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- Surprise Element: As I mentioned, the contents of a hobby box are a mystery until opened. This element of surprise adds excitement and anticipation, as you never know what rare or valuable items you might find.
- Building a Collection: For collectors, opening hobby boxes is a way to develop and enhance their collections. Sets are generally shorter and more obtainable in 2024.
- Social Aspect: Opening hobby boxes is often a social activity. People may do it with friends or fellow collectors, sharing the experience and discussing the items they find. Every Friday evening, I get together with friends and rip 3 or 4 boxes. This is by far the highlight of my week.
- Engagement with the Hobby: For enthusiasts of a particular hobby, such as sports cards or trading cards, opening hobby boxes is a hands-on way to engage with the hobby. It provides a tangible and interactive experience. Add fun, record yourself opening a hobby box, and then upload it to YouTube.
- Memories and Nostalgia: Opening a hobby box can evoke memories and nostalgia, primarily if the items inside are related to a person’s favorite sports team, entertainment franchise, or childhood memories.
- Potential for Rare Pulls: The chance of getting a rare or highly sought-after item, often called a “pull,” is a significant driver of excitement. The possibility of hitting a valuable card adds an element of thrill to the experience.
Below are our top picks for purchasing a hobby box or two on eBay. I have combined old and new boxes, as readers asked to include older sets.
Best Buy: 13 Best CJ Stroud Rookie Cards to Buy Now (cardboardnerds.com)
Pro-Tip: Consider investing in one of the best basketball rookie cards ever.
Top Baseball, Basketball, and Football Hobby Boxes to Buy
It’s important to note that the value of these boxes and cards can vary based on factors such as condition, rarity, and market demand among collectors.
#1. 2023 Panini Prizm Basketball Card Hobby Box
One player and one card have made the 2023 Prizm Basketball Card box the best on our list.
Victor Wembanyama Prizm RC.
The 2023 Prizm Basketball card is one of the hottest-selling boxes on eBay, and it will remain so for a while.
Collectors are sure to be ripping 2023-24 Prizm Basketball hobby boxes open in search of a Victor Wembanyama Prizm Rookie Card.
- Cards per pack: Hobby – 12, Choice – 8, Fast Break – 9
- Packs per box: Hobby – 12, Choice – 1, Fast Break – 10
- Boxes per case: Hobby – 12, Choice – 20, Fast Break – 20
Standard hobby boxes come with a pair of autographs. They also boast ten inserts and over 20 total Prizms parallels.
#2. 2023 Panini Prizm Football Card Hobby Box
The 2023 Prizm Football Hobby Box is one of the year’s most prominent, if not the biggest, set releases in the industry. Please go here to view the 2023 Panini Prizm Football Card Set Review online.
Collectors will be targeting the CJ Stroud base Prizm rookie card #339. The Stroud card should be the hottest in the set, with the Puka Nacua rookie card #357 placing a distance second.
#3. 2023 Donruss Elite Football Hobby Box
When ripping open a 2023 Donruss Elite football box, you can expect the following cards on average: 2 autographs, 1 memorabilia card, 11 Inserts, 6 parallels, and 3 rookie cards.
You should get more than 3 rookie cards in each hobby box, as I received 10 in my hobby box.
Cards per pack: Hobby – 5
Packs per box: Hobby – 20
Boxes per case: Hobby – 12
#4. 1989 Upper Deck Baseball Hobby Box
We had to toss in one classic hobby box right?
And they don’t get much better than the 1989 Upper Deck Baseball Card Hobby Box in terms of pure fun of ripping.
The 1989 Upper Deck Baseball Hobby Box is a collectible item related to baseball trading cards. Upper Deck, a sports card manufacturing company, released its first set of baseball cards in 1989, a significant milestone in the trading card industry.
What made the 1989 Upper Deck Baseball Hobby Box so famous?
- Debut Set: The 1989 Upper Deck Baseball set marked Upper Deck’s entry into the baseball card market. Upper Deck differentiated itself by using high-quality materials and glossy cardstock and introducing anti-counterfeiting holograms, making its cards stand out from competitors.
- 1989 Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card: Quit possibly the most popular trading card ever. There is a good chance your mom would recognize this card. Ken Griffey Jr. is one of the greatest baseball players in history.
- High-Quality Production: The cards in the set were known for their premium quality, including full-color glossy images and a clean design. This set raised the bar regarding production standards in the baseball card industry.
- Impact on the Hobby: The release of the 1989 Upper Deck Baseball set significantly impacted the hobby, influencing other card manufacturers to improve the quality of their products. It also contributed to the growing popularity of baseball card collecting in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
- Hobby Box Contents: A hobby box typically contains a specific number of packs, each with a set number of cards. Collectors would purchase these boxes to open the packs and discover the cards inside, hoping to find valuable and rare cards.
- Collectible Value: Due to the iconic status of the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card and the historical significance of the set. These cards are precious in PSA 10 grades. The Griffey Jr. Super Star #1 card will easily break the four digits at a PSA 10 grade. the 1989 Upper Deck Baseball Hobby Box has become a sought-after and valuable collectible item among baseball card enthusiasts and collectors.
#5. 2023 Panini Mosaic Football Hobby Box
The most popular sport in the United States is the NFL, and this is the season’s first legit hobby box release. Next up will be the 2023 Prizm Football Hobby Box. Check out the best rookie cards from the 2023 Mosaic Football set here.
Mosaic is a famous line of sports trading cards the Panini America company produces. Mosaic sets typically feature a variety of cards, including base cards, inserts, and potentially autographed or memorabilia cards. They are known for their moderate pack/box price compared to the Prizm brand. Here are some highlights and reasons to consider the 2023 Mosaic hobby box.
- Budget Friendly (positive): You can score some severe rookie cards at a moderate price when compared to the 2023 Prizm hobby box (its rival)
- Base Cards (positive): The set usually includes a base set featuring player cards with unique mosaic-style designs. These cards often showcase standout players from the NFL.
- Inserts (positive): Mosaic sets have some of the best football insert cards. These “inserts” could highlight specific achievements, events, or players.
- Autographs and Memorabilia Cards: Some hobby boxes may contain autographed cards where players sign their signatures on the cards. Additionally, there might be memorabilia cards featuring pieces of game-worn jerseys or equipment.
- Parallel Cards: Many sets have similar base and insert card versions featuring different colors or foil patterns. These parallels can vary in rarity, with some being more sought by collectors.
- Rookies: Rookie cards of the newest NFL players are often a significant part of football card sets. Collectors often look for rookie cards of promising young talents.
- Grading (negative): They do not grade as well as Prizm.
#6. 2023 Bowman Draft Baseball Hobby Box
Bowman Draft baseball prospect cards always pay big dividends when the prospect hits (Acuna, Vlad Jr.). I like Jackson Holiday rookie cards and Paul Skenes from the 2023 Bowman Draft baseball card set.
Bowman Draft is an annual release by Topps, and it focuses on featuring the newest crop of baseball prospects, particularly those recently drafted into the MLB. Here are some general highlights you might expect from a Bowman Draft Baseball Hobby Box:
- Prospect Cards: Bowman Draft is known for including prospect cards of young, up-and-coming players. These cards often showcase players who have recently been drafted into the MLB.
- Chrome Cards: Bowman Draft typically features chrome versions of the base cards. These chrome cards are known for their shiny and reflective surfaces, adding a premium feel to the set.
- Autographed Cards: Many hobby boxes include autographed cards of prospects. Collectors often seek autographs of promising players as they can become valuable as their careers progress.
#7. 2022 Topps Chrome Platinum Anniversary Baseball Hobby Box
Guaranteed ONE Chrome Autograph card per BOX! We have purchased three of these and plan on buying more.
Box Highlights
- Base Set: The set typically includes a base set featuring player cards with unique designs. The Platinum Anniversary edition may have special elements or features to distinguish it from regular releases.
- Refractor Technology: Topps Chrome is known for its refractor technology, which gives cards a shiny and reflective surface. Platinum Anniversary editions may feature exclusive refractors or variations.
- Autographed Cards: Many hobby boxes include autographed cards. Depending on the checklist for the set, these can include autographs of current MLB players and top prospects.
#8. 2023 Panini Legacy Football Hobby Box
A super hot hobby box with the start of the 2023 NFL season.
#9. 2023 Topps Allen & Ginter Baseball Hobby Box
I love A&G hobby boxes.
They have a distinctive look that makes them stand out from the pack. Here are some reasons why I love Allen & Ginter baseball/trading cards.
- Diverse Subject Matter: Allen & Ginter sets often feature diverse subjects beyond baseball. The sets may include cards of athletes from various sports, historical figures, celebrities, and even animals. This eclectic mix sets Allen & Ginter apart from traditional baseball card sets.
- Mini Cards: One notable feature is including mini-sized cards within the set. These smaller cards replicate the look of vintage tobacco cards and add a nostalgic and unique element to the collection.
- Inclusion of Non-Sports Subjects: Allen & Ginter sets include cards featuring non-sports subjects such as historical figures, explorers, and animals. This broader focus attracts collectors interested beyond baseball, making the set appealing to a diverse audience.
- Autographs and Relics: Many Allen & Ginter sets include autographed cards and relic cards featuring pieces of memorabilia, such as jerseys or bats. The inclusion of these premium inserts adds excitement for collectors looking for unique and valuable pulls.
- Artistic Designs: The cards often feature creative and visually appealing designs. The attention to detail in the card design, including borders, backgrounds, and imagery, contributes to the aesthetic appeal of Allen & Ginter cards.
- Historical References: Allen & Ginter sets may include cards that pay homage to historical events, making them attractive for collectors who appreciate the intersection of sports and history.
- Minis and Inserts: In addition to mini-sized cards, Allen & Ginter sets typically include various inserts and subsets that showcase specific themes or highlight unique aspects of the sports and non-sports subjects.
- Nostalgia: The design and feel of Allen & Ginter cards often evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of vintage trading cards. This nostalgic appeal can attract collectors who appreciate trading cards’ classic look and feel.
- Ginter Code: Some sets include puzzles or codes that uniquely engage collectors. The Ginter Code, for example, is a puzzle-solving element that adds an extra layer of intrigue to the collecting experience.
#10. 2022 Topps Gold Label Baseball Hobby Box
Topps plus Gold Label?
What can go wrong?
Absolutely nothing unless you dislike stunning baseball cards, solid inserts, and autos. Released on March 22, 2023, the 2022 Topps Gold Label cards became the best-selling hobby box on eBay overnight, and we are not surprised in the least.
#11. 2023 Topps Series 1 Baseball Hobby Box
The 2023 Topps Series 1 Baseball Cards will be a must-have for any collector. Featuring some of the top players in the game today, these cards will include a variety of designs and styles. The base set will feature an array of color photos from games throughout the season, with each card featuring unique details about the player and their career accomplishments. Additionally, there will be a variety of inserts, including autographs, memorabilia cards, and insert sets.
In addition to the base set, collectors will have the opportunity to look for various inserts. Autograph cards featuring some of the most popular players in the Major Leagues today will be available, as well as memorabilia cards with pieces of game-used bats, gloves, and more. Additionally, insert sets such as Topps Now and Throwback Thursday will provide unique looks at memorable moments from the past. These insert sets will be a great addition to any collection, offering an exciting look into the game’s history.
#12. 2022 Panini Obsidian Football Hobby Box
Panini Obsidian Football Cards are set to make a return in 2022. The set is designed to capture the excitement of the NFL season and features a variety of inserts, parallels, and autographs. Obsidian cards feature some of the biggest names in the game, including reigning MVPs and all-time greats. Additionally, there will be a selection of chase cards with unique designs, many of which are limited to just one copy.
Obsidian cards have a unique design, a black background, and striking white and gold graphics. The 2022 set will also include cards commemorating some of the most significant moments in NFL history, such as the Super Bowls, Pro Bowls, and significant awards. Collectors can look forward to many autographs from top players, including Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, and Patrick Mahomes.
In addition to the main set, Panini is releasing several themed inserts such as “Legends in Blue” and “Hall of Fame”. Collectors can look forward to finding rare variations of these cards with unique designs or autographs. The “Legends in Blue” insert features an impressive selection of Hall of Famers, while the “Hall of Fame” insert highlights some of the greatest players ever to take the field.
Collectors can look forward to finding Obsidian Football Cards in retail outlets, hobby stores, and online. The set will be released in 2022 and will be a great addition to any football fan’s collection.
#13. 2022-23 Panini Prizm Premier League Soccer Hobby Box
A chance for a Messi autograph.
How can a collector pass that up?
#14. 2022-23 Panini Origins Basketball Hobby Box
Colorful, beautiful, high-end… a must-buy.
#15. 2022 Topps Chrome Update Series Baseball Hobby Box
Topps is always a big hit with baseball card collectors.
Topps never fails to impress. Great players. Great Cards.