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Looking For Money To Fund Christmas Spending? Pokémon turns 30: UK collectors urged to check old cards before selling them

RKT Grading says condition, authenticity and grading are becoming more important as adults return to childhood collections.

And now might be the time to have your collectible cards graded by an expert.

As Pokémon marks its 30th year, many UK collectors are looking again at cards they bought, traded or kept as children.

For some, that means opening boxes in the loft. For others, it means checking binders, tins and sealed products to see whether anything is worth selling, grading or keeping protected.

RKT Grading, a UK trading card grading service, says more collectors are asking one simple question before selling: is this card worth grading first?

Not always.

A rare card in poor condition may still have value, but grading will not automatically make every card worth more. Low-value modern cards, damaged cards and common cards may not justify the cost.

But for the right card, especially one in strong condition, grading can make a major difference to how buyers view it.

Grading gives a card an independent condition score. It can also help with authentication, storage and resale. Buyers can see whether the card has been assessed for centring, corners, edges and surface wear, rather than relying only on seller photos.

Sam, founder of RKT Grading, told That's Christmas 365: “People often assume rarity is the only thing that matters, but condition can be just as important. 

"Two copies of the same Pokémon card can sell for very different prices if one is heavily worn and the other is clean, sharp and well centred.

“We do not tell people every card should be graded. That would be wrong. Some cards are better kept raw. But if someone has an older holo, a popular character, a first edition card, a clean modern chase card or something they plan to sell, grading can help them understand what they actually have.”

Pokémon card grading has grown sharply in recent years. Collectors are no longer only looking at the card itself. They are looking at proof of condition, authenticity and long-term protection.

RKT Grading says collectors should check five things before submitting a card:

Corners

Rounded, whitening or dented corners can reduce the grade.

Edges

Small chips, whitening or rough cuts can affect the final score.

Surface

Scratches, print lines, dents and marks are often missed in normal photos.

Centring

A card can look clean but still be off-centre from top to bottom or side to side.

Actual market demand

A card being old does not automatically make it valuable. Character, set, rarity and current demand all matter.

The company says the 30th anniversary is likely to bring more attention to older Pokémon collections, especially as adults who grew up with the franchise now have the money and interest to revisit the hobby.

Sam added: “The biggest mistake is rushing to sell without checking properly. Some cards are worth very little. Some are worth grading. A small number can be worth far more than people expect, especially in high grade. The point is to look carefully before making a decision.”

RKT Grading is based in the UK and grades Pokémon cards and other trading cards for collectors who want a clear condition assessment and protective slab.

Collectors can find out more at RKTGrading.com.

RKT Grading is a UK-based trading card grading service specialising in Pokémon cards and other collectible trading cards.

Rudells Brings Racing Experience to Birmingham Showroom

Rudell The Jewellers prepares to host an exclusive racing-themed event at its prestigious Birmingham showroom on New Street. 

Taking place on Saturday 13th June, from 10:00am to 4:00pm, the immersive one-day experience will invite guests of all ages to step into the exhilarating world of motorsport while surrounded by the refinement of Rudells.

Designed to celebrate the spirit of precision engineering and performance that unites fine watchmaking with elite motorsport, the event promises an unforgettable day for families, racing enthusiasts, and luxury lovers alike.

Visitors will have the opportunity to test their skills on two professional racing simulators installed inside the showroom, including one simulator dedicated to adults and another specially designed for children.

Throughout the day, guests will be able to compete for a range of exciting prizes, with adults having the chance to win bottles of champagne, while younger visitors can race for Lego sets inspired by the world of motorsport. 

The event aims to create an engaging and welcoming atmosphere where guests can experience the thrill of racing while exploring some of the world’s most prestigious jewellery and watch collections.

The event aims to showcase Rudells’ continued passion for delivering excellence in quality service and value - principles that have defined the jeweller since 1938 and are equally reflected in the world of professional motorsport.

The event also continues Rudells’ growing connection with the racing world following the company’s recent sponsorship of rising British karting talent Raef Virdee. The young Birmingham-born racer has already attracted national attention for his remarkable ability behind the wheel at just four years old.

Already exceeding during karting sessions at MPH Karting Academy in Solihull, Raef has impressed coaches and established figures within motorsport with his natural talent and fearless determination.

For Rudells, supporting Raef reflects the jeweller’s long-standing commitment to celebrating emerging talent, ambition, and dedication to excellence.

Speaking previously about the partnership, Jon Weston, Managing Director of Rudell The Jewellers, described Raef as a young talent who embodies passion and ambition, adding that the partnership allows Rudells to support excellence at the earliest stages while looking confidently toward the future.

The upcoming simulator event at the Birmingham showroom further reinforces that connection between luxury craftsmanship and high-performance engineering. Guests attending will enjoy the excitement of virtual racing competition as well as experience the atmosphere of refinement that has defined Rudell The Jewellers since 1938.

As motorsport continues to captivate audiences across generations, the event offers a unique opportunity to bring together family entertainment, luxury retail, and interactive experiences under one roof. Visitors can look forward to an occasion filled with energy, elegance, and unforgettable moments, including seasoned racing fans, aspiring young drivers and those simply enjoying an exciting day in Birmingham city centre.

The exclusive racing event will take place at Rudell The Jewellers’ Birmingham showroom on New Street between 10:00am and 4:00pm. Guests are encouraged to reserve their place early as availability is limited.

Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to experience the thrill of racing alongside the elegance of fine jewellery all in Birmingham city centre. Book your place today. www.rudells.com

Charity eCard Platform announces Summer Greeting Cards 2026

Hope Spring Charity eCard platform has unveiled its Summer Greeting Cards 2026 collection, introducing a wide selection of digital cards designed for birthdays, seasonal celebrations, and meaningful charitable giving. 

The new collection includes June birthday online greeting cards, environmentally friendly digital greetings and Summer Birthday eCards created to support clean water projects in Africa.

The announcement comes as digital greeting cards continue to grow in popularity among consumers looking for faster, more sustainable, and socially impactful alternatives to traditional paper cards. 

Industry analysts have noted a sharp increase in demand for online greeting cards, particularly among younger audiences seeking instant delivery and personalised messaging options.

According to the platform, the Summer Birthday eCards range has been designed to combine vibrant seasonal artwork with charitable impact, allowing users to celebrate important occasions while contributing to life-changing water initiatives.

The collection features colourful summer-themed birthday designs, animated ecards, floral greetings, sunshine-inspired celebrations, and personalised digital cards suitable for both personal and professional use. Users can send cards instantly through email, social media, or messaging apps, making the platform particularly attractive for long-distance celebrations and last-minute gifting.

“Our goal is to make online greetings more meaningful,” Temi, founder of the Hopespring eCards told us.

“People increasingly want convenience, sustainability, and social impact in one experience. Our Summer Greeting Cards 2026 collection is designed to deliver all three.”

The organisation added that June birthday online greeting cards are expected to be among the most popular categories this season, especially as summer celebrations, holidays, graduations, and family gatherings increase during the warmer months.

The newly released Summer Birthday eCards collection also includes options tailored for different age groups and relationship types, including cards for friends, parents, children, colleagues, and grandparents.

Experts within the digital gifting industry say online greeting cards continue to outperform many traditional card formats due to their instant delivery, lower environmental impact, and enhanced multimedia capabilities. Animated ecards, music-integrated greetings, and mobile-friendly personalised cards have become increasingly popular in both the UK and international markets.

The platform highlighted that every eCard sent through its service contributes toward charitable initiatives focused on improving access to clean water and sanitation in underserved communities.

Environmental advocates have also pointed to the sustainability benefits of ecards, which reduce paper waste, printing demands, and transportation-related emissions associated with physical greeting cards.

As consumer behaviour continues shifting toward digital-first experiences, charity-focused greeting card platforms are increasingly positioning themselves at the intersection of technology, social impact, and sustainable gifting.

The Summer Greeting Cards 2026 collection is now available online, with additional seasonal designs expected to be added throughout the year.

https://www.hopespring.org.uk

Why Funko Gifts Are Taking Over Christmas Wish Lists

For illustrative purposes only

There was a time when Christmas stockings were filled with satsumas, chocolate coins and maybe a pair of novelty socks. 

Now? There is every chance someone is hoping to unwrap a wide-eyed vinyl figure with a giant head and a tiny body. 

Welcome to the wonderfully addictive world of Funko.

From superheroes and sci-fi legends to sitcom favourites, rock stars and football icons, Funko gifts have become one of the most popular Christmas presents for collectors, casual fans and “hard to buy for” relatives alike. 

Whether you are shopping for a teenager obsessed with anime, a parent who still quotes classic films, or a friend who treats their gaming console like a member of the family, there is probably a Funko figure with their name written all over it.

Why Funko Pops Make Brilliant Christmas Gifts

Part of the appeal is simple: they are fun. Funko Pops are colourful, instantly recognisable and often surprisingly affordable, making them ideal stocking fillers or Secret Santa presents. They also tap directly into nostalgia, fandom and personality.

A single figure can say a lot about someone. A Star Wars collector may proudly display a Darth Vader Pop beside their television, while fans of Friends might line up the whole gang across a bookshelf. Music lovers can pick up artists from classic rock legends to modern pop icons, while gamers can find characters from everything from retro favourites to the latest blockbuster titles.

For many people, collecting becomes part of the fun. One figure often leads to another. Before long, shelves are becoming mini museums of favourite films, TV shows and games.

A Gift for Every Age

One of the clever things about Funko is how wide the appeal really is. Children love the bright designs and familiar characters. Teenagers enjoy collecting their favourite fandoms. Adults often buy them for nostalgia, office desks or “grown-up toy shelves” they insist are perfectly respectable.

Even grandparents are getting involved. It is surprisingly difficult not to smile when you see a tiny vinyl version of a beloved celebrity or classic film character staring back at you.

Christmas Shopping Tips for Funko Fans

If you are buying for a collector, there are a few things worth remembering:

Check whether they collect figures “in box” or open them for display

Look out for limited editions and convention exclusives

Multi-packs and themed sets can make excellent main presents

Seasonal Funko figures are especially popular during Christmas

Popular franchises can sell out quickly in December

Collectors can become very passionate about completing a set, so if you spot a missing character from a series they love, you may just become their favourite person on Christmas morning.

Beyond the Standard Pop

Although the famous Pop! figures get most of the attention, Funko also produces advent calendars, keyrings, plush toys, board games and larger deluxe collectibles. These can make ideal gifts for people who enjoy fandom culture but may not necessarily collect figures.

Christmas-themed editions are especially popular, with festive versions of superheroes, Disney characters and movie icons appearing in Santa hats, winter scarves and snowy scenes.

The Joy of Collecting

Part of the magic of Christmas is giving people something that feels personal. Funko gifts work because they reflect hobbies, memories and favourite characters in a playful way. They are not just decorations,they are tiny reminders of the films, games, music and stories people love most.

And let’s be honest, even the person buying the gifts usually ends up wanting one too.

This Christmas, don’t be surprised if the biggest excitement around the tree comes from a small vinyl figure with oversized eyes and a box that someone absolutely, definitely does not want thrown away.

Funko also allows you to make a fully customised Funko Pop figure in the likeness of a friend or family member and they are not as expensive as you might think!

To learn more visit https://funko.com/gb/ 

To learn how to make your own fully customisable Funko Pop visit https://funko.com/gb/build-your-custom-pop/

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Rudell The Jewellers Can Help You Plan Ahead for Christmas Gifting as They Unveil Their Exclusive In-Store Sale at Their Wolverhampton Showroom

Luxury Christmas Gifting for Less: A Hidden Jewellery Sale Worth Discovering

If you’re anything like me, Christmas shopping starts early, especially when there’s a chance to pick up something truly special without paying full festive-season prices. 

And right now, there’s a little gem of an opportunity that feels tailor-made for savvy Christmas planners.

Tucked away in the West Midlands, Rudell The Jewellers is hosting an exclusive in-store sale at its Wolverhampton showroom, and it’s exactly the kind of event that turns thoughtful gifting into something extraordinary.

A Smart Way to Shop Ahead for Christmas

We all know the pressure of December: crowded shops, rushed decisions, and prices that rarely feel like a bargain. This is the opposite.

This limited-time sale offers up to 50% off a beautifully curated selection of fine jewellery, making it the perfect moment to quietly tick off those important names on your Christmas list. 

Whether you’re buying for a partner, a parent, or even planning a well-deserved treat for yourself (no judgement here!), this is luxury gifting at a far more comfortable price point.

Designer Names Without the Designer Price Tag

Part of what makes this sale so exciting is the calibre of brands included.

Pieces from Marco Bicego bring that unmistakable handcrafted Italian elegance, organic textures, warm gold tones, and designs that feel both timeless and wearable.

Then there’s Chopard, a name synonymous with true high jewellery craftsmanship. These are the kinds of pieces that usually sit firmly in “aspirational” territory, yet here, they’re suddenly within reach.

Beautiful In-House Collections for Thoughtful Gifts

Alongside these big names, Rudell’s own collections, such as the Daisy and Halo ranges, offer something equally appealing: understated elegance.

These designs are ideal if you’re looking for gifts that feel personal rather than showy. Think refined, easy-to-wear pieces that will be appreciated every day—not just brought out for special occasions.

Why This Sale Feels Different

What really sets this apart is the experience. This isn’t a frantic online scramble or a crowded department store. It’s an in-store, personal shopping experience, where you can take your time, explore options, and actually enjoy choosing something meaningful.

And because many pieces are limited, there’s also that quiet thrill of finding something unique, something that won’t be everywhere come Christmas morning.

A Little Festive Strategy

If you like the idea of a calmer, more considered Christmas (and better value while you’re at it), this is exactly the kind of opportunity to embrace.

Shop now, wrap later, and enjoy the smug satisfaction of having your most luxurious gifts sorted well before the festive rush begins.

Because sometimes, the best Christmas presents aren’t just beautifully chosen—they’re brilliantly timed.

You'll find their Wolverhampton branch at 97 Darlington St, Wolverhampton WV1 4HB.

www.rudells.com

World Art Day: Commissioning Bespoke Art for Truly Meaningful Christmas Gifts

Every year on World Art Day (15 April), people around the world celebrate creativity, imagination, and the power of artistic expression.

 While the day is often marked by gallery visits or creative workshops, it can also be the perfect moment to start planning something rather special for the festive season: commissioning bespoke artwork as a Christmas gift.

In a world where so many presents are mass-produced, a commissioned piece of art stands apart. It’s personal, thoughtful, and completely unique, the sort of gift that can become a treasured heirloom rather than something that disappears into a cupboard by January.

A Gift That Truly Means Something

Commissioned artwork allows you to create a gift tailored to the recipient. Popular ideas include:

Portraits of family members or pets

Paintings of a beloved home or childhood place

Illustrated family trees

Seasonal winter landscapes with personal significance

Custom Christmas-themed illustrations

These gifts carry a depth of meaning that shop-bought items rarely match. A painting of a family home, for example, can evoke decades of memories every time it’s seen.

Support Local Artists

World Art Day is also a wonderful reminder of the talent within our own communities. Across the UK, countless independent artists create beautiful work but rely heavily on commissions and local support.

Commissioning a piece locally offers several advantages:

You can discuss ideas directly with the artist

You’re supporting creative businesses in your area

The final piece often has a deeper connection to the local landscape or culture

Local art societies, craft fairs, galleries, and even social media platforms such as Instagram are excellent places to discover artists working nearby.

Start Early for Christmas

One of the secrets to commissioning art successfully is planning ahead. Many artists become extremely busy in the months leading up to Christmas, and bespoke work can take weeks, sometimes months, to complete.

World Art Day in April therefore arrives at the perfect moment. Commissioning now gives the artist plenty of time to design, sketch, revise, and complete the work without rushing.

It also allows you to collaborate on details such as:

Size and framing

Medium (watercolour, oil, pencil, digital illustration)

Colour palette or seasonal elements

Creating Future Heirlooms

A bespoke artwork is more than a gift, it’s a story captured in colour and form. Whether it’s a portrait of a beloved pet, a snowy painting of a favourite cottage, or an illustration celebrating family life, these pieces often become part of family traditions.

So this World Art Day, why not think beyond the usual Christmas shopping lists? By commissioning a local artist, you’ll give a gift that is personal, meaningful, and likely to be cherished for generations.

And perhaps most importantly, you’ll be helping creativity flourish in your own community, which is exactly what World Art Day is all about.