Whether you’re brand new to the world of cards or a seasoned collector, this list has something for everyone. I’ve included the basics, display essentials, grading tools, and even the best shipping hacks for selling your cards. Oh, and full disclosure—I earn a small commission if you buy something from the links here, but rest assured, I personally use and love all of these products! The tiny commission just helps me share more tips with awesome folks like you. 😉
Note: I do earn a small commission if you purchase using any of the links below. However, I personally buy and use each of the products on this list!
The Basics
Every great collection starts with the essentials. These items will protect your cards from damage and keep them organized so they’re as pristine as the day you pulled them.
1. Penny Sleeves
These are the most basic layer of protection for your cards, and you’ll need a lot of them—like, thousands. I put any decent rookie card or insert into one immediately. They’re super affordable, but they save your cards from scratches and dings. Lesson learned after discovering my old Steve Nash rookies shoved raw into a shoebox. Hey, we’ve all been there… but in my defense, he wasn’t any good his first few years 😅
2. Toploaders
Toploaders are the industry standard when it comes to storing cards securely. Use them alongside penny sleeves for ultimate protection—slide the card into a sleeve first, then into a toploader. Be sure to invest in quality brands (watch out for counterfeit ones online!). They’re an absolute must for hits and valuable cards.
3. Magnetic Card Holders
Want to show off your favorite cards in style? These one-touch magnetic holders are a sleek way to display high-value or PC (personal collection) cards. Think of them as a fancier upgrade to toploaders. Sure, they cost more (about $1.50 per holder), but they’re worth every penny for those jaw-dropping cards you can’t help but admire daily.
Pro Tip: All three of the supplies mentioned come in different thicknesses, so make sure to grab the right size for thicker patch or memorabilia cards. I have a full sizing guide if you need help choosing!
4. 3,200-Count Monster Storage Box
If you’ve drooled over those photos of epic card collections piling high in storage units, you’ve probably seen these. They’re affordable, durable, and perfect for organizing commons and lower-end rookies or inserts. I stash my lower-tier cards here to keep them neat and easy to access.
👉 Buy Monster Storage Boxes Here
5. Toploader Storage Box
This is my absolute favorite storage item! Before discovering these, I used to pile toploaders in random cardboard boxes…not ideal. These are essentially wider versions of the monster storage box, built to hold toploaders perfectly. I’ve got four labeled for basketball, football, baseball, and my “keepers.”
👉 Buy Toploader Storage Boxes Here
Show ‘Em Off
There’s no point in having an amazing collection if you can’t enjoy it or show it off! These display tools are perfect for highlighting your prized cards.
6. Wall Display
I never knew I needed this until I unwrapped one for Christmas. 🤯 Now, my top cards are proudly displayed in my office. It’s sleek, sturdy, and holds both graded cards and magnetics with no issues. My personal goal? Fill it with autos from the NBA’s top-75 players.
7. Card Stands
Simple, cheap, and oh-so-useful. These stands hold graded cards or magnetic holders and make any shelf or desktop look instantly cooler. Any of my show-off cards not in my wall display are proudly sitting on one of these.
Graded Card Supplies
Planning to get your cards graded or store some slabs? You’ll need these practical tools.
8. Semi-Rigid Card Holders
Easier to use than toploaders, these are great for cards going out for grading. While they don’t provide the same level of protection, they make it simple for graders to handle your cards without damage.
9. Loupe
This little magnifier is your secret weapon for getting 9’s and 10’s on your graded cards. Inspect every surface, edge, and corner of your cards under magnification before submitting them.
10. Graded Card Bags
These resealable plastic sleeves are perfect for keeping your graded cards free from scratches. I keep them on any cards in storage and take them off only when displaying them.
Selling & Shipping Supplies
If you’re planning to sell your cards, use these to ensure safe and professional shipping.
11. Light Box
Want your eBay listings to stand out? A light box helps you take sharp, well-lit photos that showcase your cards beautifully. Mine was super cheap and worth every penny.
12. Team Bags
These are lifesavers for shipping. I pop the sold card into a toploader, sandwich it between two commons for extra protection, stick it in a team bag, and seal it up. Easy!
13-14. Bubble Pouches and Bubble Mailers
For cards over $10, I go all out with bubble pouches placed inside a bubble mailer. With over 500 shipments, I’ve never had a single issue. 💌
15-17. Self-Seal Envelopes, Painter’s Tape, Scotch Tape Dispenser
This trio powers my shipping game for cheaper options like eBay’s Standard Envelope method. A classroom-style tape dispenser is an underrated hero—you’ll thank me later.
👉 Buy Tape Dispenser Supplies Here
Cards + Tools = Perfect Combo
Collecting cards is WAY more fun when you have the right tools to store, display, grade, and ship them. Whether you’re a newbie or a longtime hobbyist, investing in these supplies will not only keep your collection safe but also make the whole experience even more enjoyable.
