Category: Promotional

LEGO Houses of the World 1 (40583) Is Most Likely Our First 2023 GWP Set

Huw from Brickset has shared a review of what seems to be our next LEGO gift-with-purchase (GWP) set for 2023. The LEGO Houses of the World 1 (40583) implies that this may just be the first of a series of promotional sets that is slated for next year.

A Better Look at LEGO Houses of the World 1 GWP

LEGO Houses of the World 1
Image courtesy of Brickset.

Huw’s review is a pleasant surprise since this is the first time that we are seeing this set. LEGO is still mum about this promotional, but since we are seeing a review of the LEGO Houses of the World then we can assume that an official announcement may likely be on its way anytime soon. It is also nice to see if similar future GWP sets can somehow be connected to this one, culminating in a nice display set just like that of LEGO’s 60 Years of the LEGO Brick (40290) from 2018, or that of Tribute to LEGO House (40563) promotional sets from last year.

As a limited edition set, the Brickset article goes on to show that the first house to be given the spotlight is a dwelling that is native to Central America. Coming in at 348 pieces, the LEGO Houses of the World microscale set 1 is loaded with plenty of details both inside and out. It measures 10×12 studs, featuring a 2-story house with plenty of amenities. There are also plenty of LEGO elements and pieces which give a hint of the cultural background of its residents. I have no qualms about the use of stickers for some of its pieces since this set is a gift-with-purchase, to begin with. Plus, it also comes with a LEGO Friends-like Chihuahua piece which gives the set its unique personality.

88131 P1066722
Images courtesy of Brickset.

There’s no official word yet from LEGO as of this posting, but given its piece count, we can also surmise that the relative purchase amount required to bag this freebie may be around $150-$200. I’ll keep you posted on this one as more information comes in.

Special thanks again to Huw from Brickset for sharing this great review and images.

Here’s a Better Look at the LEGO Year of the Rabbit (40575) Seasonal Set

In case you missed it, LEGO Japan’s Social Media Twitter account shared a better, clearer image of 2023’s LEGO Year of the Rabbit (40575) seasonal set. We first caught wind of this annual set early in September, and this time around, it’s nice to have a closer look.

LEGO Year of the Rabbit (40575) Seasonal Set

Coming in at 193 pieces, the LEGO Year of the Rabbit (40575) celebrates 2023 as the Year of the Water Rabbit according to the Chinese zodiac calendar. The set features a black and white brick-built bunny with poseable ears and movable, expressive eyes. It also comes with a unique 1×2 printed tile to mark the occasion.

year of the rabbit 40575

The Twitter post goes to show that LEGO fans can get this freebie upon single-receipt LEGO purchases equal to, or greater than 9,900 Japanese Yen or roughly $75 USD at any LEGO store until supplies last. I’m not quite sure if this promotional is already live in the US, but since we only have a few days to go before 2023 kicks in, then it’s a possibility that LEGO may offer this set as a freebie to sweeten the deal with its January 2023 sets.

Be sure to stay tuned for more updates on this set if you have this under your LEGO must-haves radar.

LEGO Icons Blacktron Cruiser (40580) Marks the Return of One of LEGO’s Popular Sets

Earlier today, LEGO.com listed another gift-with-purchase set that will certainly pull at all the nostalgic heartstrings of LEGO Space fans. In what seems to be a move to further appeal to the LEGO for Adults market, the LEGO Icons Blacktron Cruiser (40580) has been announced as an upcoming promotional set that will certainly be on the must-have list of older LEGO fans.

LEGO Icons Blacktron Cruiser

As pointed out by Huw from Brickset, the 356-piece set is an improved version of the previous LEGO Blacktron Invader (6894) released in 1987. And like its larger cousin in the form of the LEGO Icons Galaxy Explorer (10497) which was released back in August, the Blacktron Cruiser (40580) serves as a nod to the highly popular Space subtheme back in the day. It also comes with a much-desired Blacktron Rogue minifigure, some parts with stickers (yeah, I wish LEGO offered this as printed instead), and several redesigned portions. It also retains its modular build where the ship itself can be divided into three distinct sections.

It is clear by now that LEGO is putting much effort into re-launching or perhaps rebranding its classic sets to appeal to a larger, AFOL market. The strategy seems to integrate these “classic” themes across its various themes, and most prominent of these are ones coming from the LEGO Ideas and LEGO Icons themes such as the Pirates of the Barracuda Bay (21322) and Lion Knights’ Castle (10305) respectively.

It’s unclear if LEGO will have a relaunch of the entire Space or Blacktron theme as we know them in the past, but the strategy of re-releasing some of the most popular sets from this theme and those that we sorely miss seems to be working.

For now, here’s what LEGO has to say about the LEGO Icons Blacktron Cruiser (40580), together with some official images. Bookmark our blog site and sign up for notifications so we can keep you posted when this set is available.

LEGO Icons Blacktron Cruiser (40580)

356 pieces | Includes a Blacktron Rogue minifigure | Gift-With-Purchase set

Rediscover a classic LEGO® set from the 1980s with the LEGO Icons Blacktron Cruiser (40580). A highly-detailed redesign of the classic 6894 set, it’s guaranteed to provide hours of enjoyment and nostalgia for LEGO fans. With all the functionality of the original model, the Blacktron Cruiser is still one of the most dangerous spaceships in the LEGO universe. This updated set comes complete with its original baddies: the Blacktron rogue and his trusty robot sidekick.

  • Rebuild a favorite – A redesign of an iconic ’80s LEGO® set, this Blacktron Cruiser lets LEGO fans build a childhood favorite all over again
  • Rediscover the original bad guys – The set comes complete with a Blacktron rogue and a Blacktron robot, whose accessories include a metal detector and a hammer wrench
  • Dimensions – This product measures over 2 in. (5 cm) high, 11.5 in. (29 cm) long and 9 in. (23 cm) wide

40580 alt1 40580 alt2

LEGO Lunar New Year VIP Add-On Pack (40605) Revealed

It looks like LEGO VIP members can expect another gift-with-purchase (GWP) polybag anytime soon. To add more brick-building fun to next year’s Chinese Lunar New Year festivities, LEGO will be offering the promotional LEGO Lunar New Year VIP Add-On Pack (40605).

What to Expect from the LEGO Lunar New Year VIP Add-On Pack (40605)

There’s no official announcement from LEGO.com  yet as of this posting, but this promotional polybag was eventually confirmed thru LEGO’s Customer Service if you search for the building instructions for set 40602. Additionally, we can catch a glimpse of this polybag freebie if you search within LEGO’s Certification Page and search for item number 6428025.

40605 screenshot

Though the image for the LEGO Lunar New Year VIP Add-On Pack shown on the certification document is less than ideal, we can somehow surmise what this polybag has to offer. It features a great selection of seasonal LEGO pieces offered in variant colors such as recolored lantern pieces, minifigures accessories, and even a rabbit figure keeping in line with 2023 as being the Year of the Water Rabbit.

40605 screenshot 02

We might hear from LEGO anytime soon regarding the mechanics of how to avail of this promotional offering, especially since January 1st is just around the corner and there are plenty of LEGO 2023 sets that we can look forward to. We can certainly expect LEGO to provide additional incentives to VIP members and add more value to our future purchases to kickstart 2023.

I’ll update this post once new information comes in so stay tuned. Special Thanks to Brick Fanatics for the heads-up.

Early Image of 2023 LEGO Chinese New Year Seasonal “Year of the Rabbit” (40575)

With the 2022 Holiday season less than 4 months away, it’s no surprise we’re already seeing LEGO “seasonal set” reveals. You have to know what’s coming early to plan for what you want to get when the season comes, after all. But among the upcoming sets for Christmas, there’s already a buzz for one Chinese New Year seasonal. Why’s that? Well, if lunar reckoning puts the next Chinese New Year in late January 2023, the timing is quite reasonable. Stone Wars.de gives us the first images of the expected new Chinese zodiac animal set to grace lunar new year celebrants.

With the Year of the Tiger 2022 almost done, it’s time for LEGO to join the hype for the Year of the Rabbit. Check out the aptly named seasonal set (40575) with an adorable black-and-white (with pink and brown accents) bunny. Sitting on a leafy green pedestal, Year of the Rabbit boasts an articulated neck and poseable ears. In true seasonal set fashion, the box has a dedication space if you plan to give this set away. The buildable rabbit even comes with a red envelope if the giver is feeling extra-generous to the receiver.

Considering the timing, LEGO Year of the Rabbit (40575) might probably launch sometime in December this year. Stone Wars however managed to purchase one very early set in a store outside their native Germany. Thanks to them we know what’s coming soon. In fact, LEGO’s Chinese New Year seasonal zodiac animal series is already halfway complete. We might even see this theme line run through before the 2020s are complete.

LEGO Explains Further Target LEGO VIP Points Availability Promo

When the month of August started, LEGO made waves with collectors regarding their latest deal with retail giant Target. This involves the initiative making points from LEGO’s VIP program available when buying sets at Target stores. It’s an impressive deal considering that, while limited-time only, the promo lasts until the end of January next year. If US LEGO shoppers have Target stores nearby, they can earn VIP points (if members) over a six-month period. But for all the convenience there are of course some conditions regarding the LEGO VIP-Target availability.

Brick Fanatics brings us some additional specifics regarding being able to get VIP points buying LEGO from Target. One caveat, actually revealed upon the announcement, was the $=point difference between purchases direct from LEGO and from Target. Where $1 becomes 6.5 VIP points when buying from LEGO.com or LEGO Stores, Target has a $1=1 point rate. This is rather mitigated when one considers Target’s many discount possibilities with their LEGO set offerings. One new condition concerns the buyers. The VIP points promotion is effective within US Target stores only. Specifically, those availing the offer must have VIP accounts from LEGO.com US, not elsewhere. That’s unfortunate as Canadians or Mexicans can’t just travel stateside to join.

To avail VIP points from LEGO products bought at Target, VIP members must snap a picture of their Target receipt. Provided it has a LEGO item listed, sending the image to LEGO.com VIP Rewards Center will credit the VIP points. LEGO hasn’t said anything yet. But perhaps if the test with Target in the US is successful, they could partner with other retailers worldwide. It may not follow soon enough after Target, but it could happen perhaps in the future.

LEGO VIP Offers Pirates and Treasures (40515) Polybag as GWP

It’s been years since the last prominent instance of pirate-themed AV media, in film, TV series or videogames. The same goes perhaps for LEGO, with the Pirates of Barracuda Bay (21322) Ideas set launching last 2020. But does this mean that pirates have lost its luster in popular imagination, much less LEGO building? Probably not if this new gift with purchase from LEGO is any indication. True, it’s only a polybag and also a VIP member exclusive. But its contents could enhance a LEGO collector’s pirate-themed building time. As Stone Wars has it, here’s LEGO VIP’s latest GWP giveaway promo.

40515 alt1

The Pirates and Treasure VIP Add-On Pack (40515) is exactly what it says on the polybag. It’s a massive pile of pirate accessories and accouterments. Add these to any brick-built project to give it an undeniable pirate-y flair. From Jolly Rogers to tricorne hats, treasure chests to minifig skeletons, cannons to sharks, this pack’s got it all. And it can be had by VIP members for LEGO purchases of at least $50. The promo runs until September 30 or supplies of VIP Add-On Pack 40515 last. So Arrrrrh, what’re ye VIP Cap’ns still waitin’ for?

LEGO GWP Polybags Now Available: Speed Champions Aston Martin AMR Pro and City Go-Kart

A week into June 2022, LEGO has a new set of GWPs beginning their promo period now. Both items are polybags, and they ought to catch the fancy of automobile aficionados looking for quick builds. One is for the Speed Champions line, which already has new releases this year. The other is a minifigure-scale vehicle for the LEGO City line. According to Brickset, both gift-with-purchase polybags have the same purchase price threshold. One promo period ends sooner than the other though, so here’s the lowdown on these promotional automotive polybags.

30434 1

First is the LEGO Speed Champions Aston Martin AMR Pro (30434). From this Tuesday, June 7, one can get it with a minimum LEGO purchase of $40.

30589 1

It’s the same price deal for the LEGO City Go-Kart Racer (30589). About the only difference is the end of its GWP period. The City polybag wraps up on the 14th, while its Speed Champions counterpart won’t be until June 19. Of course, both also depend on while their respective stocks last. The Aston Martin polybag’s being touted by LEGO as a nice extra for a Father’s Day LEGO purchase. The City Go-Kart’s more for an everyday gift. These GWPs are available on both LEGO.com and LEGO Stores.

11 Most Valuable LEGO Star Wars Minifigures of the Last Decade (2010-2020)

In the last 10 years, LEGO Star Wars has consistently become one of the LEGO Group’s most popular (and lucrative) themes of all time. And with LEGO’s stronger partnership with Disney, the popularity of the saga only seems to be increasing. So, it’s no surprise that there has been a growing number of the most valuable LEGO Star Wars minifigures released over the decade. And to cap off this year’s Star Wars Celebration, we’re sharing this list of 11 most valuable LSW minifigures from the years 2010-2020.

Well, you may be wondering why we’re focusing on this time period. A lot has changed within the Star Wars galaxy since Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm back in 2012, and the most noticeable of it is the continuation of the Skywalker saga in The Force Awakens released in 2015. Now truth be told, there have been a lot of varying opinions regarding The Force Awakens and the sequels and spin-offs that came after it. However, it can’t also be denied that there has been plenty of new Star Wars characters that we learned to love and have made their way to become an official LEGO set. And with the introduction of these new characters also came a sort of minifigure reboot of familiar Star Wars characters (from the original and prequel trilogies) for a new generation of LEGO Star Wars fans to enjoy.

So if you’ve started collecting your LEGO Star Wars sets during the past 10 years or so, then you may want to check this list that we scoured over at Brickset. Just bear in mind that the listed prices for these minifigures are based on Bricklink’s catalog as of this posting and that these prices are particularly for new minifigures.

Read on and see if you have them in your collection. And in case you’re looking for that hard-to-find minifig, then you’ll be glad to know that The Brickshow Shop has a comprehensive collection of LEGO Star Wars minifigures that you can browse. Be sure to check this as well. Just a bit of a note though: this article contains affiliate links. If you decide to purchase via these links, then you’re in helping us keep our blog site up and running.

Most Valuable LEGO Star Wars Minifigures of 2010 to 2020

1. 2020 – Arvel Crynyd (Rebel Pilot A-Wing)

From: LEGO Star Wars UCS A-Wing Starfighter (75275) 

Average Minifigure Price: $45.67

Arvel Crynyd is the commander of the Green Squadron that valiantly sacrificed his life to take down the Empire’s Super Star Destroyer The Executor.

 

2. 2019 – Yuletide Squadron

From: LEGO Star Wars Christmas X-wing Employee Gift (4002019)   

Average Minifigure Price: $403.38

It looks like Santa has been enlisted to fly with the Rebellion in 2019’s LEGO Employee Gift set. Because of the rarity of such sets, the value for these minifigures tends to go sky high.

 

3. 2018 – Finch Dallow (Resistance Bomber Pilot)

From: LEGO Star Wars Resistance Bomber – Finch Dallow version (75188)

Average Minifigure Price: $522.67

LEGO has a history of reissuing sets considering the fact that in rare cases, LEGO designers working on certain tie-in sets are not yet in the loop with regards to the details of their minifigure characters. This is the case for Resistance Bomber Pilot Finch Dallow from The Last Jedi. LEGO has to re-release set 75188 in order to stay true to Finch’s skin tone. What LEGO didn’t expect was the curiosity and demand that this set eventually created among the LEGO community making the set a bit harder to find.

 

4. 2017 – Jango Fett (Angry Version)

From: LEGO Star Wars Jedi Starfighter with Hyperdrive (75191)

Average Minifigure Price: $143.24

If there’s anyone to blame for the rise of the Empire’s Clone Army in Attack of the Clones, it will be fair to say that Jango Fett has the biggest share. Being the best Mandalorian bounty hunter there is, his DNA became the template for the Kaminoans to create the perfect human soldiers for the Galactic Empire. And he got his 2nd chance for minifigure fame when LEGO released another brick iteration of the Jedi Starfighter in 2017.

 

5. 2016 – Ahsoka Tano (Adult Version) with Tunic, Armor, and Belt

From: LEGO Star Wars Rebel Combat Frigate (75158)

Average Minifigure Price: $153.80

Ahsoka Tano had four minifigures versions credited to her, but to be frank, this version is the most visually appealing in my opinion. Inspired by Disney XD’s animated series Star Wars Rebels, the set that she belongs to is 1 of the 4 Rebels sets released by LEGO in 2016.

More LEGO Star Wars Minifigures Available at The Brick Show Shop! 

6. 2015 –  Boba Fett with Pauldron, Helmet, Jet Pack, Printed Arms, and Legs

From: LEGO Star Wars UCS Slave I (75060)

Average Minifigure Price: $130.92

Boba Fett is perhaps the most iconic bounty hunter in Star Wars lore, and this minifigure iteration of him from 2015 only deserves an equally imposing set. And being included in the one and only Ultimate Collector’s Series version of his trademark Slave I ship may have sparked interest for this minifigure variant among avid collectors.

 

7. 2014 – Darth Revan

From: LEGO Star Wars Darth Revan Promotional Minifigure (5002123)

Average Minifigure Price: $183.08

Darth Revan is probably one of the most beloved Star Wars video game characters of all time. We were introduced to his visual iteration when he first appeared in Electronic Arts’ role-playing video game, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic almost two decades ago. And more recently, Disney seems to be taking a keen interest in Darth Revan when he was reestablished as canon in 2019’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: The Visual Dictionary. Prior to this, Disney gave the green light for LEGO to officially render him in minifigure form as a promotional polybag in 2014 and 2016.

 

8. 2013 – Yoda with NYI Heart Torso

From: 2013 New York Toy Fair.

Average Minifigure Price: $1,000

I may be wrong, but this might end up being the most expensive LEGO Yoda minifigure around. With only 1,000 minifigures released as part of 2013’s NY Toy Fair and May the 4th promotions, the rarity of this minifigure is underscored by the fact that there is no current inventory of it over at Bricklink. I guess this will surely put a smile on the Master Jedi’s face.

 

9. 2012 – Pre Vizsla

From: LEGO Star Wars Pre Vizsla’s Mandalorian Fighter (9525)

Average Minifigure Price: $149.93

Making his debut in the animated series The Clone Wars, Pre Vizsla is the battle-hardened Mandalore leader of the infamous Death Watch. And in spite of his advanced Mandalorian armor and wielding the ominous darksaber, Pre Vizsla was eventually no match against Darth Maul. To his credit, however, LEGO has dedicated a LEGO Star Wars set in honor of his role in the Star Wars animated series.

 

10. 2011- Shadow ARF Tropper

From: LEGO Star Wars Shadow ARF Trooper Promotional Minifigure Polybag (2856197)

Average Minifigure Price: $177.07

Another Imperial foot soldier from the animated tales of The Clone Wars, the Shadow ARF Trooper – or Advanced Recon Force Trooper – is a highly specialized clone trooper that excels in short-range reconnaissance missions. And in 2011, LEGO opted to immortalize him in minifigure form as part of 2011’s May the 4th promotional sales.

 

11. 2010 – Boba Fett – White

From:  LEGO Star Wars Boba Fett Promotional Minifigure Polybag (2853835)

Average Minifigure Price: $195.29

Among the 18 minifigure variants of Boba Fett, this one stands out from the group. This all-white minifig version of the most popular bounty hunter in the Star Wars galaxy comes as another Star Wars Day promotional gift in 2010, and as a token to all participating builders of the giant LEGO mural as part of the Star Wars Celebration V.

Summing It Up

This list of the most valuable LEGO Star Wars minifigures of the last decade is sure to be on the lookout list of any LEGO Star Wars fan. With so many amazing LSW sets released over the years, it’s hard to choose just 10 or 11. But, with a little effort, we’ve done just that. So let us know in the comments below which of these minifigures is your personal favorite and if you think we missed out on any LSW minifigure that should have been included in this list.

 

LEGO Children’s Amusement Park (40529) and Cosmic Cardboard Adventures (40533) GWP Sets are Now Up!

Last week we got a full-image preview of a rather anticipated LEGO Ideas GWP set. Said set made grand winner of a LEGO Ideas contest from last year, and was created by Ivan “buldoozer” Guerrero. A new creation from the guy that brought Ideas collectors the 123 Sesame Street set (21324) is a must-have. But with this being a gift-with-purchase item, when exactly does its promotional period go live? As it turns out, it starts this week. Even better, the Ideas GWP Cosmic Cardboard Adventures (40533) isn’t alone in availability.

Cosmic Cardboard Adventures 40533

From German LEGO news source Promobricks, we now know two GWP sets begin their promo period this Monday, May 16. We already know one of these sets, Cosmic Cardboard Adventures (40533). Now we can confirm that it’s accompanied by the adorable Children’s Amusement Park (40529). But let’s get to the important part: how much in total LEGO purchases for each? Well for Cosmic Cardboard Adventures, collectors will get it for over $160. Children’s Amusement Park, with just 170 pieces to the latter’s 203, will go for $90 in LEGO purchases. GWP set 40529 features a swinging boat ride, hammer-strength tester and ring toss, with two park-goer minifigures enjoying the attractions.

LEGO 40529 alt1

Both Cosmic Cardboard Adventures (40533) and Children’s Amusement Park (40529) are available as GWPs until May 30. This of course assumes that supplies will last for both of these items.

40529 1