Tick tock. There are only a few shopping days left. You already know LEGO toys are a perennial favorite, but do you know which set is best for you?
LEGO toys are the building blocks of creativity. This is a plaything that parents understand since just about everyone has put two bricks together during their childhood (the 50th birthday of the LEGO brick was in January 2008). The key to keeping this toy fun is to match a set with your child’s developmental ability and interests. Most LEGO sets include building instructions. Take one of the newest offerings, the Stegosaurus ($44.99). Give this toy to anyone under the age of seven and you are asking for a tantrum. But in the hands of an experienced builder, this prehistoric set will provide hours of unsupervised fun.
A fierce dinosaur helps set the story in motion. The fully articulated Stegosaurus comes complete with pointy teeth and spiked tail. Once this spiky toothed beast is built it’s time to move on to the pterodactyl or T-Rex.
Best for: Dinosaur fanatics ages 7 and up.
Pros: 731 pieces; the resulting creatures are phenomenal.
Cons: Patience, patience, it’ll require some time to craft the dinos. Batteries are required (and included).
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LEGO Golden Anniversary Set: A celebration of Ole Kirk Christansen first set ($39.99).
Pro: 700 pieces and unlimited possibilities.
Con: Retro packaging looks faded rather than sweet.
Best for: Kids age three and up that prefer to build free form.
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DUPLO Deluxe Brick Box: First block set for tots in a handy storage box ($44.99).
Pros: Large pieces are easy to snap together and take apart.
Cons: You’ll have to pass them along to a friend when your child turns three and loses interest.
Best for: Toddlers (12 months and up) mastering their motor skills.
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LEGO Pink Brick Box: Girly LEGO set appealing to fans of My Little Pony and Barbie ($14.99).
Pros: Finicky girls might take an interest in building an ice cream parlor, ponies and flowers.
Cons: Smallish set (216 pieces) is limiting in its options.
Best for: Little girls (four and over) who need some bribing to give dress-up a rest.
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Dwarves' Mine: Knights, trolls and an elaborate mine ($59.99).
Pros: Lots of action figures are included in the glorious design.
Cons: Many instructions and lots of assembly required.
Best For: Kids (seven and up) who love a classic good versus evil struggle.
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