Our October pick of the month is the Game Boy. This compact build is a near-perfect 1:1 recreation of the landmark gaming handheld and is constructed using complex techniques that will make you appreciate LEGO geometry. Better yet, with the exception of the game cartridge covers, all graphics are printed, and the interchangeable lenticular screens are a unique LEGO twist.
LEGO Super Mario 72046 Game Boy™ | 421 Pieces | Available October 1 | US $59.99 | CAN $79.99 | UK £54.99
The UCS Death Star sparked a lot of discourse around the leaks, the “Death Slice” form factor, and the price. In our review, we found it to be a good concept, well-executed, if you admire the size, but lacking the luxury qualities one would expect from LEGO’s most expensive set to date. If it’s on your list, you’ll want to get it early to claim the TIE Fighter with rack to add to the hangar.
LEGO Star Wars 75419 Death Star | 9023 Pieces | Available October 1 | US $999.99 | CAN $1299.99 | UK £899.99
LEGO Ideas has brought us many sets that would look at home in a science museum, and the Mineral Collection continues that tradition. In our review, Chuck found it to be a true gem, with a great mix of elements, new molds and techniques, and a pleasing shelf presence.
LEGO Ideas 21362 Mineral Collection | 880 Pieces | US $59.99 | CAN $79.99 | UK £54.99
LEGO Ideas aren’t always high-minded. Sometimes they’re just fun tributes to favorite pop culture, like Gizmo from Gremlins. In our review, V found the model adorable and expressive. The one critique – changing from standing to sitting mode requires substantial rebuilding, meaning you won’t be changing the pose often. As a plus, the head can easily be swapped out with your Tuxedo Cat, Toothless, or Eye of Sauron, for mix-and-match fun!
LEGO Ideas 21361 Gizmo | 1,125 Pieces |US $109.99 | CAN $129.99 | UK £89.99
Following up on a Rey and Finn’s Life Day vignette and an employee exclusive X-Wing, LEGO and Star Wars continue to explore new ways of bringing holiday joy with a gingerbread take on Darth Vader and the fan-favorite AT-AT. In a year of expensive Star Wars releases, this one is a great value and so much fun to build and display. In his review, Theo ate it up, although a little neck articulation would be nice.
LEGO Star Wars 40806 Gingerbread AT-AT | 697 Pieces |US $59.99 | CAN $79.99 | UK £54.99
All I want for Christmas is… a 3D printed element in a LEGO set? It’s a surprising addition to the Holiday Express Train, a charming set that doesn’t quite live up to its inflated price. Be aware that power functions aren’t included, so the price climbs another $70 if you want to see it move.
LEGO Icons 10361 Holiday Express Train | 956 Pieces | Available October 4 | US $129.99 | CAN $149.99 | UK £109.99
LEGO tries something new this year with a large-scale family build – the Family Christmas Tree – that could be the cornerstone holiday decoration for your LEGO-loving clan. It’s a surprisingly complex build with elaborate play functions inside the tree interior, and the elves with their tributes to Classic Space and Castle are very appealing. In her family-focused build review, Jen had a great build spread over two days with her partner and two kids, and enjoyed the many references and new elements.
LEGO Family 41843 Family Christmas Tree| 3172 Pieces | Available Now to Insiders, Oct 4 to all |US $329.99 | CAN $379.99 | UK £269.99
Santa Claus is the latest iconic minifigure to get the up-scale treatment. The latest big fig follows teh same build patterns as past upscaled sets and will look more fun on the shelf than any elf.
LEGO Iconic 40820 Up-Scaled Santa Minifigure| 761 Pieces |US $54.99 | CAN $69.99 | UK £46.99
With Wednesday season 2 fresh on our minds, LEGO and Netflix return to their partnership with two new sets based on the spooky Addams Family extended universe. The larger set, Morticia’s Cottage, is a packed with play features and minidolls and enough black and really dark grey bricks to make Batman blush.
LEGO Wednesday 76786 Morticia’s Cottage| 1002 Pieces |US $109.99 | CAN $129.99 | UK £89.99
Designed by Brothers Brick’s 2024 Creator of the Year Maxx Davidson, Thing’s Apartment evokes Polly Pocket playsets of yore with a trunk that opens up to reveal a cozy home for dismembered hand, thing. It’s offers a delightful mix of build techniques and whimsy with many brick-built props.
LEGO Wednesday 828 Thing’s Apartment| 828 Pieces |US $89.99 | CAN $99.99 | UK £74.99