also add in a little treasure box candy that I found at Walgreen's for a buck to bulk up the basket. 

That's it! 

My Kid's Older; What Do I Do?

Now, if you have an older child that still knows the bunny blesses you with treats, and you cannot really regift. Go on their iPad or tablet to add cash to their favorite game -- like Roblox bucks, Fortnite, Minecraft - whatever your kiddo plays. You can get away with $5 and a chocolate bunny. That's it. Less clutter. Kids will be entertained, and no more going crazy like it's Christmas 2.0.

What do you think? Have you regifted to your kids before? Please leave me a comment down below!

Will you implement the regift to your kiddos? I am, and I feel wonderful. Why you may ask? I have learned a lot in my years as a product reviewer and parent  -- less is truly more. I love reviewing products, and will always give my honest opinion, but the more we fill the space, the less time we have to fill up the memories. Try the hack. Trust me.

 

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