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The older you get, the more hectic life seems to be. Between juggling a job, family, pets, and exercise, it leaves very little time for just having fun and playing like when you were a kid. I got back into LEGO when my daughter was young. Now, I own over 100 sets. If you’re looking for the perfect way to relax after a busy day, or just want a new hobby, I highly recommend assembling a LEGO set.
Over the past decade, LEGO has been releasing elevated sets that are designed for adults who want to build, and then display, their completed creations. I’m partial to the botanical line, with beautiful blooms that look like the real deal but never wilt. There are also model cars, nostalgic sets, and collectibles for pop culture lovers, like Disney and Star Wars. Here are some of my favorite sets designed to be challenging (but fun) for the adult builder.
LEGO flowers make an excellent gift if you're looking for an alternative to real flowers because they never die and are allergy-safe. This bouquet is fun to build and impressively lifelike, thanks to the posable petals and adjustable stem lengths.
What we like: My house looks like a LEGO flower shop because I’m obsessed with the entire Botanical Collection. This bouquet can be put in your own vase so it can blend in with your decor.
LEGO's Skyline Collection allows travel lovers and history buffs to recreate some of the world's most famous landmarks. This highly rated London version includes to-scale models of the London Eye, National Gallery, Big Ben, and Tower Bridge.
What we like: I love that the flat shape of this set makes it easy to display against books on a shelf, or on a desk.
This small version of the AT-AT Walker from Hoth is packed with details. It’s instantly recognizable, and even has a snowspeeder with a tow cable that wraps around the legs.
What we like: I’ve put together a larger version of an AT-AT, but it was tricky to keep upright on my bookshelf. (Top-heavy LEGO sets and cats do not get along.) This one comes with a base that gives it a bit of extra stability.
Channel your inner astronaut with this space-themed set that can be built in three different ways. The astronaut has movable legs, feet, arms, and fingers, while the adorable space dog has a posable tail and legs. Take it apart and you can make a space viper jet.
What we liket: If you’ve been waiting impatiently for the Project Hail Mary set to come back in stock, or if you were obsessed with the recent Artemis II mission, this affordable set is the way to get a space fix.
Suitable for younger builders and adults alike, this adorable duo of plants make perfect desk decor with their small smiling faces. It’s a great set for beginners, and you can even split them up and build with a friend.
What we like: I’m not going to lie to you, being a LEGO collector can get expensive. The more pieces a set has, the more it costs, and they add up fast. I love the small satisfying builds like this that are often available for under $20.
Nintendo fans will instantly recognize this piranha plant figure from Super Mario. This 540-piece set not only includes the plant—complete with a posable head, mouth, stalk, and leaves—but its pipe, which doubles as a display stand. As a fun bonus, avid gamers will love the included coins inspired by the classic Nintendo hit.
What we like: This is my go-to gift for video game lovers, as it’s a quick build with a big payoff. I like that it is a nod to the fandom, without looking like Mario or Luigi.
The newest LEGO botanical looks like it was just pulled out of the forest. It’s complete with colorful fungi like spotted red toadstool mushrooms, chanterelle, oyster mushrooms, and florals.
What we like: This whimsical scene is perfect for cottagecore decor fans. I like that they’ve included a lot of greenery to make it feel more realistic.
Cat lovers won't be able to resist this sweet tuxedo cat set, which looks great displayed on your bookshelf after you've finished building it. The head, ears, paws, and tail are adjustable, and it comes with various eye colors, so you can give your kitty a custom look.
What we like: This one is great for people who can’t have pets as it’s super realistic. I love it because my tuxedo cat passed away and it makes me feel like he’s still staring at me. There’s also an orange cat version available now.
The masterwork from Claude Monet has been brought to life in LEGO form. This can be hung on a wall, just like a real painting.
What we like: I recently got to see this at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, on display next to the real artwork, and the resemblance was impressive. The LEGO version uses tonal butterflies and bananas and other unconventional pieces in order to create the watery effect.
Disney Pixar fans are going to be obsessed with this cute set. Recreate the iconic and playful Luxo Jr. that’s the logo of the famed film company.
What we like: As you assemble the ball, you’ll see little Easter eggs of characters from certain movies. I loved putting this together, but the hinges of the lamp might be a little tricky for beginners.
LEGO’s ongoing collab with Formula 1 is vast, including some very expensive and detailed car replicas, and smaller sets that are suitable for younger builders. But this one is perfect for display, as the helmet looks like the real one that Lewis Hamilton wears while speeding through the course.
What we like: While all the cars are very cool, some of them get pretty technical. This helmet build is straightforward enough that even someone who hasn’t built a LEGO set since they were a kid can handle it.
Find out which Hogwarts House you belong to with your own sorting hat from the wizarding world of Harry Potter. This 561-piece set actually works as a real sorting hat with 31 randomized sounds. It's just one of the many Harry Potter-themed LEGO sets available.
What we like: This was one of the first LEGO sets to have a sound brick in it. It also comes with a stand for display.
Whether you're shopping for someone who prefers Frozen or The Lion King, there's bound to be a LEGO set to match their Disney movie of choice. One of our favorites is this top-rated Stitch model, complete with decorative flowers and a cute ice cream cone.
What we like: As a self-proclaimed Disney adult, I’m not even a little ashamed to have this adorable set on my shelf. It’s colorful and bright, and the ears are posable.
The Cullen house is one of the most iconic settings fans remember from the Twilight movies. It comes with character figures and a few familiar touches like a buildable grand piano, planters for the balcony, Bella's truck, and the infamous spider monkey tree.
What we like: The roof and levels can be removed so you can easily access the inside of the build. It comes with seven minifigures you can set up to reenact your favorite scenes from the saga.
While this set is definitely a splurge, it's one that will surely wow any LEGO lover out there: It's one of the biggest kits the brand has ever created. With over 6,000 pieces and meticulous details, this set will truly make you feel like you've landed in Middle-earth.
What we like: This is the most beautiful set I’ve ever assembled, but it was also one of the most difficult. Those beautiful roof tiles were very finicky, and though it took me longer than the extended versions of the trilogy to build this, the hours spent were worth it.
While several of the Wicked LEGO sets are now sold out on Amazon, this adorable kit featuring buildable figures of Oz's best duo is still available. With pitch-perfect accessories like Glinda's tiara, Elphaba's broom, and a surprise QR code that plays "Defying Gravity," this will certainly delight any Wicked fan.
What we like: I love building this size set because they have a lot of detailed pieces, but don’t take ages to complete. In just one short day, you can have the dynamic duo completed.
If you love all things arcade, you won't be able to resist this nostalgia-packed build. After you craft the game cabinet—including a replica of the back panel's mechanics—turn the handle to recreate the Pac-Man maze chase.
What we like: The joystick feels like the real deal, and the coin slot lights up. I also love the miniature version that comes with this set.