This year LEGO introduced (or more like resurrected – if you have been around LEGO long enough) a new line of products called LEGO Classic, with sets that include nothing more than basic LEGO elements in a variety of colors, and some suggestions for models that you can build with them – leaving the rest up to your imagination. 🙂
LEGO Classic is a spinoff of the LEGO Creator line, which always included basic brick boxes, and sets using simple pieces with several alternate models, however it also contained large models like LEGO Creator Expert Builder sets with thousands of pieces catering to older LEGO fans. This created confusion with shoppers who weren’t really sure what to look for when they just wanted to get LEGO set with basic bricks. In fact, LEGO even got the reputation of no longer offering simple LEGO kits. This is of course not true, but it is understandable for casual LEGO shoppers to get this impression when LEGO isles are often filled with licensed and more complex sets. And because the LEGO Creator line has been so varied in itself, it has become hard to locate the most basic brick boxes. So to make it very clear what to shop for when someone just wants a basic box of bricks, LEGO released LEGO Classic. Simple idea, simple bricks, simple name, that even parents and grandparents should be able to easily remember. 🙂
There are six sets in the LEGO Classic line, all containing the most basic LEGO elements; bricks, plates, slopes, wheels, arches, windows and doors. There are a couple of more interesting pieces like propellers and printed tiles with eyes, but there are no complex pieces or minifigs. The whole focus of LEGO Classic is to facilitate free-building with the simplest LEGO elements. One thing that is quite complex in the LEGO Classic sets though is the color selection. They include an absolutely beautiful rainbow of colors; yellows, oranges, pinks, purples, blues, greens, browns, grays, and of course black and white. The color selection gives you plenty of options to create really pretty models even with basic elements.
Here is the official description of the LEGO Classic line: “LEGO Classic helps you to develop your child’s creative skills. Imaginative building play is easy with these bright, colorful and versatile LEGO bricks. Each set includes classic LEGO bricks, a mix of special pieces and ideas, to help you get started, so your child will have everything they need to be inspired. Houses, vehicles and animals are all possible with LEGO Classic, as your child discovers their creative building skills. And because LEGO Classic spans so many different age groups, there’s fun for all the family and imagination for every generation.” Notice the last sentence, which appears to be a direct acknowledgement of older LEGO fans who remember building with basic LEGO elements, and have been criticizing LEGO for getting too complex. The point is that LEGO Classic can appeal to anyone. In fact the official recommended age-range by LEGO is 4-99!
As I have mentioned, there are six sets in the LEGO Classic line. They all contain a similar variety of LEGO elements to give you plenty of options. The only difference between the sets is the number of elements included, some of the colors, and the packaging. The smallest set is the #10692 LEGO Classic Creative Bricks with 221 pieces for the price of $16.99 (which comes to 7 cents a piece – an excellent price!). The largest set is the #10698 LEGO Classic Large Creative Brick Box with 790 pieces for $59.99 (also 7 cents a piece). The other sets are in between these two in both piece-count and price. Of course the larger sets will offer more options, but even the smallest one has plenty of pieces and a good variety of creative ideas. You can’t really go wrong with any of them.
We normally don’t talk about LEGO boxes as they are basically just packaging (although some people save them for the art-work), but I would like to bring to your attention that the Boxes of some of the LEGO Classic sets can also double as nice storage options, and this may be a deciding factor on which set you end up choosing. The #10693 LEGO Classic Creative Supplement and #10694 LEGO Classic Creative Supplement Bright both come in the standard cardboard boxes. These are not very useful for storage. The #10695 LEGO Classic Creative Building Box comes in a very sturdy cardboard box with much stronger walls, and a flip-top closure. This can work really well for storage, although it is still cardboard, so won’t last forever, but it is nice.
The #10692 LEGO Classic Creative Bricks is also a very sturdy cardboard box, with a plastic top with knobs to make it look like a LEGO brick. This box can be used for longer term storage as well. The #10696 LEGO Classic Medium Creative Brick Box and the #10698 LEGO Classic Large Creator Brick Box both come in fully plastic storage containers. The lids have knobs on the top, and the bottom section has holes to receive the knobs, so these plastic containers are very stackable. They are also quite large; the smaller of the two, is 14x6x7 inches, the larger one I don’t have so I can’t measure, but looks about twice as tall. Both of these can work well as long-term storage options. (I would note here that some of the LEGO Juniors sets also come in the same type of fully plastic and stackable boxes, so you can use those for storage as well).
All of the LEGO Classic sets feature a handy inventory on the outside of the box with a picture and piece-count of each element, so you can see exactly what’s inside. The sets also include an orange brick-separator, so you can train your younglings early on not to use their teeth to take apart LEGO elements. And it’s a very useful tool for adults as well (although most of us probably have a gazillion of these by now). Inside the sets you will find all the elements in plastic baggies, grouped together by color, and the instruction booklet with some suggestions about what you can build. LEGO Classic sets are all about using your imagination and free-building, however these models can give some inspiration and get you started. Some of the step-by-step instructions are included in the booklet itself, while others you can find online at the official LEGO Classic website. I actually recommend looking through these models even if you don’t have the LEGO Classic sets (but have a decent selection of basic LEGO elements), because the models are really nice and can provide good activity for kids.
All in all, I believe the LEGO Classic line is going to be a real winner and I would highly recommend checking them out – especially if you are looking for building up the bulk of your LEGO collection with basic elements, or if you want to encourage a child (or adult) in free-building. I have nothing negative to say about these sets – the only thing I would wish for is LEGO to release larger booklets with more inspirations and instructions. I know they are available online, but it is nice to be unplugged at times and just flip through a book with imaginative ideas. They used to release books like this in the past, and it would be nice to reintroduce them. You should be able to get the LEGO Classic sets at your local LEGO retailer, and you can also find the whole selection under the LEGO Classic section of the Online LEGO Shop.
So what do you think? How do you like the LEGO Classic sets? Do you think they were a good idea t introduce? Do you have any of them already, or did you buy them as a gift for others? Feel free to share your own review and thoughts in the comment section below! 😉
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I’ve wanted to get these. They have some great colors that don’t come in most sets.
Yes, that’s why I like them also. There are also some really interesting pieces like the printed eyes and stuff. I have three of the boxes and are very happy with them. Good way to build up the bulk of your collection. 🙂
I want to get at least one of these at some point in time, as I can always use more normal bricks for my spare parts bins. Plus, some of the parts are really cool, being relatively rare. 🙂 I just don’t know which to get. 😕
Also, my brother found a preliminary image for a summer Ninjago set, #70731 Jay Walker One. It looks to be about $40. I won’t link it, but you can see it by searching the set name above. 😉
Double-also: http://www.thebrickfan.com/lego-dimensions-official-press-release/ My first thought was: awesome! I saw the price: 😮 ! But I guess this will be a post soon, admin? so I won’t share my full opinion now. 😉
Yeah, I just wrote an article about the whole Dimensions thingy this morning. Won’t be posted until Monday though. I will be out of town this weekend so had to pre-write some posts so you guys don’t get bored. 😉
As far as the Classic sets, they are all great. I would suggest you look at the parts list carefully before you buy, so you maximize getting the parts you really want. You won’t be disappointed with any of them though. 🙂
I said for you guys to do a review on Lego Classic and you said it will be on your to do list. You did it 🙂 by the way, tomorrow you should do something on Lego Dimensions
David, yeah, I did it just for you. We will talk about Dimensions on Monday as I will be out of town and that’s the earliest I can do it. I hope that’s okay. 😉
Does anyone know when or if set No. 10695 will be made officially available in the USA? I see that it is available through third parties on Amazon, but without knowing the MSRP I can’t know if the prices are reasonable.
It should be right around $25. Is there a reason you want that specific one? The other boxes have just as excellent inventory and they are readily available. I do have the #10695, but I prefer the other ones because of the plastic containers.
I was just curious about the non-inclusion of the set on the US online Lego store, especially since the set had already been sold at certain Walmart locations in the USA.
It’s also worth noting that 10695 has a lower price per piece than the other 5 sets in the classic line based on the UK and European MSRPs, so there is that as well.
Yes, that is quite curious. I’m not sure why that particular box is not more widely available. Maybe it’s just a question of production and distribution and it will be available later.
Hi, thanks for this – I am just entering the world of lego with my 4 year old and have spent the last couple of days researching all the different product lines and my head is reeling! I was getting frustrated that they all appeared to be kits with particular themes and I just wanted straight bricks so he could free play. I finally came across the Classic range this afternoon and thought I had settled on the Large Creative Brick Box 10698 however I have just by chance come across the large Creative Box 10697 which appears to have 1500 pieces. I can’t find much info on this model, but have found one place selling it for AUD 109.00. I read somewhere it is an ‘exclusive’ and most of what I can find seems to be on German sites. Are you aware of this model 10697, I’m assuming it would have at least the same as 10698 plus obviously much more. It looks kind of similar to 10664 which I’m gathering was discontinued??
Shell, yes, #10664 was a set released in 2013, so although it is still available at some stores, it is considered retired. #10098 is 790 pieces and the price in Euros is 45 (I’m sorry, I’m not familiar with Australian prices). The #10097 is an exclusive with limited release. It has 1500 pieces and the price in Euros is 60. So yes, it has almost twice as many elements and the price/piece ratio is also better (if you can get it for – or close to – the original price). If you can find it for a good price, I would definitely recommend it, but if not, just get any of the other LEGO Classic sets. They are all excellent for a fair price, and with great play value. Hope this helps some. 😉
It would have been nice if Lego was smart and made it so that if you buy the largest set, you can make everything from the smaller sets plus what’s in the instructions for the bigger set, without having to take anything apart. Why do the pieces have to be so different in each set? Also, the largest set should include a large plate as well to allow for more building possibilities.
I got 10698 few months back and my kid really enjoying it. I would like to add more legos now. which one can be best and can work with lego classic too.
Amruta, all LEGO sets are fully compatible, so you can buy anything you like that has the LEGO logo on it. Having said that, if you are only familiar with LEGO Classic, and you would like similar sets, I would suggest that you try LEGO Creator or LEGO City. Or LEGO Juniors if your child is younger. Here are the links where you can find them:
If you need more specific suggestions let me know what is the age of your child and his/her preferences (likes to build cars, houses, tell stories, etc.)
Hi
Thanks a lot for the wonderful and informative review on lego classics. My son loves playing with legos. He’s 5 yr old. I recently bought a lego creator set for him and he’s enjoying it. Although now to add more blocks I wAnted to buy the classics. But I am not sure if his existing lego creator blocks can be combined with the lego classics ?
Pls reply.
Thanks.
Shiva, yes, all LEGO sets are fully compatible. So you can mix your son’s LEGO Creator set with any other set you see that has the LEGO logo on the box. So LEGO Classic, LEGO Star Wars, LEGO Ninjago, LEGO City… you can get any of them, and all the pieces can be combined. The only exception is LEGO DUPLO, which are larger pieces for very young children.
Thanks a lot for the info.
You’re very welcome. 🙂