Blocks picks out five of the best new LEGO sets waiting to join your collection in 2024.
‘Release season’ in the LEGO calendar used to refer to the large winter and summer releases — one day each season would see the release of dozens upon dozens of new sets. Release season has slowly but surely expanded to include new sets every month, spreading the joy of new LEGO sets over the course of the entire year. But even with this change, New Year’s Day is still one of the busiest days for new LEGO sets.
Themes from every corner of the catalogue get a refresh on January 1, from City and Creator to Friends and Monkie Kid. So many new releases can easily get overwhelming, especially if you’re interested in more than just one theme. So Blocks, the monthly LEGO magazine, has compiled a list of five great new LEGO sets, from a variety of themes and price points, that would make great additions to your collection in 2024.
40725 Cherry Blossoms
The LEGO Group has gone all-in with its botanical sets in recent years, although many of the sets reach fairly high price points. That’s not the case with 40725 Cherry Blossoms, which comes in at an affordable price while still packing plenty in the box. The set includes two separate flowers in two different colours, both cleverly using the eggshell element to create the blossoms. 40725 makes for a beautiful little display piece that won’t break the bank.
60438 Sailboat
60438 Sailboat provides exactly what the set name promises — a sailboat (and an accompanying dolphin). The model uses only 102 pieces, although is admittedly helped along by the large hull element. That hull does more than just speed up the building process, though — it allows the sailboat to float, opening up plenty of exciting opportunities for play. The deck looks good considering the limited piece count, as does the printed design on the sail. Two minifigures round out the set, ready to enjoy a holiday out on the water.
Upgrade your LEGO hobby! If you take out a subscription to Blocks, the monthly LEGO magazine, you’ll get each issue first and at a discount, plus other perks including a free digital subscription and the chance to win LEGO prizes every month.
80050 Creative Vehicles
The three vehicles included in 80050 Creative Vehicles are in fact quite creative, even if the set’s name is anything but. On-the-nose naming aside, 80050 is an excellent little set, featuring a car, boat and jet, all designed to fit perfectly into the world of LEGO Monkie Kid. The three red-and-yellow vehicles are accompanied by only two minifigures, which means one will have to sit out while the others get taken for a spin. But the quality of the figures more than makes up for the lack of a third, with excellent Monkie Kid and Monkie King figures. If you’ve still been waiting to give Monkie Kid a shot, 80050 is a great place to start. And if you’re already a fan, it’s a nice affordable set to add to the collection.
31150 Wild Safari Animals
Creator has quietly become one of the LEGO Group’s best and most consistent themes, with many excellent sets arriving each release season. One of the best from 2024 has to be 31150 Wild Safari Animals. The main giraffe build is simply stunning—it stands over 30cm (14.5in) tall and is beautifully detailed, all while being fully posable. The main model comes alongside a tall tree and small flamingo build that still look great, even next to the incredible giraffe. The set can be rebuilt into either a lion or two gazelles, which are both wonderful models in their own right.
The Blocks Book of Retro LEGO Sets is available now and features classic themes; Space, Castle Pirates! Order your copy today.
42604 Heartlake City Shopping Mall
Shopping malls don’t often get a chance to shine as LEGO sets, and 42604 Heartlake City Shopping Mall seizes its opportunity. The 1,237 pieces in the box go towards a three-story shopping mall, complete with plenty of shops, a food court and escalators so the mini dolls can easily explore the whole building. A whopping seven figures are included, ensuring that the mall has plenty of customers. Even if LEGO Friends isn’t your usual theme of choice, 42604 is an impressive build and well worth the purchase.
All of the listed sets are available now on LEGO.com and ready to join your collection in 2024.