Just Starting Out….

[mmcclain8606]

So I'm a noob to all this. Try not to judge lol. When I was a kid I collected cards for fun, and now my 7 year old is super into baseball and wants us to start a collection.

Obviously it's all just for fun with him, but I want to make sure we at least get a "decent" chance for some valuable cards. To start, I grabbed a little 2024 Topps series 1 box from Walgreens. Don't judge, I wanted something quick and easy for him to rip and make sure he was actually into it. He pulled a Stars of the MLB Bryce Harper card (not crazy valuable, but it's his favorite player), so he went nuts and was hooked instantly.

I know value wise, it's best to by singles, but the fun of ripping packs is what makes this all awesome (if you have kids you get it lol).

I've mostly been looking at Topps/Bowman (even the chrome packs), but between blaster, hanger, mega, hobby, jumbo boxes, etc, everything is a little overwhelming to start.

Any guidance withoutwould be greatly appreciated.

[michigandan]

Welcome back to the hobby! The best advice I think I could give is collect what you and your son like and makes you happy. Hobby boxes are pricey these days, if you just enjoy opening the packs buy retail. Best of luck in your collecting adventures. And if you have any questions regarding the site feel free to drop me a line anytime.

[OriolesFan]

WELCOME to SCF. If you're interested in buying some BRYCE HARPER cards, I currently have some available on this thread - BRYCE HARPER cards for SALE and/or trade (sportscardforum.com) - If any interest you, make a reasonable offer (don't forget shipping cost). Hope you and your 7 year old have a good time collecting. Have a good night, Rodney

NOTE - 09/22/2024 : Sent a e-mail
NOTE #2 - 10/02/2024 - Sent another e-mail, waiting on reply to this post.

[pwaldo]

I've mostly been looking at Topps/Bowman (even the chrome packs), but between blaster, hanger, mega, hobby, jumbo boxes, etc, everything is a little overwhelming to start.

Any guidance withoutwould be greatly appreciated.

If you want to buy this stuff my advice would be to figure out what you want to pull or at least what you want to increase your odds to pull. Each type of box revolves around that. For example one configuration of box will yield better odds at pulling an autograph but less on #D cards. Another configuration will give you a bunch of inserts and #D cards but your odds to pull an autograph will be long.

So figure out your budget and then figure out what your goal is. If you want the most total cards that means you should open up X, if you want the best odds at autographs you will break Y, and if you want more of something else like game used cards you chase after Z.

[bigbenjobu]

@pwaldo Great advice. I was coming here to say something similar.

While Hobby Jumbo boxes can be expensive ($175-200), they do guarantee 1 auto and 2 relics. A Hobby box is usually $90-100 and only guarantees one auto or relic (usually it is just a relic).

Blasters aren't that cheap anymore from what I have seen at Target, Walmart, and B&N. They are in the $30-40 range with no guarantees. They are more of a boom or bust product I feel like.

[mailministry]

Welcome to the forum.
I just wanted to add that it is important to protect the more valuable cards that your son has with sleeves and hard cases.
I know this may be a basic of collecting, but many times children want to show there collection to their friends, etc
and the cards can get a lot of handling. I may be adding something that you already know. Just trying to be helpful.

[mrrosado]

@mmcclain8606 welcome back! what is your favorite team? I'll ship you cards from that team for just the cost of shipping.

So I'm a noob to all this. Try not to judge lol. When I was a kid I collected cards for fun, and now my 7 year old is super into baseball and wants us to start a collection.

Obviously it's all just for fun with him, but I want to make sure we at least get a "decent" chance for some valuable cards. To start, I grabbed a little 2024 Topps series 1 box from Walgreens. Don't judge, I wanted something quick and easy for him to rip and make sure he was actually into it. He pulled a Stars of the MLB Bryce Harper card (not crazy valuable, but it's his favorite player), so he went nuts and was hooked instantly.

I know value wise, it's best to by singles, but the fun of ripping packs is what makes this all awesome (if you have kids you get it lol).

I've mostly been looking at Topps/Bowman (even the chrome packs), but between blaster, hanger, mega, hobby, jumbo boxes, etc, everything is a little overwhelming to start.

Any guidance withoutwould be greatly appreciated.