LEGO Gift Ideas: The Best LEGO Sets for 8- To 12-Year-Olds

By Maria

November 22, 2021


LEGO lovers are a special breed. They have spent hours, days, and even years building creations that you just can't help but admire. From mini-figures to giant towers, these master builders have done it all. But what do you get for the LEGO lover in your life? We're here to help with our gift guide of the best LEGO sets available this holiday season! With something for everyone from 8-year-olds to 12-year-olds, there is no shortage of gift ideas on this list.

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LEGO Gift Ideas for 8 Year Olds

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Features

Buy on Amazon

Best overall 

* 665 pieces

* Authentic Jeep Wrangler details

* Front steering, a winch, spare tire, fold-down rear seats

Best small LEGO sets


* 506 pieces

* Set includes 4 characters from the LEGO NINJAGO TV series: Island Lloyd, Island Zane, PoulErik and Thunder Keeper

* Dragon has posable wings, legs, jaw and has a saddle for ninja

Best LEGO sets under $25


* 224 pieces

* This 3in1 set includes a wild lion, an ostrich and a warthog

* Al three toys are posable

* The lion is over 4 in. (12 cm) high

Best large LEGO sets


* 1260 pieces

* Set  can be built into a classic pirate ship, rustic Pirates’ Inn and mysterious Skull Island.

* The pirate ship is over 14” (37cm) high, 18” (46cm) long and 7” (19cm) wide

Best LEGO sets for girls


* 554 pieces

* 3 in 1 building options: a townhouse toy store with upstairs apartment, a busy cake shop with seating area, and a flower shop with skylight

* The townhouse toy store is over 7” (20cm) high, 5” (13cm) wide and 3” (10cm) deep

The Best LEGO Set for 8 Years Old


By the age of 8, your Lego fan has probably built tons of different sets; most of them were classic brick-based Legos. What about giving your kid's activity some spice? The Technic set is a separate category of the Lego builds. The Technic models are less likely to break down and can endure some serious play, so they're generally cooler than regular Lego bricks. The LEGO Technic Jeep Wrangler 4212 is a fantastic model with authentic details such as classic round headlamps, a seven-slot grille, and a full-size spare tire that can be folded down.

This isn't a huge set (665 pieces); however, it will take some time to put together if this is your child's first Technic model. And perhaps even with the help of an adult. Suppose you have a proficient Lego Technic builder. In that case, they will undoubtedly appreciate the intricate features of this model, such as front steering, active suspension, working winch, opening doors and hood, fold-down rear seats, and a full-size spare tire. This model is a wonderful replica of the actual Jeep Wrangler Rubicon that your child will appreciate!


The Best Small LEGO Set for 8 Year Olds


A very cool-looking dragon with four mini-figures armed with weapons makes an excellent little Lego present for your 8-year-old. The LEGO NINJAGO Jungle Dragon 71746 model is one-of-a-kind and distinct from other Lego dragon models. The dragon has an extendable jaw, moveable wings, movable legs and tail, and a detachable saddle. This is the ideal present for Ninjago fans! Characters from the Lego TV series come with cool and threatening weapons.

Furthermore, there is a shooting surfboard with a sail for an added wow effect. The set is simple to put together. With this present, your 8-year-old will be overjoyed!


The Best LEGO Set Under 20 Dollars

 

The animals you may construct with this fantastic LEGO Creator 3in1 Wild Lion 31112 set are a lion, an ostrich, and a warthog. If you're looking for a set with good value, the Creator 3in1 series is an excellent choice. For the price of around 24.9 dollars, you receive at least three building alternatives. The wild lion set is fantastic since it has poseable legs, head, tail, and jaws. Furthermore, the set includes a vulture and a rack of ribs that represent the lion's prey. The instructions are simple, and all three versions are realistic, especially the lion. For a reasonable price!


The Best Large LEGO Set for 8 Year Olds


The LEGO Creator 3in1 Pirate Ship 31109 is a large set (1260 pieces) with an impressive number of small details! Because this set is large, your 8-year-old will take some time to put it together. This excellent Lego set includes three models: a traditional Pirate Ship, a rustic Pirates' Inn, and an intriguing Skull Island. The Pirate Ship is a fantastic LEGO ship with an intricate design with moving sails, cannons, and a cabin with an opening roof and walls. This set includes three pirate mini figures and one skeleton for even more fun! The pirate ship is a fantastic replica that will undoubtedly entice and excite your children, and I would strongly suggest it!


The Best LEGO Set for 8 Year Old Girls


For 8-year-old girls who like building, the LEGO Friends collection would be too simple and not challenging enough. Lego Creator is more appropriate at this age and will provide a lot of joy with the three-in-one sets' limitless building possibilities. The 31105 LEGO Creator 3in1 Townhouse Toy Store has a lot of adorable features, as well as extra pieces, making it possible to build a townhouse toy store with an upstairs apartment, a busy cake shop with seats for your guests, and a flower shop with skylights.

This set isn't large at all (554 pieces) and measures over 7" (20cm) high, 5" (13cm) wide, and 3" (10cm) deep. Because all three structures are so sharp-looking, they may be combined with Lego City sets to create a town! This toy offers limitless play possibilities and is simple to put together. An outstanding present for an 8-year-old girl!


LEGO Gift Ideas for 9 Year Olds

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Product

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Buy on Amazon

Best overall 

* 847 pieces

* Programmable robotics toy

* Requires a tablet or phone, compatible with select mobile devices, so check your model before the purchase

Best small LEGO sets


* 374 pieces

* Free CONTROL+ app to control the car

* Front and end suspension, an opening hood, antenna

* The car can move forwards and backwards, steer and perform stunts

Best LEGO sets under $25


* 236 pieces

* Three building options: a modern motorbike, a classic motorcycle and a futuristic hoverbike

* Superbike contains moving handlebars, a working suspension and a kickstand

Best large LEGO sets


* 2573 pieces

* This collectible model was developed in partnership with Land Rover

* The car has working steering, 4-speed sequential gearbox, independent suspension, 6-cylinder engine and a winch

* This model is over 8-inch (22cm) high, 16-inch (42cm) long and 7-inch (20cm) wide

Best LEGO sets for girls


* 969 pieces

* 3 in 1 building opportunities: a Townhouse Pet Shop and Café, a multi-story Bank, and a Market Street

* Townhouse Pet Shop model is over 9 inches (25cm) high, 7 inches (20cm) wide and 8 inches (22cm) deep

The Best LEGO Set for 9 Year Olds


The LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox 17101 is an excellent toy that merges the fun of play with learning. This 5in1 set enables you to construct and program increasingly sophisticated toy models. The set is ideal for beginners in the world of programming. The application is available for download gratis with the package. The app is compatible with Android and iOS (iPhone).

On the other hand, a tablet or smartphone are not included, so you'll want to see whether your device is suitable before purchasing this Lego Boost set. The program is simple to use and has a symbol-based coding interface. It's a fantastic toy that will keep your 9-year old busy for a long time.


The Best Small LEGO Set for 9 Year Olds


LEGO Technic Off-Road Buggy 42124 is a small but challenging LEGO set with front and rear suspension, huge tires, an opening hood, antenna, and vintage stickers (such as those seen on RC toy cars from the 1980s). This is a smartphone or tablet-controlled vehicle, so you'll need one of those devices to drive it. The software enables you to go forward and backward, turn and perform tricks. However, this model will not climb a steep hill or travel through grass or soft sand. Otherwise, on flat surfaces, it works great. Your 9-year-old will be thrilled to receive such a present!


The Best LEGO Set Under 25 Dollars


At under 25 dollars, you may acquire a fantastic 3in1 model of the motorbike with moving handlebars, functioning suspension, and a kickstand for your 9-year-old. The LEGO Creator 3in1 Superbike 31114 set includes three building choices: a superbike, a classic motorcycle with kickstand, and a futurist hoverbike. This is an excellent present for your 9-year-old who enjoys motorcycles!


The best large Lego set for 9 year olds


The LEGO Technic Land Rover Defender 42053 is an extremely realistic Land Rover Defender replica. This is a fantastic but huge model (over 8-inch (22cm) high, 16-inch (42cm) long, and 7-inch (20cm) wide).This set has 2573 pieces, which makes it a difficult build. On the other hand, my son was able to construct this model when he was 5 years old. We had to assist him, especially in correcting his mistakes, but he was nevertheless able to complete an entire structure independently.

For a 9-year-old, this set is just right, and they would probably be able to complete it with minimal assistance. What makes this kit so special is that it takes time to construct, ensuring your 9-year-old will be occupied for a long time. The model has many features, including a detailed dashboard, operational steering wheel, and sophisticated transmission system. Moreover, it has an in-line 6-cylinder engine with moving pistons, a transmission system with 2 levers for selecting high or low gear ratios, a selector for changing gear, forward-folding seats for visual access to the gearbox. Your 9-year-old lego enthusiasts will love this fantastic Land Rover model!


The Best LEGO Set for 9 Year Old Girls

 
LEGO Creator Expert Bookshop 10270 is a large set containing 2504 pieces. The set takes a while to build. However, it is still a brick-based LEGO set, so the building isn't too challenging. The set has a lot of cute details (e.g., a chameleon) and is worth collecting.

This bookshop may be an excellent addition to other creator sets, such as a pet shop or toy store. Together, these sets may create an incredible and highly detailed LEGO city, ideal for hours of pretend play. The Bookshop set, in particular, looks fantastic when displayed. The building includes three detachable levels for easy access to all of the exciting features. This set includes mini-figures of the three generations of the family. The LEGO Bookstore set will astound not just your 9-year-old daughter but the entire family. While supplies last, we highly encourage you to make this purchase!


LEGO Gift Ideas for 10 Year Olds

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Features

Buy on Amazon

Best overall 

* 949 pieces

* Kids can build, program and control 5 different models with this set

* Rechargeable battery is included

Best small LEGO sets


* 474 pieces

* Includes Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, General Dodonna, and R2-D2 figures

* Model is over 3 in. (8 cm) high, 12.5 in. (31 cm) long and 11 in. (28 cm) wide

* Model has 2 spring-loaded shooters

Best LEGO sets under $30


* 222 pieces

* Fireball-shooting black ender dragon has posable limbs

* The toy comes with a code for redeeming a dragon slayer skin in the Minecraft Bedrock Edition online game

Best large LEGO sets


* 4124 pieces

* Roller Coaster, measures over 20” (53cm) high, 34” (88cm) wide and 16” (41cm) deep

* This is a functioning  chain-lift model with 2 trains

* Can be upgraded with LEGO BOOST and LEGO Power

Best LEGO sets for girls


* 4002 pieces

* Set includes multiple shops, a dentist’s office, a dance studio, and sidewalk with outdoor café furniture

* Eight mini figures: a dentist, barista, baker, florist, music store assistant, dancer, photographer, a LEGO fan, and a baby

The Best LEGO Set for 10 Year Olds


The LEGO MINDSTORMS Robot Inventor 51515 is a STEM toy that teaches children to construct, code, and solve problems in an exciting and enjoyable way. But this is a fun toy that kids want! This kit has enough pieces to build any robot model you desire. Furthermore, because LEGO Mindstorms is compatible with both LEGO bricks and Technic elements, your creativity will be able to reach new heights. 

LEGO The Mindstorms set requires additional hardware to complete the construction and programming process, so double-check whether your device is compatible. You'll have to assist your youngster with settings at first, but once they learn how to do the programming, the Lego Mindstorms kit will be a lot of fun!


The Best Small LEGO Set for 10 Year Olds


LEGO Star Wars Luke Skywalker's X-Wing Fighter 75301 is a model of the iconic X-wing fighter flown by Skywalker in Star Wars. With only 474 pieces, the set is small, but the completed starfighter measures over 3 inches (8 cm) tall, 112.5 in. (31 cm) long, and 11 in. (28 cm) wide, a pretty decent size to be on display. Furthermore, there are some great Minifigures in this collection, including Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and General Dodonna, as well as R2-D2. Even better, the X-Wing Fighter has space for R2-D2 and retractable landing gear, adjustable wings, and 2 spring-loaded shooters. The set is a fantastic gift for every Star Wars fan!


The Best LEGO Set Under 30 Dollars


The LEGO Minecraft The End Battle 21151 set will be a total revelation for any 10-year-old who plays Minecraft. This is a game that's becoming real in the form of Lego bricks. A dragon slayer with a potion and an ender pearl, as well as a fireball-firing black ender dragon, an enderman figure, obsidian pillar, and end crystal, are all included in this Lego Minecraft set. Most likely, none of these characteristics make sense to you, but rest assured that your Minecraft enthusiast will be ecstatic!


The Best Large LEGO Set for 10 Year Olds


The LEGO Creator Expert Roller Coaster 10261 is a diamond in the rough! Because it has received many prizes, it may soon become a collectible item, so if you want to give your ten-year-old this set, now is the best time to do so. The set has a lot of great details like a height marker, a covered boarding station with closing doors, a ticket booth, a cotton candy cart, and a concession stand. A chain lift raises cars on top of the roller coaster; then cars slide down with gravity.

This fantastic set may be enhanced with LEGO BOOST for an additional movement sensor and realistic sound effects! Although this roller coaster set is 16+, my 6-year-old son was able to construct it using only a little assistance from adults. That is why, without any significant difficulties, a 10-year-old would be able to build it on their own. I can't recommend this product highly enough!


The Best LEGO Set for 10 Year Old Girls


A lovely bundle is the LEGO Creator Expert Assembly Square 10255 Set. Its distinctive mini people, such as a dentist, barista, baker, florist, music store assistant, dancer, photographer, a baby, and a LEGO fan, would appeal to every girl. This set is ideal for mixing and matching with other Creator sets such as the pet shop, book shop, or town hall. A lovely LEGO town square can be created by adding similar LEGO Creator sets. 

10-year-olds will be delighted with the highly detailed interior of the 3-story structures. Several more exciting elements include a tiled sidewalk with a fountain, outside café furniture, or streetlamps. Despite the large set, it is not too tricky for a ten-year-old, so be prepared to have a minimal role in this construction project. This set is ideal for a ten-year-old girl; even if she wasn't a fan of LEGO previously, she would enjoy this one. And her mom as well.


LEGO Gift Ideas for 11 Year Olds

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Features

Buy on Amazon

Best overall 

* 962 pieces

* Stand base includes nameplate and compass.

* A highly detailed ship inside the brick-built bottle is over 3" (10cm) high, 12” (31cm) wide and 3” (10cm) deep

* The bottle contains buildable cork and wax seal 

Best small LEGO sets


* 432 pieces

* Includes 3 minifigures: a TIE Fighter Pilot with a blaster, a Stormtrooper with a blaster, an NI-L8 Protocol Droid 

* The TIE Fighter has opening cockpit and spring shooters

* Model is over 6.5 in. (17 cm) high, 5.5 in. (14 cm) long and 6 in (15 cm) wide

Best LEGO sets under $30


* 248 pieces

* Includes collectible characters: Steve, a zombie, spider and living slime

* Set has a falling gravel feature

* Coal, iron and diamond elements are also included

Best large LEGO sets


* 4784 pieces

* This is a LEGO Star Wars Ultimate Collector Series model

* Huge and challenging to build

* On its display stand the model measures over 17” (44cm) high, 43” (109cm) long and 26” (66cm) wide

Best LEGO sets for girls


* 649 pieces

* This collectible model features an Eiffel Tower, an Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, Grand Palais, Champs-Elysées, Tour Montparnasse

* Model is over 8 inches (22cm) high, 11 inches (28cm) wide and 4 inches (11cm) deep

* Designed for display

The Best LEGO Set for 11 Year Olds


The LEGO Ideas Ship in a Bottle 92177 is a collectible set that some experts believe may increase value over time, making it an attractive investment opportunity. However, the desire to break into the box and construct such a stunning structure would be too much for your 11-year-old child. This isn't a toy you can play with. However, it will look great on display in your 11-year-old bedroom. The construction is not complex, but the features are incredible: a brick-built cork and wax seal, ship with a captain's quarters, cannons, mast, crow's nest, sails, flag, display stand with a nameplate and "compass," and much more! A fantastic present for any 11-year-old!


The Best Small LEGO Set for 11 Year Olds


Among Star Wars fans, a renowned LEGO Star Wars Imperial TIE Fighter 75300 kit will be a major hit! If your 11-year-old is like that, there's no need to hesitate. A Tie Fighter has several interesting characteristics: an opening cockpit, two spring-loaded shooters, and three mini figures: a TIE Fighter Pilot with a blaster pistol, a Stormtrooper with a blaster pistol, and a NI-L8 Protocol Droid. The fighter itself is rather big, and it looks fantastic on display. You may build an incredible space battle with this Imperial Fighter set and LEGO Star Wars Luke Skywalker's X-Wing Fighter 75301 for an even more exciting experience!


The Best LEGO Set Under 30 Dollars


The LEGO Minecraft The Abandoned Mine 21166 is when real-world LEGO Minecraft games begin. For sure, every 11-year-old has either attempted or witnessed others playing the epic Minecraft game. This new build-a-figure version will be a revelation for active gamers, while it will also serve as a bittersweet reminder to kids who have already outgrown it. This set's got it all: collectible characters Steve, a zombie, a spider, and living slime. This construction is simple, but your children will not stop playing with it!


The Best Large LEGO Set for 11 Year Olds


This LEGO Star Wars: A New Hope Imperial Star Destroyer 75252 model is really huge (4784 pieces, dimensions over 17" (44cm) high, 43" (109cm) long, and 26" (66cm) wide). Before purchasing this toy, be sure you have enough space for it. This model is part of the LEGO Star Wars Ultimate Collector Series. A display stand and educational fact plaque are included in this set. The average 11-year-old will most likely finish the job on their own. This is a model that your 11-year-old can be proud of and make all of their pals envious. Such a gift is an excellent method to boost children's self-esteem and sense of accomplishment.


The Best LEGO Set for 11 Year Old Girls


The LEGO Architecture Skyline Collection 21044 Paris is a lovely-looking model to put in a young girl's room. If your 11-year-old is a fan of architecture, design, travel, or fashion, she will like this present, and she'll like it a lot. The set is not difficult to build; it has only 649 pieces but measures over 8 inches (22cm) high, 11 inches (28cm) wide, and 4 inches (11cm) deep. This model features the Paris skyline, including iconic places like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, Grand Palais, Champs-Elysées, etc. A fantastic present for a girl with sophisticated taste.


LEGO Gift Ideas for 12 Year Olds

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Buy on Amazon

Best overall 

* 910 pieces

* Detailed models for display: Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops and Pteranodon skeletons

* All models are posable and come with display stands

* Perfect for young paleontologists

Best small LEGO sets


* 468 pieces 

* This model features the National Gallery, Nelson’s Column, London Eye, Big Ben and Tower Bridge

* This is a collectible model designed for display

Best LEGO sets under $30


* 280 pieces

* A collectible model

* Authentic detailing of  real race car

* A cool display model for megacar fans

Best large LEGO sets


* 3696 pieces

* Superb detailing

* Set comes with unique serial number that gives access to exclusive online content

* 1:8 scale model car is over 5” (13cm) high, 23” (60cm) long and 9” (25cm) wide

Best LEGO sets for girls


* 3662 pieces

* Set is packed with authentic details like removable 25-key keyboard, authentic hammer action, moving dampers and pedal, and motor

* LEGO Powered Up app enables to play a tune yourself or automatically

* Measures over 8.5” (22.5cm) high, 12” (30.5cm) wide and 13.5” (35.5cm) deep

The Best LEGO Set for 12 Year Olds


The LEGO Ideas 21320 Dinosaur Fossils set is ideal for kids interested in archeology. However, this collectible toy would look fantastic on a display of any 12-year-old. This fantastic toy set consists of three dinosaur models: a Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, and Pteranodon skeleton, and display stands for all the skeletons and a paleontologist Minifigure with accessories. A paleontologist Minifigure is included in this wonderful gift package to create a museum-like atmosphere. The set has 910 pieces and measures over 7" (20cm) tall and 15" (40cm) long (T.Rex, the biggest model). This set may be built by a 12-year-old alone. I highly encourage you to purchase this toy!


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The Best Small LEGO Set for 12 Year Olds


The LEGO Architecture London Skyline Collection 21034 set includes five famous London sites: the National Gallery, Nelson's Column, London Eye, Big Ben, and Tower Bridge. The model is about 5 inches tall, 11 inches wide, and 3 inches deep. It looks fantastic on display and makes a wonderful present for every child interested in architecture since all of the buildings are accurately scaled up to their real dimensions and one another. This is a beautiful little set of 468 pieces that your 12-year-old will finish quickly, but they will enjoy for many years to come.


The Best LEGO Set Under 30 Dollars


The LEGO Speed Champions Koenigsegg Jesko 76900 is a masterpiece in replica vehicles. If your child is into mega cars, he'll be ecstatic to get this unique creation. The toy automobile, with a height of over 1.5 inches (4cm), a length of over 6 inches (15cm), and a width of around 2.5 inches (6cm), has just 280 pieces. However, this shouldn't concern you since the real-life Swedish mega car replica has so many authentic details.
There's also a driver figure with a racing suit, helmet, and wrench. This vehicle isn't intended for play but rather for display. It is, however, tough enough to be played with, allowing your child's cool hypercar to join in the fun with their pals. Because this car model is so popular, don't put off deciding for too long, since it gets more expensive fast.


The Best Large LEGO Set for 12 Year Olds


LEGO Technic Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 (42115) is a fantastic 3696-piece set. Because it's a Technic model, construction is quite tricky. Isn't it something that every teen should have? A new and exciting challenge to boost their confidence. Furthermore, the set features a magnificent Lamborghini Sián car. The automobile includes a V12 engine with moving pistons, steering, and front and rear suspension.
Furthermore, the model has unique serials that unlock extra online content. The size of this model is enormous, measuring over 5" (13cm) high, 23" (60cm) long, and 9" (25cm) wide. It's also available in a bright green color with golden rims. The high-end model also includes a beautiful presentation plate. This lovely present comes in an attractive box and will surprise everyone who receives it. This present is a fantastic way to demonstrate your confidence in the kid's abilities while also expressing your support.


The Best LEGO Set for 12 Year Old Girls


If your 12-year-old daughter loves music or design, she'll love this LEGO Ideas Grand Piano 21323 set, which looks like a piece of art and adds a high-end touch to any girl's space. The result, though, is well worth the time and effort! The piano has a detachable 25-key keyboard, real hammer action, moving dampers and pedal, and motor; the LEGO Powered Up app may be used to play a song on your own or have it played automatically. However, because it is composed of plastic, you shouldn't expect it to make any actual music. This design stands over 8.5” (22.5cm) tall, 12” (30.5cm) wide and 13.5” (35.5cm) deep. This is a one-of-a-kind present that your daughter will appreciate!


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Hi, I'm  Maria, the main author of the Smart Parenting Guide

A former scientist, I went through a significant shift in personal and professional interests after I became a mom myself. Diving deep in the field of child's brain development, I understood the importance of this knowledge for regular parents. In this project, I aim to provide busy parents with the most effective and easy-to-apply tools to promote their child's potential in the new ever-changing world. I am sure that through a comprehensive development of the brain, emotions, will power, and creativity, we can prepare our children to live and thrive in any future world.

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