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The Spruce / Amelia Manley
LEGO kits are known for building various skills every kid needs, like STEM-based fine motor building for the little ones and problem-solving for older LEGO builders.
To find the perfect set for you, we researched the best LEGO sets for every age, interest, and budget. Our favorite picks include a starter set in a handy storage box, a programmable robot fit for teens, and a replica of Andy Warhol's Marilyn Monroe.
LEGO Classic Large Creative Brick Box
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Amazon
Storage included
Suitable for various ages
Large variety of pieces
Can be difficult to build with the various-sized pieces
You really can’t go wrong with the LEGO Classic Large Creative Brick Box. Whether you already have a LEGO collection or are just starting out, this set has everything your kids will need to build complex LEGO creations.
There are 33 different colors in the set, and in addition to standard bricks, you also get baseplates, windows, doors, wheels, and eyes. Whether your kids want to build a LEGO city from the ground up or create cars to race, this kit has all the pieces they need to unleash their imaginations. This LEGO set comes in a plastic storage container that makes cleanup easy, and there are also some suggested projects to get kids started.
Price at time of publish: $60
Number of Pieces: 790 | Set Number: 10698 | Age Range: 4 years and up
LEGO Succulents
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Amazon
Beautiful design
Nine different builds
Cooperative
Some users reported missing pieces
This adorable LEGO set proves just as functional as it is beautiful. This set includes nine different plants, featuring iconic cacti and succulents. Once complete, choose to display your mini garden all together or separately in different spaces in your home.
The different shapes, colors, and textures add interest to this set suitable for teens and adults. The included instructions are split into three parts for the nine plants so you can even break up the builds for a night of STEM-based excitement with friends or family.
Price at time of publish: $50
Number of Pieces: 771 | Set Number: 10309 | Age Range: 18 years and up
LEGO City Town City Square
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Amazon
Large variety of pieces
Includes LEGO figures
Tons of ways to play
Expensive
If you think your kids would benefit from a little more guidance, the LEGO City Town City Square set will help them build a bustling metropolitan area to play in. This set is more expensive than many other LEGO kits, but it contains a whopping 1,683 pieces that can be used to create a variety of essential town structures.
The kit includes pieces and instructions for a LEGO store, a delivery truck, a car dealership, several cars, a coffee shop, a hotdog stand, and numerous other structures. Plus, there’s a tram that’s 14 inches long, as well as a tram station where little LEGO people can wait. Once kids have constructed their new city, they can populate it with the 12 LEGO figures in the set, including a saleswoman, pizza delivery man, tram driver, dog, and more.
Price at time of publish: $290
Number of Pieces: 1683 | Set Number: 60097 | Age Range: 6 years and up
LEGO adidas Originals Superstar
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Comes in replica box
Iconic design
Great packaging
Stand could be bigger
For those with a passion for fashion or footwear, consider the LEGO Icons line of famous characters, monuments, and now, shoes. Build your very own adidas superstar sneaker in the iconic white and black colorway with the details of shell toe and three separated stripes.
There are even shoelaces woven into the shoe and a replica box to transport and store your pieces. The packaging sets this pick apart from other sets, making it a perfect gift for fashion lovers. If only they were wearable!
Price at time of publish: $80
Number of Pieces: 731 | Set Number: 10282 | Age Range: 17 years and up
LEGO City Town Fun in the Park - City People Pack
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Amazon
Unique selection of figures
Multiple ways to play
Great for expanding existing sets
Not as exciting on its own
LEGO kits typically come with a few LEGO people, but if kids want to expand the population of their cities, they’ll need the LEGO City People Pack. This inexpensive set includes 14 new figures for children to play with, as well as several accessories for their budding cities.
In the LEGO City Town Fun in the Park - City People Pack, kids will find all the pieces they need to build a thriving city park. There are more than a dozen new characters in this set, including grandparents, a baby and a dog. Also included are park accessories like trees, a merry-go-round, a bench, a picnic table, flowers, a hotdog cart, a lawnmower, and a fence. Overall, there are 157 pieces that will let kids make their LEGO towns more realistic and much more fun.
Price at time of publish: $80
Number of Pieces: 157 | Set Number: 60134 | Age Range: 5 years and up
LEGO DOTS Ice Cream Picture Frames & Bracelet 41956 Building Kit
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Target
Functional designs
Can combine with other sets
Great bonding activity
May be too small for standard pictures
Rather than displaying your LEGO creation in your home as is, create something functional as well as whimsical with these LEGO picture frames inspired by ice cream. Kids and adults alike can use their creativity to decorate their own frames, using the designs on the instructional booklet or their own imagination. There's also a separate activity to create a colorful, customizable bracelet.
If you run out of ideas, you can combine other LEGO Dots kits to add more designs and color to your creations. Each set comes with free frames of varying sizes to display family photos once complete. While a great bonding activity for the family, this set would also work for birthday parties or rainy days.
Price at time of publish: $30
Number of Pieces: 474 | Set Number: 41956 | Age Range: 6 years and up
LEGO DUPLO All-in-One-Box-of-Fun Building Kit
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Amazon
Easy to grab with small hands
No small pieces
Helps build fine motor skills
Not as exciting as other sets
Classic LEGO bricks are designed for kids over 4, but that doesn’t mean toddlers can’t get in on the fun, too. The LEGO DUPLO All-in-One-Box-of-Fun includes a set of DUPLO bricks, which are bigger and easier to handle than traditional LEGOs, making them perfect for toddlers.
The All-in-One-Box-of-Fun, which comes in a plastic storage container, has 62 colored pieces, including numbered bricks, windows, a car base, and two figures: a dog and a boy. What’s nice is that the bricks are large enough for toddlers to handle and play with comfortably. This kit is a great gift for toddlers because it encourages creativity and fine motor skills, and once kids get old enough, they’ll be able to transition to standard LEGOs with ease.
Price at time of publish: $97
Number of Pieces: 65 | Set Number: 10572 | Age Range: 18 months and up
LEGO Women of Nasa LEGO Set
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Amazon
Educational
Includes figures
Four builds in one
Pricey
Learn about some of the most notable women in science while building skills yourself with this Women of NASA LEGO Set. Definitely, a great option among STEM toys. The different builds showcase the expertise of the four featured women scientists: Nancy Grace Roman, Margaret Hamilton, Sally Ride, and Mae Jemison.
Each woman has matching set pieces and buildings to coordinate with their work in science including a Hubble space telescope, a stack of books representing on-flight software code, a launchpad, and Space Shuttle Challenger 3 with removable parts. The included instructions offer information about the iconic women, making this set educational and engaging.
Price at time of publish: $57
Number of Pieces: 231 | Set Number: 21312 | Age Range: 10 years and up
LEGO Ideas Ship in a Bottle Expert Building Kit
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Amazon
Doubles as decor piece
Impressive glass pieces
Unique and nostalgic design
No playability after building
Build your very own ship in a bottle, but made entirely out of LEGO bricks. This unique set comes complete with clear pieces to make up the glass bottle which makes for a definite challenge, but a beautiful result. Like other LEGO sets meant for display, it comes with a stand, so you can place it directly on a shelf or desk after finishing.
As part of the LEGO Ideas series, this set comes with information on the set's fan creator and LEGO designers. Inside the bottle, the detailed ship features a captain’s quarters, cannons, mast, crow’s nest, sails, flag, display stand with a nameplate, and compass. You even build a cork to seal the deal.
Price at time of publish: $145
Number of Pieces: 962 | Set Number: 92177 | Age Range: 12 years and up
Lego Technic Jeep Wrangler
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Amazon
Perfect for car lovers
Accurate model
Operational doors and features
Stickers can be hard to place perfectly
Car lovers will love reconstructing this iconic yellow Jeep Wrangler as part of the LEGO Technics line, which is full of authentic details on classic automobiles. This set is aimed at kids, but could easily make a perfect present for a Jeep owner or car enthusiast.
The set comes complete with authentic Jeep Wrangler details including the classic round headlights, seven-slot grille, full-size spare tire, and fold-down rear seats. As part of the LEGO Technics collection, it also comes with front steering, powerful axle-articulation suspension, and a winch, so this build doubles as a functional car toy after completion. Builders will learn about the mechanics of the off-roading icon all while facing their next building challenge.
Price at time of publish: $50
Number of Pieces: 665 | Set Number: 42122 | Age Range: 9 years and up
LEGO Art Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe
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Amazon
Makes great wall decor
Four color way options
Easy-to-follow directions
Need to buy all four for the desired look
LEGO Art gives you the chance to build iconic art pieces to hang in your home made entirely out of LEGO pieces. Unlike other LEGO sets, you build on a flat surface, rather than a completed 3D structure. Learn more about Andy Warhol and his iconic Marilyn Monroe works with the supplemental information to study art history while you create a piece of your own.
You have the choice of four colorways for your Marilyn design, or choose to buy four of these sets to achieve Warhol's colorful collection. Each set includes a frame and mounting elements so hanging your completed artwork is a breeze.
Price at time of publish: $129
Number of Pieces: 3341 | Set Number: 31197 | Age Range: 18 years and up
LEGO Disney Princess Elsa's Magical Ice Palace (701 Pieces)
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Amazon
Interactive details
Easy-to-follow directions
Tons of ways to play after assembling
Time consuming
If your kids are still playing “Let It Go” on repeat, you’ll want to consider the LEGO Disney Princess Elsa’s Magical Ice Palace, inspired by the hit movie "Frozen". With this LEGO set, kids will be able to recreate their favorite scenes from the movie and take Anna and Elsa on new adventures.
The set has just over 700 pieces, including everything needed to build a nine-inch tall ice castle, complete with a revolving staircase, ice monster, and an outdoor playground. Additionally, the kit comes with snowmen figures and carriages, and don’t forget about the adorable Elsa, Anna, and Olaf figures! Kids will be busy for hours putting this magical kingdom together, using their imaginations to bring a classic movie to life.
Price at time of publish: $105
Number of Pieces: 701 | Set Number: 43172 | Age Range: 6 years and up
LEGO Creator 3in1 Fish Tank
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Walmart
Cool design
Constantly changeable
Three models in one
Smaller than expected
Combine three builds in one with this innovative fish tank. The clear tank boasts five colorful fish to admire: a clown fish, a regal blue tang, a yellow tang, a cardinal fish, and an anthias fish. Decorate your tank with a submarine and coral for an added touch.
The great thing about this set is you can take apart the fish tank to build a treasure chest and easel set. You can also constantly change out the fish and features in your tank for a set that's never truly complete. There is always space for additions and innovation.
Price at time of publish: $44
Number of Pieces: 352 | Set Number: 31122 | Age Range: 8 years and up
LEGO Architecture United States Capitol Building Kit
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Amazon
Attention to detail
Suitable for various ages
Huge
White pieces can get discolored over time without cleaning
While many LEGO sets encourage kids to build their own unique creations, this particular kit lets them put together a well-known historic landmark: the U.S. Capitol Building. The LEGO Architecture United States Capitol Building Kit is a big project with over 1,000 pieces, and once complete, it’s an impressive 17-inch long replica of a famous U.S. landmark.
The set includes detailed instructions that will help kids put together every aspect of the Capitol, including its dome, columns, lawn, roof, and even statue elements. There’s also a booklet that lets kids learn about the neo-classical architecture, design, and history of the building, making this project as educational as it is entertaining.
Price at time of publish: $240
Number of Pieces: 1032 | Set Number: 21030 | Age Range: 12 years and up
LEGO Haunted House
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Amazon
Interactive features
Informative manual
Large build
Some customers had shipping issues
Celebrate spooky season any time of year with this LEGO Haunted House. Discover a haunt around every corner with a cursed painting and haunted doors. Upgrade your house with LEGO Powered Up components to make the elevator move up and down. Otherwise, enjoy the ghoulish space and unlucky visitors.
The spooky mansion stands over 26 inches tall for an impressive display for Halloween lovers. Kids can enjoy playing with the haunted elements, but it may not be the best option for building this set. The attention to detail will surely give you a fright.
Price at time of publish: $300
Number of Pieces: 3231 | Set Number: 10273 | Age Range: 18 years and up
LEGO Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Millennium Falcon 75257 Starship Model Building Kit and Minifigures
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Amazon
Pop-culture based
Collector's item
Accurate construction
Some customers reported missing pieces
Children who can’t get enough of iconic "Star Wars" characters like Chewbacca, Finn, and Rey will absolutely love the LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon set. This kit, which boasts more than 1,300 pieces, has everything you need to create a 17-inch-long replica of the famous starship and go exploring throughout the galaxy.
This kit will take kids plenty of time to assemble, but they won’t be disappointed when they finish the iconic ship. The LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon is full of cool features that make it even more life-like. There are rotating laser turrets, spring-loaded shooters, and more. In addition to all the LEGO bricks needed to construct the ship, this set includes seven iconic "Star Wars" figures from the newest trilogy.
Price at time of publish: $198
Number of Pieces: 1300 | Set Number: 75257 | Age Range: 9 years and up
LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor Building Kit
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Amazon
STEM-based
Great for teens
Educational
Pricey
As kids get older, they can take their LEGO creations to the next level with the help of electronics. The LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor Building Kit includes all the motors, sensors and software needed for teenagers to build and program five working LEGO robots.
Tweens will be able to build five unique robots with the kit, includes models that shoot balls, navigate rough terrain, and slither like a snake. In addition to more than 900 LEGO Technic pieces, the Robot Inventor Kit includes three motors, a remote control, and various sensors that monitor things like touch and color. Once kids have constructed the robot of their choice, they can then use the Robot Inventor App to program their creation using an intuitive drag-and-drop interface.
Price at time of publish: $360
Number of Pieces: 949 | Set Number: 51515 | Age Range: 10 years and up
LEGO Friends Adventure Camp Tree House
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Amazon
Colorful and attractive
Challenging yet fun
Lots of play options
Some steps can be challenging
LEGO Friends has created comforting characters to bond with and relate to as you build your LEGO set. This super fun outdoor set features a three-story treehouse with opening windows and several rooms. Play on the tire swing or balance on the bridge after you build your space.
Figures of Emma, Stephanie, and Joy come with this set. Kids can spend hours playing with their set after they finish building with the figures and fun accessories. These include a camera, fishing rod, and saucepan. With over 700 pieces, younger kids may need help with some steps, but the instructions overall are simple and informative.
Price at time of publish: $240
Number of Pieces: 726 | Set Number: 41122 | Age Range: 7 years and up
LEGO Infinity Gauntlet
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Amazon
Great for Marvel fans
Included stand for displaying
Fingers are bendable
Expensive
Who said LEGO sets are just for kids? This Marvel set is aimed at builders ages 18 and up, which speaks to the difficulty level. Marvel fans will love constructing their own Infinity Gauntlet from 590 LEGO bricks in the iconic gold color way with the five bright Infinity Stones.
The best part about this set is the built-in display so once you finish the build, you can show off your hard work with a Marvel-themed decor piece to add a touch of fandom pride to any room. With movable fingers and a plague attached to the base, this LEGO build is sure to impress all who see it.
Price at time of publish: $80
Number of Pieces: 590 | Set Number: 76191 | Age Range: 18 years and up
LEGO 75954 Harry Potter Hogwarts Great Hall Building Kit
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Amazon
Straight-forward directions
10 mini-figures included
Beautiful architecture
Only one side of the castle included
Celebrate the "Harry Potter" lover in your life with this detailed and expansive LEGO set. Recreate Hogwart's Great Hall with 878 pieces and extremely detailed directions. Build iconic elements including house banners, a movable spiral staircase, and rooms dedicated to treasure, potions, and other magical items.
On the other side of the castle, act out your favorite movie scenes with the 10 included mini-figures, including Harry, Ron, Hermione, and more. Find your house with the sorting hat and practice spells with the included wands and other accessories. The opportunities for play extend past building this set that doubles as a wicked-cool decor piece in your home.
Price at time of publish: $165
Number of Pieces: 878 | Set Number: 75954 | Age Range: 9 years and up
What to Look for When Buying LEGO Sets
Recommended Age
Be sure to check the recommended age for any LEGO set you're considering. Some complex sets are meant for ages 12 or even 18 and above: You wouldn't want to overwhelm or frustrate a younger one with a LEGO set that's a bit over their head. Alternatively, you wouldn't want to gift an older kid a "baby" set, which they'll likely disregard. To give a set that they'll love and use, keep close to the recommended age range.
Compatibility with Other LEGOs
The beautiful thing about LEGOs is that a lot of their pieces and sets can be added to other LEGO kits. Chances are your kiddo already has a few LEGO sets at home, but if you're buying for a child that's not your own, check in with their parents to see what they already own and might like.
Price
LEGO sets run the gamut of prices. Certain "Star Wars" and "Harry Potter" sets can easily run you several hundred dollars, while many others sit comfortably under $100. Take into consideration the age and responsibility level of who you're buying for. Is this a beginner set to help a little one build fine motor skills or a complex, advanced set for a meticulous teen who will likely display it for years to come? That'll help determine how much you should be willing to spend on a LEGO set.
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Do LEGO sets come with extra pieces?
No need to stress about losing little LEGO pieces to the deep dark depths of couch cushions. LEGO sets generally include extra pieces to account for the inevitable. Though this oftentimes only includes the small detail pieces, ones that can easily be misplaced, not the large pieces to a set.
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How do you display completed LEGO projects?
Once you or your little one has assembled a LEGO set, chances are you’ll want to show it off. Unfortunately we all only have so much room and so many display surfaces. If you’re lacking top-of-dresser space, arrange them on a bookshelf or floating shelves. You could also purchase a small glass cabinet to display your hard work.
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How do you store LEGO sets?
To keep all those teeny, tiny LEGO pieces organized with the rest of their teeny, tiny LEGO pieces from their set, store them safely in a freezer bag. They are thick and sturdy enough to withstand sharp LEGO corners. If the box is in nice shape, keep it and Include the bag, with instructions in it. However, if the box is simply taking up room you don't have, ditch it, and include the instructions in the freezer bag so you can easily see which set it is, or label the bag with a permanent market.
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What is the hardest LEGO set to build?
There are several iconic LEGO sets that include over one thousand small pieces and prove extremely difficult to assemble. Everyone has their own opinion on which is the most difficult, but there is not one right answer. LEGO has shared their biggest LEGO sets, crowning the LEGO Art World Map of the biggest. However, LEGO-based outlets have determined many sets as the most difficult, including the Titanic, Millennium Falcon, roller coaster, Taj Mahal, and more. Try out some of the most iconic sets for yourself and find the most difficult one for you.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer, product tester, and expert on all things home. Her writing can also be found on MyDomaine, Martha Stewart, InStyle, and Food52. Additional research was done by Julia Fields, lifestyle writer and assistant editor at The Spruce, who has years of experience writing about toys, gifts, and holiday content.