Okay, I admit it. I’m on the Pokémon Go bandwagon. I resisted for a few days, but quickly gave into the hype and had to see what all the commotion was about. If this turned out to be more than a fad, I knew I would regret not joining right in the early days when I had the chance. Before I knew it, I was going on walks specifically in search of Pokémon, going out of my usual routes to pass by Pokéstops, stressing over which team I should join (I chose #TeamMystic in the end), and wanting to throw my phone against a wall every time the server was down – which if you decided to go the Pokémon Trainer Club route like me and NOT use your Google account – was every single day. Now I wouldn’t say I’m obsessed. You will know when I’m obsessed with something, and I’m not quite at that point BUT I do enjoy it a great deal.
First, if you’re one of the few people who hasn’t heard of Pokémon Go for whatever reason, it’s an augmented reality system which allows players to search for, capture, and train virtual Pokémon all from the courtesy of their phone. It rewards players for activity and allows for a unique chance at socialization. It’s the latest trend in gaming and users have been very passionate flooding social media with information, pictures of everyone’s latest Pokémon finds, and hilarious memes.
Quick backstory: I’m probably one of the few kids who did not play or watch Pokemon growing up. As early as four, my fandoms included Sailor Moon (my number one), The Power Rangers (Pink Ranger all the way!), and even a dash of TNMT but I intentionally avoided the Pokémon craze. Why? I went to a very conservative school and Pokémon was one of the things they were most outspokenly against. I remember a kid even trying to get me in trouble because he mistook the Star Wars trading cards in my backpack for Pokémon cards. Combine that along with my later aversion to anything mainstream and popular (I basically was an elementary school hipster), and, well, there you go.
Flash forward 20 years later. This is my first time experiencing anything Pokémon related and, regardless of some of the headlines, it’s been a very positive experience. I’m walking and being more active than I ever would without it, I’m motivated to get out of my apartment, I’m exploring my neighborhood and community (I had no idea there there was a public library within walking distance of my place nor had I ever been to my local park before), I’m saving gas by not driving short trips, it gives me something to bond with friends and even strangers over, the list goes on. I am quick to speak up for it when people who have never played it talk bad about it because it has brought a lot of good to mine and many other’s lives. But hey, it’s their loss! Not everyone can be the very best!
With all that said, I am VERY excited to share with you today 10 items to help make you the very best Pokémon master PLUS an opportunity to WIN all said items in an incredible Giveaway!! After testing the waters last month, I’ve been looking around for the perfect big giveaway to really jump full-heartedly into and couldn’t resist getting involved when Kimi asked around in search of hosts for a Pokémon Go themed Giveaway.
The Essentials/GiveawayPrizes
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- Portable Phone Charger – Honestly, I couldn’t play this game without one! Pokémon Go drains your battery FAST and you don’t want to find yourself out searching for Pokemon then stranded with a dead phone.
- Universal Waterproof Phone Bag – You might be dedicated to catching Pokémon rain or shine, but you gotta protect your phone from the elements!
- LED Lighted Beanie – Be safe while scouting at night! Let this beanie light your way while keeping your hands free plus it’ll let cars and others see you better when you’re crossing the street and such.
- Pokémon Squirtle 24 oz. Water Bottle – You’re going to be thirsty with all of that walking, you gotta stay hydrated!
- Mission Enduracool Microfiber Towel – It’s summer, it’s hot, you’re going to sweat. Stay dry with this towel!
- Portable Fan & Water Mister – Beat the heat and stay cool with this portable fan and water mister.
- OFF! Skintatsic Insect Repellent Spray – Don’t let the bugs catch YOU – keep them away with this spray.
- Banana Boat Sport Sunscreen – As with any prolonged time spent outdoors, protect your skin – a sunburn is one quick way to ruin your fun.
- Planters Trail Mix – Even the very best gotta eat, reenergize with some healthy and yummy trail mix.
- Pokéball Backpack – You’ve got to put all your gear somewhere while you’re out. What better place then this super cool backpack?
Meet Your Giveaway Sponsors
These amazing bloggers and shop owners and I have come together to sponsor this massive Pokémon themed giveaway. I hope you’ll consider reading our answers to some questions asked of us. Note that not all of the sponsors are playing Pokémon Go and therefor you won’t see answers from them. They are just big supporters of going out and doing what you love!
What is your reason for playing Pokémon Go?
Although I wasn’t into Pokémon growing up (sorry, I was too busy with Power Rangers), I was excited to try this game. I already play Ingress, another augmented reality game made by Niantic and I liked the idea of having something I could collect and level up. I like that it makes me want to leave the house. I suffer from severe anxiety and sometimes I find it difficult to go out and do simple errands. I’m enjoying them now because it means I might find some Pokémon to collect!
What is one thing that would make playing Pokémon Go a better experience for you?
I think more Pokéstops around my neighborhood would make a huge difference in game play for me. I want to get out and be active and it’s easier to do around my home.
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What is your reason for playing Pokémon Go?
Pokémon Go was every young kid’s dream when I was in elementary school! Collecting the cards and playing on my Color Gameboy was all well and good, but it’s nothing like being able to hunt the neighborhood with my friends/husband and catch Pokémon in my backyard!
What is one thing that would make playing Pokémon Go a better experience for you?
Aside from the obvious (less battery drain and servers that actually work) I would love more player interaction! Things like trading Pokémon and more in-depth battles. More interaction related to the teams would be neat too.
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What is your reason for playing Pokémon Go?
Pokémon GO has been a great family activity in my household! My husband, 18-year-old step-daughter, 13-year-old daughter, 10-year-old son, and I have been playing solid since the game came out. Not only have I been able to have something in common with the kids that was a throwback to my teenage days, when Pokémon first made it big, but Pokémon GO has finally moved us to get off the couch to go outside and be social! While it’s super hot here in Texas, we’ve been walking an average of three miles a day searching for new Pokémon and visiting local PokéStops. I swear there is a weight loss story waiting to happen for me! 🙂
What is one thing that would make playing Pokémon Go a better experience for you?
There are only a few things that could make Pokémon GO better for us. I can’t wait until the server situation gets sorted out, so we don’t have to stop to reboot the game over and over, but I know that will come in time. We are also looking forward to the multiplayer battle aspect of the game that is reported to be coming out in the future. I do worry we are using a lot more data on our mobile plan than we used to, but for the level of physical activity that my family is now taking part in, I’ve decided that it’s worth the cost of upgrading our data plan. It’s a lot more fun than going and working out in the gym!
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What is your reason for playing Pokémon Go?
I started playing it because I saw a lot of the ladies in my favorite FB group Geek Girls x Bloggers were playing and having a great time. Having not been apart of the Pokémon fandom previously, I thought that it wouldn’t really take hold in me like it had with others. I was so wrong! I absolutely love getting out of the house and catching all the Pokémon. It’s something I’ve gotten my hubby into as well. We love to see who has caught more Pokémon at the end of the day. It’s been a great way to get out of the house and see different parts of our city.
What is one thing that would make playing Pokémon Go a better experience for you?
I’ve only been playing it for a few days, so I’m still getting the hang of the game play. Most of the time I feel like I don’t really know what I’m doing. I’m just happy to catch Pokémon! The only thing that might make it easier is to be a little bit more descriptive on what you should be doing. Perhaps like tips and tricks? Or a tutorial?
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What is your reason for playing Pokémon Go?
To become the very best, like no one ever was. To catch them is my real test, to train them is my cause.
What is one thing that would make playing Pokémon Go a better experience for you?
Less glitches and no more crashing! Also trading Pokémon!
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What is your reason for playing Pokémon Go?
I originally got it to play with my son, but quickly had to make my own account as its crazy amounts of fun and addicting. I enjoyed watching Pokémon as a kid so now I can really feel like I’m part of the action.
What is one thing that would make playing Pokémon Go a better experience for you?
I think being able to battle people outside of a gym to earn more XP would be great.
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What is your reason for playing Pokémon Go?
I am actually one of the few geek girls who never played Pokémon growing up which always shocks people. I downloaded Pokémon Go just to see what all the hype was about and now I’m hooked! I’ve been having health issues all summer and unable to do much activity – even as my health got better, my motivation to exercise or even leave my apartment was very low since my body still felt so weak. Thanks to this game, I have a reason to push myself to walk AND I actually look forward to exploring my community. I’ve discovered so many cool and quirky things around my neighborhood that I’ve never noticed before. It’s also been a fun way for me to bond with friends and my sister as we’ll go out and hit up a bunch of Pokéstops together at random hours. But ultimately, my reason for playing is to be the very best, like no one ever was! 😉
What is one thing that would make playing Pokémon Go a better experience for you?
Well, besides the servers not always being down -__- …I would love it if our avatars had a few more customizable options (more face, hair, clothing choices, etc). I know it really has nothing to do with the game itself, but I always look forward to customizing my avatar in games! xD
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What is your reason for playing Pokémon Go?
It’s basically all of my childhood dreams come true! I grew up with the anime, collected the cards, played most of the games, and now I get to catch Pokémon every day! I love that this game has exposed Pokémon to a whole new generation of people that may never have cared about it before, and I’m so happy to be a part of such a fun adventure.
What is one thing that would make playing Pokémon Go a better experience for you?
Well, it’d be nice if the servers would stop crashing, that’s for dang sure! Sometimes I feel like I spend more time struggling to get the game to work than actually playing it. Aside from that, I’d love to catch a Psyduck. He’s my fave.
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OTHER (AWESOMELY SUPPORTIVE) SPONSORS:
Con Couture – SHOP | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
Straight Hair Club – BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK
Liana Kangas – SHOP | BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
I Puke Kawaii – WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
The Giveaway
Terms: This giveaway is valid for participants worldwide aged 18+. In the event of an international winner (outside of the continental USA), winner will be gifted the monetary equivalent of prize pack via PayPal.
Products listed or shown in official giveaway image may be subject to change based on the availability at the conclusion of the giveaway. In the event that this happens, a reasonable alternative will be chosen.
Giveaway begins midnight EST July 19, 2016 and concludes at midnight EST on August 4, 2016.
