What is your favourite set costing less than $40 of 2020?
Posted by CapnRex101,
While bigger LEGO sets sometimes monopolise attention among fans, an excellent selection of smaller products also became available during 2020.
We therefore invited Brickset readers to submit nominations for their favourite set costing less than $40, of which there were 349 options this year. The most common submissions have been forwarded to this poll. Vote for your favourite set costing less than $40 of 2020 after the break...
Gift-with-purchase sets are included because they are assigned monetary values which were always below $40 during 2020.
Other sets which performed well in the nominations but narrowly missed out include 40370 LEGO Trains 40th Anniversary Set and 75283 Armoured Assault Tank (AAT).
Which set received your vote? Let us know in the comments and look out for the results early in 2021.
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74 comments on this article
Hedwig, it’s beautiful, playful and completely different to anything done before in the HP-world!
Undoubtedly, 2020 was an excellent year of Lego products, despite all the context we are living in.
All these sets "competing" for the best set under 40USD just shows that! 2021 will continue the trend, thank you Lego Group!
Happy New year Bricksters, I wish you a 2021 full of health and Lego sets!
501st Legion Clone Troopers all the way.
Gamers Market would be in second
Ice Cream Van. I think this and the Pizza Van are great little City sets.
I would have to vote for Safari Explorer, a gift I gave to my father.
The mention of Bespin Duel and Nebulon-B is making me frown
Would be Nebulon-B frigate IF I'D HAD ANY CHANCE TO GET IT.
Anyway, the new pop-up images really come in handy on these articles. Good job, Huw!
Hmmm, having 75294 Bespin Duel and 77904 Nebulon-B Frigate in here is strange- but if they saw wide release both would go down as two of the best Star Wars sets in recent years...
Perhaps a separate category for GWP sets and exclusives / limited release sets would be appropriate- because comparing these with widely released sets is really tricky!
I don't own any of those sets so I can only judge as an observer, but... for me, it definitely comes down to the Safari Off-Roader, the Nebulon-B, or Hedwig. The former is the only one that's been on my wanted list since I saw it, making a good case for it being an appealing set to me; while the Nebulon-B I wouldn't buy myself but is just... fantastically designed. I'm not usually big on these mid-scale Star Wars vehicle sets, but something about that one is incredibly appealing.
And Hedwig is just DIFFERENT from the typical sets that Lego produces, and very effectively so as well, considering how tricky it is to capture organic shapes in Lego.
Not sure which one to actually vote for...
No hidden side sets? maybe 70429: El Fuego's Stunt Plane should be on the list. There seems to be a vacuum at this price level especially for Harry Potter, Star Wars and Technic sets, either mostly under $20 starter sets, or over $60 for medium sized sets, which is a shame as this is the range most parents price presents at and with 400 pieces it is still possible to build something interesting.
I appreciate that the Nebulon-B Frigate is mired in controversy and as a resident of the UK I never had the option to pick it up direct but still, what an amazing display piece.
I didn't realise 31107 could scrape into this category as it cost £44.99 here, but looks like it was under 40 in US dollars!
31107 definitely gets my pick for 2020, it updates a beloved theme (Classic Space) for the modern era and bucks the Creator pattern as all three models are good in their own right - it's hard to believe the beautifully constructed Vic Viper with SNOT techniques is only the C-model!
The only one I have is Hedwig, so I opted for that.
To be honest it’s is the only Harry Potter set I have. It just seemed so appealing in its uniqueness. At over 600 pieces for £34.99 it also offered brilliant value per brick.
I still have it sealed but hopefully it shall be opened one day when I have a suitable place to display it
40426 Christmas wreath got my vote from the Mandalorian battle pack. It will be a set that I take out of the box and display proudly every Christmas for the rest of my life! Now that's a set worth voting for!
@The_Toniboeh said:
"The mention of Bespin Duel and Nebulon-B is making me frown"
Me too.
Imho only sets that were actually available worldwide should be allowed to enter. Sure, these two sets are awesome, but if I want to buy one (and we are talking retail set, not rebrick without original packaging, stickers or manual) it definitely is not a sub 40 Euro (let alone sub 40 USD) investment.
Similarly, strange to include sets like 31107 that cost far more than 40 USD in most parts of the world into this contest. Or since when has Brickset turned into a US only site?
I voted Safari Jeep by the way, even though I love the Speed Champions Audi Quattro just as much.
Definitely Dickens for me. But there are many cool sets here.
I chose 75280 seeing as I only own that and the Mando battle pack at the moment
Shame at least one of the Disney Storybook didnt make the list, those are without doubt one of the best sub lines released in 2020 imo.
So now what to choose, not sure they are for the most part all good, some better than others.
Voting for the Wreath, as it will be a constant decoration for years to come, but glad to see my other nominations both made it as well.
Here's wishing a safe, SMART and happy New Year to all!!
Difficult choice! I own only a few of these and have built none so far, so I'm voting for what's at the top of my to-buy list: the Space Rover.
I voted for the Nebulon-B (which I could not buy), hoping that Lego will release sets like these in the future as part of their 18+ line, once they are done with the Helmet collection.
Sets for adults don't need to be huge and expensive! After all, space and money are limited resources. :-)
Probably Bespin duel for the long and old SW fan I am, but could not decently vote for an exclusive which, if quoted as "under 40 bucks", cannot be really found for at least two times its original price. So voted for Gamers market. Long hesitated with Edwige which is a real masterpiece to me and even a bargain for the price requested.
Was going to be Bespin, as it is a fantastic display set, however my vote is actually going to go to the Tributo because it is from a theme that I would not normally be interested in but have to admit that car looks good and have been considering picking it up at some point. Bespin is also let down because of its awful release, should have been available everywhere, It is the most iconic scene in the franchise!
31107 Space Rover Explorer for me. This has been my first year getting back into Lego after 20+ years, and this set in particular brought back memories of playing with the classic sets as a kid. But at the same time I've been amazed seeing how the sets and building techniques have progressed since then. So I think 31107 has a great balance of classic and modern Lego, as well as being very versatile and playable.
The shortlist on one page:
https://brickset.com/sets/?query=31105-1,31107-1,40410-1,40426-1,60249-1,60253-1,60264-1,60267-1,71708-1,71717-1,75267-1,75280-1,75294-1,75317-1,77904-1,75967-1,75979-1,76157-1,76895-1,76897-1
Creator: check
3-in-1: check
Space: check
spaceship Spaceship SPACESHIP!: check Check CHECK!
(Bonus round! Spaceship is a Vic Viper: check)
31107 is a lovely set.
Safari Off-Roader is maybe my favorite of the year overall. The Space Rover Explorer and Nebulon-B follow, though I don’t have either of them. Happy New Year everyone!
This is actually my comfortable price point, so I do have a few of those sets and/or have gifted several. There are a lot of good ones on the list and some fine ones that didn't make the list. I went with Hedwig as I found it very interesting to build, it looks great and I like flying it.
Voted for the epic LEGO City 60149 set in the end, one of the my top 5 sets from the year.
Safari Off-Roader for sentimental reasons.
I was gifted Safari Off Road Vehicle twice.
Great update!
75294 Bespin Duel and 77904 Nebulon-B Frigate certainly are my favourites here, but as I and most of the world couldn't get them unless paying loads more than $40 each neither will get my vote - like others I don't think they should have been eligible for this poll at all.
75280 501st had my vote, but 75978 Hedwig was close for being so different from the norm and 31105 Townhouse Toy Store for being an affordable modular.
Point of order, doesn't the Wonder Woman set cost Canadians 50? And I'm not too sure how many of that list actually are 40$ CND without me checking out the individual listings, so I'll have to get back to you on that.
Ferrari all the way; the safari off-roader is a really nice playset, and Hedwig was a really fun build, but the Ferrari looks stunning and was one of the only sets I've ever purchased on day 1 of release. Doubt it'll win, but great set in my eyes.
Ice Cream Truck is great. Nice addition for my city! Hopefully Lego continues to offer a food-trucks like this (and the Pizza Van).
Could easily have voted for any of the six sets I own, but ultimately it has to be the Quattro for me as I've wanted one since I first saw a licensed LEGO car.
I voted for the nebulon-b even though I couldn't buy it, in the vague hope that Lego will either re-issue it or make more sets in that vein.
A genuinely excellent model wasted as a convention exclusive.
I voted for the 501st Legion Clone Troopers!
It's great that such a set finally arrived and the minifigures in it are absolutely excellent.
Regards,
Mitch
@The_Toniboeh said:
"The mention of Bespin Duel and Nebulon-B is making me frown"
Technically the sets were $39.99 which is under $40. I'm also surprised they made the "under $40" list though. I liked Bespin duel but I always thought of it as a $40 set
That was a hard choice for me between the Bespin Duel and Space Rover Explorer, but I ultimately I feel the Rover is a better value and toy. The Bespin Duel is a dream come true though.
Very tough choice between Hedwig, the dickens set and the Bespin duel
Had to go with Gamer's Market. It isn't a great set per se, but 9 minifigures for $30 is awesome for someone who likes them as much as I do.
gamers market! 9 figs for thirty bucks, and one of those is pink zane!
Voted for the Christmas Wreath. Built it last week, on Christmas Eve, while my Blu-Ray of "It's a Wonderful Life" played on the television. Sweet smells of cranberry vanilla potpourri and freshly made sugar cookies filled the air. Hung up the completed wreath on the wall, near the Christmas tree.
(Sighs contentedly...) Seems I've got a new tradition now.
@deikoon said:
"Sets for adults don't need to be huge and expensive! After all, space and money are limited resources. :-)"
This is an excellent point and I hope Lego takes this advice.
Man, I gotta get the Christmas Wreath still. So creative! That's what I voted for. My 2nd fave is the Mandalorian Battle Pack.
I voted for the Mandalorian Battle Pack. Not only does it have super cool figures, but it makes me nostalgic for one of my first LEGO sets ever, the original Mandalorian Battle Pack! If only it would have had proper blasters and not the darned stud-shooters though...
Street Sweeper!
I’m disappointed that my nominee of White Base Plate didn’t make the list. I was thrilled to be able to finally get white base plates to tie my winter sets together! It’s a product that was LONG overdue! LONG LIVE BASEPLATES!
@Neverroads said:
"Hedwig, it’s beautiful, playful and completely different to anything done before in the HP-world!"
That was my choice too!
501st battle pack
I voted for Wonder Woman vs. Cheetah. I think it’s one of the best superhero sets in years and the Wonder Woman and Cheetah minifigures are fantastic!
@LuvsLEGO_Cool_J said:
"Man, I gotta get the Christmas Wreath still."
Is that still available in the US? Over here it was showing sold out almost immediately after launch and has stayed like that ever since. Must have been one of the shortest availability periods ever.
I enjoy the Speed Champion series very much, I voted for the Ferrari F8 Tributo 76895, I love the look of the car. Happy New Year!
@GoldenNinja3000: I voted for the Cheetah minifig as fave for this year. I think it's excellent!
All San Diego Comic Con sets are sold for $39.99 every year -- but they are only available for purchase at the San Diego Convention Center.
Following the logic of this poll, the SDCC exclusives will now be eligible for this category every year.
As someone who was fortunate to get to buy all four 2020 SDCC sets and the Star Wars Celebration set for the "retail" price, I think including them here is incredibly inconsiderate of the many fans who had to turn to eBay and Bricklink to pay far more than $40 (or $20 for the Nintendo SDCC set).
If @Huw and @CapnRex101 can't get theirs for $40 or less (free doesn't count), it shouldn't be part of this poll.
I still like the duel on mustafar, and it's proably my fav
My favorite has to be Journey to the Skull Dungeons. Incredible build, great Minifigures, unmatched value, and an extra board game experience included.
Audi for me, it's squareness was made for lego although I wish it had a co-driver and space for them ,Porsche was a SS present and i love speed champions ,the prices keep me from buying more,
I nominated the Nebulon-B Frigate so I’m voting for it again!
@FuddRuckus said:
"All San Diego Comic Con sets are sold for $39.99 every year -- but they are only available for purchase at the San Diego Convention Center.
Following the logic of this poll, the SDCC exclusives will now be eligible for this category every year.
As someone who was fortunate to get to buy all four 2020 SDCC sets and the Star Wars Celebration set for the "retail" price, I think including them here is incredibly inconsiderate of the many fans who had to turn to eBay and Bricklink to pay far more than $40 (or $20 for the Nintendo SDCC set).
If @Huw and @CapnRex101 can't get theirs for $40 or less (free doesn't count), it shouldn't be part of this poll."
@Huw and I both acquired our sets for their retail price of $39.99, courtesy of @MeganL , as it happens.
While the availability of these products was rather limited, they were available for a relatively significant section of LEGO's market and could both be purchased for $39.99, excluding sales tax. Keep in mind that enormous swathes of the globe have limited or no access to any LEGO-exclusive sets so omitting products with limited availability would be impractical.
Ultimately, these are intended to be fun polls and you could choose not to vote for anything which should not, in your view, be included.
^ I guess we can vote with our vote on this, I couldn't get them for this price so they were out the running for me.
@CapnRex101 said:
" @Huw and I both acquired our sets for their retail price of $39.99, courtesy of @MeganL , as it happens."
@MeganL is great and has been helpful to me as well. I was happy to help fellow AFOLs in Australia, Canada, England and Germany acquire SDCC sets for $39.99 + actual shipping.
@CapnRex101 said:
"Ultimately, these are intended to be fun polls and you could choose not to vote for anything which should not, in your view, be included."
I rate 75294 and 77904 as better but voted for 40426 Christmas Wreath--which I have not yet been able to get but expect to by next Christmas.
@SMC said:
"^ I guess we can vote with our vote on this, I couldn't get them for this price so they were out the running for me."
Indeed.
If this is supposed to be a fun vote, then including sets, the mere names of which remind many people of why they could not get them and therefor re-evoke bad feelings, seems counterintuitive.
Mandalorian BP
I have spoken.
Voted for Mando battlepack, Audi Quattro and 501st were close runners-up though.
Bespin duel and Nebulon-B shouldn't even be on the list IMO, as they were only available in 3 countries.
Is Dickens really eligible? I had to pay $150 for mine...
I voted for Neb-B. It's one of the most iconic SW ships ever, and it took them over 20 years to finally produce a single model of it. Not only does it look fantastic, but it's only the third set in what is one of my favorite LSW sub-themes: midi-scale ships. I liked Bespin Duel, but I'm already missing at least one other set in that sub-theme, with the detention block from Ep4 (also a convention exclusive from a previous year).
@Odeinoichus :
Pricing categories seem to be based on USD alone.
A few set set on here that could have got my vote: Street Sweeper (always wanted one), Ice Cream Truck (really good design), and the Mandilorian Battle Pack (which had me trying to remember last time I bought a Star Wars set [looks] Inferno Squad???...Yeah, that tracks); but:
Wonder Woman vs. Cheetah...what can I say: was looking forward to this movie (no theatres are open here to play it, and I don't can to 'stream'), good likenesses of the characters, and Maxwell Lord was a surprise (another JLI character, along side Mister Miracle and Metamorpho...yeah I know there's more, but I'm only counting 'this year'...:))
(Oops, forgot 'Gamers Market' was also in my 'almost' list...)
Wreath even though I couldnt find it once I started looking to buy it in November. Australian Lego shops had no stock by November!!! It seemed to be a single drop, hopefully they bring it back next xmas. I bought a bunch of parts to see about making it from my parts collection, waiting for last lot to arrive. One of a small number of official sets I have ever wanted to build from parts orders.
I didn't realise how hard that would be to choose, until I started reading through the many great sets.
Although I do agree with @FuddRuckus , the Neb B is at least $150 for me, I understand why it was included, but not sure I agree with the reasoning in this case, as well as the GWP seems a little odd.
Anyway, of all the affordable sets, I voted Hedwig.
Ferrari F8 is beutiful, but Audi Sport Q4 is different, so appealing!!
Gamer's Market really can't be beaten for me, as a Ninjago fan.
@sjr60 said:
"Ice Cream Van. I think this and the Pizza Van are great little City sets."
Ice Cream Van : I bought it 3 times!! one for its build and the other two for parts (and minifigs) to make the home base Ice Cream store :)
@DavidBrick:
Well, nowhere besides Bricklink. The average price there for sales is around $35, though the average listing for available copies is about $10 higher.