With LEGO set releases practically every month, choosing what to buy can be tricky, especially when trying to get the most for your money. Which themes to choose? What’s the best value? Our monthly review section in Blocks magazine will give you all the in-depth information you need to make informed decisions, but for those just looking for a quick guide here’s the Blocks round up of the best LEGO buys from the summer wave.
Under £10/$15
At the moment there’s not a lot of choice for this budget because of the LEGO Group increasing their set prices, yet there are a few fun things to be found. What better way to get some inspirational, Muppetational Collectible Minifigures than 71033 The Muppets at £3.49/$4.99? These are perfect for cute LEGO photography or making a musical in the kitchen (plus check out our in-depth interview in Blocks Issue 91). There’s also a fantastically zany collection of new City stunt bikes, such as 60333 Bathtub Stunt Bike or 60332 Reckless Scorpion Stunt Bike (£6.99/$7.99).
Under £25/$35
Rescue missions and adventure abound at this price range, with some really cool City sets, such as 31130 Sunken Treasure Mission (£24.99/$34.99) offering three sea-creatures in one box. For fans eagerly wanting to recreate scenes from Jurassic World: Dominion, then there’s some amazing dinosaurs in the self-explanatory 76946 Blue & Beta Velociraptor Chase (£24.99/$29.99).
Under £50/$65
As a budget friendly LEGO Marvel release then fans should look no further than 76208 The Goat Boat (£44.99/$49.99), which combines a selection of exclusive minifigures with a brilliant Viking-style build. For even more superhero action then 76217 I Am Groot (£44.99/$54.99) is an adorable display piece that’s sturdy enough to survive saving the galaxy too.
Under £100/$130
Maybe you have some VIP points saved up, or just fancy treating yourself? Something to while away a warm summer’s day. Friends fans looking for something different should check out 41714 Andrea’s Theatre School (£89.99/$99.99), which is filled with play possibilities, costume changes, and a cast of new mini-dolls. Meanwhile 41711 Emma’s Art School (£59.99/$69.99) would look at home in a City display, let alone Heartlake City, featuring a gorgeous French-inspired aesthetic.
Monkie Kid is going Mad Max style in 80038 Monkie Kid’s Team Van (£89.99/$129.99), which is a colourful concoction of monster truck and even a tuk-tuk. For fans looking to do some more off-roading then 76956 T. Rex Breakout (£89.99/$99.99) is a must-have, including the classic Jurassic Park vehicles next to the eponymous T. Rex.
Over £100/$130
So, what about the big entries? It really depends on what fans are interested in. As something very different and nostalgic then 10302 Optimus Prime (£149.99/$169.99) is sure to provide hours of interesting building techniques. Harry Potter fans might be tempted by 76408 12 Grimmauld Place (£114.99/$119.99) – the first time the secret base for the Order of the Phoenix has ever been in the brick.
It’s not all licensed sets though, as Monkie Kid has yet another offering, 80039 The Heavenly Realms (£149.99/$179.99), that would look stunning on display. NINJAGO meanwhile is going for gold, very literally, in 71774 Lloyd’s Golden Ultra Dragon (£124.99/$139.99) that’s super shiny and even has 3 heads, making it perfect for swooping around.
No matter how much or how little you want to spend on a LEGO set there is something for everyone in this summer wave, whether it’s a licensed theme or a regular one. The sheer amount of new sets can be overwhelming but by sticking to a budget or a particular theme, you’re sure to find your next brick fix.