[cross4444]

No no no, we're all thinking like collectors here. We need to think like his kids will be 20 years from now. They'd look at a set like A&G or Gypsy Queen and wonder "Why do these cards look funny?" The best representation of 2011 has to be either Topps flagship or Bowman.

It's odd how it works out, but Topps flagship designs really seem to capture the year as a whole. Look at 1975 Topps for example. Does that not scream mid-70's? Bright colors, funky hair, it's perfect. Or even 1990 Topps. For some reason that totally captures the gaudy trends and styles of the early 90's. Looking at 2011 Topps I don't see anything special right now, but 20 years from now I'm sure it'll be a good representation of the year.

[home plate 1989]

No no no, we're all thinking like collectors here. We need to think like his kids will be 20 years from now. They'd look at a set like A&G or Gypsy Queen and wonder "Why do these cards look funny?" The best representation of 2011 has to be either Topps flagship or Bowman.

It's odd how it works out, but Topps flagship designs really seem to capture the year as a whole. Look at 1975 Topps for example. Does that not scream mid-70's? Bright colors, funky hair, it's perfect. Or even 1990 Topps. For some reason that totally captures the gaudy trends and styles of the early 90's. Looking at 2011 Topps I don't see anything special right now, but 20 years from now I'm sure it'll be a good representation of the year.

I like your thinking Cross4444 and I appreciate everyone's input!

Happy Collecting

[beginesj]

2011 Gypsy Queen was my favorite!

[shaunbaus]

I like cross4444's idea but I'd go with a Bowman set (Bowman, Chrome or Draft). 2011 was loaded for rookies and prospects in my opinion so you can't go wrong and there is potential for some solid hits and nice colored refractor hits. I thought the card design of them looked really nice as well.

[zeprock]

No no no, we're all thinking like collectors here. We need to think like his kids will be 20 years from now. They'd look at a set like A&G or Gypsy Queen and wonder "Why do these cards look funny?" The best representation of 2011 has to be either Topps flagship or Bowman.

It's odd how it works out, but Topps flagship designs really seem to capture the year as a whole. Look at 1975 Topps for example. Does that not scream mid-70's? Bright colors, funky hair, it's perfect. Or even 1990 Topps. For some reason that totally captures the gaudy trends and styles of the early 90's. Looking at 2011 Topps I don't see anything special right now, but 20 years from now I'm sure it'll be a good representation of the year.

I have to agree on this. There are many other great looking sets but the flagship set is symbolic of the year.

[nolan5000]

No no no, we're all thinking like collectors here. We need to think like his kids will be 20 years from now. They'd look at a set like A&G or Gypsy Queen and wonder "Why do these cards look funny?" The best representation of 2011 has to be either Topps flagship or Bowman.

It's odd how it works out, but Topps flagship designs really seem to capture the year as a whole. Look at 1975 Topps for example. Does that not scream mid-70's? Bright colors, funky hair, it's perfect. Or even 1990 Topps. For some reason that totally captures the gaudy trends and styles of the early 90's. Looking at 2011 Topps I don't see anything special right now, but 20 years from now I'm sure it'll be a good representation of the year.

I have to agree on this. There are many other great looking sets but the flagship set is symbolic of the year.

+5000

[DrMitchJ]

No no no, we're all thinking like collectors here. We need to think like his kids will be 20 years from now. They'd look at a set like A&G or Gypsy Queen and wonder "Why do these cards look funny?" The best representation of 2011 has to be either Topps flagship or Bowman.

It's odd how it works out, but Topps flagship designs really seem to capture the year as a whole. Look at 1975 Topps for example. Does that not scream mid-70's? Bright colors, funky hair, it's perfect. Or even 1990 Topps. For some reason that totally captures the gaudy trends and styles of the early 90's. Looking at 2011 Topps I don't see anything special right now, but 20 years from now I'm sure it'll be a good representation of the year.

Chris has a good point.
The regular 2011 Topps Series 1 & 2 are great ... And you can probably pick up a cheap factory set (they were part of the Topps contest / giveaway that year. I'd assume in great supply) the cards were nicely designed.
But I would make a superset and include 2011 update .... Mike Trout Rookie, Paul Goldschmidt Rookie, Todd Frasier Rookie .... Some good players in there that will hopefully be ending their great careers around the time your twins are 18-20!

[jeantoto]

I would definitely go for the platinum set. Classy with high end finish.