Holiday gift guide: $50-$100
Posted by Huw,
Today's holiday gift guide examines sets costing $50 to $100, in which an outstanding range of 111 sets have been released this year.
There are plenty of 'adults welcome' sets at this price that would make great gifts for those who might not (yet) be AFOLs, as well as many that will be appreciated by kids.
Find out what Brickset staff have picked after the break, then let us know what you would have chosen in the comments.
MeganL
42638 Castle Bed and Breakfast ($99.99, £89.99, €99.99)
This price range never fails to have some of my favourite Friends sets of the year. An honourable mention goes to 42630 Heartlake City Water Park - it's a fun set but I think it's really notable that it introduces a minidoll with an ostomy bag.
I really liked 42605 Mars Space Base and Rocket (with Jones the space cat!), but since I recommended a space set in the lower price range, I'll opt for 42638 Castle Bed and Breakfast.
This is the building we didn't think we needed in Heartlake City. It combines something that we haven't seen in Heartlake before (the bed and breakfast), but also has plenty of interesting architectural detail. And it includes a dog! (albeit not a space one.)
Poshhammer
21345 Polaroid OneStep SX-70 Camera ($79.99, £69.99, €79.99)
Nominated for grown-up toy of the year award, this amazing gift is guaranteed to wow whoever receives it and will strengthen the bond between the gifter and the giftee.
Expertly designed by one of the best and most handsome of LEGO designers, this model is so accurate to the real thing you will have people doing a double take when they see it on your shelf. "Wait, that's made of LEGO bricks??".
Not only does it look great, but showing off the function at the social gathering is bound to make you the centre of attention and the envy of your peers. Check out this cool behind-the-scenes video I found on Youtube :-)
Buy at LEGO.com or at Argos where it's currently 25% off.
Huw
21349 Tuxedo Cat ($99.99, £89.99, €99.99)
This product of LEGO Ideas is far better than the fan designer's proposal: for one thing, it's black and white and not shades of brown, so will resonate with more cat-lovers.
It's approximately life-sized and also wonderfully life-like. It's not as pleasing to stroke as the real thing, but it doesn't need feeding, or a litter tray. It would therefore make a wonderful gift for the ailurophile in your life, whatever their age.
FlagsNZ
42179 Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit ($74.99, £69.99, €79.99)
This is a small Technic orrery or mechanical model of the Earth and moon as it orbits the sun in our Solar System is my pick for a gift in the $50 - $100 range. I don't have this set, so I would really enjoy receiving it! I could see myself using this model to demonstrate components of celestial navigation, tides and the seasons.
For a gift for a younger recipient, 60420 Construction Excavator would be my pick in this price range. I was fortunate to review this set earlier in the year, and I was impressed with the design of this excavator. It comes with three minifigures and the excavator has some realistic play articulation.
Those Technic tracks enable the excavator to smoothly drive about and this part takes me right back to my childhood when LEGO introduced this part in 1979.
benbacardi
43249 Stitch ($64.99, £59.99, €64.99)
You just can't go wrong with Disney, can you? And 43249 Stitch is a fantastic example of LEGO using the Disney IP right. An adorable character that captured the hearts of so many of us from the moment it hit our screens 22 years ago, LEGO has recreated him as an excellent display piece, full of detail and colour, and the fun and whimsy the lovable creature is known for.
Even with the "Disney tax", Stitch isn't high within this price range, and would make an excellent gift for a fan of the film.
SetToBuild
75375 Millennium Falcon ($84.99, £74.99, €84.99)
The Starship Collection, also fondly referred to as the midi-scale collection, has given LEGO Star Wars fans detailed display models in a small package. 75375 Millennium Falcon is an accurate and sturdy rendition of one of the most recognisable ships in the galaxy. Who wouldn't want this piece of junk?
75376 Tantive IV is another great example in this price range. The model is an excellent representation of the first ship seen on screen in Star Wars: A New Hope and provides a couple of cute Easter eggs that I will not spoil here. Do be warned, it is a bit heavier on stickers than the Falcon.
Both options are perfect gifts for any Star Wars fan—being from the most well-loved movie in the franchise makes them a safe bet!
CapnRex101
71821 Cole's Titan Dragon Mech ($99.99, £89.99, €99.99)
LEGO has produced well over 300 mechs and 71821 Cole's Titan Dragon Mech is the best, at least of the 150 I have assembled. The model's sheer size is stunning and it features an excellent level of detail throughout, taking advantage of the rocky texture often associated with Cole.
However, the greatest strength of this mech is the articulation, which is surprising, given its size. As shown in my review, a huge variety of poses are possible and I really hope people give the set a chance, including those who may not always be drawn to NINJAGO.
Which of the 111 sets would you choose to gift?
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25 comments on this article
My picks would be 31213, 60440, 31150, 71812, 71809 or 42179.
@CapnRex101 my goat!
Honestly surprised the modular space station from the January city wave didnt get a pic, I have found it to be an amazing set as someone who is mainly ninjago/monkie kid oriented.
For me 43249 is quite good, but around 100€ stand out 80113 , 10339 and and 60421.
Not to be underestimated the cheaper 60423 .
The Millennium Falcon is such a cool set. It makes me happy every time I look at it on the shelf. I love the technique they used for the angled panels
@Calabar said:
"For me 43249 is quite good, but around 100€ stand out 80113 , 10339 and and 60421.
Not to be underestimated the cheaper 60423 ."
sadly 80113 not available anywhere now...
For me, I would want two or more of the B&B, the open back and style makes me want it as a modular and for that it needs modifications.
I would also pick 31213 and 60440 , and 10340.
60408 would have been my pick. Great play features, great value, and it fills a city really well too.
I just built Cole's titan dragon mech yesterday, and have to say that I agree with the "best mech" assessment. It also may be the best set I built this year.
Great pick CapnRex, I remember scrolling past your review and doing a massive double take when I saw the image. I have no interest in Ninjago, but it's such an awesome and striking mech!
Some great entries in this category. 10334 Retro Radio, a surprisingly satisfying set. 42179 Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit, one of the most fascinating models for a long time. 21345 Polaroid 1000 Land Camera, joining the Atari in the 'I've still got my 45 year old original' collection. And, of course the 10328 Bouquet of Roses which is simply stunning.
Ooo, this one was tough! I think I’m gonna go with 60440 LEGO Delivery Truck, but with 42638 Castle Bed and Breakfast and 71478 The Never Witch's Midnight Raven as honorable mentions
Nice unbiased shout out for the Polaroid there : D
The only such sets I have bought this year are 75375 midiscale Millenium Falcon, and 75396 : Desert Skiff & Sarlacc Pit, which is now about 20% off at John Lewis. As yet unbuilt, so I can't say for sure, but it looks pretty good for the reduced price. And I could not resist Nien Nunb, or Lando in his guard disguise.
Wow, this range of sets was weaker than the last 2 ranges. I'm holding out hope for the next 2 ranges otherwise I'm going to have to rethink whether or not 2024 was indeed a strong year for LEGO (outside of BLDP)
For me in this range and IMHO:
31150 - Wild Safari Animals was the hands down winner in this bunch.
I'm cautiously optimistic for 41839 Message Board but will have to wait for it to arrive. Additionally, 21349 Tuxedo Cat seems nice, though I would have to wait for a discount.
I just realized that these ranges are being defined by USD. Being a typical self involved American, I guess I just expect these types of things. While most of these sets have identical costs in EURO, some EU prices are below the threshold. Clearly, all the ranges will be askew for British pounds. Do our British community members just expect and live with this American/Euro - centric approach? In deference to the return of Posharoid, what's up with that?
@yellowcastle said:
"Wow, this range of sets was weaker than the last 2 ranges. I'm holding out hope for the next 2 ranges otherwise I'm going to have to rethink whether or not 2024 was indeed a strong year for LEGO (outside of BLDP)
For me in this range and IMHO:
31150 - Wild Safari Animals was the hands down winner in this bunch.
I'm cautiously optimistic for 41839 Message Board but will have to wait for it to arrive. Additionally, 21349 Tuxedo Cat seems nice, though I would have to wait for a discount."
This price range does seem to be a bit weaker. Although I would far rather have the best sets be in the cheaper slots if I had to pick. Some of the themes this year have been really shaky. City has done fairly well, but one that has unequivocally done well is creator. Their new approach to animals in particular is fantastic! Next year looks to be a great year as well so hopefully they continue this trend for a while.
Who doesn't love to get a cute dinosaur: 31151?
I would recommend 75381 Droideka. It's an outstanding display model.
Wow, just one minifigure between the lot of you is impressive!
71821 is a must buy for people even mildly interested in mech or character building. Incredibly impressive despite a relatively non-complex building experience and a phenomenal value.
My pick would be the Fortnite “peely bone” set
FYI there's a typo in Megan's section, 42530 should be 42630
Killer stuff in this range.
My Fave $50 to Hundo Lego...
Singling out Friends, City and Disney in this price range from my fave list.
Just about EVERY model, set, etc. is EXCELLENT from all three themes: $50 to $100.
- 10328 Bouquet of Roses (from a slight distance, looks real. Beautiful shaping).
- 10794: Team Spidey Web Spinner Headquarters (great play-set and characters for the little ones).
- 11036: Creative Vehicles (great value).
- 21349: Tuxedo Cat (top notch Lego sculpting and shaping).
- 31151 T. rex (A model excellent, but B and C hold their own).
- 31153 Modern House (well detailed 3 in 1 home).
- 40719: Traditional Chess Set
- 42179: Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit (science, learning, engineering. TOP notch orrery!).
- 60408: Car Transporter
- 75375: Millennium Falcon (THE BEST midi-scale. Truly and excellent desktop model with incredible details and accurate shaping throughout!).
- 71821: Cole's Titan Dragon Mech
- 75683 Glinda & Elphaba's Dormitory (beautifully detailed, decorative box).
- 76291 The Avengers Assemble: Age of Ultron (ALL the Avengers in one battle set!).
- 76439 Ollivanders & Madam Malkin's Robes (details don't get better than this for Harry Potter).
- 76965: Dinosaur Missions: Stegosaurus Discovery
- 77072: Peely Bone
- 10339: Santa's Post Office
- 10422: 3in1 Space Shuttle Adventure ( the wee ones new to Lego will love this).
- 60420: Construction Excavator
- 77073: Battle Bus
For AFOLs as a display piece and for kids as a play set, you can’t beat 76291 Avengers: Age of Ultron. Not only does it have all the Avengers, it’s a great action scene and it’s snowy, so seasonally fitting.
For anyone into dragons, 43240 Maleficent Dragon is the top choice. The rest of the set is mediocre, but the dragon is one of the best LEGO has ever done at this scale and price point.
@yellowcastle said:
"I just realized that these ranges are being defined by USD. Being a typical self involved American, I guess I just expect these types of things. While most of these sets have identical costs in EURO, some EU prices are below the threshold. Clearly, all the ranges will be askew for British pounds. Do our British community members just expect and live with this American/Euro - centric approach?"
In pricing and in consumer culture more generally, Britons reluctantly accept America-centrism. We’re used to it. Americans take it for granted though and will increasingly feel miffed when consumer products and services pivot to cater to the Chinese market. That will come as a shock.
@yellowcastle said:
"I just realized that these ranges are being defined by USD. Being a typical self involved American, I guess I just expect these types of things. While most of these sets have identical costs in EURO, some EU prices are below the threshold. Clearly, all the ranges will be askew for British pounds. Do our British community members just expect and live with this American/Euro - centric approach? [REDACTED] "
I have bought I think 3 sets for myself in this price range in the past year. And none of those selected. Buying just 3 out of 111, this price bracket must be missing something for me. Although even if the threshold changes to £100, it doesn't change much.
The B&B looks great, but not for me. Same with the cat. The orrery is something different but I already have a better non-LEGO one. I don't need any more mechs (I have one), or another MF, nor Disney statues. I collect real vintage cameras but no thanks on that one. The Creator camera set is far better value for money for a desk ornament, especially as here it has been sold for £10.
Now that we have two cats ourselves, one of which looks almost like the one in that set, I would go for the Tuxedo Cat this time. Although I also loved building the Polaroid (never had a real one back in the day, though I had an almost equally cool Kodak Disc camera as a kid).