How to Buy the Best LEGO Sets for Kids
With the vast number of sets available, you may be wondering how to buy the best LEGO set for your kids. Even if your child is new to LEGO, or is an experienced builder, it can be challenging to pick a set you know your child will love. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to break this down. In this post, we will examine the top 3 ways to buy the best LEGO set.
Top 3 Ways to Buy the Best LEGO Set
- Use our flowchart below to pick the best set fast!
- Shop by age.
- Shop by theme.
Let’s explore each of these three methods below.
The Brick Parent Flowchart
Our flowchart algorithm provides a quick and easy way to pick the best set! Start at the top and work your way down by answering to questions to have the algorithm pick the best theme for your child. Only the most popular themes are included. See the “Shop by Theme” section below for a list of all of the LEGO themes to choose from.
We think this flowchart is pretty amazing! But, if it doesn’t seem right for you, then continue on to Shop by Age or Theme!
Shop By Age
There a couple of different ways to sort LEGO sets by age. The official LEGO website does it one way, whereas other big retailers like Amazon categorize the ages a bit differently. We have included 5 main age categories below. The most important points to remember is that the younger kids start with LEGO DUPLO, and then graduate to regular sized bricks at age 4+. The sets then increase in size, complexity, and time to build all the way up to sets made especially for adults!
LEGO Age Categories
Check out the different age categories below to help you narrow down the best LEGO set to get!
Ages 1-3
LEGO DUPLO sets are perfect for little ones who are new to building and are developing their fine motor skills.
Ages 4-6
Look for the special “4+” on the box, which designates these sets are made of regular sized LEGO bricks but are a bit easier to build.
Ages 7-11
Themes such as the Creator 3-in-1 are larger, more complex, and offer alternative builds.
Ages 12+
These sets are more challenging and detailed. They provide hours of build time and fun.
Adults (Ages 18+)
Of course, there are sets made for adults! These are the most challenging builds and will take many hours to complete. They are perfect as a gift for your favorite AFOL (Adult Fan of LEGO)!
Now that you know the different age groups, you can further narrow down your choice of set by theme.
Shop by Theme
Another great way to make sure you buy the best LEGO set is to choose the right theme! You can use our flowchart above to have it pick one of the best and most popular themes for you, or you can browse the list of the current themes below. Note that this list is subject to change as themes are changed, updated, or retired.
List of Current LEGO Themes (2021)
To shop by theme, browse the list below to help you narrow down the best set to get!
Architecture
View iconic cityscapes, buildings and landmarks from across the globe. Build cities like San Fransisco, Paris, or London, and landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building.
Batman
Fight crime with the Dark Knight against his greatest foes including the Joker, Harley Quinn and The Penguin. Assemble gadgets and vehicles such as the 1989 Batwing or the Classic TV Series Batmobile.
BOOST
Utilize the free LEGO Boost tablet app to create and code models with motors and sensors. Bring creations such as a robot to life!
BrickHeadz
These blocky figures incorporate many different themes into their unique art style. From wild animals to pets, and Disney to Star Wars, you can find your favorite characters reimagined.
Brick Sketches
Discover these small portraits of your favorite heroes including Batman, BB-8, First Order Stormtrooper, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and The Joker.
City
One of the most popular themes, create your LEGO world with these iconic sets. Explore police, fire, space, ocean, racing, and train sets, including vehicles and buildings to complete your city.
Classic
If you are new to LEGO these sets are perfect as they include many loose bricks and build ideas. For even more ideas check out our list of the Top 10 Best LEGO Books for Parents and Kids.
Creator 3-in-1
Vehicles, animals, and buildings are just some of the things you can build with these sets. Each set is able to be built 3 different ways to keep the creativity going.
Creator Expert
Advanced sets such as the NASA Space Shuttle Discovery, the Colosseum (the largest LEGO set to date), Flower Bouquet, and Police Station are included in this theme. If you are looking for a true challenge pick up one of these sets.
DC
Build and play with your favorite heroes from the DC Universe, such as Wonder Woman and Superman.
Disney
Play with your favorite Disney characters, princesses, heroes, and villains with these sets. Build your best-loved stories with all the castles, vehicles, towers, and minifigures that you need.
DOTS
Make arts and craft projects with these unique decorated tiles, such as picture frames, bag tags, and bracelets.
DUPLO
Your little one will love playing with these larger sized blocks, specially made for kids under 4 years old.
Friends
Explore the word of LEGO with your best friends. Heartlake City is home to shops, a park, a hotel, a beach, and a hospital, just to name a few buildings where the Friends go on their adventures.
Frozen 2
Bring your favorite moments from the Frozen II movie to life with these magical sets. Discover your favorite characters from the movie in minifigure form, along with epic locations and playsets.
Harry Potter
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter comes to life with these incredible sets. Relive your favorite magical moments from the movies and books.
Ideas
Your own personal ideas can become a real LEGO set! These sets are all designed by LEGO enthusiasts from all over the world. If an idea receives over 10,000 votes within a period of time, it is judged by the LEGO Group and if it wins, becomes a real product. You have to be over the age of 13 to vote. Some of the awesome ideas include the Ship in a Bottle, Winnie the Pooh, Medieval Blacksmith, and Central Perk from FRIENDS.
Jurassic World
Straight from the blockbuster Jurassic World movies, these sets include dinosaurs and characters from the films.
Art
Hang these unique art sets on your wall! Each one has 3 or 4 different building options, from Marvel Studios Iron Man, Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe, Disney’s Mickey Mouse, Harry Potter Hogwarts Crests, or Star Wars The Sith. Additionally, every set comes with a soundtrack for listening while you build, and an informational booklet.
Education
Normally, these sets are only available for schools, but are now available for a limited time to help with home learning. They explore STEAM concepts and skills with guides and learning activities.
Originals
Design your own 5:1 version of the LEGO minifigure made out of oak, inspired by the very first toys made out of wood by LEGO’s creator, Ole Kirk Christiansen. Check out the LEGO Wooden Minifigure on the online LEGO Shop.
Super Mario
Create your own Super Mario adventure by designing your own course. LEGO Mario has a built-in LCD screen, speaker, and motion sensor so he knows if he is collecting coins, smashing a Goomba, or jumping! LEGO Luigi is now available!
Marvel
The Marvel Universe comes to life with your favorite Avengers and other Marvel heroes and super villains.
MINDSTORMS
Build robots that can talk, walk, think, and more! Control it with the included remote or your own smart device.
Minecraft
Bring the world of Minecraft to life with unique landscapes and minifigures straight from the highly popular online game.
Minifigures
Mystery bags contain highly collectable LEGO Minifigures from incredible themes such as Looney Tunes, Disney, and Harry Potter.
Minions
The Despicable Me and Minions movies brought us these lovable, mischievous characters. Play out your favorite moments with these sets.
Monkie Kid
A centuries-old Chinese legend is brought to life with these heroic sets.
NINJAGO
Ninjas battle the forces of evil with these unique playsets, including dragons, mechs and vehicles.
Power Functions
Power your LEGO sets with motors, lights, and more with these additions to your creations.
Powered UP
A newer version of power functions, these components add LED lights, power hubs, smart motors, and color and distance sensors to your builds.
SERIOUS PLAY
LEGO Serious Play is a professional workshop used by businesses to promote creative thinking and communication.
Speed Champions
Ultra fast cars from Porsche, Ferrari, and Lamborghini are able to be built with these sets.
Spider-Man
Your friendly neighborhood wall-crawler comes to life with these web-slinging sets.
Star Wars
Bring the galaxy from far, far, away to your living room with these epic playsets. Be sure to check out all of our content on LEGO Star Wars.
Stranger Things
From the popular Netflix series, explore The Upside Down.
Technic
Experienced builders will love the elements in these sets such as gears, axles, wheels, and beams. Build challenging vehicles such as monster trucks, excavators, hovercraft, and race cars.
Trolls World Tour
Inspired by the film, these fun and playful sets will bring adventures from the movie to life.
Toy Story 4
Starring your favorite toys from the movie, these sets are super fun and exciting.
VIDIYO
Make your own music videos with songs from Universal Music Group featuring a case of unique and original minifigures.
Xtra
Expand your brick collection with these accessories for your LEGO City. These sets feature plants, sports equipment, food, and more!
As you can see, there are many different themes to choose from. Pick one your child is interested in and find a cool, unique set they don’t have yet!
Buy The Best LEGO Set
The “best LEGO set” can be different for almost everyone! But we hope that by using one (or more) of these methods, you will be able to buy the best LEGO set for your friend, child, or other loved one. I hope you are able to create and share some amazing memories with your family.
