Kids in the Hobby: 8 Ways to Get Started Under $100

Hobby Tips & Community

Kickstart Their Card Journey—All Under $100!

Looking to introduce kids to card collecting? Here are 8 fun and affordable ways to get them started in the hobby — all under $100.

At SGA Trading Cards, we believe the future of the hobby lies in the hands of young collectors. Whether you’re a parent, coach, or mentor, getting kids involved in collecting doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, for under $100, you can give a child a great start — packed with excitement, education, and that unforgettable feeling of opening a pack.

Here are 8 creative, fun, and affordable ways to help kids fall in love with collecting cards.

Retail Blaster Boxes ($25–$40)

Start with a blaster box from brands like Topps Series 1, Bowman, or Panini Chronicles. These boxes offer a variety of players, insert cards, and a shot at autographs — perfect for pack-ripping fun.

💡 Tip: Target and Walmart often have exclusive retail formats and occasional discounts.

Player-Themed Starter Lot ($10–$30)

Pick your kid’s favorite team or player and buy a hand-curated lot from eBay or a local show. Many sellers offer 25–100 card lots featuring stars, parallels, and rookies for less than the cost of a pizza.

💡 Tip: Search “Jr. collector lot” or “kids card starter pack” on eBay.

Dollar Box Treasure Hunt ($1–$20)

At local card shows or shops, set a $5 or $10 limit and let the kid explore dollar boxes. It’s a blast to dig and find hidden gems — and it’s educational too!

💡 Great for: Teaching budgeting, patience, and attention to detail.

Create a Custom Binder ($10–$20)

Let them build their own themed binder: favorite team, players under 25, mascots, even wacky cards! Pick up a binder and pages for under $10, and organize with creativity.

💡 Pro Tip: Include labels, dividers, and stickers to personalize it.

Kids Club Subscriptions ($5–$25/month)

Some online hobby stores offer affordable “kids club” mailers with packs, stickers, and fun extras. It’s like a monthly card surprise in the mailbox!

💡 Search: “kids card collector subscription” or check out [SGA’s own future offering].

Card Sorting Challenges (Free–$5)

Make a game out of sorting: by team, number, color, player initials. Use low-end cards or duplicates to create card-based puzzles, scavenger hunts, or trivia nights.

💡 This builds: Critical thinking and sports knowledge.

Team Sets or Minor League Cards ($5–$15)

Minor league or team-issued sets are often inexpensive and feature rising stars — some of whom may become household names.

💡 Example: Grab a team set of your local Single-A or Double-A affiliate.

Attend a Local Card Show Together (Free Entry–$10)

Many card shows are free or low-cost to enter and offer tons of cheap cards, freebie tables for kids, and the joy of in-person discovery. This is the perfect way to build real-world excitement around the hobby.

💡 Bring cash and a few top loaders or sleeves just in case!

Why It Matters

Introducing kids to card collecting isn’t just about the thrill of the chase—it’s about growth, bonding, and lifelong lessons. Research shows trading cards help with literacy, math, organization, negotiation, and social skills. They encourage patience, strategic thinking, and responsible play—skills that extend far beyond the hobby.

And the best part? You can ignite these educational and emotional benefits for under $100, creating unforgettable moments together—whether you’re cheering over their first rare find, helping them catalog their cards, or sharing stories sparked by a memorable pull.

At SGA Trading Cards, our goal is to equip parents, coaches, and mentors with smart, affordable ways to nurture a child’s curiosity, confidence, and community. It’s more than a hobby—it’s a springboard for growth.

Start small, dream big—and watch their collector journey unfold.

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