Many kids will be experiencing the Galar region as first-time trainers this holiday season and the Pokémon community is here to welcome them. Veteran trainers have come together to transform Pokémon Sword and Shield’s in-game Surprise Trade into a secret gift exchange for the holidays!
Seasoned trainers are encouraged to get in the holiday spirit by breeding rare or simply adorable catches in preparation for “Surprise Trade Christmas” on December 25. Compiled below is a list of some top gift exchange ideas to bring joy to any trainer on Christmas Day.
5. The Starters
The starters are always a fantastic gift idea any time of year. Trainers breeding Sobble, Scorbunny, and Grookey in a quest for superior IVs may have a few lounging around who didn’t make the cut. Rookie trainers don’t place as much weight behind battle stats and will be excited merely receiving such an unexpected gem.
Trainers who’ve beaten the game have the opportunity to treat their trade partner to a real surprise. Drop that adorable Charmander gifted by Leon off at a Nursery with another Fire-type Pokémon for the chance at a baby Charmander, then spread its warmth this holiday through Surprise Trade Christmas.
4. Version Exclusives
Pokémon Sword and Shield each offer a version exclusive Pokémon. In Pokémon Sword, Galarian Farfetch’d may be found on Route 5 and is able to evolve into the regional exclusive Sirfetch’d (depicted above). Pokémon Shield trainers may encounter Galarian Ponyta within Glimwood Tangle. These regional variants are not only exclusive to Galar but also to their respective titles, thus making them highly sought Christmas gifts.
3. Snom and Lapras
Though vastly different in terms of size Snom and Lapras both bring a wintery theme to the Surprise Trade with their Ice typing. Neither Pokémon is attainable until later in the game and both are fan favorites. Snom has unexpectedly warmed hearts with its snow-bug charm while Lapras is a long-time favorite of many and has gained the ability to Gigantamax since making the voyage to Galar.
2. Milceries with Sweets
Milcery is a new Pokémon introduced with the Galar region. Milcery has the ability to evolve into an astounding 63 forms of Alcremie, provided it is holding the appropriate Sweet. While Milcery is available to catch early in the game, the various Sweets required for the multitude of Alcremie variants are harder to come by. Trainers who’ve made headway in the grueling endeavor of Alcremie creations could spread holiday cheer by giving out Milcery holding surplus ingredients.
1. Eevee
Eevee is another long-time crowd favorite. There are eight Eeveelutions available in Sword and Shield and while it is easier than previous games to obtain Eevees, they are still a rare spawn. Found occasionally on Route 4 and easy enough to breed, seasoned Eeveelutionists will be well on their way to raising up all of the variants by now and likely have plenty of the cuties to spare. Eevee fans are passionate about their love for the endearing fluffballs, and sharing that passion is a gift that keeps on giving.
For The Naughty: Rolycoly
For the seasonal prankster, a lump of Rolycoly makes for the perfect gag gift given it is, in fact, a lump of coal. Giving out Rolycoly exclusively, however, could be perceived as mean-spirited considering Rolycoly is more than abundant within the Galar Mines. It’s probably best to keep the pranks to a minimum and take the opportunity to spread Christmas cheer.
While trainers are usually content just to share their love of various Pokémon with each other, the “Surprise Trade Christmas” constructed by the fanbase makes this holiday season extra special. So get breeding and check this list twice to spread some extra cheer on Christmas Day!
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