The humble Lego brick may have started from small beginnings, but it has since become one of the greatest toys of the modern era. Simple in concept: Lego allows children (and big kids) to reign in those creative juices, giving anyone the tools to construct whatever they see fit.
And in recent years, Lego has created so many different Lego sets, from a wide range of different themes including Ninjago to Star Wars, all at different price ranges. Finding the right Lego set can be tough, but don’t fret.
Here at Expert Reviews, we practically worship the brick and can help you choose the perfect Lego set for your budget. Below, you’ll find our regularly curated pick of everything Lego has to offer, along with a helpful buying guide to help you make the right purchase. Whatever Lego set you’re searching for, chances are you'll find something here that fits the bill.
How to choose the best Lego
What Lego sets are on offer?
There are so many different Lego themes to choose from. For instance, you might prefer a Lego-ified Big Ben, in that case the Architecture series is right up your street. Likewise, if you’re a Star Wars fan, there’s plenty on offer from small starfighters to a 7,541 piece Millennium Falcon.
Do I need to look out for age ranges?
Yes. While more of a recommendation than a hard and fast rule, the age range listed on the box serves as a guideline of what to expect when you build. A set with an age range of 4-7 is typically a much easier build, with larger bricks and less intricate detailing. An age range in the teens however, requires Lego mastery, often with many small pieces and lengthier build times.
Is piece to price ratio important?
Generally, the piece to price ratio (calculated by dividing the total price by the piece count) is a good indication of whether a particular set is good value or not. Lego sets on the lower end of the scale might not offer as much rebuild value as another set with more pieces for the same price. Likewise, the more bricks in a set, typically the longer construction time.
How long does a Lego set take to build?
How long a particular set takes to build depends on the piece count and the recommended age range. A set for 10-year-olds and under would only take up to a maximum of one hour or two to construct, while more complex builds, like Star Wars’ Ultimate Collector’s Series sets, can take upwards of 15 hours.
Do I have to just follow the instructions?
Of course not! The beauty of Lego is in ditching the instructions altogether, constructing whatever your heart desires. It all depends on what you want to get out of your purchase: many people like to stick to the instructions and construct something impressive to display on their shelf, while others prefer to let their imagination run wild.
The best Lego sets to buy
1. Lego Boost Creative Toolbox: Best for education
Price when reviewed:£150 – Buy Now from Amazon
Boost teaches inquisitive young minds how to code for the very first time. 7- to 12-year-olds can build five different multifunctional models; including Vernie the Robot, Frankie the Cat and Guitar 4000 and bring those creations to life. Simply download the iOS or Android app, pair to the interactive motor and begin creating sequences to make your character move and shout via the easy to use drag-and-drop coding interface. Boost is a perfect, and fun, beginner’s introduction to coding.
Key features - Pieces: 847; Ages: 7-12; Set number: 17101
2. Lego Brickheadz (Batman): Best on a budget
Price when reviewed: £10 – Buy Now from Amazon
Brickheadz are a selection of collectible figures featuring your favourite characters from popular movies, TV shows and comic books, including Batman, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Iron Man. Because it’s Lego, you get to build each character from the ground up, with something shelf-worthy to show for your efforts at the end of it. Best of all, Brickheadz are super cheap, so they’re perfect for the budget collector.
Key features - Pieces: 91; Ages: 10+; Set number: 41585
3. Lego Star Wars Resistance Bomber: Best for play value
Price when reviewed:£92 – Buy Now from Amazon
Star Wars: The Last Jedi might not be out in cinemas just yet, but Lego’s latest Star Wars sets are already in shops. The best of the bunch is the Resistance Bomber, which offers plenty of play value. Once built, it can be picked up and flown around one-handed, can drop up to six bombs on daring bombing raids and can fire two spring-loaded shooters in rapid succession. Pew pew.
Key features - Pieces: 780; Ages: 9-14; Set number: 75188
4. Lego Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Playground: Best for little hands
Price when reviewed: £19 – Buy Now from Amazon
Ah, Frozen. Disney’s smash hit is still popular in school playgrounds up and down the country, despite releasing back in 2013. If your kids are craving Lego’s take on the Wintery feature film, Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Playground is the perfect place to start. It costs less than £20, and includes an easy to build set for Lego first-timers, and plenty of play opportunities including a twisting slide and snowball-launching catapult.
Key features - Pieces: 94; Ages: 4-7; Set number: 10736
5. Lego Ninjago Movie Green Ninja Mech Dragon: Best for Ninjago
Price when reviewed: £45 – Buy Now from Amazon
With Lego’s Ninjago movie out in cinemas, it’s a good chance that your little one is wanting to continue the ninja fun at home. Lego’s Green Ninja Mech Dragon offers plenty of opportunities to recreate their favourite scenes, featuring dangerous articulated snapping jaws, four minifigures from the movie and enough weapons you can shake a katana at.
Key features - Pieces: 544; Ages: 8-14; Set number: 70612
6. Lego Creator Mini Cooper: Best for adults
Price when reviewed:£80 – Buy Now from Amazon
One for the older Lego fans, the Lego Creator Mini Cooper is a faithfully recreated replica of the compact car we all know and love. It’s filled with authentic details including an intricately detailed engine, turning steering wheel and moving gearshift and handbrake, inside a classic green and white colour scheme with tan-coloured interior.
Key features - Pieces: 1077; Ages: 16+; Set number: 10242
7. Lego Creator Super Soarer: Best for imaginative minds
Price when reviewed: £13 – Buy Now from Amazon
With the Lego Super Soarer you can construct not one, not two, but three completely different sets. Build a modern fighter jet with retractable wings and then demolish it, instead rebuilding a futuristic starfighter or an old-school aeroplane, complete with propeller engines. Swoosh.
Key features - Pieces: 100; Ages: 6-12; Set number: 31042
8. Lego Architecture London: Best for the shelf
Price when reviewed: £36 – Buy Now from Amazon
What better set to show off your Lego prowess than a miniature model of the nation’s capital. Featuring the National Gallery, Nelson’s Column, London Eye, Big Ben and even Tower Bridge, this set is reserved for Lego veterans with a keen eye for architecture. Looking for more? You can also pick up the Arc de Triomphe, Buckingham Palace and even the Burj Khalifa in Lego form.
Key features - Pieces: 468; Ages: 12+; Set number: 21034