LEGO has gotten quite a bit of criticism through the years for not having enough sets with basic LEGO bricks, so in 2015 they re-introduced the LEGO Classic line. However, judging by the number of emails I get from parents and grandparents who complain that they can’t find boxes of basic LEGO elements, it seems like quite a lot of people are still not aware of the LEGO Classic sets, or perhaps they don’t know where to look for them.
I have already written an overall review on the LEGO Classic line (see: LEGO Classic Sets – Review & Thoughts), so I won’t repeat myself, but just as a reminder, LEGO Classic sets include mostly basic LEGO bricks (and a few specialized pieces, like wheels, windows, etc.), in a beautiful rainbow of colors. The packaging of the LEGO Classic sets shows the type, color and number of pieces inside, so you know exactly what kind of combination you are getting. The sets come with no instructions, only a few suggestions, so they are perfect for free-building. (Step-by-step instructions for some of the suggested models are available at the official LEGO Classic website.)
So far, all the LEGO Classic sets have been fairly large, from anywhere between 221 pieces (#10692 LEGO Classic Creative Bricks), all the way to 1600 pieces (#10654 LEGO Classic XL Creative Brick Box). Each box provides plenty of pieces to work with to build some fun models, or you can just use them to bulk up your LEGO collection with basic elements in a wide range of colors. You should be able to find the sets at most well-stocked LEGO retailers (Toys’R’Us, Target, Wal-Mart, etc.), and they are also available directly from LEGO under the LEGO Classic section of the Online LEGO Shop.
While LEGO continues to carry the large LEGO Classic brick boxes, this year they also introduced a collection of tiny LEGO Classic sets. The #10706 LEGO Classic Blue Creativity Box, the #10707 LEGO Classic Red Creativity Box, the #10708 LEGO Classic Green Creativity Box, and #10709 LEGO Classic Orange Creativity Box include about 65 pieces each with some suggested fun models. And they only cost $4.99.
While the LEGO Classic Creative Box sets are small, they are actually really well thought out. Each set comes with basic elements in one color group (blues, reds, greens and yellows), and each set includes suggested models for a vehicle, an animal and a building. In other words, even though the focus of the LEGO Classic line is basic bricks and free-building, you can build something recognizable and playable right away.
LEGO has been releasing some very impressive large sets for collectors with the deepest pockets, but they have been also doing an excellent job with providing inexpensive sets with really good designs. LEGO City, LEGO Creator and LEGO Friends all have very nice small sets, and now LEGO Classic expands the selection. They are basically fun little pocket sets, great for introducing a child to LEGO, or surprising someone with a nice little gift. This wonderful article at Brickset comes to mind, where children in remote places of Mongolia get introduced to LEGO via small LEGO sets. So next time you are looking for gifts for friends, relatives, a charity event, or just something to share with others as you travel, remember that these tiny sets pack a lot of magic.
What do you think? Have you tried any of the LEGO Classic sets? How do you like them? And if you have kids, how do they like the sets? Feel free to share your own review and thoughts in the comment section below! 😉
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