The iconic LEGO brick, patented in 1958, has entertained and inspired people for decades. Generations of children have honed their fine motor skills and stretched their imaginations with these versatile blocks. For adult fans, LEGO expanded into challenging builds and collectable models. Contemporary artists even use tiny plastic bricks to create immense LEGO sculptures. Whether you choose a set or create freestyle, the LEGO brick is a symbol of creativity and imagination.
To celebrate the endless inspiration of LEGO, we've put together a selection of the most appealing LEGO sets for all ages. Whether given as gifts or purchased as entertainment during quarantine, one can browse LEGO's website for information on all sets, including recommended ages and small part warnings. Ready, set, create!
LEGO Sets for the Youngest Builders
The Tower Crane & Construction set for ages 2+ is included in LEGO's DUPLO collection for young builders. The bigger blocks help develop fine motor skills, while the characters offer ample opportunities for imaginative story telling. Feminist parents will be happy to hear that there are both male and female construction workers represented in the set—operating and driving the functional crane.
LEGO Sets for Children
The Bricks Bricks Bricks set is the ultimate creativity booster for kids “ages 4 to 99.” The 1,500 LEGO pieces in brilliant shades across the color spectrum offer near-infinite building possibility. Durable and reusable, these LEGOs are a classic staple of any toy chest.
Looking for an incredibly affordable gift that makes you look like the cool aunt or uncle? This Satellite Service Mission set is under $10, but it also encourages an interest in science and space exploration. For ages 5+, kids can use Instructions PLUS with this spaceship set. Instructions PLUS is a digital interactive 3D building guide which includes a ghost view mode (which shows how much of the model you've built at any given point). Once built, the astronaut minifigure can have galactic adventures.
While tropical vacations may be on hold at the moment, the Diving Yacht set brings nautical adventure at a reasonable price. For ages five and up, the yacht is complete with a searchlight, sun deck, and sleeping space. There's also a treasure chest for young explorers to find at the bottom of the ocean.
Tweens will love the Mystery Castle set for its spooky digital storytelling. After building with the 1,035 pieces, the LEGO Hidden Side AR app sends them on an interactive ghost hunting quest. The castle expands to include a courtyard where the spooky minifigures can play. Adults who reminisce about classic Scooby Doo cartoons will also appreciate the supernaturally mystical vibes of this haunted castle.
LEGO Sets for Adults
More mature builders can channel their inner paleontologist with the Dinosaur Fossils LEGO set. Not your average LEGO pieces, the instruction booklet teaches builders about LEGO construction as well as real fossils. The largest of the three fossils, the Tyrannosaurus rex measures 7″ x 15″—all three pieces are perfect for your own museum-worthy display.
Star Wars fans can rejoice with this LEGO Star Wars Stormtrooper Helmet set. A realistic, meticulously constructed Stormtrooper helmet is presented with all the elegance of a Roman bust. Fans of the Empire can honor their heroes as the Romans did, by displaying their likeness. Compared to other LEGO Star Wars sets, the Stormtrooper Helmet set is an affordable entry point. Check out an affordable Millennium Falcon set, and its luxury version (the most expensive LEGO set currently on the website).
The 1974 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.0 set is recommended for ages 7+, but adults may be most appreciative of the realism of the model. LEGO touts the “iconic ‘whale tail' rear spoiler.” A separately purchased expansion pack allows users to digitally “drive” this dream car.
Bookworms and hipsters will revel in the LEGO Creator Expert Bookshop set. 2,504 pieces create two townhouses, one of which contains a charming bookstore. Inside the buildings you'll find a fireplace, bedrooms, and even a chameleon. LEGO has many Modular Building sets to expand your tiny town.
LEGO offers many sets for fans of Harry Potter. If you are not quite ready to shell out $399.99 for the full Hogwarts Castle set, the Hogwarts Great Hall is the more affordable answer. Stunning vaulted beams, a moving staircase, and the Mirror of Erised make builders feel as if they've stepped into the wizarding world. For ages nine and up, this is a set for all generations.
If you've ever dreamed of traveling Italy in a vintage Fiat, this Fiat 500 set is the next best thing. With a moveable back hatch, sunroof, and front hood, this set is as a true collectable display piece. A mini easel and painting further inspires builders to travel and live life to its beautiful fullest.
For the beloved television show's 25th anniversary, LEGO released a Friends-themed LEGO set. This Central Perk set features the iconic hangout spot of Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Monica, Joey, Phoebe. The set includes minifigures of all six main characters, as well as Central Perk manager Gunther. Each character also comes with a specific prop (including Phoebe's guitar so she can play “Smelly Cat” to her heart's content).
LEGO's car creations offer something for everyone. The Fiat 500's sunshine yellow is in stark contrast to the sleek silver of James Bond Aston Martin DB5. A stunning 1,295-piece replica of James Bond's car in the film Goldfinger, the car includes special mechanical features. An ejector seat, wheel-mounted tire scythes, revolving license plates are fit for 007's missions.
Creators looking for an extreme challenge can aspire to complete the LEGO Creator Taj Mahal set. LEGO writes, “With over 5,900 pieces, it's one of the largest LEGO models ever.” 20.5 inches wide and 16.9 inches high, the finished build breaks down into transportable (and easily combinable) pieces. Far from the kid’s toys of popular imagination, this set allows builders to create a work of art based on a wonder of architecture.
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All images via LEGO.
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