Pokemon Center vs DIY Ornaments: Which Is Better?

When comparing official Pokemon Center decorations to DIY Pokemon Christmas ornaments, the answer depends on your priorities: Pokemon Center items offer guaranteed quality, official designs, and collectible value, while DIY ornaments provide personalization, cost savings, and creative satisfaction. For most fans, a mix of both—using official pieces as centerpieces and DIY crafts to fill out the tree—delivers the best holiday experience.

Formula

The calculator above works out your average running pace and speed. The formulas are:

Pace = Finish Time (minutes) ÷ Distance (kilometers)

Speed = Distance (kilometers) ÷ (Finish Time (minutes) ÷ 60)

Variables:

• t = finish time in minutes (e.g., 50 minutes)
• d = distance in kilometers (e.g., 10 km)
• Pace = minutes per kilometer (min/km)
• Speed = kilometers per hour (km/h)

Worked Example

Using the default values (50 minutes, 10 km):

1. Pace = 50 ÷ 10 = 5.00 min/km
2. Speed = 10 ÷ (50 ÷ 60) = 10 ÷ 0.8333 = 12.00 km/h

The calculator shows a pace of 5.00 min/km and a speed of 12.00 km/h.

Background: What Each Option Offers

Pokemon Center is the official merchandise store of The Pokemon Company, selling plushies, figures, apparel, and seasonal decorations. Their Christmas line includes hanging ornaments, tree toppers, wreaths, and themed garlands featuring popular Pokemon like Pikachu, Eevee, and Gengar. These items are mass-produced, officially licensed, and often released in limited annual collections.

DIY Pokemon ornaments, on the other hand, are handmade crafts. Fans create them using materials like polymer clay, felt, wood slices, or repurposed plastic Pokeballs. Patterns and tutorials circulate on social media and crafting blogs, allowing for endless customization. DIY can range from simple painted ornaments to intricate sculpted figures.

How to Choose: Key Factors to Consider

Your choice depends on several personal priorities:

• Budget: DIY is generally cheaper, especially if you already have craft supplies. Official ornaments cost more per piece, but you avoid the upfront cost of tools and materials.
• Time: DIY takes hours per ornament, while official items are ready to hang immediately.
• Skill level: DIY requires some crafting ability; official items look polished regardless of your skills.
• Durability: Official ornaments are made to last and are often shatterproof, while DIY items can be fragile if made from air-dry clay or thin plastic.
• Sentimental value: Handmade ornaments often carry more personal meaning and can become family heirlooms.

Common Problems with Each Option

Pokemon Center: The main issues are cost, availability, and authenticity. Official items are pricier, and limited-edition pieces sell out quickly, especially during the holiday season. Counterfeit products abound online, so you must buy from authorized retailers. Additionally, the designs are fixed—you can’t get a custom Pokemon or a specific pose.

DIY: The biggest challenges are time, skill, and consistency. Handmade ornaments may not look as polished as official ones, and they can be damaged easily if not sealed properly. Also, if you’re making multiple ornaments, keeping them uniform is difficult. Some materials like polymer clay require baking, which adds complexity.

Cost Comparison: Official vs DIY

Official Pokemon Center ornaments typically range from $10 to $30 each, depending on the size and complexity. Tree toppers and larger decorations can cost $40 or more. Shipping and taxes add to the total, and if you buy multiple items, the cost quickly adds up.

DIY costs vary widely. A basic set of polymer clay (12 colors) costs around $15–20, and you can make dozens of ornaments from one pack. Add $5–10 for ornament hooks, ribbon, and sealant. If you already own tools like rolling pins and cutters, the marginal cost per ornament is very low—often under $2. However, if you need to buy specialty molds or paints, the initial investment rises.

Durability and Safety

Official Pokemon Center ornaments are designed for hanging on a tree and are generally safe for children over 3 years old, though small parts may pose a choking hazard. They are made of plastic, resin, or fabric, and are usually shatterproof. Always check the age recommendation on the packaging.

DIY ornaments require more caution. If using polymer clay, follow the manufacturer’s baking instructions to avoid toxic fumes (though most are non-toxic when cured properly). Avoid small beads or magnets that could be swallowed by pets or young children. For painted ornaments, use non-toxic, water-based acrylic paints and seal with a clear varnish to prevent chipping. If you use glass ornaments, handle them carefully to avoid breakage.

Alternatives: What Else Can You Do?

If neither option feels right, consider these alternatives:

• Hybrid approach: Buy a few official ornaments for their quality and make DIY ones for personal touches.
• Printable ornaments: Download free Pokemon coloring pages, color them, and glue them onto cardstock or wood circles.
• Repurpose old items: Turn used Pokemon cards or empty Pokeball tins into ornaments by adding a ribbon loop.
• Commission custom work: Hire an artist on platforms like Etsy to create a personalized ornament, though this can be expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Pokemon Center ornaments worth the price?

If you value official quality, collectibility, and time savings, yes. They are well-made and often increase in value if kept in mint condition. But if you’re on a tight budget or want unique designs, DIY is more cost-effective.

What materials do I need for DIY Pokemon ornaments?

Common supplies include polymer clay (like Sculpey or Fimo), acrylic paints, brushes, clear sealant, ribbon or hooks, and optional cookie cutters or molds. For simpler versions, use felt, cardboard, or wood slices.

How long does it take to make a DIY Pokemon ornament?

Simple painted designs take 15–30 minutes plus drying time. Sculpted clay ornaments take 1–2 hours including baking and painting. Plan for extra time if you’re making multiple.

Can I sell DIY Pokemon ornaments?

You can sell your own handmade crafts, but you cannot use official Pokemon logos or trademarked names in your product listings without permission. Selling fan art is a gray area; many small sellers do it, but it technically infringes on The Pokemon Company’s IP.

Do Pokemon Center ornaments come in sets?

Yes, they often sell boxed sets of 3–6 ornaments with a theme, like “Eevee Evolutions� or “Original Starters.� These are usually a better value than buying individually.

How do I store Pokemon ornaments after Christmas?

Wrap each ornament in tissue paper or bubble wrap and store in a sturdy box with dividers. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. DIY clay ornaments should be stored flat to avoid warping.

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in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0 | 100000
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2