Review: 5005253 Reindeer Ornament
Posted by MeganL,
After the very lovely Christmas Carousel as a gift with purchase promotion that ended on December 10, there's a follow up promotion from December 11-24 in the U.S., and starting on Friday in Europe. This time it's the somewhat annual Christmas ornament, 500523 Reindeer Ornament. I say "somewhat annual" as last year seems to have been skipped while there were ornaments offered the three years prior. Reaction to the reindeer was decidedly mixed when it was first revealed; let's take a closer look.
The ornament comes in a similar package as previous years - a rather nice satin bag with a ribbon tie and a small label showing the completed ornament. I like the LEGO brand tag that's sewn into one of the seams. Inside the satin bag is a bag containing the bricks, an instruction sheet and a gold tie to attach the ornament to the tree.
The main build itself I think is rather plain, though I like the use of the brown twigs and horns to create the reindeer's antlers. As has been commented after the reveal, those eyes make for a very expressive reindeer - while having a black nose I think it looks like it's been rather scandalized. I really wonder what it's seen lately.
Fortunately there are a couple 1x1 round red pieces included, so you can turn the ornament into one representing a rather famous reindeer. I think with the red nose the reindeer looks more surprised than scandalized.
I can't resist showing the pieces used at the bottom of the reindeer's head, especially considering the reaction to the Brickheadz reindeer when it was first revealed last week. I'm not sure if the white bricks are supposed to represent a white ruff or the reindeer's teeth.
Likely the most appealing brick in the set is the printed "2018" tile.
I really like the packaging, but I can't say that I would go out of my way to buy this. However, the timing is very fortuitous with the holidays right around the corner, so if you're shopping and are going to spend $50, it's a nice little extra gift to pick up.
Many thanks to the LEGO Group for providing Brickset a copy of this set. All opinions expressed are mine.
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13 comments on this article
Hey, nice review. What type of string is used and how is it connected to the model? Thanks.
Looks like a character from South Park...
At the moment -at least in the US- you can get both this and the Jurassic Park figures as free with purchase items.
Sorry to be so negative, but compared to previous Christmas offers this one is really boring! I am used to be very tolerant and thankful with any set or free gift with purchase, but I really wonder how someone could validate this at Lego, thinking it would be a glad gift to "offer" to customers. I am not even sure I would build it if I received it. It is the first time I have such bad thoughts about this kind of set. But it's just my opinion.
Wow this is one ugly MF
What colour are those wedge plates, dark tan?
I wanted one, but LEGO.com is refusing my order once again. Will someone ever be able to fix their IT systems? Brickset is essentially a one man operation and boasts way better uptime numbers and a faster response support desk :P
I like free stuff, especially when it's for buying stuff I had on my list anyway, so I like this. I'm looking forward to receiving mine!!!
I don’t think the timing is fortuitous, it’s deliberate. Or do you think LEGO might equally release this at Easter
When life gets rough...
just be glad your not a bucktooth, triangle-headed reindeer with the year tattooed on your forehead.
I generally like the GWP and save purchases in order to obtain some. This one is pretty unfortunate though...just a poor set.
must have been popular as they are all gone now on LEGO.com and they said they are not getting any more back in now. promo only started yesterday!
@MeganL the link to the set is incorrect - should be 5005253
https://brickset.com/sets/5005253-1/Christmas-Ornament-2018-Reindeer-Head