Can someone explain the state of modern card collecting?

[Bill77]

If you are looking for rookie cards I would say go for the Bowman sets other wise Topps, Topps Chrome, or Topps Heritage are a good starting point.

I usually look for the Fairfield boxes at Target where they have 20 packs for $20 just because I'm cheap and like opening a lot of packs. The cards are usually year old Topps and Topps Opening Day with a few older card packs to fill it out and maybe a 1 or 2 premium packs like Topps Chrome or Allen and Ginter. Its a good way to find some of last years rookies and every once in a while you get lucky and find an autograph or jersey card.

[Rookiemonster]

Yup what Bill said. To modern collector Chrome is king.why do you ask because they are sheeple. They just follow the pack ( all puns intended). They also like that the prospect is in a MLB uniform.

I have a young son as well. I usually get him 80s and 90s stuff. It's cheap and he likes that they are already old ( to him lol).

I do buy him new stuff . Last week we hit up the card show and I got him some opening day packs. A few time before that is was Topps Heritage but I took the one good hit and gave it some protection. Idk how old your son is but mine is 5 so he just thinks it fun ripping stuff. I guess when he gets to the point of knowing modern players and sets that will change.

Good luck

[AGuinness]

I've got two boys, 7 and 4, and for the past few years I buy a box of Topps Opening Day to open at the start of the baseball season (we're Red Sox fans, so we usually catch the first game while doing the rip-n-tear). They enjoy them, it's cheap and gets them started with some cards. I think their favorites are the mascot cards.

I also get them some packs for their birthdays, along with giving them some of my "old" cards along with a note about the players/sets in the cards (I do Red Sox players so they can get familiarized with the team's history).

Topps offers series 1, 2 and "updated" packs throughout the year. I enjoy the Heritage and Archives packs, with designs from yesteryears.