Holiday gift guide: $50-$100
Posted by Huw,
Today's holiday gift guide examines sets in the $50-100 range, in which an outstanding range of 73 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.
Alice
21326 Winnie the Pooh (£89.99 / $99.99 / 99.99€)
21326 Winnie the Pooh is definitely one of my favourite LEGO Ideas sets. It beautifully encapsulates the Hundred Acre Wood and its famous residents.
It would undeniably make the perfect gift for a Winnie the Pooh fan, but I’m sure everyone loves Winnie the Pooh and has their own favourite character. Tigger is mine! Therefore, it could be a good gift for a non-AFOL to introduce them to LEGO.
It was an enjoyable build and I love the printed bee round tiles which are currently only available in this set, and it looks good on display!
DrDaveWatford
21329 Fender Stratocaster (£89.99 / $99.99 / 99.99€)
For me there's a clear winner in this price bracket and that's 21329 Fender Stratocaster. Honestly, what a great set! Both the guitar itself and the amplifier look superb, and the attention to detail is just marvellous. The inclusion of additional elements to allow the body of the Strat to be recoloured if desired is the icing on the cake, and overall I was completely sold the moment I saw it. I've already bought an additional copy to give to my father-in-law for Christmas; he's not an AFOL, but as a fellow guitarist I think he'll love it, and I'll help him build it over the Christmas break. I just hope he's not reading this....
If however the Strat won't cut it then perhaps some of my other favourites in this price bracket may be more suitable. These include Creator 31120 Medieval Castle and the City Wildlife Rescue sets such as 60307 Wildlife Rescue Camp, while 76392 Hogwarts Wizard's Chess may be worth a look if you have a Harry Potter-loving budding Grandmaster in the house. I've also found myself drawn to a number of AFOL-oriented Star Wars and Marvel display sets this year such as 75306 Imperial Probe Droid, 76191 Infinity Gauntlet, and 76187 Venom.
There's really no shortage of choice....
MeganL
31120 Medieval Castle (£89.99 / $99.99 / 99.99€)
So many choices! I loved 21326 Winnie the Pooh, and in the Friends line 41693 Surfer Beachfront I think is a notable choice. The versatility of 76388 Hogsmeade Village Visit is not to be overlooked (I have two variations in my winter village already), but for the top choice of gift in this range I'd have to choose 31120 Medieval Castle. Like many others I have a soft spot for the Castle theme, so I'm thrilled to see this set at a reasonable price point.
The fact that it's a 3 in 1 just bolsters the appeal, and you could argue this should be in a different price range - can you stop with just one of these sets, or should you get three to display all three models?
Huw
43115 The Boombox (£89.99, $99.99, 99.99€)
It might seem strange that I'm picking a set from the failed Vidiyo theme that was launched with much fanfare in March only to be cancelled a few months later. However, this particular one is very well-designed with a wealth of colourful lights, speakers and backdrops that all fold neatly into a case that looks like a 1970s portable cassette player.
Kids in the target age range with an interest in pop music will therefore love it, whether they use it with the app or not, and now that you can find it reduced by at least 1/3rd, often more, it's a bargain for a 1,000 piece set.
Also, let's not forget that it introduced 1x5 plates to the world!
If you're buying for a petrol-head grown-up then 42126 Ford F-150 Raptor would make a great gift, but only if you're in the USA: it's absurdly overpriced everywhere else.
Buy now at Amazon.co.uk (currently 30% off) »
CapnRex101
71738 Zane's Titan Mech Battle (£54.99, $59.99, 59.99€)
71738 Zane's Titan Mech Battle was released at the beginning of 2021, but remains among the most appealing sets produced this year. Beyond its exceptional appearance, the mech features comprehensive articulation and various interesting elements.
The price represents excellent value too, hence I think this would be an appropriate gift for any LEGO fan.
Other outstanding sets, particularly for older collectors, include 75306 Probe Droid and 76191 Infinity Gauntlet.
FlagsNZ
10293 Santa's Visit (£79.99 / $99.99 / 89.99€)
For me, the obvious choice in this price range is Santa's Visit.
Santa's Visit cottage is the latest addition to the Creator Expert Winter Village theme. A family of three live in the small Light Royal-Blue coloured cottage which is slightly different to the medium blue of the 10229 Winter Village Cottage released in 2012.
Without giving too much away, Mum, Dad and their young daughter are waiting expectantly for Santa to arrive. There are some clever building techniques to make a realistic small kitchen and a child's bedroom. The lounge is decked out with Christmas decorations as the table is set for a Christmas meal.
This year, I am planning a comprehensive LEGO-themed Christmas display and the Santa's Visit cottage along with 40499 Santa's Sleigh will form the centrepieces of the display.
Which of the 73 sets would you choose to gift?
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29 comments on this article
Got to agree with @MeganL : 31120 Medieval Castle all the way! It may not be Classic Castle but it’s still a classic (lower case ‘c’) set. It looks great so displays well, is versatile with an appealing alternative build and has enough play features to keep KFOLs happy. Could have done with more minifigures and some moulded creatures, but those shortcomings are fairly easily remedied through Bricklink, Bricks & Pieces and existing collections.
I’m surprised that any Vidiyo made the cut. But to each their own ;~)
Going to agree with MeganL and CapnRex here, both fantasic sets to be creative while building and/or playing.
Another great selection.
I bought 76191 Infinity Gauntlet mainly for the metallic gold pieces but it actually looks great and has broad appeal* to even non Lego fans.
Like @FlagsNZ, I'm making 10293 & 40499 the centre-pieces in a Christmas display this year. They also have broad appeal for display and play.
@MeganL: definitely need 3 copies of 31120!
*If my wife tolerates (or even likes) something on display after it's built, then I'm considering that broad appeal :-)
@Zander said:
"I’m surprised that any Vidiyo made the cut. But to each their own ;~)"
It was a set that Alice built in the summer with the intention of reviewing it, but we never got round to it. I therefore took it apart last week and was surprised at just how well-designed it was. It's a shame the theme was a failure and sets like this didn't enjoy a larger audience.
This is a gift guide, not 'the best set in the price range' and this makes a great gift at its reduced price.
@DrDaveWatford
Just curious, but what kind of guitar do you play?
21326 Winnie the Pooh for me. Clever building techniques, a cute display piece, well designed minifigs, it’s just a great overall set.
My unpopular opinion is that 31120 Medieval Castle is the most overrated set of 2021. It’s a very basic build with many panels and bricks. And nobody seems to like the set as it is but agrees that it needs a lot of MOCing or MODing to become the castle we were all hoping for.
@legoapprentice said:
"21326 Winnie the Pooh for me. Clever building techniques, a cute display piece, well designed minifigs, it’s just a great overall set.
My unpopular opinion is that 31120 Medieval Castle is the most overrated set of 2021. It’s a very basic build with many panels and bricks. And nobody seems to like the set as it is but agrees that it needs a lot of MOCing or MODing to become the castle we were all hoping for."
That it is ripe for modifications is one of the key attractions for me, especially as it's in Creator 3-in-1. Virtually no set I ever buy escapes some form of modification and I love Creator 3-in-1 sets as they can form the basis for some great further models.
@Cooliocdawg said:
" @DrDaveWatford
Just curious, but what kind of guitar do you play?"
Gibson Les Paul Custom & Fender Telecaster.
@legoapprentice said:
"My unpopular opinion is that 31120 Medieval Castle is the most overrated set of 2021. It’s a very basic build with many panels and bricks. And nobody seems to like the set as it is but agrees that it needs a lot of MOCing or MODing to become the castle we were all hoping for." I have to agree with DoonsterBuildsLego, especially since the whole point of the creator line is to INSPIRE people to be creative. Of course there are will always be people who like to just follow the instructions and I can understand why it may be unappealing to those.
To me the Fender is unappealing because I like to build minifig scale, but that doesn't mean that there is something inherently wrong with it, I'm just not the audience.
The Vidiyo boombox has never been discounted in the US at all. None of the Vidiyo sets really have, outside of the occasional regional or store-specific clearance. The boombox is currently a whopping 5% off at Kohls, which is the first time I've seen it below MSRP. I would definitely buy it at around half off but I don't know if that will ever happen.
Of the ones I've bought the first choice is 60307 (for the new animals, without question). The second place goes to 76388. 31120 is also quite nice but it is still just a large Creator set - a placeholder, not the real thing (a real castle set always had a horse or two; usually a king etc), so third place it is.
I’ve got to say the Boombox has a bit going for it in modification terms- I rebuilt it in a castle theme (the geometry is perfect for that) and I think Benny’s boombox Boombox BOOMBOX!!!!! will be next.
I respect what @DrDaveWatford has to say about the fender Stratocaster.
Truly a great set.
My favourite in this bracket has to be 'Santa's Visit' for it's return to the traditional Winter Village theme.
Others that I find excellent (for the rest of the year!) are 'Bird of Paradise', 'Fender Stratocaster', 'Winnie the Pooh' and 'Hogsmeade Village Visit'.
I also really like the 'Medieval Castle', but am still waiting for a decent discount. I came very close to getting 3 as a VIP weekend order, but it would have been just my luck if better discounts came up over the Black Friday weekend.
For an adult Batman fan, consider both cowls - 76182 and 76238.
31120 is still my favorite set for 2021.
Yes it has flaws compared to other sets like lower figures (still the detailed falcon prints are good), no horses etc, but not all castle sets were perfect .
4x3 panels aren't as big as the old castle panels, and I like the way the towers are built in a somewhat different way this time around.
31120 also seemingly mostly LEGO exclusive, or restricted to discount, doesn't make it the "perfect" set right now, but still a great Castle set nonetheless, or a good parts pack to add onto older castle sets .
Here's just hoping it won't be another 7 year wait for the next Castle-like sets. (or 3 if you count Nexo)
@DrDaveWatford said:
" @Cooliocdawg said:
" @DrDaveWatford
Just curious, but what kind of guitar do you play?"
Gibson Les Paul Custom & Fender Telecaster."
Oh wow! That’s awesome! I’ve never owned one, but I’m fond of a Fender Stratocaster. I know several people who have Les Paul’s, and those are fantastic instruments. Teles are such a classic instrument though. My current axe is a PRS SE 24 custom.
Alrighty, my number one pick is undoubtedly the castle as well. But since that's been mentioned way too many times already, I'll give a special mention to a couple as-of-yet uncredited sets, being:
80106, it's so snowy and pretty and it has minifigures and an amazing (mostly ORANGE even!) big monster! What more could one ask for? I mean, it's even got a castle. No elephantknight, no blacktron, we know.
76392: finally another chess set, and this time actually widely available and for a very good price even! HP fans may enjoy the figures too, but without them this is just as good a gift for everyone (granted it may help if they like playing chess)
and a few sets that will probably mostly appeal to the younger audience:
76192 with pretty awful PPP but still solid builds and plenty of figs to play with.
71755, pretty much the same as above except awful PPP and a slightly less iconic theme.
Aaand for the girls (or other peeps who like their colorful houses (me)) there's 41449. It's truly a beautiful design and full of play options also.
@mr_Fikou said:
"I'll give a special mention to a couple as-of-yet uncredited sets, being:
80106, it's so snowy and pretty and it has minifigures and an amazing (mostly ORANGE even!) big monster! What more could one ask for? I mean, it's even got a castle. No elephantknight, no blacktron, we know."
Yes, I really like this set. I think it's a shame that it tends to get overshadowed by the Spring Lantern Festival.
Now we're into the range where sets have to really do something a bit more special. Of these, I only bought the castle, but the spring lantern festival certainly deserves some recognition too.
@Wavelength said:
"Now we're into the range where sets have to really do something a bit more special. Of these, I only bought the castle, but the spring lantern festival certainly deserves some recognition too. "
The Spring Lantern festival costs $120 though. If they do a gift guide for $100+ sets, it will presumably make an appearance.
Vidiyo had some neat ideas/pieces/prints. But as stated above, they are never discounted in the US. Just shelf warmers at Target. And I haven't really seen them at Walmart either (and I don't live anywhere near a LEGO store).
For my pick, I'd agree with the list overall. Out of sets I already own, Winnie the Pooh probably is a great catch. Granted I parted mine out instead of building it and I don't like Pooh, but the set itself is really clever. I just didn't have anywhere to display it once built.
@illennium said:
" @Wavelength said:
"Now we're into the range where sets have to really do something a bit more special. Of these, I only bought the castle, but the spring lantern festival certainly deserves some recognition too. "
The Spring Lantern festival costs $120 though. If they do a gift guide for $100+ sets, it will presumably make an appearance."
Am I missing something? I haven't seen it in stock in months, I assumed it's already gone.
@Huw said:
" @Zander said:
"I’m surprised that any Vidiyo made the cut. But to each their own ;~)"
It was a set that Alice built in the summer with the intention of reviewing it, but we never got round to it. I therefore took it apart last week and was surprised at just how well-designed it was. It's a shame the theme was a failure and sets like this didn't enjoy a larger audience.
This is a gift guide, not 'the best set in the price range' and this makes a great gift at its reduced price."
The funny thing I notice when I look at my collection is that I have got almost the entire range of Vidiyo sets. I have all the stages, most of the BeatBoxes and even some of the Band Mates (even though those came free with other purchases, not that I actually paid for any of them).
Not that I have any interest in the App features or background story, but as I got every one of those sets for at least 50% off, some up to 75% off, they make tremendous parts packs. Plus they offer some really cool and creative minifigs.
Therefor I am quite happy that this theme flopped so hard, actually.
@sipuss said:
" @illennium said:
" @Wavelength said:
"Now we're into the range where sets have to really do something a bit more special. Of these, I only bought the castle, but the spring lantern festival certainly deserves some recognition too. "
The Spring Lantern festival costs $120 though. If they do a gift guide for $100+ sets, it will presumably make an appearance."
Am I missing something? I haven't seen it in stock in months, I assumed it's already gone.
"
You can sometimes grab a set from Amazon after it’s been sold out on Lego’s website because presumably Lego sends them a certain quantity. Or reserves them? I’m not interested in the supply chain enough to research the details. :)
It’s a nice way to grab a set but obviously you miss out on VIP points, etc.
Just as the best three under $25 Lego sets were three 60287 Tractors, the top 3 $50-100 sets are 3 31120 . Though three castle 3-in-1 sets makes more sense than 3 identical tractors.
Honorable mention to CapnRex choosing 71738. It's a great looking set and, unlike all the other choices, is actually less than $100.
@legoapprentice said:
"My unpopular opinion is that 31120 Medieval Castle is the most overrated set of 2021. It’s a very basic build with many panels and bricks. And nobody seems to like the set as it is but agrees that it needs a lot of MOCing or MODing to become the castle we were all hoping for."
The hallmark of 3-in-1 sets are the basic bricks. Its "brickiness", if you will. The thing you dislike is exactly the thing I like the most about 3-in-1. I think 3-in-1 is the best Theme Lego has.
I like the choice, in fact I bought both 31120 and 71738 and I'm going to buy 10293 too (I hoped to buy it with a decent Christmas GWP, but the high threshold ruined my plans!... I'll buy it later or elsewhere with a discount).
Great value for 76388 too, a nice addition for the winter village.
My picks for $50 to $100 cabbages...
- 10293 Santa's Visit.
Beautifully festive. Interior details excellent and unusual footprint to add something new to your Winter Village displays.
- 10948 Parking Garage and Car Wash.
For the wee ones, great playset. Lots of vehicles and so many fun features to play with.
- 60295 Stunt Show Arena.
Talk about a playset! This is the one for your kids. Monster trucks crushing cars, leaping through fire, obstacles, ramps! You name it.
- 60307 Wildlife Rescue Camp.
Another fabulous play set for the kids.
- 71738 Zane's Titan Mech Battle.
Great looking mech design. Got the Pacific Rim, Gundam vibes all over it. Nice build too.
Sturdy and pose-able! Great price too.
- 75306 Imperial Probe Droid.
Great details and build. Great looking base too. Some good build techniques. Fantastic display and a must get for any Star Wars fan.
- 76191 Infinity Gauntlet.
Marvel fans...a must get! Talk about display...this is striking to say the least. A treasure trove of gold adorns this articulate hand and glove. Great build techniques.
- 76388: Hogsmeade Village Visit.
Want to add to your Winter Village, this is the kit. Don't have to be a HP fan to enjoy these nice winter village styled buildings.
- 76392 Hogwarts Wizard's Chess.
Another that you don't have to be an HP fan to enjoy this unique looking chess set. Love the chess piece builds and if not, great for parts.
- 76175 Attack on the Spider Lair.
Talk about a Marvel playset. This has it all. A combinations of a Batcave/Tony Stark lab.
Excellent figures and accessories.