Good Gift for Pokemon Fan?

[wilson2011]

My teenage brother is a big Pokemon fan. He plays with his friends and competes in tournaments. I want to get him some cards for Christmas, but have no idea where to begin (I want to surprise him). Is there a great set I could get him? Or alternatively, anything I should stay away from? Looking quickly online I see Fall, Spring, Holiday tins, Evolved Battle Action Tin, Black and White Expansions. Are booster packs any good or do you have to buy more expensive packs to get the good cards? All in all, I'm looking to spend around $25. Thanks in advance for any suggestions!!

 

[donavannj]

For a better surprise, I'd get him one of the boxes instead of an individual card. Try to see what he has already (without spoiling the surprise for him, of course!) and get him boosters from a set he doesn't have much of or one of the boxes he doesn't have the promo/item from yet.

 

[sam_wang]

you can get him base set 1 packs. That would really surprise him!

 

[donavannj]

you can get him base set 1 packs. That would really surprise him!

Sounds like this guy is more player than collector (though most players are collectors), so buying them a much newer set would probably be better for them.