Which Lego Sets Are Actually Worth Buying? A Guide to Current Stock
Lego's current range spans from affordable inspiration guides to premium display-worthy builds. The Ideas Book (£24.99) works best if you're seeking creative direction, the Halloween Ideas set (£16.99) suits seasonal builders on a tight budget, and the Jaws Diorama Kit (£109.99) is built for adults wanting a showpiece model. Value depends entirely on what you're after — creative spark, festive fun, or a serious display build.
Why Lego?
Lego was founded in 1932 in Billund, Denmark, and has since become the world's leading plastic brick construction system. They specialise in modular, interlocking brick sets across licensed franchises and original themes. What sets Lego apart is their consistency: every brick maintains the same tolerances and compatibility standards across decades of production, meaning a 1980s brick connects seamlessly to a 2024 piece. The Ideas range specifically targets adult builders and collectors, offering themed sets with higher piece counts (typically 500+ pieces) and display-quality finishing.
Top Picks
Ideas Book 5008316 — £24.99
Best for: Builders seeking creative inspiration and project ideas. This 24-page physical guide showcases build concepts, techniques, and thematic inspiration from Lego's design team. It's not a buildable set itself but a reference tool packed with photography and step-by-step visual guides. Ideal if you already own loose bricks or want to unlock new building directions without purchasing a full set.
Halloween Ideas 5006883 — £16.99
Best for: Budget-conscious seasonal builders and gift-givers. This is Lego's most affordable current option, making it accessible for families or those testing interest in the Ideas range. Limited detail and piece count (expect around 100–150 pieces based on price point) mean it's less suited to display collecting, but it delivers seasonal charm without commitment.
Lego Ideas Jaws — Diorama Kit and Shark Toy 21350 — £109.99
Best for: Adult collectors and premium display builders. This licensed recreation includes a buildable great white shark figure and accompanying oceanic diorama. The higher price reflects increased piece complexity, licensed intellectual property, and museum-quality presentation potential. This set is designed to sit on a shelf or desk as a finished display piece, not for casual play.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------|-------|----------|------------------| | Ideas Book 5008316 | £24.99 | Inspiration and technique reference | 24-page physical guide with build concepts | | Halloween Ideas 5006883 | £16.99 | Budget-friendly seasonal builds | Lowest entry point to Ideas range | | Jaws 21350 | £109.99 | Adult collectors and display builders | Licensed character model with diorama setting |
What to Look For
- Piece count and build time: The Ideas Book contains no bricks; Halloween Ideas likely includes 100–150 pieces (30–90 minutes); Jaws typically ranges 500+ pieces (3–5 hours). Choose based on how much time and complexity you want.
- Purpose: Inspiration guides are reference tools; seasonal sets are consumable fun; licensed dioramas are investment-grade display pieces. Clarify whether you're building for creativity, gifting, or collecting.
- Age and skill level: The Halloween set suits children and beginners; the Jaws kit explicitly targets 18+ builders due to smaller parts and assembly complexity. The Ideas Book works for all ages as a reference tool.
- Display or play: Seasonal and budget sets are playable; the Jaws diorama is built for stationary display. If you're displaying long-term, invest in the premium set; if you're playing or gifting, the lower price points offer better value-per-use.
The Bottom Line
The Lego Ideas Jaws set (£109.99) is the standout choice for serious collectors wanting a licensed, display-ready model — it justifies its premium price with licensed detail and diorama presentation. However, if you're just exploring the Ideas range or building for a child, the Halloween Ideas set (£16.99) delivers seasonal fun without financial commitment. For creative builders already owning loose bricks, the Ideas Book (£24.99) offers genuine value as a technique and inspiration reference that costs less than a single themed set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lego good value for money?
Lego's per-brick cost averages £0.10–£0.15 per piece, which is high compared to unbranded construction toys but justified by engineering consistency, licenced designs, and longevity — a Lego brick remains usable for 30+ years with proper care. The Ideas range specifically targets adults willing to pay premium prices for museum-quality display builds and authentic licensed designs.
Which Lego set should I buy as a gift?
For under £20, the Halloween Ideas set works for family-friendly gifting. For a serious collector or adult hobbyist, the Jaws diorama (£109.99) is a prestige gift item that doubles as home décor. The Ideas Book (£24.99) suits gift-givers unsure of the recipient's building preferences, as it offers creative direction without committing to a specific set.
Do Lego bricks from different sets fit together?
Yes — all Lego bricks manufactured to modern standards (post-1978) are fully compatible. You can mix the Jaws set, Halloween set, and pieces from other Lego sets interchangeably. This compatibility is Lego's core design philosophy and a major reason for their collector longevity.
How long does it take to build a Lego set?
The Ideas Book contains no buildable content. The Halloween Ideas set typically takes 30–90 minutes depending on builder age and experience. The Jaws diorama, with 500+ pieces, usually requires 3–5 hours for adults, though experienced builders may finish in 2–3 hours.
