Collecting for Children: Bringing Kids Off Screens with the Magic of Physical Trading Cards

There’s growing conversation around how to help children reconnect with hands-on, social experiences in a screen-saturated world. One answer? Trading cards.

As digital devices increasingly dominate childhood, many parents remain unaware of what their kids are truly engaging with online. From fast-paced gaming apps to algorithm-driven content, today’s digital world often comes at the cost of imagination, patience, and real-world interaction. In contrast, physical trading cards offer something increasingly rare: hands-on connection. Whether it's swapping a shiny Pokémon card in the school playground or reading an opponent’s strategy across the table in a tense game, collecting is about far more than just the cards themselves – it’s about face-to-face interaction, negotiation, creativity, and a shared sense of community.

“There’s something irreplaceable about physical trading,” says Harry Reynolds, founder of the London Card Show. “You’re not just opening packs on a screen; you’re meeting people, making trades, handling tangible collectibles. It never loses its magic.”

And that enduring appeal is evident. From humble beginnings with just 40 attendees in 2021, the London Card Show has grown into Europe’s biggest trading card event, with more than 8,000 people expected to attend this May. Its success speaks to a broader trend: in the age of the algorithm, physical hobbies are making a powerful comeback.

The popularity of trading cards isn’t just about nostalgia. For children especially, collecting offers a break from passive screen time and opens the door to active, imaginative play. It teaches patience, value, decision-making and social confidence — all while being a whole lot of fun. Whether kids are building a deck, protecting their favourite cards, or learning how to negotiate a fair trade, they’re developing real-world skills in an age-appropriate, joy-filled way.

Trading cards might seem simple, but at their heart is something profound: the power of play, of community, and of real-life engagement in a world that increasingly pushes us online.

For more information about upcoming events, visit www.londoncardshow.co.uk.

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Editors notes

Founded in 2021, the London Card Show was set up with a singular mission: to bring card collectors of all types under one roof. What initially began as a gathering of 10 tables and 40 attendees has since blossomed into a spectacular weekend-long event, attracting over 4,000 enthusiasts from across the globe. Their journey has been ignited by the passion of fans, having recently been crowned the UK’s Card Show of the Year!

About Harry Reynolds, Founder & CEO of the London Card Show

Harry Reynolds, a natural-born entrepreneur, embarked on his journey at a young age, continually seeking innovative ways to seize opportunities and bridge market gaps. His passion for trading cards began during university, where he turned a £10 investment into an impressive £10,000 after discovering the value of cards. Harry's YouTube live streams and TikTok presence catapulted him into the UK card community, where he gained recognition for his unique trading card mystery box breaks. With unwavering determination, he pioneered the London Card Show, and saw it evolve from a small gathering to Europe's largest card event. Harry's dedication has led to global recognition, and he remains committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive card community for enthusiasts of all backgrounds.

About Katie Hughes, Chief Operating Officer at the London Card Show

Katie Hughes, driven by a passion for creativity ignited during her school years, found her true calling in the world of marketing. After a marketing degree at university and six rewarding years within Hard Rock Cafe's marketing department, she embarked on a remarkable journey with the London Card Show. Initially unsure of what to expect from the card industry, she quickly fell in love with it. Her marketing strategy thrived on ingenuity, emphasising community engagement over traditional methods and achieving an exceptional 7% engagement rate, far surpassing industry standards. Her dedication and vision were instrumental in propelling the London Card Show to unprecedented success, doubling attendance and vendor tables within a year. Her dedication to her role, her family's support, and her commitment to the event's success have made her an indispensable asset to the London Card Show's remarkable transformation.