10 Beloved Lego Sets, Selected by Genuine Lego Enthusiasts


Anyone labeling IKEA as “adult Legos” evidently hasn’t taken a look at the Lego catalog lately.

While many of us encountered Lego in our childhoods, the current sets span from stunning architectural designs to true artistic masterpieces that appeal to both children and adults. In reality, “adult Legos” are merely Lego.

As a Lego fan surrounded by friends, family, and colleagues who share the same enthusiasm, I chose to ask those around me about the best sets they’ve created and the ones they still hope to own. I put together a list of 10 sets, with prices varying from under $100 to $850. (Special acknowledgment to my brother for recommending the two priciest sets on this list. His knowledge is well-deserved — he possesses so many sets that my mom texted me before his most recent birthday, “[He] does not need any more Legos until he has his own garage to store them in.”)

Take a look at our 10 favorite Lego sets below:

Lego Botanicals Petite Sunny Bouquet Flower Set

Who doesn’t adore a Lego Botanicals centerpiece? Credit: Lego

Mashable contributor Lauren Allain purchased this small yet charming Botanicals set for her partner’s mother — someone who had never constructed a set in her life. The outcome? “She loved it,” Allain shared with me. With 373 pieces, it’s intricate enough to produce a design that could genuinely serve as home decoration, while still being friendly for beginners.

Lego Botanicals Orchid

The Lego Botanicals Orchid is a favorite for a reason. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

The Lego Orchid was among the first in the Botanicals series to gain significant popularity, and it’s easy to see why — it’s stunning. Mashable’s Haley Henschel utilizes it as a decorative item in her residence. It fits perfectly on a mantle, a bookshelf, or even a dining table, and it earns extra points for being an everlasting orchid.

Lego Icons Retro Radio

A Lego radio that can actually produce sound? I’m tuning in (literally). Credit: Lego

I realized I had to consult my friend Danica for her all-time favorites, as she is the lucky owner of the first Lego set that made me gasp: the Typewriter (you can actually use the keys — I know). While that set is unfortunately no longer available, she highlighted this Retro Radio as another favorite, partly because she enjoys the vibe, and partly because it can actually play sound. The sound brick within the build plays a variety of short audio settings, which is a clever feature for a $100 set. After completing the build, you can also open the back and place your phone inside the radio to play music from your own device — the Lego isn’t technically doing the playing, but it’s a fun aspect if you wish to pretend it is.

Lego Ideas The Insect Collection

Who wouldn’t cherish these insects? Credit: Lego

When I inquired with my Mashable colleagues about their favorite sets, Social Good Reporter Chase DiBenedetto replied with a link to this one and a straightforward message: “I love my bugs.” Observing the color, detail, and poses here, I can understand why. With this set, you’ll construct a blue morpho butterfly, a Hercules beetle, and a Chinese mantis.

Lego Ideas A-Frame Cabin

This cabin deserves a spot on a cozy bookshelf. Credit: Danica Villescas / Mashable

Not every Lego build is created equal — more complex ones with additional pieces on an off day can feel more maddening than relaxing. Yet my friend Danica had to suggest this cabin set in addition to the Retro Radio because it’s incredibly charming (just look how delightful it is on her shelf), and she found the building process enjoyable, even though it comprises over 2,000 pieces.

Lego Icons The Lord of the Rings: Balrog Book Nook Kit

I’m sorry, but all other book nooks must step aside; this one is the winner. Credit: Lego

“If I had $100 to spare on this heavy-duty Balrog book nook, I would,” said Mashable UK Editor Shannon Connellan during my inquiry for favorite sets (the set retails for £100 in the UK, $129.99 in the US). Opening the link to this set was an experience — absorbing the grand Balrog, the tiny Gandalf, the “you shall not pass!”, and the arrangement of this book nook nestled between books now makes me think that if I had $129.99 to spend on this book nook, I would, too.

Lego Ideas Twilight The Cullen House

In my opinion, this set ought to be included in the Lego Icons line. Credit: Dylan Haas / Mashable

At times, recreating scenes from a cherished IP is precisely what the heart requires. Animal Crossing enthusiasts may find joy in meticulously working their way back to K.K. Slider’s concert in the plaza once more.