With the holidays fast approaching it is time to start thinking about gifts for friends and family. If you have a LEGO fan on your list, you know what they want for Christmas; more LEGO! The fact is that LEGO has been an incredibly creative, educational and timeless hobby for children, teens and adults for many generation. And shopping for LEGO fans is actually quite easy. It is not like buying a sweater; if you get the size, style or color wrong, it is all wrong. When it comes to LEGO to know what is on the recipient’s LEGO wish-list is a bonus, but even if you don’t know, there is no such thing as a bad LEGO set. For a LEGO fan any LEGO set will be greatly appreciated. Even if you buy a duplicate of something they already have, they will love to get the extra parts for free-building! 🙂
The only thing to look out for is making sure you are not buying a “clone-brand” instead of LEGO. There are many companies making inferior quality products that are imitating the LEGO brand, hoping that uninformed parents and grandparents will accidentally pick those up instead of genuine LEGO. In fact, they go as far as imitating the color-scheme and box design of real LEGO sets, and their products are often placed in the same isle right next to LEGO! Many LEGO fans despise these brands and would be quite disappointed. The only thing you need to do in this regard is check the box for either the LEGO or DUPLO logo (DUPLO are larger bricks for children under 3 years of age). These are the only two brands LEGO makes. Of course LEGO has sub-themes like LEGO Star Wars, LEGO Super Heroes, LEGO Technic, LEGO Friends, etc., but you will always see the red square LEGO logo displayed on the box.
So now that you can relax and know that all LEGO is good LEGO (as long as it is real LEGO), let’s look at what is available this year that you might consider getting for the LEGO fan in your family or for your LEGO-crazed friends. Below you will find helpful links to recommended products.
➡ THE BEST LEGO SETS FOR FAMILIES: “The family that builds together stays together.” For many people LEGO is a family affair. This is especially true where the parents also grew up with LEGO and they appreciate the educational and creative aspects of LEGO, along with the family bonding experience. If you are Christmas shopping for a family like this, you probably already know what aspect of LEGO they are into; perhaps they have a giant LEGO City layout in the basement, or LEGO Star Wars sets all over the living room, or a huge LEGO castle is taking up their dining-room table, or they set up a LEGO village and train around the Christmas tree every year. If your budget allows it, I would recommend getting a larger LEGO set for this family that everyone can enjoy. Good candidates are:
- LEGO Christmas Village sets (cute winter sets Thomas Kinkade style)
- LEGO Creator sets (3-in-1 sets with many possibilities)
- LEGO City sets (one of the oldest and most popular LEGO themes)
- LEGO Train sets (motorized options available)
- LEGO brick buckets (loose bricks for free building)
➡ THE BEST LEGO SETS FOR BOYS: If you know their wish-list, or the LEGO theme they like to build, get something that would fit that. For a lot of boys LEGO Star Wars, LEGO Chima, or LEGO Ninjago is the rage, so any set within that theme would make a great Christmas gift. Also, the LEGO Creator line is excellent for kids who like to build and design on their own. These sets are mostly priced in the $10-$50 range, so they are quite affordable:
- LEGO Star Wars sets (small and big sets for fans of the movies)
- LEGO Legends of Chima sets (for fans of the TV show)
- LEGO Ninjago sets (a perennial favorite)
- LEGO Creator sets (3-in-1 sets with many possibilities)
- LEGO Master Builder Academy (a systematic way to learn building)
➡ THE BEST LEGO SETS FOR GIRLS: LEGO started a brand new theme just for girls called LEGO Friends. If you are Christmas shopping for a girl who is already into LEGO Friends, you can’t go wrong with any of the currently available sets. There is a great selection available in the $10-$50 range. Please note though that not all girls are into LEGO Friends. Some prefer the more traditional LEGO themes. If you know what they like, get something from their favorite LEGO theme, or you might still want to surprise the with a LEGO Friends sets as they come with many interesting colors and accessories not available in other LEGO sets. Girls also tend to like the LEGO Creator houses and other sets that are not centered on conflict:
- LEGO Friends sets (specifically developed for girls)
- LEGO Disney Princess sets (also developed for girls with a magic twist)
- LEGO Creator sets (3-in-1 sets with many possibilities)
- LEGO Advent Calendars (City, Friends, Star Wars themes)
- LEGO Christmas Village sets (cute winter sets Thomas Kinkade style)
- LEGO Master Builder Academy (a systematic way to learn building)
➡ THE BEST LEGO SETS FOR TEENS: LEGO shopping for teens is a bit more challenging (I guess shopping for anything for teenagers is challenging). First of all, make sure they are still into LEGO. Even kids who have been building with LEGO all their life, once they hit their teens other pursuits will likely take up their interest. However this is not true for all teens; many of them will continue the LEGO hobby, and in fact take it much more seriously with designing their own LEGO creations with astounding skill and creativity. This in fact can lead them to a future career in architecture, engineering, design, robotics, art, programming, or even landing a job at LEGO. If the teen you are shopping for is on their way out of the LEGO hobby I would suggest one of the excellent LEGO books available from No Starch Press that may rekindle their interest, or if they are still deeply involved with LEGO there are many LEGO sets specifically designed for teens. Good candidates are:
- LEGO Creator Expert Builder sets (very detailed high-end models)
- LEGO Technic sets (realistic cars and other vehicles)
- LEGO Robotics sets (used by many schools for teaching robotics)
- LEGO Ideas sets (fan suggested LEGO sets)
- LEGO books by No Starch Press (amazing selection!)
➡ THE BEST LEGO SETS FOR ADULTS: As more than one generation grew up with LEGO and continued the hobby in their adulthood, it became obvious that LEGO is not just a childhood toy, but can become a lifetime hobby. The many adult LEGO fan-sites, blogs and forums with thousands of members, and LEGO conventions all over the world, are a testimony of the thriving adult LEGO fan community. LEGO has responded to their adult fan-base by releasing LEGO sets specifically targeting adults. These are usually very large sets with complex building techniques and intricate details – things that would be too overwhelming for a child to build or pay attention to. Adult oriented LEGO sets are more expensive too, in the $100-$400 range, however there are also smaller sets that adults would appreciate:
- LEGO Creator Expert Builder sets (very detailed, high-end models)
- LEGO Technic sets (realistic LEGO cars and other vehicles)
- LEGO Modular Buildings sets (very detailed City-style buildings)
- LEGO Ideas sets (fan suggested LEGO sets)
- LEGO books by No Starch Press (amazing selection!)
➡ THE BEST LEGO SETS FOR GRANDPARENTS: Yes, LEGO has been around long enough that there are fans of the brand who are grandparents themselves. And grandparents deserve gifts too! Especially if they are fun grandparents who are into LEGO! They would likely appreciate the same LEGO sets as adults, but there is also something else I would recommend for them; LEGO books. Older LEGO fans have likely seen it all, built it all, even have it all, but they can still get inspiration from LEGO books that share amazing LEGO creations or delves into LEGO’s long history:
- LEGO Creator Expert Builder sets (very detailed, high-end models)
- LEGO Modular Building sets (very detailed City-style buildings)
- LEGO Architecture sets (realistic replicas of real landmarks)
- LEGO Architecture Studio set (free building for professionals)
- LEGO books by No Starch Press (amazing selection!)
➡ THE BEST LEGO SETS FOR CO-WORKERS: You may be working with someone who is a LEGO-nut. Perhaps you have not seen their whole LEGO collection and know exactly what LEGO theme they are into, but you can get them something funny and LEGO related that fits in the office:
- LEGO gifts (business-card holders, pencil holders, notebooks, etc.)
- LEGO minifigures (individual minifigs with accessories)
- LEGO keychains (a great variety to choose from)
- LEGO holiday sets (small sets, ornaments, stocking-stuffers, etc.)
➡ THE BEST LEGO SETS FOR YOUR BOSS: Yes, your boss may be into LEGO too! Or perhaps you are the one who is known as the LEGO geek, and you want to surprise your boss with something from your hobby:
- LEGO gifts (business-card holders, pencil holders, notebooks, etc.)
- LEGO minifigures (individual minifigs with accessories)
- LEGO keychains (a great variety to choose from)
- LEGO Architecture sets (realistic replicas of real landmarks)
- LEGO Architecture Studio set (free building for professionals)
➡ THE BEST SMALL LEGO SETS (UNDER $20): If your budget is small but would still like to surprise a LEGO fan, or you are just looking for LEGO stocking-stuffers here are some ideas:
- LEGO gifts (magnets, holiday ornaments, notebooks, etc.)
- LEGO minifigures (individual minifigs with accessories)
- LEGO keychains (a great variety to choose from)
- LEGO holiday sets (small sets, ornaments, stocking-stuffers, etc.)
➡ THE BEST LARGE LEGO SETS (OVER $100): These are the best of the best LEGO sets, mostly recommended for teen and adult builders, although some younger kids may like them too. If money is not an issue, any LEGO fan would be very happy with these sets. Here are the best of the currently available large LEGO sets:
- #10234 LEGO Architecture Sydney Opera House
- #75059 LEGO Star Wars Sandcrawler
- #42030 LEGO Technic Remote Controlled VOLVO Wheel Loader
- #10234 LEGO Lord of the Rings The Tower of Orthanc
- #10243 LEGO Modular Parisian Restaurant
Again, as I have mentioned, there is no such a thing as a bad LEGO set, and LEGO fans would appreciate any gift that would enhance their hobby. These are just some guidelines, in case you don’t know where to start. I hope it helps out in your Christmas LEGO shopping! Also, if you have your own suggestions, feel free to share in the comment section below! 😉
And you might also like to check out the following related posts:
- Amazon Holiday Deals & Discounts Begin!
- LEGO Special Offers & Deals for November
- LEGO Santa’s Workshop Available Now!
- 2014 LEGO Advent Calendars & More!
- Small & Fun LEGO Sets for the Holidays!
- LEGO Modulars – Get Them While You Can!
- LEGO Batman Tumbler Available Now!
- LEGO MINI Cooper Available Now!
- LEGO FUSION Available Now!
- LEGO Ghostbusters Set Video Review & More
Cool great guide for gifts (normal gifts) since I don’t do Christmas.
” Or perhaps you are the one who is known as the LEGO geek…” ypu that’s me! 😉 😀
LOL! Yeah! 😀
for girls, especially younger girls, one might also consider the Disney Princess line (the Friends-esque line, not the Duplo one). My daughter loves her Princess sets, and regularly plays with them together with her superhero sets (e.g. The princesses are off with Spider-Man to stop Doc Ock). Of course, since the line hasn’t been updated since January and the new sets aren’t scheduled to be out before Christmas, you’ll have to know what, if anything, she already has.
Charles, thanks for mentioning that. I will add that to the guide. It is indeed a very nice line of products.
The second mini-doll based theme. Oh, yes.
Aaauuugghhh!! So many good sets I want! And I will get maybe two out of them all. 🙁 Too bad the Tumbler’s not coming back until next year online…. I should email my relatives this article and tell them to read the “Best sets for Teens” section. Maybe I’ll get something I like for Christmas. Or maybe I’m just jelly and selfish. 😕
Also, I have a question about the 2015 LEGO calendar. When you spend the required $75 to get it, do you receive it then and there, or do you have to wait and pick it up from the store on January 1?
You will get the calendar with your purchase either online or at the store. 😉
ne…next…YEAR! NOOOOOOOO! well, at least im not saving up for it. By the end of this year im going it have the Ewok village! I was going to buy it online in the middle of this year, but since its near Christmas I wanted to wait so I could have an excuse to go to the LEGO store! 😀
and the micro sets are great for minecraft fans i have the forest the villige and nether but they can be a little complacated (the nether was esyest i think) and the peses are very small 🙂 minecraft rules
lego trooper 91, in the next few days, minifig scale MC LEGO sets will be released.
yeah i know
Thankfully, the granddaughters outgrew the “girl” sets and have moved on to Ninjago, City, and Lord of the Rings. (Yes, I’m old enough to remember when “girl” and “boy” LEGO were just called “LEGO”.)
Good to hear 😀
That’s a very helpful guide! Thanks! I will just give this guide to my family and friends as a hint!
time to write my wish list!
(that will be full of LEGO) Just too double-check, the new wave of sets will be coming out Dec. second right?
Are you talking about the January 2015 sets? They are not coming out until, well… January. Although it is possible that some retailers will put them out early. TRU is especially notorious for this. I would say you can look for them in mid-December, but again, the official release is not until January. Happy wish-list writing! 😛
why do LEGO release them AFTER Christmas. Not very strategic. 🙁 sure they could buy it with the money they get from Christmas, but hello! what about black Friday and Christmas shopping! 😡 Well, I’ll definitely be going to Toys R us very soon. thanks for the information Admin. 😀
Unfortunately, I have to cease my Lego spending for the rest of the year but I look forward to getting some of the bigger sets at the beginning of next year. How long does it take them to -re-stock after a holiday season? I’m pretty much gunning for Parisian Restaurant and Fairground Mixer. I would ask for Lego for Christmas but most stuff I want is only available at Lego.com and I have found that my family isn’t big on shopping online for Christmas presents and would rather go to a store. Not very efficient but oh well. I can think of other things besides Lego to ask for.
They’re also very last minute shoppers too…..I like to think of things and shop ahead of time.
Kim, how about asking for the LEGO Friends Juice Bar? I think I remember you mentioning that you would like to get it for parts. It is not an expensive set and it is readily available at pretty much all LEGO retailers. Just a suggestion. 😉
LEGO is very good with having sets available on the release day, both online and at their stores. Based on the pattern from previous years, the new sets should be available on January 1st. 😛
So, do you have any idea on which months the various themes foe 2015 will be released?
Well, I’m guessing that most City, Creator, LEGO Movie, Super Heroes, Friends, Disney Princess, Architecture, and Ninjago will be available on Jan 1st. Speed Champions could be in February, along with Star Wars, possibly Chima, and now Mixels! Images of them here: http://brickset.com/article/13029/series-4-mixels-images-at-last 😀 I don’t know about Technic, as its release dates this year were wacky. However, all these guesses are US-based, so they may change depending where you are. 😉
Thanks. Would you know about the Classic and Junior sets? I considered 10694 and 10677, depending on part assortment and price range.
Hm… Well, the three Juniors sets we have images for should be available in January. The two without images will probably come out later, like in February or June. I expect most of the Classic to be out in January as well, but they could be spread across the year, with the Supplemental sets (like 10694) coming out in the summer. I also am considering 10677, though mainly for the minifig; it shouldn’t be expensive, given its size. 😉
Speaking about clone brands has anyone ever seen the lego stop motion animation imposters I believe there’s multiple parts but I found it pretty funny
Dad the business card holder had my name on it! xD
LOL! I hope your dad sees this! 😛