Ahh yeah, I used to collect as a kid as well. I had about 50 cards in a binder, but some older kid of mine stole it off me. So a few years ago I started collecting from 4th generation and on. I look forward to the 6th generation collection though! If they put out a Sylveon tin I SO GONNA GET ONE.
aaaaand there are a few signature/avatar shops open in the
Art & Design section. There should be a few active ones. xD