LoaderSave this storySave this storyFeatured in this articleTheir Favorite Themed SetLego Speed ChampionsRead more$27 $15 (44% off) Amazon
Smart BricksLego Star Wars Smart Play Throne Room Duel and A-WingRead more$160 $128 (20% off) Amazon
A Lego CenterpieceLego Botanicals Bouquet of Pink RosesRead more$60 $48 (20% off) Amazon
A Lego VideogameLego Batman: Legacy of the Dark KnightRead more$70 $60 (14% off) Amazon
Lego isn't going anywhere. Those beloved little bricks won't biodegrade, are machined to incredibly tight tolerances, and—unless your dog chews one up—retain what Lego refers to as their “clutch power” for decades. Their relevance in terms of cultural pastiche isn’t fading on me either. They're as irresistible to me today as they were as a kid.
If you and your loved ones are also obsessed with Lego sets, we have some great gift ideas. For more recommendations, don't forget to check out our other gift guides.
One of the reasons that Lego sets are so popular is the company's innumerable licensing deals. No matter what you're into, Lego has signed a deal to make a Lego set about it. (And then, in an ouroboros of advertising, the company will then make a movie about the Lego set about the franchise.) Anyway, this is a long and roundabout way of saying that my son and I are obsessed with the Lego Formula 1 sets. I even got to watch the Lego cars hit the track at a Formula 1 race. Ever since then, we've been watching the races and Netflix's Drive to Survive. It's the perfect collaboration because Lego bricks and Formula 1 engineers are on the same page when it comes to precise engineering and tight tolerances. Also, once you're done building, the cars work as toys as well as sets. —Adrienne So
If you’re curious about Lego’s new Smart Play system, the Star Wars Throne Room Duel and A-Wing set is a great way to dip your toe in the water. This fun build enables you to reenact the climax of Return of the Jedi, with Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker duking it out as Emperor Palpatine looks on and a space battle rages outside. Smart Bricks add lightsaber noises, lasers, explosions, heavy breathing, and even a rendition of “The Imperial March.” They also light up, but you’ll have to remember to charge them.
