Holiday gift guide: over $200
Posted by Huw,
In the last of our holiday gift guides we take our pick from sets costing more than $200, of which 13 were released this year. Almost all of them will be on someone's wish list: they are, after all, the ultimate LEGO sets.
Find out what the Brickset team recommend after the break then let us know which one you'd like to give, or receive, in the comments.
FlagsNZ
10294 Titanic (£569.99 / $629.99 / 629.99€)
Ask anyone to randomly name a famous ship and I am sure that most people’s first suggestion will be Titanic.
There are only a few ships that have the celebrity status of RMS Titanic and, in addition, only a few conspiracy theories to rival some people’s thoughts on whether this vessel actually hit an iceberg and sunk to the bottom of the North Atlantic Ocean on the night 14/15 April 1912.
At 9,090 parts and measuring 1.35 metres long, 14 centimetres wide and just under 50 centimetres tall to the top of the masts, this is a LEGO set of truly Titanic proportions and has been built to a scale of 1:200 compared to the real ship.
The tragedy that unfolded on mid-April 1912 was the catalyst for the creation of some new shipping conventions – the most important being the SOLAS Convention (Safety of Life at Sea). The design and approval of nearly every safety system found in vessels all over the world stem from this convention.
This LEGO set sells for a titanic price, and it won’t appeal for everyone. Pre-orders, however, sold out on the first day they became available.
This set is my Christmas present, and I will be displaying this set, with information and links to the principal features, at LEGO shows for some time to come.
MeganL
71741 NINJAGO City Gardens (£274.99 / $299.99 / 299.99€)
As much as I love looking at 21330 Home Alone I try to make recommendations for sets I actually own, so that leaves my vote for 71741 NINJAGO City Gardens. The much anticipated follow-up to NINJAGO City and NINJAGO City Docks certainly did not disappoint. And I don't even collect NINJAGO sets!
The minifig selection is good, the model looks fantastic, but for me what places this above and beyond the others is the building experience. It's an intricate and absorbing build and whether the LEGO fan in your life is into NINJAGO or not, you can't go wrong with this epic set.
Alice
31203 World Map (£229.99 / $249.99 / 249.99€)
There are many great sets in this category, I was going to pick 10294 Titanic but I thought I’d choose something different from the others and not everyone has space for such a titanic set!
I’m choosing 31203 World Map because I think it’d be a good gift for many people. Whether they’re a keen traveller, geography lover or even an art enthusiast, and of course AFOLs.
The colours may be controversial, but it’s a piece of art and will add a pop of colour to any room. It provides excellent value at $249.99 for 11695 pieces, the most in any LEGO set ever! Also, as it is displayed on the wall rather than a shelf, you don’t need to consider the surface space for it.
It was hard to choose from all the sets in this category so I also wanted to mention 76178 Daily Bugle which has a whopping 25 minifigs and would be perfect for any Marvel fan and also 76391 Hogwarts Icons Collectors' Edition which is a great display piece for Harry Potter fans.
CapnRex101
71741 NINJAGO City Gardens (£274.99 / $299.99 / 299.99€)
75313 AT-AT seems like my natural selection for sets costing over $200 and is an impressive rendition of a renowned Star Wars vehicle.
However, I cannot look beyond 71741 NINJAGO City Gardens! The set provides impressive value, includes excellent building techniques and features spectacular detail, perfectly celebrating the tenth anniversary of NINJAGO.
Of course, NINJAGO fans should therefore especially appreciate this set. Nevertheless, I think anybody can enjoy 71741 NINJAGO City Gardens because it truly represents the absolute pinnacle of LEGO creativity.
DrDaveWatford
10294 Titanic (£569.99 / $629.99 / 629.99€)
I was massively conflicted when selecting my top pick at this lofty price point.... On the one hand, it's almost impossible for me to look beyond 75313 AT-AT. Having myself struggled for many months to track down the 6,000+ elements required to build a well known AT-AT MOC and then painstakingly put the thing together I have HUGE respect for LEGO for taking on the challenge of designing an Ultimate Collector Series AT-AT and somehow making it stable enough to meet their stringent standards. LEGO Star Wars fans have been crying out for this set for literally years, and in less than a week from now they'll finally get their wish.
And yet.... While I think the AT-AT looks fantastic, my top pick is something else - 10294 Titanic. Unless I've just been oblivious to all the calls for a 1.35m long passenger liner, this 9,090-piece behemoth seemingly came out of nowhere and absolutely wowed me when it appeared earlier this year. It's just gorgeous, and as well as being an authentic, highly detailed display piece, it's also an interesting, clever and enjoyable build which isn't always the case for the massive flagship LEGO releases.
So if money is no object, the Titanic it is, just....
Huw
10294 Titanic (£569.99 / $629.99 / 629.99€)
What can I say that hasn't already been said?
Whoever you gift this to is in for an unparalleled building experience resulting in a beautiful and accurate scale model that would not look out of place in a museum.
Just make sure they have somewhere to put it before you buy it for them, though...
That concludes this year's holiday gift guides. I hope you enjoyed them, even if you didn't always agree with our recommendations.
Happy Thanksgiving for tomorrow to those that celebrate it. Once the hectic weekend that follows it is over we'll be into December, when we'll begin our Advent countdown and reviews of 2022 sets. It's going to be a busy month!
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36 comments on this article
Ninjago city gardens sounds awesome! Sadly I probably can never get it
My vote goes out to HP 76391 Hogwarts Icons: it's a great building experience, looks beautiful on display, can be arranged in many different ways, comes with very nice minifigs, and doesn't cost an obscene amount of money.
21330 Home Alone, no doubt, no question, no argument possibly the best set of 2021 in my eyes.
Amazing set, detailed and action feature packed. Can't wait to build mine.
I would also go for the Hogwarts Icons 76391 as a set that looks absolutely stunning even if you've never heard of Harry Potter!
It would have been the Titanic, if there was any chance of it being available as a Christmas gift.
(I did get a note at 22:38 last night saying it was back in stock. Not a 02:30 when I looked, it wasn't! Error or just a few... I don't know. Maybe they're building up stock for Black Friday!)
71741 Ninjago City Gardens & especially 10294 Titanic may have to go for birthday presents to myself - no one is going to spend that on a gift for me!
Comments from @MeganL on the former make me consider it - I really thought it was one for the Ninjago fans.
This has been a really good series of articles - thanks to the whole Brickset team.
I agree with the Brickset team on this one - Titanic slightly edging out Ninjago City Gardens. I’ve built the Gardens and it’s everything a great Lego set should be: huge, absorbing, new building techniques, clever parts usage, and just plain fun to build. But my top pick goes to Titanic. Set of the year for 2021. I haven’t built it yet though - it’s waiting in my basement so my kids can give it to me for Christmas.
@sjr60 said:
"I would also go for the Hogwarts Icons 76391 as a set that looks absolutely stunning even if you've never heard of Harry Potter!
It would have been the Titanic, if there was any chance of it being available as a Christmas gift.
(I did get a note at 22:38 last night saying it was back in stock. Not a 02:30 when I looked, it wasn't! Error or just a few... I don't know. Maybe they're building up stock for Black Friday!)"
It wasn't an error, it was back in stock for the shortest time. I luckily enough was on the Lego site at the time so managed to get one. By the time I finished ordering it was back out of stock.
I love Ninjago City Gardens 71741 and Ninjago City 70620, both were fun builds due to very little repetitiveness!
Man I'd love the Titanic. I couldn't have told you I wanted it before it appeared, but it's amazing and I need it. I just wish I could a) afford it or b) have somewhere to display it
I would not agree that a set is "the ultimate" just because it is expensive.
Take the Technic Zetros. It's a totally mediocre set that only falls into this price range because of the ridiculously overpriced Powered Up components. Same goes for that Spike set. What's "ultimate" about that at all?
Then again, sets like the Titanic or the new AT-AT certainly fall into the "ultimate" category, the latter quite literally. And the World Map at least is the ultimate nuisance to put together. Even the most pacifistic person will be ready to blow up a bag of 1x1 tiles after he/she is finished with the set.
If I had to pick a favorite it would be Ninjago City Gardens, hands down. It's also the only one of those 13 that I actually bought.
Still on the fence about the Hogwarts Icons. Looks awesome (mostly), but just not enough value for money imho.
Am I the only one having the problem that Alice’s recommendation is fully marked down in white? None of the previous articles have had this. I’m on Ipad and using Dark mode currently, if that makes any difference.
It’s gotta be the Gardens for me, however Daily Bugle is a close second. Titanic is good, but I have no attachment to it and the price is simply too much (as is the size). Not that I would gift something this expensive anyway, but still :P
My only regret about 71741 was that I built it too quickly (less than 24 hours). I should have enjoyed more the building experience by going slowly.
That set is simply fantastic. The pinnacle of my collection actually and I always get so happy of just looking at it. Impressive build, techniques, colors, minfigs, everything...
Smyths has Ninjago City Gardens reduced to £235 at the moment
@BrickAstley said:
"It wasn't an error, it was back in stock for the shortest time. I luckily enough was on the Lego site at the time so managed to get one. By the time I finished ordering it was back out of stock. "
Blimey, well done! I wonder how many there were. Luckily I'm not in any hurry, so any time in the next couple of years is just fine!
@AustinPowers said:
"I would not agree that a set is "the ultimate" just because it is expensive."
Wow, way to read something into something that isn't there!
@AustinPowers said:
" And the World Map at least is the ultimate nuisance to put together. Even the most pacifistic person will be ready to blow up a bag of 1x1 tiles after he/she is finished with the set. "
Please speak for yourself...
I haven't built this set myself (yet), but as someone who has build lots of images with "iron on pearls" and "ministeck", I can imagine I would enjoy the experience and suspect I'm not the only one.
I built the World Map earlier this year and actually had a lot of fun with it. Seeing the map slowly take shape (and realizing how massive it actually is) was a good motivator to keep going. Of course, I also had help from my partner who built half of it, and we spread it out over many weeks. Still, I would recommend it even if you have reservations about the building process. The end result is stunning and a great piece to hang on the wall!
Two great sets there .... and tedium disguised as 10,000+ plus studs.
I am lucky enough to own the 3 modular Ninjago sets and they are displayed proudly along with Spring Lantern Festival. If you can buy any and all of them. Best lego sets ever.
This post was brought to you by my wife's eternal patience and indulgence. Lol.
I was actually thinking last night that if NCG wasnt picked at least once, Id have to write a questioning comment, but here it is twice! It captures the tenth anniversary of Ninjago so well, is an incredible build, looks beautiful, and Id say the price is definitely reasonable. Easily one of the greatest sets Lego has ever made!
@ShinyBidoof said:
"Two great sets there .... and tedium disguised as 10,000+ plus studs."
Indeed.
I am usually quite patient, but after having assembled one of the Star Wars Sith Arts sets I was ready to throw the rest of the 1x1 plates out of the window. Also convinced me to not buy another one of the Arts sets. My daughter startet on the Andy Warhol one that my wife had wanted for display, but after four of the nine plates she lost interest and I had to finish that one too.
I'm cured is all I can say.
@DoonsterBuildsLego said:
" 71741 Ninjago City Gardens & especially 10294 Titanic may have to go for birthday presents to myself - no one is going to spend that on a gift for me!
Comments from @MeganL on the former make me consider it - I really thought it was one for the Ninjago fans.
This has been a really good series of articles - thanks to the whole Brickset team."
Smyths in the UK currently has Ninjago Gardens with £40 off at £235 - good deal :)
Looks like the titanic is an amazing set!
The thing I love the most about the 71741 Ninjago City Gardens is that it looks good from any point of view. Also, it's way better designed than already fantastic looking 70620 Ninjago City. And compared to what you get for the price, it's an absolute banger! Go get it!
This has been a very good year for expensive LEGO sets.
I have titanic as my holiday build, but I must agree with the comments for Ninjago gardens. Despite having a missing bag, resolved promptly by Lego customer services, it was a great and enjoyable build. I’m not into normal Ninjago but this looks great with the docks and Ninjago city
It is me or there are duplicate choices inside the list?
From a list suggesting alternatives to buy, I didn't expect to find duplicates (three Titanic and two ninjago city gardens).
Ok, the sets over 200$ released in 2021 are not infinite, maybe it would be better to include sets released in previous years and still available.
For me the more interesting sets over 200$ are:
- 76178 Daily Bugle
- 21330 Home Alone
- 75313 AT-AT (ok, not jet released, but a 2021 set anyway and there is time before Christmas)
Probably I will never buy any of them! :grin:
@Calabar said:
"It is me or there are duplicate choices inside the list?
From a list suggesting alternatives to buy, I didn't expect to find duplicates (three Titanic and two ninjago city gardens).
"
Why not? We write our contributions separately, usually without knowledge of what others have picked.
My picks for over $200 big ones...
- 10294 Titanic.
The shaping on this is incredible! Proportion, details second to none. Stunning on display, and the interior just doesn't get better at this scale. A must get!
- 75313 AT-AT.
A combination of playset/vehicle and display item. Another fabulous SW display model with an interior to die for. Seats over 30 figures, speeder bike hangar bay, engine details, cockpit fully detailed. This rivals the UCS Millennium Falcon and possibly exceeds it as THE best Lego Star Wars model of all time.
- 76178 Daily Bugle
THE ultimate playset for any Marvel aficionado. Floor by floor, room by room fully detailed and chock full of easter-eggs. Action scene on the front a brilliant touch by the designer. A tremendous and excellent selection of minifigs. People think it's just a big 'gray' building. NO...this is a another Lego stunner on display and will be hours and hours of joy for your kid. It can be incorporated easily too for your modular city layouts. Make Mine Marvel! And Lego! Must get.
Happy Thanksgiving Huw and the brickset gang!
Best Lego site bar none on the net.
1. AT-AT - it is just magnificent and my second favourite Star Wars Vehicle after the ISD.
2. Titanic - I collect flag ships - this is still a must.
3. Hogwarts Icons - Owls are cool or the Gunship - great model..
The rest are for others to enjoy.
Now to rob a bank.
@Huw said:
"Why not? We write our contributions separately, usually without knowledge of what others have picked."
I assumed that, but imagine if all of you had chosen the same set... this guide would not be much useful! ^____^
Maybe a duplicate entry could be replaced by a second or third choice in order to obtain more variety, after a little review before publishing the article.
I don't want this is seen a criticism, simply a suggestion. :)
PS: a useful tool to link in the article could be a query such as this one, that could help users to have a clear view of all the possible choices: https://brickset.com/sets/query-8507
EDIT: oops, a similar link is included, my fault I didn't notice it.
@Calabar said:
" I didn't expect to find duplicates ...
I assumed that, but imagine if all of you had chosen the same set... this guide would not be much useful! ^____^ "
I suppose LEGO doesn't produce enough sets over $200, then?
@YanVanLan said:
" @Calabar said:
" I didn't expect to find duplicates ...
I assumed that, but imagine if all of you had chosen the same set... this guide would not be much useful! ^____^ "
I suppose LEGO doesn't produce enough sets over $200, then?"
Don't let them hear you say that!!! They'll start charging over $200 for more stuff!
@YanVanLan said:
"I suppose LEGO doesn't produce enough sets over $200, then?"
That was taken into account in my first comment (and it is one of the main factor that has led to duplicates), anyway there are 13 compliant sets this year (enough to avoid duplicates, if desired) and even more if you add sets from past years but still available (so suitable for a present this Christmas, take a look at the query I posted in my previous comment).
Anyway, as specified above, my remark didn't want to be a criticism but a suggestion. After all the goal of these articles is to help users to find a present and IMHO a list of duplicate items don't appear as the best solution. :)
My comment was largely in jest, but I see your point.
However, if I just wanted a list of what is available, I could go have a look at lego.com or any retail store nearby.
The point of this article is to have people give their view on what is available; if they all pick the same set (sometimes for very different reasons) that in it self says something: either it is a really good set or there is not much else worth mentioning... ;-)